June 4, 2023 - Zadar is the Croatian basketball champion for the fourth time in the club's history after defeating Split in three games in the finals. 

On Sunday, after two away victories, Zadar celebrated at home, at the "Krešimir Ćosić" hall. Without any drama, Zadar convincingly won 99-62 (27-17, 24-9, 18-10, 30-26), leaving Split without a chance at the championship title.

This was the eighth final Split has lost. However, Zadar still holds the record in this area, losing the finals twelve times in the club's history. Cibona still holds the record in Croatia with 20 championship titles, while Cedevita Zagreb has won the title five times. 

This season's final series was a replay of the finals two years ago when Zadar and Split met. Zadar was also better then. 

Sunday's game was already decided after the first half. Zadar won the first quarter 27-17, and then further increased their advantage and went to halftime leading 51-26. There was no coming back for the Split team. In the third quarter, Zadar was ahead by more than 30 points, and in the last quarter, they were up by 40. 

Luka Božić was Zadar's hero, recording a triple-double performance with 16 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists. He also had three steals. Dario Drežnjak scored 19 points, Arijan Lakić added 13 with five rebounds, and Marko Ramljak 10 points and five rebounds.

Tonko Vuko was the best for Split with 11 points, and Boris Tišma scored eight with six rebounds and three assists.

Source: HRT 

To follow the latest sports news in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page. 

May 20, 2023 - On the night from Thursday to Friday, after an exhausting fifteen-hour session, the Split City Council accepted a decision on public order and peace in the area of Split, according to which inappropriate actions in public places will be fined during the tourist season.

As Poslovni writes, fifteen councilors voted for such a decision, and one abstained - sixteen councilors present means that it was a quorum since the City Council has 31 councilors.
According to that decision, the following will be fined 300 euros: consumption of alcohol in public areas (areas less than 100 meters from schools and kindergartens, within zone A, which includes the city area within the baroque ramparts built in the 17th century; defecating on public areas, sleeping in parks and lawns, squares and other public areas, consuming food or drinking on public areas, staying in catering facilities after the end of working hours.

An amendment was accepted to fine 300 euros for climbing and sitting on monuments and memorial plaques, entering, climbing, and bathing in fountains, and offering and contracting a taxi service that is not prearranged.

A fine of 150 euros will be imposed for vomiting in public areas and construction and installation work from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. to prevent noise.

As explained, this decision on fines considers the media articles in the last tourist season about the inappropriate behavior of tourists in public places in Split, which caused outrage among the city's inhabitants.

This decision, as stated in the explanation, defines offenses against public order and peace in the area of the city of Split, which in an impermissible manner disrupt public order and peace, the work or the order of life of the inhabitants, obstruct movement on the streets, offend morals and threaten the general safety of people and property.

It was also announced that a tender would soon be announced for hiring security guards to assist the police. "During the 90 days in the tourist season, every night from 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m., there will be a dozen security guards on hand to help the police," said Split's deputy mayor, Bojan Ivošević.

Funds for financing security guards, as it was stated, will be provided from the city budget.

For more, make sure to check out our dedicated News section.

May 17, 2023 - The international school scene has blossomed in Croatia in recent years - time to enrol at Harfa International School for next year.

It's that time of year again, the most stressful for parents and an important milestone for children: school enrollment. In Croatia, the school year starts in September and ends in June. Typically, during May, children undergo testing, and decisions are made regarding their entry into the schooling system and enrollment in the first grade. Children usually begin first grade between the ages of 6.5 and 7.5. If everything meets certain expectations, after initial school interviews, medical exams, as well as psychological and basic academic tests, the child receives an "ok." Parents feel overwhelming pride, and celebrations ensue among grandparents, aunts, uncles, and close friends. Everyone is excited and eager to witness their little one embark on a new chapter in life: school. However, reality often sets in, and disappointment follows. The main question many of us face is, "How is it possible that everything changes, but education remains the same?" What is education preparing children for in today's world? As parents, we have numerous unanswered questions that leave us frightened and frustrated.

Education is an essential part of every child's life, and it is crucial to choose a place that will help your child reach their full potential and prepare them for the future. As school enrollment season is underway, parents are now considering schools that provide a well-rounded education focusing on more than just academics. The traditional education system has long been criticized for failing to address the emotional needs of children. It has been overly focused on competition and excelling in everything, often neglecting the unique talents and interests of individuals. Unfortunately, many of the tragedies we witness worldwide are partly a result of this educational focus.

