May 7, 2023 - Suncani Hvar Hotels' sustainable tourism efforts recognised in Bol. 

There is nothing like a short break on the adopted island where you lived for 13 years to fall in love with it again. 

Easter on Hvar was delightful, and I have taken a renewed interest in the island, as I learned that there are some rather interesting things happening. Among them seems to be a new push to better promote the culture, traditions and gastronomy on the island, of which they have an embarrassment of riches. Indeed, this month, in addition to the important Feast of St Propsper, Hvar Town's patron saint, the town will be celebrating 155 years of the oldest organised tourism in Europe, the 50th anniversary of Hvar Theatre Days in the oldest public theatre in Europe, and Mediterranean Diet Days, celebrating the 10th anniversary of Hvar's Mediterranean DIet being inscribed as intangible UNESCO heritage. You can learn all about what it is in store here. 

The island is also establishing its sustainability credentials, most notably the island's leading hotel group, Suncani Hvar Hotels, which we recently reported had become the leading producer of solar energy in Dalmatia. I guess living on the sunniest island in Croatia can't do any harm... 

The hotel group's efforts were recognised in Bol last month at the #BOL100 conference, which celebrated 100 years of organised tourism to the popular Brac destination, as well as aiming to build a recognisable island brand, focused on smart and sustainable hotels, green and digital transitions, coastal planning, and European funds. 

Suncani Hvar received an award in recognition of the most successful island sustainable projects for its solar panels, one of several winners. Suncani's leadership position in the application of energy efficiency and green transition programs was highlighted, setting new standards both in the hotel industry and in the economy in general.

Hvar, April 2, 2023 - Press Release - After last year's opening of the Beach Bay Hvar Hotel, as the first sustainable hotel in Hvar, and joining the UNESCO sustainable tourism program, with an investment in a new solar power plant project, Sunčani Hvar confirms its leadership position in the application of energy efficiency and green transition programs, setting new standards both in the hotel industry and in the economy in general.

Namely, Sunčani Hvar hotels are the first hotel company in Croatia that will install solar power plants in all its hotels and buildings in order to produce its own electricity. The total planned installed capacity of the power plants will reach 1 MW of energy, which will make Sunčani Hvar the largest private producer of solar energy on all Croatian islands and in Dalmatia. The estimated amount of electricity that will be produced in the installed solar power plants is sufficient for 40% of the entire annual needs of Sunčani Hvar, which will significantly reduce the impact of increased costs of energy sources, and thus increase the competitiveness and sustainability of business. By using renewable energy sources, it also contributes to the Green Plan of the European Union, which aims to create a green and sustainable Europe in the coming decades and at the same time contribute to the preservation of the environment.

"Sustainability is no longer just a trend, but an unavoidable business principle. In Sunčani Hvar, we continuously work on projects of renewable energy sources and energy efficiency. We also strive to find ecological solutions that increase the competitiveness and sustainable growth of the company. By introducing solar energy, we contribute to the European Green Plan and to the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions, all in accordance with the global ESG strategy of the CPI PG group to which we belong," said the President of the Management Board, Gordana Tomičić.

The island of Hvar is the sunniest Croatian island and one of the sunniest islands in the Mediterranean. Due to the longest insolation of over 2,700 hours per year, it enables the accumulation of a large amount of light and heat energy on the roof surfaces of buildings where solar panels are located. The advantage of so many hours of sunshine is a significantly faster return on invested funds and greater profitability.

Investing in innovations confirms the leadership position of Sunčani Hvar in the implementation of solutions that directly encourage a green and sustainable transition and at the same time enable the creation of new jobs and the global competitiveness of the EU.

July 29, 2022 - Sunčani Hvar Hotels are the first group in Croatia to join the UNESCO Sustainable Travel Pledge, or UNESCO's sustainable tourism program.

