2022 discoveries: Croatia

Croatia is another destination that we loved in 2022. It was also very requested by our clients. Each year, this Adriatic nation gets more and more popular – for good reason! With pristine beaches and picturesque medieval towns, stunning wineries, and gorgeous sunsets, Croatia is a destination you will fall in love with. And in 2022, we did – again!

Over the past few weeks, we have been sharing some of our favorite finds over the past year in some of our Bella Vita destinations. To continue, we head back to Croatia. As tailor made travel experts, we personally visit the destinations we recommend. We know first hand where to stay, what to do and how to experience a destination in the perfect way.

Hotels in Croatia

MASLINA RESORT – Stari Grad – Hvar

A truly enjoyable stay It’s a very eco-conscious luxury resort about a kilometer or so away from the village of Stari Grad. The hotel is decorated with products from Croatian designers. Extra attention is taken to using biodegradable and local or renewable items in the hotel. This keeps it it as environmentally friendly as possible.

We love this place for many reasons. First, the hotel is located directly on the sea. Second, here are spacious rooms and multi-bedroom villas, all very well decorated and comfortable. Third, most rooms have a great sea view and spacious terrace. Villas have private pools and there is a common area pool for the rooms. Finally, there is a private sandy beach about a 5 minute walk away. There are little private platforms on the sea as well, which have lounge chairs and umbrellas.

GRAND PARK HOTEL – Rovinj – Istria – Croatia

This is an amazing choice in Istria. The lobby has floor to ceiling windows which look out over the city and the sea so when you enter, you are blown away by the view. The hotel is very sleek and linear. However, seamlessly incorporated into the hillside by way of gardens off every room terrace.

The rooms are large and very design oriented. Another great touch, all the rooms have a view. The bathrooms were large and comfortable and the bathtub was enormous. All rooms have a large terrace with lounge chairs. 

The location is great, right in front of the water. At the same time, only a 10 minute easy walk into town. There is also a wonderful indoor and outdoor pool, gym, spa, kids club. Another nice touch are the free bikes at disposition for clients. We cannot wait to come back!

VILLA DUBROVNIK – Dubrovnik

Very elegant, seaside hotel in one of our favorite cities in Croatia.  Excellent service – the staff is personable and remembers your name from the first minute. Built into the coast with amazing views of the city wall, it feels secluded and peaceful. However, it is only a quick 15 minute walk away from the center and is connected by hourly shuttles. The sleek, open design aesthetic lends a refined and romantic air. Large rooms and fantastic views over the sea and old city. 

Restaurants in Croatia

LD Restaurant, Korčula

The setting is gorgeous and the food is delicious. The service was excellent and unobtrusive. A particular standout on the seasonal menu was the tomato appetizer. Local tomato prepared in 6 different preparations. Tasting menus and wine pairings are also excellent. We highly recommend dining here while in Korcula.

Gallo, Zagreb

This is a high end choice for local dishes located in the charming city center. The setting was beautiful and peaceful, located in the outside courtyard. The food is also exquisite. When in season, the homemade pasta with fresh local shaved black truffles is a cannot miss dish!

Sug, Split

This informal, attractive restaurant is located just outside the tourist center of Split. The young, friendly staff is polite and well versed about the cuisine of the region. The menu offers a wonderful selection of traditional meat and fish dishes from Dalmatia. We personally loved anything meat based on the menu cooked into a “šug” (meaning a sauce). Also, for seafood lovers, the risotto is beautifully simple but full of flavor.

LUNCH AT MALO GRABJE – DAY TRIP FROM MASLINA

From Istria, you can drive along the craggy coastline until you reached the abandoned village of Malo Grabje. A 10 minute through the skeletons of houses in an abandoned village and you reach the only family who still lives there and runs a restaurant Konoba Stori Komin. Get ready for some real, traditional Croatian food!

Here we ate peka, which is one of the ‘national’ dishes of the country: different types of meats (and sometimes octopus), vegetables and potatoes place in a cooking dish and covered with a bell-shaped metal lid. It is finished in a wood burning stove – sometimes they cover the lid with ashes- and cooked for hours until the meat is tender. This is a special experience and great way to try one of the traditional dishes of Croatia!

Croatia, always full of new discoveries

We hope you enjoyed some of our newest finds (and some old friends) in this magical country. We cannot wait to show you what makes Croatia so special.

Contact us to start planning your tailor made vacation today!