With the increasing number of dissatisfied parents and children who struggle to understand the existing education system, schools that offer something different are becoming more and more appealing. These schools provide better opportunities for our children, adequate preparation for the future, and, most importantly, a framework for their growth into happy, successful, and resilient young individuals. 

Harfa International School is certainly one of the leaders in this region, attracting people not only from other parts of Croatia but from all over the world. Why? Harfa strives to create an educational system that prioritizes the emotional needs of children as the foundation for developing intrinsic motivation for learning. This serves as not only a basis for academic excellence but also for success in life in general. 

As a candidate school for the International Baccalaureate (IB) program and a school that emphasizes social-emotional learning (SEL), Harfa offers a well-rounded learning experience that develops skills to thrive in an unpredictable future. Let's explore some of the most important skills Harfa is dedicated to developing in children: 

Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

In today's world, it is not sufficient to merely memorize facts and information; students need to analyze and interpret information, using it to solve complex problems. Education should focus on developing students' analytical skills, teaching them how to identify problems, gather information, and develop solutions. 

Creativity and Innovation

The world is constantly changing, and students need to think outside the box, generating new ideas and solutions. Education should encourage students to be creative, take risks, and experiment with new ideas.

Technology Skills

In today's world, technology is ubiquitous, and it is essential for students to learn how to use it effectively. Education should focus on teaching students how to use technology, navigate the digital world, and stay safe online. This includes not only learning specific tools and software but also developing an understanding of how technology works and how it can be used to solve problems. 

Communication and Collaboration

Education should prioritize the development of students' communication skills, encompassing both written and oral communication. Students learn how to work collaboratively with others, manage conflicts, and function as part of a team.

Global Citizenship

Finally, education should prepare students to be global citizens, fostering an understanding and appreciation of different cultures and perspectives. This includes developing awareness of global issues, such as climate change and human rights, and learning how to collaborate with individuals from diverse backgrounds. 

So, how does Harfa achieve these goals? One important approach is by ensuring personalized and individualized education. Students learn best when they are engaged and interested in the material, and when the learning is tailored to their specific needs and interests. This means that education should be flexible and adaptable, allowing students to learn at their own pace and in their own unique way. And this is precisely what Harfa is dedicated to developing.

As a premier educational institution offering a distinctive and high-quality educational experience for children, Harfa International School stands out from other schools for several reasons:

Bilingual Education

Harfa International School provides a bilingual education program, with English as the formal school language and Croatian taught as the host country's language. Bilingual education has been proven to provide cognitive benefits to children, such as increased problem-solving skills and improved communication abilities. In higher grades, additional elective languages are offered. Pretty cool, right?

Hero Teachers

Dedicated to creating a supportive and challenging learning environment that nurtures a love of learning in students, the teachers at Harfa are the real superheroes of this story. They provide personalized attention to each student, ensuring they receive the best possible education along with the necessary emotional support. And that’s the most important thing a parent asks for!

Innovative Curriculum and Methodology

Harfa International School follows an innovative curriculum designed to engage and challenge students. The curriculum combines Croatian national curriculum learning outcomes with the best international educational methodologies, including the IB (International Baccalaureate) program and an approach based on social-emotional learning (SEL). The curriculum is regularly updated to remain relevant and aligned with cutting-edge scientific recommendations for the teaching and learning process. At Harfa International School, the curriculum is designed not only to prepare students for success but also to help them develop as well-rounded individuals.

Beautiful and Safe Environment

Situated in a green and picturesque setting, the school's facilities are designed to enhance students' learning experience. Students have the opportunity to play outdoors and utilize the space in alignment with Harfa's project-based learning approach. 

Extracurricular Activities

Harfa offers a wide range of afternoon workshops covering various needs and interests. These activities provide students with the opportunity to explore their interests and develop their talents outside of the classroom. The school organizes numerous field trips and events, ensuring that students have a well-rounded educational experience. The more experiences they have, the more they learn about themselves, which is crucial for making life choices, right?

By integrating social-emotional learning and cutting-edge academic approaches into the educational process, Harfa prepares children for the future and helps them succeed in an ever-changing world.