This program, promoted by UNESCO and Expedia, one of the leading online booking platforms, is the first of its kind created to promote sustainable tourism and heritage conservation on a global scale. Signatories implement sustainable practices in their business and encourage positive change in the travel and tourism industry.

Through this program, all Sunčani Hvar Hotels received the UNESCO "Sustainable Travel Pledge" certificate, which signifies their commitment to achieving international sustainable development goals. The aforementioned includes a whole range of activities such as supporting the local community and suppliers, energy saving through green renewable energy sources and advanced energy efficiency systems, implementing waste separation and disposal systems, implementing digital solutions for improved business processes, and minimizing the use of plastic packaging, to name a few. 

"As a company, we are proud to be the first hotel group in Croatia to join the UNESCO sustainable tourism program. Green entrepreneurship is the future of business and is the key direction of the long-term development strategy of Sunčani Hvar. So this year, we opened an eco-hotel in the town of Hvar, Beach Bay Hvar, designed according to the principles of sustainability, which offers guests a unique, luxurious, and ecologically conscious vacation," said the President of the Management Board, Gordana Tomičić.

Beach Bay Hvar Hotel is the first green hotel in the town of Hvar that strives to be environmentally friendly. It is located in a quiet bay in the center of Hvar town with carefully designed interior details and natural materials. One of the goals during the hotel's renovation was to achieve the hotel's energy independence, which was achieved by installing a solar power plant, the first of its kind on the island of Hvar. Through the efficient use of energy, water, and materials and by providing quality service, Beach Bay Hvar offers its visitors an environmentally conscious vacation based on natural resources.

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

July 27, 2022 - From Split to Los Angeles, world-famous photographer Jadran Lazić will open an exhibition at Palace Elisabeth in Hvar town tonight, showcasing 50 years of his work. 

The exhibition opening of the world-famous Split photographer Jadran Lazić, entitled 'Jadran Lazić: 50 Years of Photography', will open on Wednesday, July 27, at the Palace Elisabeth hotel, in the hotel's Red Salon, starting at 8:00 pm. 

The exhibition includes photographs taken across fifty years of intensive and dynamic work shooting actors, singers, football players, and others whose lives gained mass popularity in international media. The exhibition will also present a monograph of Jadran Lazić's photographs, which come in two volumes of 900 pages, offering a visual time machine of 20th-century glamour. 

This year, for the first time, the Red Salon, which is part of the Palace Elisabeth Hotel, was transformed into a unique gallery that offers visitors a special cultural experience. The space is ideal for events, conferences, and events for up to 80 guests. As an integral part of the Palace Elisabeth Hotel, the space is recognizable by its authentic atmosphere and high ceilings, which sets it apart from other event venues.

The exhibition 'Jadran Lazić: 50 Years of Photography' will be open until October 20, and visitors can see it every day from Monday to Sunday. Jadran Lazić will officially open the exhibition tonight! 

Lazić was born in Split in 1952, where he started working as a photojournalist as a high school student and then as a photographer of pop stars, actors, and athletes of the time. He then headed to Paris and secured an engagement with the reputable Sipa Press agency. From being a paparazzi, Lazić quickly became a professional photographer that covered numerous important events. His photos were published by elite magazines such as Time, Newsweek, Paris Match, Hello, Gale, Stern, People, and Style.

Today, Jadran Lazić lives half the year in Los Angeles and half in Zavala, Hvar. Lazić has not stopped as a photographer, either, and owns a photo agency in Los Angeles, where he has lived since 1987. 

Lazić's portraits of film, music, sports, art and other stars are collected in his monographs, including Jack Nicholson, Marlon Brando, Robert De Niro, Elizabeth Taylor, Sean Penn, Mila Jovovich, Jean-Claude Van Damme, David Bowie, Sean Connery, Faye Dunaway, Jodie Foster, Bianca Jagger, Jimmy Carter, Chuck Norris, Shanon Doherty, Brigitte Bardot, Sofia Loren, Richard Gere, and more.

