September 16, 2019 - Palace Elisabeth, hvar heritage hotel, the first 5-star hotel on Hvar, opened its doors earlier this month. What are the early reactions?

It has been known for years as Croatia's premier island and one of the most elite destinations in Croatia, but it was only two weeks ago that the island of Hvar got its first 5-star hotel, Palace Elisabeth, hvar heritage hotel. 

The 100 miliion kuna upgrade of the former 3-star Hotel Palace just off the fabled main square of Hvar Town is the latest major investment by Suncani Hvar Hotels to provide a hotel experience in line with the quality of this very special island. The original 78 rooms have been reduced to 45 rooms and suites, and a major emphasis has been put on luxury and heritage. This is, after all, the location where organised tourism in Europe began on May 15, 1868, with the founding of the Hvar Health Society, and Palace Elisabeth takes its name from Empress 'Sisi' who was the benefactor of the original hotel which opened in 1899. 

So, two weeks after opening, what are the early guest experiences? Where better to look than TripAdvisor, which has recorded three 5-star reviews so far?

Friendly staff

Wow.. This hotel is amazing.. True historic hotel, not some big fancy modern one but the vintage one.. Notes scattered around the hotel, wooden tables, hand drawings all over the wall, friendly and welcoming front desk, and highly professional staff.. As from the moment my wife and I entered, we were welcomed by the bartenders and waiters and they were showing us the hotels and all historic buildings around the complex.. Really a unique experience you will never experience in the whole island..

The most luxurious hotel on the island

I was lucky to be one of the few guests to stay at this completely renovated palace hotel which opened at the beginning of September 2019. It is currently the only 5 stars hotel and boy did they do an excellent job. The hotel screams loyalty all around, everything has been carefully designed and the amount of details that was put into this building is very impressive and pleasing. It's not your average 5 stars hotel, the rooms are top class all around, what's even more beautiful is that each room is named after a prominent figure. This hotel is not just a place for accommodation, it is in a way a small museum also. All my encounters with the staff were super friendly and delightful, a special thanks to Maria from the front desk and Antonela from the concierge.

Wonderful!

We were moved to the Palace Elizabeth prior to arriving at the sister hotel as it had just opened and it was suggested as an upgrade at the same cost. It is a beautiful hotel - newly remodeled and outstanding decor. The staff was so genuine, friendly and helpful and their pride in their hotel was touching to see. We would definitely stay here again.

You can learn more about the new hotel from the official Suncani Hvar Hotels website.

TCN will be reporting directly from Palace Elisabeth this weekend, as we will be attending the official opening party on Saturday. It promises to be quite an evening. 

To learn more about the island of Hvar, check out the Total Croatia Hvar in a Page guide. 

September 16, 2019 - Hvar wine tourism is booming, and that message is going international. Money Week features Croatia's sunshine island in its top wine holiday ideas.

Like many things in Croatian tourism, the potential was always there, but it went largely unnoticed. 

Until - at least in this case - about a decade ago, when a passionate wine-loving local called Ante Lacman decided to start offering the first accompanied wine tours on the island of Hvar. 

An island with a 2,400-year wine tradition dating back to the Ancient Greeks, with grapes still gown on the fertile UNESCO World Heritage Site where the Greeks established their first agricultural colony and planted the vines they brought with them from the island of Paros. An island rich in indigenous grape varieties not grown elsewhere - Bogdanusa, Darnekusa, Prc, Palarusa, Kortolaska, Mekuja. An island which is home to the only Master of Wine in all Croatia - hands from London, grapes from Hvar. The personalities and winemaking styles of Hvar's winemakers are as diverse as the terroirs and mico-climates on the island. Add to that the magnificent beauty of the sunniest island in Europe, and it was only a matter of time before Lacman's concept of wine tourism on Hvar became a major hit. The latest international publication to notice last week was Money Week. 

Here is what Money Week had to say about Hvar and the Hvar wine scene.