Are you searching for a high-quality educational institution and a happy place for your child? A school that students prefer even during the holidays? A school where kids love to come and learn? Then take note that Harfa International School is now open for enrollment for the 2023/2024 school year.

Reach out and make an appointment to meet the team and book a school tour: e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , telephone: +385 99 380 1295 or website: www.posh.hr 

Let's build a sustainable future together!

Harfa International School – School for the Future

This article is in paid partnership with Harfa International School

May 17, 2023 - An incredible feat and a water polo first - Jadran Split has beat Jug to become the Croatian Water Polo Champion for the first time in the club's history! 

The decisive fifth match of the Croatian water polo championship finals was held between Jadran and Jug on Wednesday at the Poljud swimming pool in Split. 

All tickets for the final were sold out last week after the fourth final match. All 650 tickets in the stands were sold, and Jadran decided to install prefabricated stands to seat more. One was placed under the scoreboard, on the other side of the main stand, for 175 seats, and two smaller stands behind the goals, with about 100 seats on each side. In total, a maximum of 1,025 people were in attendance tonight. 

Before tonight the finals series was tied at 2-2, with both teams celebrating in their pools so far.

Split Jadran won the fifth, decisive game of the final series 11:8 (4:1, 0:2, 4:2, 3:3) and, in their sixth final, finally secured their first Croatian title!

Jadran has never been the champion of Croatia until now. Today, they created history. This triumph ended the 18-year fast of Split men's clubs in team sports (soccer, basketball, handball, water polo, volleyball). The last Croatian champion was Hajduk back in 2005.  

Jadran opened the match brilliantly and took a 4:0 lead. Jug responded and returned to the game, but in the third quarter, Jadran gained a three-goal advantage again. Finally, four minutes before the end of the game, Jadran secured all doubts of who would be the winner, leading 10:6. The final score was 11:8. 

The final's best player was Rino Burić, who scored four goals for Jadran. Marinić Kragić and Butić scored two each.

On the other side, Joković scored two goals for Jug, while Fatović, Vukojević, Biljaka, Kakaris, Lazić, and Žuvela scored one each.

To follow the latest sports news in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page. 

May 14, 2023 - As more foreigners move to Croatia and more diaspora return, the need for relocation services is on the rise. Meet a very enterprising (and VERY qualified) Romanian entrepreneur in Split who is helping take the pain out of relocating to Croatia and beyond - Bogdan Petrea from Dalmatica Mobility Group.

When I first moved to Croatia back in 2003, there were not so many foreigners living here permanently. Those that did usually had a Croatian connection, typically marriage, or they were aid workers or military who had stayed on after the Homeland War. 

Times change, and not only are many more foreigners choosing Croatia to live, but they are also starting businesses and offering increased levels of service and professionalism to the Croatian market. It is great to see. 

I met one such expat on my recent visit to Split, a very interesting young Romanian called Bogdan Petrea, who has not only travelled the world, but also organised shipments all over the planet during his career. An expert in his field, he is currently the only person in Croatia who has the prestigious Global Mobility Specialist, Talent Management (GMS-T®) Designation, based in Washington D.C., bringing considerable credibility to his services. 

After living in Split for a year, he decided to enter the market by founding Dalmatica Mobility Group, offering relocation services to and from Croatia and the region. A boutique service using his global experience and connections, based in Split. It was a pleasure to hear him talk with so much passion about what he does, as well as to realise the potential of this market with the rise of foreigners and diaspora moving to Croatia, including the potentially bigger corporate clients such as Rimac and Infobip. 

From full-on home relocations from Croatia to Australia to the delivery of fine art to a yacht in Montenegro, Bogdan and his team are slowly establishing themselves as a professional and diligent outfit, going the extra mile in an industry that can be very stressful for the customer. I asked him a few questions about his project:

1. Why did you decide to base your business in Croatia, and specifically in Split?

After working remotely in Split for almost 1 year, I saw the potential in the moving and relocation market.

Being part of different expat groups, I saw many times the question popping up – “can you recommend a reliable international moving / shipping company?”

That’s when I decided to go for it – it had to be something related to this beautiful area, this is how Dalmatica Mobility Group was born.

2. What is your competitive advantage in the market here?

I consider Dalmatica Mobility Group – being a “boutique” moving and relocation company.

We are not focused on numbers, but we tend more to provide a very detailed and personal service.