The two-volume edition was printed in a thousand copies, of which 750 in Croatian and 250 in English. The deluxe edition allows buyers to choose one of Jadran's ten best photos, signed and numbered. The monograph price is HRK 2,000 for the standard edition and HRK 4,000 for the deluxe edition.

For more, check out our lifestyle section.

July 23, 2022 - The Four Seasons may have never opened, but that didn't affect the quality of hotels in Hvar town and Stari Grad over the last few years. 

International media has not been shy about Hvar as the hotspot of summer, but that's to no one's surprise. However, instead of praising Hvar Island as one of the best in Europe (well, it was named that again, too), a different aspect of Hvar is in the spotlight this time around, outside of the sun and sea - its hotels.

Hvar Island has seen its accommodations enhanced to another level in the last few years as the rise of quality hotels have taken the front seat - and Hvar Island is now the only Croatian island with three 5-star hotels! 

So, who is international media raving about?

A look at the quality hotels in Hvar town and Stari Grad. 

Let's kick things off with Hvar town jewel Palace Elisabeth, a 5-star heritage hotel and historic landmark that opened in 2019.

With a vibrant history that dates back to the 13th century, Palace Elisabeth was rebuilt in 1898 and renamed Spa Hotel Empress Elisabeth, after the Austrian Empress Sisi, a crucial asset to its construction. Hvar's oldest hotel and Empress Sisi inspired Sunčani Hvar's 100 million kuna investment to transform the 3-star Hotel Palace into Palace Elisabeth, the first 5-star hotel on the island. Costing nearly 300,000 euros per room, Palace Elisabeth was also one of the most significant investments in the Croatian hotel industry. With 45 rooms and suites, Palace Elisabeth offers refined luxury and timeless design and is a member of the prestigious The Leading Hotels of the World. And things have only gone up from here. 

Suncani Hvar

Sunčani Hvar continued their investments to heighten Hvar town's hotel accommodation this year, also recognized by American business magazine Forbes. 

Namely, the newly refurbished 4-star Beach Bay Hvar Hotel opened earlier this month as Hvar town's first-ever sustainable hotel, located just around the bend from the busy town harbor. The hotel's renovation revamped 21 rooms with many eco-friendly features for guests to enjoy an interpretive travel experience inspired by sustainable development and care for the environment. All rooms and suites also have a sea view! 

Suncani Hvar

Sunčani Hvar also pumped 40 million kuna into the newly renovated Riva Marina Hotel, one of the first hotels in Hvar town, which opened in 1914, or 15 years after Palace Elisabeth. Targeting guests primarily from the British and American markets who are after superior service and high-quality accommodation, Riva Marina offers 50 new unique rooms and suites and an upgraded restaurant and bar concept. And it's pretty hard to beat its iconic outdoor terrace with a view of the Hvar town's yachts and marina.

Suncani Hvar

Conde Nast Traveller also couldn't forget to mention the family-friendly Amfora Hvar Grand Beach Resort as one of the best hotels in Croatia this year, another product of the Sunčani Hotels brand. 

Newcomer Moeesy Blue & Green Oasis Hotel was also applauded by Forbes as Hvar town's newest 5-star hotel just 10 minutes from the city center. With foundations dating back to 1929 (formerly known as Hotel Croatia), Moeesy has 37 rooms and four suites, pools, and a beautiful garden, spa, and Mediterranean restaurant. Its green area spans approximately 5000 sqm! 

And that's just Hvar town. 

The Daily Mail recently revealed it was smitten with Stari Grad, especially the 5-star Maslina Resort, a Relais & Chateaux hotel that opened in August 2020. Applauding its 'Mindful Luxury' philosophy which is seen at first glance as the facade 'blends seamlessly into the pine-tree-clad hillside,' Maslina Resort has revived Maslinica Bay with 50 rooms & suites and three villas, a standout spa, Michelin-recommended restaurant, beach bar and beach area where high-end hospitality is king. Conde Nast Traveller also named Maslina Resort one of the best hotels in Croatia this year, where Hvar's history as a well-known healing destination (since 1868) is reflected in its philosophy. A savvy, safe and serene choice away from the hustle and bustle of Hvar town. 

