One of the more interesting invitations which came my way last summer was to spend a weekend at the opening of the freshly renovated Pharos Hvar Bayhill Hotel, which had undergone a complete revamp from a tired 2-star facility to a much cooler - and much younger - 4-star hotel, whose target market was decidedly Millennial. I was a little apprehensive about going on one level, as I am not quite as young as I once was and have come to accept that I probably will never score the winning goal for England in a World Cup Final - would I fit it?
As it happened, I had rather a jolly time. I am sure it helped that there were several friends there, and that this was the opening party, but Pharos definitely brought a fresh element to the island's hotel offer, and I rather liked the relaxed public spaces and the general feeling of space that the hotel offered. Despite my age, I think this is where I would stay if I were coming to Hvar Town in the future. Set back from the waterfront in a pine forest and residential area, but just a couple of minutes on foot to the main riva action, the setting a delight.
It is also a hotel which caters to one of the growing sections of the island's tourism - adventure tourism. While many come for the beaches and the nightlife, Hvar is truly an adventure playground, with a fantastic offer for sailing, kayaking, cycling, hiking and rock climbing. And while you may see many cyclists on the main roads, you are likely to find just as many offroad, as the island has worked hard in recent years to map and mark a number of cycle routes, some of which take you offroad to the top of the island, and are very challenging indeed. The tourist board recently produced a cycling promo video and also has cycling map of Hvar. And there are plenty of cycling tours of varying difficulties available - ask at hotel reception for more.
Hvar Town's hotels have not traditionally been very bike friendly, with most of them located in the centre of town with only pedestrian access, but Pharos is setting itself apart from the rest with its youthful feel and concentration on the needs of the adventure traveller. The hotel recently joined the prestigious cycling list of Adria Bike Hotels, a progressive group of Croatian enthusiasts who are doing much to put cycling on the map in Croatia, and whose partner hotels are specially chosen after they meet stringent criteria. You can read more about the Pharos on the Adria Bike Hotel website here.
Facilities for cyclists at Pharos Hvar Bayhill include the following: Bicycle storage, bike info desk (at reception), basic tools, pump, cycle laundry service, bike rentals and Ebike rentals.
Add to that the fabulous island of Hvar to explore on two wheels, starting at the reception of the hotel. A very simple ride which will bring the magic of the island and its interior without having to cycle too far is to cycle the old road from Hvar Town to Stari Grad, as far as the village of Velo Grablje (home to the aromatic lavender festival) and down through the abandoned village of Malo Grablje to Milna, and then back on the new road). A fabulous ride with even more spectacular views, before heading home for a shower and cocktail by the pool.
To learn more about Pharos Hvar Bayhill Hotel, click here.