Also, thanks to having obtained the Global Mobility Specialist, Talent Management (GMS-T®) Designation, I specialize in the field of global workforce and talent mobility, growing my expertise by being committed to ongoing education.

This certification is issued by the Worldwide ERC - Employee Relocation Council, headquartered in Washington, DC.

3. Tell us about the process of a typical move, from enquiry to delivery

Customers often want immediate offers (pricing), and I am trying to guide each of them into taking the best option possible.

Upon receiving an enquiry, the first step after the initial contact is the pre-move survey. Most customers want to skip this part and receive a ballpark price, but I consider this to be the foundation of a successful move.

The pre-move survey is free of charge, and it helps me to understand each customer’s needs, to make an estimation of the volume they want to move, and give them advice on transportation solutions, customs-related procedures, and restricted items for shipping.

Since technology nowadays helps us a lot, the pre-move survey can be done virtually, and it’s less invasive and more flexible for each individual.

Once the pre-move survey is done, we continue with the pricing by submitting a very detailed and transparent quotation where all the steps are explained.

Each customer has a dedicated Move Manager that will help them in the moving process from start to finish.

Once packing dates are planned, we assign the necessary materials and the packing team along with the agreed mode of transportation depending on where the destination is – that can be a truck, a sea container, or preparation for an air shipment.  

The packing team will carefully and professionally – dismantle the furniture, disconnect standard appliances, and wrap all the belongings with utmost care using quality materials. An official inventory list will be made that we will share with customers after packing.

Where the location allows, we perform the loading directly in the container or truck, but often due to narrow streets and limitations, all this process has to happen via a warehouse. We also offer storage services for customers requiring that.

While the belongings are in transit, we keep our customers informed about the status of the transport, any possible customs inspections, and finally the estimated arrival time at the destination.

At the destination, we allocate the delivery crew, and we set the dates for moving-in, we deliver, unpack, and assemble the furniture that we took apart at the origin.  

Additionally, we offer a wide range of relocation services to our customers – we assist with immigration, finding a home, or even a school for the children, we open utility contracts, and we pick up the phone for them in the middle of the night if needed.

Basically, we go above and beyond to make moving happening!

4. Do you have any client references we can refer to?

Some articles from our website blog:

We’ve managed to move two sculptures, weighing a total of 600Kg, from an art gallery in London, UK directly to the yacht moored in sunny and beautiful Montenegro. The sculptures have been carefully packed in custom made wooden cases and were delivered with no damage whatsoever. Our fine art moving services are suitable for both large and small pieces of art, with a range of bespoke packing options available. From the simple to the elegant, we offer a range of packaging which will meet your safety and storage needs whether you are moving locally or making an international move. Link.

Recently one of our old valued customers requested to move their belongings from Western Europe to Miami USA. Sure, we said…but there is a small problem, the family is already in the US and on top of this, they already had planned an exotic vacation to the Galapagos Islands. As we always find solutions we couldn’t refuse the service. What did the process involve?  The old cleaning lady who still had access to the house, a very thorough planning and of course lots of trust. We packed all goods with the utmost care and the most important piece – a grand piano – was carefully dismantled, packed and crated for the final transportation in the sea container. In the meantime, the family was enjoying quality moments in the Galapagos Islands – what a paradise!! The goods stayed for a while in our storage warehouse until the container was ready and delivered for loading. While loading the goods were recounted to avoid any possible loss or misplacement and eventually secured in the steel container. Container got sealed, pictures were taken and sent to the family for extra peace of mind. After almost a 3 week journey the container arrived in the port of Miami where our trusted US partners did a fantastic job with the customs clearance and subsequent delivery to the final residence. Link.

5. How does Croatia compare to the rest of Europe in terms of bureaucracy for relocation? How would you improve the system?

Being an expat myself, I understand the difficulties of relocating to a new country, especially having to go through procedures like – customs, registration in the city hall, visas etc.

I am comparing this to living and working in Western Europe where most of the processes are done digitally, to coming to Croatia and dealing with services where piles of papers and stamps, signatures and notary documents are still required.

The bureaucracy in the field of relocation still exists, and I would improve the system by changing its basics:

• A more simplified customs procedure
• Digitalization of all processes in public administration related to relocation.

6. Who are your typical clients and target market?

Typical clients – expats and nationals looking to move internationally to or from Croatia, designers and art collectors,  

We also operate in neighbouring countries, and we aim to become the one-stop supplier in the region.