Maslina Resort

But Maslina Resort isn't the only newcomer to Stari Grad. The Valamar [PLACES] lifestyle hotel brand launched last year with the opening of HVAR [PLACESHOTEL] by Valamar, designed for travelers seeking "freedom of choice and a vibrant Mediterranean holiday in a hotel by the sea." Taking over the former hotel Lavanda, HVAR [PLACESHOTEL] by Valamar welcomed a 53 million kuna investment to reinvent accommodation suitable for the millennial generation. Offering 179 rooms, a pool complex, bars, DJs, modern design, and smart features like cashless payment and contactless check-in, this hotel is also only 50 meters from the sea.  

And all this without the Four Seasons ever opening.

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

June 11, 2022 - If you're looking for the best places to eat in Hvar town this summer, Sunčani Hvar has you covered. 

From captivating beach restaurants with sensational sea backdrops to hip rooftop dining with panoramic views of the city, Hvar really does have it all. The most popular hotel group on the island, Sunčani Hvar, has compiled a list of some of their favorite places to eat while spending time in Hvar town. 

Beach Club Hvar

Dubbed as one of the hottest beach clubs in Europe, BCH is also one of the coolest places to eat in Hvar. Book your sunbed throughout the day and enjoy a signature cocktail right by the seaside. If you get hungry your table is just a few steps away in the central part of the restaurant area among stunning white stone colonnades. Discover carefully prepared Mediterranean delicacies, delicious salads, and original seafood entrees.

San Marco

Located at the 5-star heritage hotel Palace Elisabeth, San Marco is surely one of the best restaurants in Hvar. Perched on top of the hotel’s terrace, it boasts beautiful views of the main square and Hvar bay. Ideal for those who want to enjoy tasty Mediterranean cuisine with innovative and artfully presented dishes inspired by fresh, local products and aromas that together create a truly unique culinary experience.

Val Marina

This renowned marina-front terrace is situated directly on the promenade and allows guests to enjoy picturesque views of the old town of Hvar, the Arsenal, and the harbor. Perfectly balancing space and privacy, it is the ideal spot for a romantic dinner. Pair fantastic international and unique Hvar wines from some of the finest local and world-renowned producers with your exquisite culinary experience. This is surely one of the top places where to eat in Hvar.

Top Bar

Located on the roof-top of spa hotel Adriana, Top Bar is one of the places that will simply leave you in awe. Soak up the atmosphere and enjoy stunning panoramic views spanning from the fortress all the way to Paklinski islands. Enjoy different Mediterranean tastes with a twist of Asian-inspired cuisine. Later, mingle with friends and enjoy tasty cocktails or a bottle of wine accompanied by chill lounge music.

BB Club Social Bar & Kitchen

Still thinking about where to eat in Hvar? BB Club Social Bar & Kitchen is Hvar’s newest restaurant and bar concept. Not to mention that this restaurant in Hvar is located in the heart of the city, directly in the marina. Perfect for mega-yacht gazing, BB’s lavish terrace is also the ideal place to enjoy Mediterranean delicacies with an emphasis on local ingredients. 

For more info click here.

For more on where to eat in Croatia, make sure to check out our dedicated lifestyle section.

June 3, 2022 - The newly-renovated Hotel Riva Marina in Hvar town opens today!

Situated in the Hvar city center, this historic gem boasts 50 uniquely decorated rooms and suites and a stunning terrace with outdoor seating and a bar area. The hotel was completely renovated this year. 

Namely, Suncani Hvar Hotels completed the 40 million kuna renovation of Hotel Riva Marina to ensure it would be ready for its June opening. 