An ancient wine scene in Croatia

“Located off the coast of mainland Croatia is the island of Hvar – and if its idyllic location in the Adriatic Sea isn’t enticing enough, the island also boasts a wine scene that pre-dates the arrival of the ancient Greeks,” says Evie Carrick on Travel + Leisure. Hvar Wine Tours offers a half-day Waves and Wine tour (€125) that combines wine tasting with swimming in the sea.

Guests can talk to winemaker Toni Bojanic, whose family has made wine on the island for 500 years. There is also a subterranean cave on the southern shore that serves as a wine cellar and can be visited. “If you want to experience the creations of Croatia’s famous winemaking pioneer, Zlatan Plenkovic, Hvar Wine Tours docks at Plenkovic Bilo Idro for four courses of wine paired with local food – think marinated prunes, smoked ham and Croatian cheeses.” Hvar’s first five-star hotel, Palace Elisabeth, has its “soft opening” this month – perfect for those “looking for a luxurious wine holiday”.

Here are the top 5 wine tours available on Hvar - plenty of exciting diversity. 

To learn more about the wonderful world of Croatian wine, check out the Total Croatia Wine in a Page guide. 

Croatia's premier island of Hvar opens its first 5-star hotel on September 1, 2019 - Palace Elisabeth, hvar heritage hotel.

A significant day for the island of Hvar yesterday, as the island's first 5-star hotel opened for business. Palace Elisabeth, hvar heritage hotel has undergone a complete overhaul and luxury upgrade from the previous 3-star Hotel Palace. 

Located on the spot where organised tourism in Europe began with the founding of the Hvar Health Society back in 1868, Palace Elisabeth completed a trio of important heritage upgrades and renovations around Hvar Town's historic main square this year. 

Back in May, the oldest public theatre in Europe reopened after a 20-year renovation period. On the floor below the theatre, which was built in 1612, the imposing Arsenal, which guards entrance to Dalmatia's largest square, also reopened after renovation. With the opening of Palace Elisabeth, one can now have a cocktail on the terrace of the hotel where organised tourism in Europe began, before enjoying a performance in the oldest theatre in Europe. You don't get THAT opportunity in many places... 

The 78 rooms of the former Hotel Palace has been reduced to 45 rooms and suites, adding a lot more space to each room. As befits such an historic building, there has been an extraordinary amount of attention to detail to capture the magic of Hvar in a previous age. Palace Elisabeth is already a member of the prestigious Leading Hotels of the World group. 

The completion of Palace Elisabeth is the latest upgrade by Suncani Hvar Hotels at a cost of 100 million kuna, and it is the latest piece of good news for the flagship Hvar hotel chain which has seen an upswing in its fortunes in recent years. 

There will be an official opening party on September 21, where partners, friends and media will be invited to experience the hospitality of the new luxury hotel. TCN will be in attendance to road test the new hotel and report back on the evening's festivities. 

Enjoy more photos of the newly-opened hotel on its first day, and learn more about Palace Elisabeth on the Suncani Hvar website. 

(Photo Anita Koledic)

(Photo Anita Koledic)

August 18, 2019 - Palace Elisabeth, the first 5-star hotel on Hvar will open its doors on September 1 for a soft opening - the new flagship hotel of Suncani Hvar.

I have been following the story of Suncani Hvar Hotels ever since I moved to the island permanently back in 2003. As the biggest employer on the island with the most hotels in the main tourist town, they have always been an important part of Hvar's tourism story. The takeover by ORCO Group and the big renovations of 2006 certainly helped raise standards in the post-war era, but the real change and addition of quality is happening now. 

Three years ago, I was a guest at the opening on the first millennial hotel on the Dalmatian coast, Pharos bayhill hvar. As I wrote at the time, I was struck by the sense of achievement and team spirit of those who had managed to transform this two-star hotel into a funky 4-star equivalent, the latest investment in the Suncani Hvar brand. 

Upgrades in quality and luxury followed in both Hotel Adriana and Hotel Amfora, but the next big project was perhaps the most ambitious yet. Not only the first 5-star hotel but one oozing history and heritage right in the heart of the town. Hotel Palace, a 2-star hotel with the most gorgeous heritage details, had been screaming out for a refurb for years. 