As for our target market – we are interested to partner up with Croatian corporations that relocate employees and are looking for quality services.

Awesome stuff, and I love the fact that the business is based in Split (although they operate anywhere). Nice to see such services are increasingly available in Croatia, bringing worldwide expertise to the relocation industry here. You can learn more about the services of Dalmatica Mobility Group on their official website. 

April the 24th, 2023 - The cult Split Bellevue Hotel now has brand new owners, the Retoi company, which is also from Croatia's second largest city and has close ties to... shoes.

As Poslovni Dnevnik writes, the brand new owner of the well known Split Bellevue Hotel is the company Retoi, which is also from Split, and which offered a massive price of 14,111,111 euros for it. The company is owned by Alex Birkenstock, who also owns the renovated Ambasador Hotel in Split.

Bids were initially opened at the Commercial Court in Split on Friday, and Retoi offered the highest among the six bids received. The company Rico Coca offered 13,100,000 euros, and Ruzarija from Zagreb had a total offer of 13,130,000 euros.

The company Tu doma submitted two identical offers of 9,109,000 euros, Porto Hvar offered 8,008,008 euros, and Mediteran trade offered 7,423,002 euros. Klaus Alex Birkenstock, one of the world's largest shoe manufacturers, otherwise the owner of the huge Birkenstock brand, bought the equipment and furniture of the hotel with the Laurus building, including 23 works of art that decorate its walls, writes Vecernji list.

The Split Bellevue Hotel was sold in the bankruptcy estate of Laurus, and the lowest total price could not be lower than 7,167,031.65 euros. All bidders also had to pay a 2 million euro bond.

This complex is otherwise one of the oldest Croatian hotels in the most prestigious location in the City of Split. It was first mentioned around 1875 under the name Hotel de la Ville. It was run by Spiridone Tocigl, and was known for its famous coffee house and medicinal baths. It has hosted numerous very notable personalities during its time.

Back at the beginning of the 20th century, J.L. Crown became the owner of the cult Split hotel and changed its name to Grand Hotel Bellevue. The first major renovation was carried out in 1933, when the hotel got heating, hot water, a lift and bathrooms next to the rooms, the greatest luxury one could thing of back at that time. Among other people, Agatha Christie, Anatole France, and Orson Welles have all stayed in the Split Bellevue Hotel.

For more, make sure to check out our news section.

April the 20th, 2023 - The very first Dalmatian startup acceleration programme is set to launch in autumn this year, and Digital Dalmatia (Digitalna Dalmacija) is planning to provide the Dalmatian startup scene with a much needed spring in its step.

As Poslovni Dnevnik/Josipa Ban writes, Digital Dalmatia is currently busy arranging the launch of the first Dalmatian startup acceleration programme in the City of Split. The plan is for the programme to be launched this autumn, more specifically in October, and negotiations are currently underway with several foreign partners.

The goal, as explained by Damir Brcic, the head of Digital Dalmatia, is to provide the young Dalmatian startup scene with further education, mentoring and ultimately capital. In order to provide them with all of this, they're in negotiations with various European acceleration programmes and a few VC funds.

Brcic has stated that over more recent days, they signed an agreement on cooperation with the well known Slovenian VC fund Silicon Gardens, they are also negotiating with Digitalhub from Bonn in Germany and Silicon Castles from Austria, and Startup Wise Guys were also their guests recently. It is a multiple award-winning European and African accelerator and VC fund that has invested in more than 350 startups in their early stages of development since 2012, when it was founded in Estonia by technology entrepreneurs.

Digital Dalmatia pointed out that this year, Startup Wise Guys has a massive 25 million euros available for investments in startups in their early stages of development, and that their acceleration fund is especially dedicated to areas where startups don't have sufficient access to capital, such as the region of Central Eastern Europe, which includes the Republic of Croatia.

Razvan Suta, Startup Wise Guys' business expansion manager in charge of Central Europe, arrived at the agreement regarding the launch of the first Dalmatian startup acceleration programme in Split with Digital Dalmatia, a project initiated by Split-Dalmatia County to encourage the development of the blossoming ICT sector.

"I'm delighted with the ideas, the teams and projects that I had the opportunity to see. I'm already thinking about the next steps to launch these young startups on the global market,'' said Razvan Suta.