Hotel Riva was one of the first hotels in Hvar town, opening in 1914, precisely 15 years after the historic Hotel Elisabeth. It was named Hotel Kovačić after the initial founder of the hotel and named 'Riva' in 2006 when it was completely renovated. In 2022, this century-old hotel with striking and original architecture changed its name to Riva Marina, emphasizing its first-class position in the heart of Hvar's marina. The hotel is intended for guests who expect superior service and high-quality accommodation and will primarily be focused on the British and American markets.

Thus, the Riva Marina Hotel has 50 new unique rooms and suites made for complete comfort and enjoyment. The carefully designed and executed interior design further emphasizes the historic building itself and its quality is harmonized with the most prestigious Hvar hotel Palace Elisabeth. The newly renovated hotel boasts a restaurant and bar, designed according to the latest standards and adapted to modern world travelers. Guests can enjoy a variety of delicacies and drinks on the iconic outdoor terrace with a unique view of the yachts and marina.

The project was entrusted to the architectural studio Tissa from Poreč, the interior design by Oto Blaha, and the contractor Kvantum from Zagreb.

Book your dream Mediterranean getaway today by visiting the Suncani Hvar website. And don't forget their other hotels on the island, including Palace Elisabeth, Adriana, Amfora, Beach Bay, Pharos, and Hotel Delfin!

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

May 4, 2022 - The new-and-improved Riva Marina Hotel by Suncani Hvar opens in Hvar town just in time for the summer! 

The start of summer is well and truly around the corner, though we're already feeling a breath of what it used to be with a tourism boom since the long Easter holiday weekend. With Covid measures lifted and travelers back to planning trips as scheduled, all forecasts reveal a standout summer ahead, which will be enhanced this year on Hvar thanks to the newly renovated Riva Marina Hotel. 

Namely, Suncani Hvar Hotels continues with intensive investments in 2022 to strategically reposition its portfolio towards high-quality offers and services. The most significant investment this year is the complete renovation of the Riva Marina Hotel, worth 40 million kuna. The planned opening of the newly renovated hotel is at the beginning of June.

Hotel Riva, located in the center of Hvar, is one of the first hotels in Hvar town, opening in 1914, precisely 15 years after the historic Hotel Elisabeth. It was named Hotel Kovačić after the initial founder of the hotel and named 'Riva' in 2006 when it was completely renovated. In 2022, this century-old hotel with striking and original architecture will change its name to Riva Marina, emphasizing its first-class position in the heart of Hvar's marina. The hotel is intended for guests who expect superior service and high-quality accommodation and will primarily be focused on the British and American markets.

"Today, trends in the hotel industry are changing rapidly, and it is important to keep up with new challenges and competition, both in Croatia and in the wider world market. The Riva Marina hotel renovation confirms the company's development strategy, aimed at continuously improving the quality of portfolios and services for high-paying guests, which will further raise the competitiveness of the entire Hvar destination," said Gordana Tomičić, President of the Management Board.

Thus, the Riva Marina Hotel will have 50 new unique rooms and suites ready for this season, providing every guest with complete comfort and enjoyment. Carefully designed and executed interior design further emphasizes the historic building itself, and its quality continues the direction harmonized with the most prestigious Hvar hotel Palace Elisabeth. The newly renovated hotel will also have a new restaurant and bar concept, designed according to the latest standards and adapted to modern world travelers. Guests will enjoy a variety of delicacies and drinks on the iconic outdoor terrace that offers a unique view of the yachts and marina.

The project was entrusted to the architectural studio Tissa from Poreč, the interior design by Oto Blaha, and the contractor Kvantum from Zagreb.

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

April 21, 2022 - The first sustainable hotel in Hvar town designed according to the latest environmental principles will open in July this year.

It is located in the city center, on the famous Hvar waterfront. The hotel in question that is being renovated is the annex of the old hotel Dalmacija. Upon completion, this 4-star hotel will shine in new splendor. Moreover, it will be renamed Beach Bay Hvar Hotel, which will emphasize its superlative position along a natural pebble beach a few meters from the entrance to the hotel. All rooms and suites have a view of the picturesque bay, the Franciscan monastery, the Hvar bay, and the Paklinski Islands.

