Suncani Hvar Week: First Impressions of the New Millennial Pharos Bayhill Hotel

These are good times for leading island hotel chain Suncani Hvar, and last year's results and occupancy were the best ever. There is money to invest, and about 7 million euro of that cash has been used in the last seven months to upgrade one of the company's two-star hotels in an excellent location near the centre of Hvar Town into a new millennial hotel of four-star quality (but with three-star categorisation due to Croatian regulations), aimed at the younger Hvar tourist who are coming in ever larger numbers.

I was delighted - and a little curious - to accept an invitation to the opening party, which takes place tonight, for a weekend of discovering the Suncani experience through the eyes of the younger generation. At 47, I still feel like a 21 year-old (and usually act much younger), and I was a little nervous about feeling my age among the cool people. Hell, I didn't really know what a millennial was exactly, until my millennial colleague Daniela put me in the picture while writing her excellent Millennials' guide to Croatia.

So how is it? 

I have been here 24 hours so far, and there are two things I can say straight away - I feel MUCH younger, not necessarily because of the clientele, but the vibe and feel of the hotel. The second thing I am enjoying a lot is how spacious and open plan the whole complex it is. Unlike some hotels, here is one where you can truly breathe and relax. Not all the vegetation is finished yet, but the olive trees and greenery are wonderful aspects of the hotel, things that will only get better when things are fully finished.

And if you are in any doubt about the age group the hotel is aimed at, those are dispelled at reception.  

As for the room concept, really funky and very different to the ones I have been staying in recently. And it is a long time since I said Wow in the shower... 

The bathroom was simple, functional and youthful. 

And so to the bedroom, which had all the necessary functions, with one huge plus. Maybe I got lucky but this was the most comfortable bed I have slept in for a long time.  

Slick slimline tv on the wall.  

Adequate and simple storage. 

The terrace view was more than pleasant. Still a little work to do on the landscaping, but that will come shortly, and when 100% finished, this view will be lovelier still.  

Lazy millennial days on the terrace if required.  

I particularly liked the welcome information. I had not seen the Suncani Hvar information booklet, but don't tell them, but I was rather impressed. Good, practical info, well-written and full of great tips. Now I can retire from writing guidebooks...  

Did I mention how much I liked the space? Lots of choice of location and types of furniture, with an emphasis on relaxing and comfort.  

With several places to hide away from the masses if you are looking for a peaceful corner.  

The breakfast area merges into the bar and is also delightfully open plan. I wasn't sure if the need to write the name of each item next to its picture was millennial or not, but the effect worked, and breakfast was a wholesome and very cheery affair.  

I don't frequent the Ladies facilities often, but I did enjoy the signage.  

There is an outdoor pool and pool bar just off reception.  

And when you explore the space of the hotel, the views are varying and pretty spectacular. Set away from the main waterfront Pharos bayhill hvar hotel is just three minutes from the beach, but set in a wonderful natural setting of pine trees in a residential area - a perfect escape from the more vibrant action in the centre of Hvar Town.  

Space. And views.  

It was time for an evening welcome drink - and the Mai Tais were pretty good, in keeping with the Hawaiian theme.  

One of my personal Hvar tourism heroes (but please don't tell her), Suncani Hvar Marketing Manager Anja Levak was on hand to welcome guests in the evening, as well as distributing our floral attire.  

Some wore it more stylishly than others, and one of Croatia's top bloggers, Sarah-Jane Begonja from Chasing the Donkey, was clearly enjoying the Hvar Millennial experience as well.  

As were the other guys. The disco music was fabulous, decidedly 80s in selection - at least I reconised 90% of the songs for a change - but a really good mix which got the crowd going.  

Any others just chatted and relaxed. Did I mention how much I enjoyed the space.  

Millennials of the future. While the hotel may be aimed at the millennial crowd, it has enough space and a relaxed vibe that I would recommend it for families and older people too. The disco finished at (I think) 2300, allowing those who wanted to enjoy those wonderful beds, and those who wanted to party had a short walk into town.  

And my favourite photo of the night. I may be 47, but I can still out-party the best of them. And what comfy furniture, available for the flexible needs of all generations. 

First impressions - and I genuinely surprised to write this given my pre-conceptions - absolutely fabulous. There are still details to be worked out (and some things are not quite finished), but the vibe is young, relaxed, the staff very chilled and efficient, and I REALLY do feel a lot younger than when I arrived 24 hours ago. 

Let's see how tonight's opening party goes... More tomorrow. 

To learn more about Pharos bayhill hotel hvar, click here.