Damir Brcic from Digital Dalmatia explained that they have been actively working on the creation of young startups for four years now through three different startup programmes - Student Entrepreneurship Projects, StartIT Academy and GrowIT competition. He pointed out that to date, they have educated more than 50 teams, of which almost 20 have opened a company or trade.

"Now is the time to launch them on the international market, and for that we need cooperation with experienced foreign investors and accelerators," he said. In cooperation with them, Split should soon receive its first acceleration programme, which should help Dalmatian startups, through education, mentoring and investments, to confidently step into foreign markets.

"The startup scene in Dalmatia is gradually becoming richer, and there's no shortage of quality teams and projects. What is currently missing is an accelerator, which would enable all these startups to learn, grow and further develop in Split, without the need to develop their businesses elsewhere outside the country,'' Brcic pointed out.

The Dalmatian startup acceleration programme could be a tailwind for the development of the startup scene and ecosystem across Dalmatia, which still lags behind Zagreb, and in which Include's Ivan Mrvos stands out.

For more, make sure to check out our dedicated business section.

April 18, 2023 - A new tourist season is upon us, and there are a number of quality additions to the Croatian tourism offer. In a new series on TCN, we take a look, starting with the new star of the Split waterfront, Hotel Ambasador.

The social media posts are increasing in number. A new hotel, a new restaurant, a new tour operator offering something truly unique. The 2023 season is expected to be epic in Croatia, and with several quality new offerings emerging, there should be a little bit of extra choice this year. 

So what and where are these new quality additions. In the first of a new TCN, we take a closer look at some of those new businesses which have opened their doors and are awaiting their first full season. 

And where better to start than the finest addition to the Split waterfront in many a year - the new 5-star Hotel Ambasador Split with the 7-star location and view?

When I first moved to Croatia back in 2003, Split was known as the Gateway to the Dalmatian Islands. Visitors rarely stopped in the city, using more as a transit point for the charms of Brac, Hvar, Vis and Solta. But then Split started to emerge as a serious destination in its own right and is now regarded as one of the coolest destinations on the Adriatic. And while there was a rental accommodation boom, it was mostly in the private accommodation sector, and the number of hotels - especially quality hotels - was severely lacking. 

As a statement of intent to move Split tourism upmarket to cater for the luxury sector, Hotel Ambasador Split is certainly in the right spot, located superbly between the marina and the riva - accessible to both, but away from the crowds and the noise. The majestic nature of Marjan Hill is just a short walk away. And for a bedroom view, I don't think I have stayed anywhere more mesmerising, especially being a light sleeper. I recommend you sleep with the curtains open, initially to enjoy the spectacular view of Diocletian's Palace and the boat traffic in the harbour, but then to watch the changing colours of the same view through the night. It is simply quite brilliant. 

The 101 rooms are a mixture of superior and premium rooms, junior suites and the accommodation pride of the hotel, the spectacular 110m2 Ambasador Suite, which is surely the best address in the city. 

A striking feature of the hotel, which compliments its modern, and sleek design, is the throwback to the traditions of life in Split. The hotel itself has a heritage dating back to 1937, when a hotel of the same name stood, and the first thing you notice on entering the lobby are the magnificent photographs of aspects of life in Split over half a century ago.

Superb scenes of kids playing traditional street games, as well as snapshots of daily life, including the beloved beach game of picigin on Bacvice. These photographs are also a part of the room design, making each room individual. When I stayed, the photograph of the Split riva covered in snow was a wonderful contrast to the sunlight streaming in through the window.  

Croatia's luxury tour operators have been quick to check out this new stylish addition to the Split hotel scene. Split has always struggled to offer the same level of quality to top-end guests in comparison to Rovinj and Dubrovnik, for example, but the opening of Ambasador is an important step to changing that. it was a joy to finally meet the pioneer of inbound luxury Croatian tourism from the US market, the legend that is Wanda Radetti, when I visited. Wanda was on an inspection visit and has been busy making reservations ever since. you can learn more about Wanda's impressions from this interview on TCN - Where Luxury Collides: Wanda Radetti Meets Hotel Ambasador in Split.

The spectacular views continue at the Pool Bar, which is open to hotel guests only. And what a location to while away a lazy afternoon after a morning's sightseeing. 

Health snacks, salads and drinks are served, with towels available - a perfect spot to follow the pace of life in Split's famous harbour.