The investment is valued at 22 million HRK, and after the renovation, the hotel will receive 21 completely renovated accommodation units with carefully designed interior details. Rooms and suites are harmoniously decorated, with natural fabrics and materials, and provide guests with complete comfort at all times. The hotel is entirely designed according to the principles of sustainable development so that guests can enjoy a pleasant and environmentally conscious vacation.

"The development of "green hotels" is the future of sustainable tourism and represents an opportunity to completely transform the accommodation offer. By renovating Beach Bay Hotel, we are establishing the concept of sustainable development that communicates built-in values ​​with modern and environmentally conscious guests. This way we are preserving the natural environment and the authentic offer of the local community," commented the President of the Management Board Gordana Tomičić.

The island of Hvar is the sunniest island in the Mediterranean. With 2843 hours of sunshine a year, solar energy is a natural solution and the best renewable energy source. The hotel is equipped with solar panels and energy-efficient equipment to increase the energy efficiency of the building. Special emphasis is placed on local foods and products from small local suppliers, in order to support the local community and provide guests with an authentic experience when holidaying on the island.

The project is assigned to the architectural studio Tissa from Poreč. The contractor is Slavonska gradnja.

For more, check out our lifestyle section.

March 31 - Easter is just around the corner, a magical time on Hvar, as Hotel Adriana opens its doors for the season. 

And just like that, here we go again. 

Having lived on Hvar for 13 years, I got used to the subtle changes not only in the seasons, but in the mindset towards the tourist season. The winters were longggg. Initially, locals were tending to their olives and relaxing after the stress of another good season. But by January, many were itching to get started again, to see more signs of life. 

And then came the run-up to Easter, the opening of hotels and businesses, and the first sizable numbers of tourists, predominantly for the UNESCO-protected Holy Week procession called Za Krizen (Behind the Cross), which has taken place every year for more than 500 years, including in a refugee camp in the Sinai Desert during the Second World War, so that the cycle would not be broken.  

As a local, after a long winter with many businesses shut, the sight of a new season beginning with the opening of restaurants and hotels in the Spring sunshine is a heartwarming thing. It makes one long for lazy summer days at the beach even more. 

April is one of my favourite months of the year to visit Hvar. It still has that local, pre-season feel, where the locals have time to chat, and where the businesses that are open are welcoming and reasonably priced. It feels at times that tourists and hosts are sharing a guilty secret - off-season Hvar is really pretty cool, just don't tell anyone. 

So it is nice to see Suncani Hvar announcing the opening of Hotel Adriana on Saturday. The 4-star wellness hotel is a popular venue, with its spectacular waterfront views overlooking the fortress, main square, fabled Hvar riva and the Pakleni Islands. The views from the Top Bar are among the best there are on the island, a delightful spot for a coffee or something stronger. 

Hotel management must be a very stressful business in these trying times, but it seems that the Hvar hoteliers are confident of a good season, with all its flagship hotels scheduled for opening this summer. Hotel Amfora and 5-star Palace Elizabeth hvar heritage hotel will open at the beginning of May, and Hotel Riva at the beginning of June. 

One of the big advantages of visiting, apart from the lack of crowds, is of course the price. A Spring offer from Hotel Adriana looks a real bargain for those looking to explore Croatia's premier island at this time of year:

INCLUDED: 
✓ Price from 59 EUR per person with breakfast included ✓ Bottle of house wine ✓ 10% discount in restaurants and bars 

TERMS: 
✓ Stay period April ✓ Min stay 2 nights ✓ Free Upgrade upon availability.

The winter cobwebs are being slowly brushed away, and another season in Paradise awaits. 

To learn more about the Hvar hotel opportunities, visit the Suncani Hvar website. 

To learn more about this magical town, check out the Total Croatia Hvar guide.