Looking for a view that is EVEN more spectacular and offering a lot more privacy? The top terrace has the best views of all and will soon be available for private hire, so if you are planning on a unique dinner to impress friends or business partners, look no further. 

Bar Split, just off reception, and its accompanying terrace, is a fine addition to the Split scene, and an excellent new address for those looking to take their daily coffee while overlooking life on the Adriatic. 

Open to non-residents, Bar Split's terrace is an excellent way to sample the atmosphere of the hotel for locals, while enjoying a different view of the Dalmatian capital. And if you are looking for something a little stronger, check out the signature cocktails on offer. 

Relaxation comes in many forms, and after lounging at the Pool Bar for a while, the Hacelia Spa is waiting to welcome you for a range of massages, saunas and beauty services.

Hacelia Spa also comes with a fully equipped gym. Day passes and monthly memberships are available to non-residents.

Looking for an impressive location to hold a conference or seminar? 

Below the main hotel, but with plenty of natural light, is a multi-purpose conference room, away from the buzz of the city, which is ideal for banquets, conferences, and other such events. With a capacity of 100 people maximum, this versatile space offers a range of meeting opportunities - full catering services are available on demand. 

One building, one addition to the Split tourism scene, but with quite an offer packed into it.

There are so many aspects of this hotel that I really like, but at the end of the day, one really has to come back to THAT view - what a way to start the day on your next Split vacation.

You can learn more about Hotel Ambasador Split on the official website.

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Paul Bradbury was a guest of Hotel Ambasador Split in December, 2022.

April 14, 2023 - Did you also think that truffle hunting was only in Istria? Think again, and take a closer look at Dugopolje, where the motorway connects with Split.

One of the things I love about living in Croatia is finding out how much I do not know about the country despite living here for more than 20 years. 

For the first 17 of them, for instance, I had always believed that the only truffle area in the country was Istria, the gourmet region that has made truffles a central part of its gourmet brand. 

I was a little surprised a few years ago to learn from a friend on Korcula that there are truffles on the Peljesac Peninsula, but he refused to tell me exactly.  

And then the big surprise, as the Zagreb County Tourist Board Director, Ivana Alilovic, invited me to go truffle hunting in the forests of Turopolje near Zagreb Airport. Truffles outside of Zagreb? Really?!?

Yes indeed, as you can learn in Move Over Istria: the Rise of Zagreb Truffle Hunt Tourism.

It was a fantastic day and one more example of authentic Croatian tourism that was somewhat under the radar. 

And then I heard that there was truffle hunting in Lika. And then just outside Split. Really?!?

Dugopolje is perhaps best known as being the motorway connection to Split, as well as home to the huge retail park that flanks the approach road to the fast road to Zagreb, but it is quite an interesting little destination of its own, being a gateway between the Dalmatian capital and the truly unique inland Dalmatia. And if you like Dalmatian prsut, this is a great place to try the local stuff. 

But yes, Dugopolje also offers truffle hunting, and the CROMADS team took in the experience a few months ago to discover a fabulous day trip from Split that is hardly known about. You can check out the experience video below, and if you plan to make the trip, having experienced the wonders of Dugopolje above ground with the truffle hunting dogs, time to meet Dugopolje's most spectacular attraction, the truly fabulous Vranjaca Cave. You can learn more about Vranjaca here.

Video by 45 Degrees Sailing.

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April 9, 2023 - Where will you vacation this summer? Take a tour of the spectacular Dalmatian capital of Split, through the eyes of new luxuy Hotel Ambasador.

Having lived in Croatia for over 20 years, the majority in Dalmatia, I can honestly not remember Split looking as clean or as beautiful.

New measures from the current mayor, Ivica Puljak, have had a big effect already, and the area by the ferry terminal in particular is now unrecognisable.

But in addition to a much cleaner city, there have been many other improvements too, including the addition of the first luxury waterfront 5-star hotel in the Dalmatian capital. And the location of Hotel Ambasador, which opened last October, is truly 7-star - a short walk from both the marina and the historic Diocletian's Palace. Sleep with the curtains and watch the colours of the palace change through the night. Truly magical.

American digital nomad Steve Tsentserensky captured the magic of Split and Hotel Ambasador shortly after it opened. Check out a view of Split and the new hotel through his lens in this gorgeous video. You can learn more about the hotel on the official website - https://ambasadorsplit.com/