And her time has come. 

As previously written, the 5-star Palace Elisabeth hvar heritage hotel has already announced that it is open for bookings from September 1. An article in Jutarnji List today (which I encourage you to read if only for the gorgeous photos of Palace Elisabeth) provides an even better update. Suncani Hvar has received the final documentation required and so no more bureaucratic delays, and Hvar's first 5-star hotel will have a soft opening within 2 weeks (sadly not quite as soon as tomorrow as Jutarnji had reported).  

It has been quite a journey with a significant investment of 100 million kuna in total, as the hotel's previous 78 rooms were turned into 45 more luxury and spacious accommodation units. 

The hotel is located on the same spot where organised tourism in Europe began back in 1868 with the founding of the Hvar Health Society. The Society catered to the needs of the sick aristocracy from the Austro-Hungarian aristocracy, who found the temperate and excellent Hvar climate very much to their taste. The island was known as the 'Austrian Madeira' and Empress Elisabeth 'Sisi' provided the funds for the first hotel which opened in 1899. 

The opening of the hotel comes just months after the reopening of the oldest public theatre in Europe after extensive renovation spanning almost 20 years. Built in 1612, the Hvar Public Theatre is located right across the square from Palace Elisabeth, making the hotel's terrace the only place in the world where you can enjoy a cokctail on the terrace of the site of the oldest organised tourism in Europe, before strolling across the largest square in Dalmatia to take in a performance at the oldest public theatre in Europe. And then back to Palace Elisabeth for dinner. 

The hotel has a rich crew of highly qualified staff from a number of countries, and it will be run by Deni Ohlsen-Dukic. Ohlsen-Dukic is an experienced hotelier, whose experience is largely with Hyatt Hotels, for whom he worked in Chicago, New York and Seoul, before running the Galle Face Hotel in Colombo in Sri Lanka for two years. He joined the Suncani Hvar team in February this year, and TCN will have an interview with Ohlsen-Dukic soon after the opening on September 1. 

Exciting times for Hvar and a good season for the island so far. It has done much to return the narrative to its roots of heritage and an elite destination after a dalliance with party tourism. 

To learn more about Palace Elisabeth, check out the official website. 

August 10, 2019 - With renovation almost complete, Suncani Hvar Hotels opens bookings for Hvar's first ever 5-star hotel, Palace Elisabeth.

These are exciting times for the island of Hvar.  

Last year, Croatia's premier island, which has more UNESCO heritage than any other island in the world and also the birthplace of organised tourism in Europe, celebrated 150 years of the founding of the Hvar Health Society. 

And 2019, the 151st year of organised tourism in Europe, is also not without its highlights. 

On May 1, after a period of about 20 years of renovation, the oldest public theatre in Europe, reopened on Hvar's main square. 

The Hvar Public Theatre opened in 1612 and it has proved very popular since its reopening, hosting plays, concerts, ballroom dancing and a fashion show. 

And it is not the only historic building which has undergone renovation in the town centre. The main Arsenal building on the floor below has also been renovated and is functioning as an excellent multi-purpose entertainment centre. 

Meanwhile, across the square, another piece of European history is putting the finishing touches to its own luxury makeover. 

The site which started organised tourism in Europe all those years ago will reopen imminently with a touch of class such as Hvar has never seen before, as Palace Elisabeth, hvar heritage hotel, will open its doors in a few weeks as the first 5-star hotel on the island. 

The 45 rooms and suites are now open for booking from September 1 (you can book them here). a fabulous opportunity to immerse yourself in traditional Hvar with modern luxury and some of the finest views on the island.  And as you can see from the painstaking work of designer Oto Blaha, there has been no compromise on attention to detail, as he explained in a recent TCN interview.

Palace Elisabeth promises to be a fantastic addition to the quality Hvar tourism scene. 

To learn more about the island, check out the Total Croatia Hvar in a Page guide.  

July 25, 2019 - The finishing touches are being applied to Palace Elisabeth, hvar heritage hotel. Meet the man who is applying them, interior designer Oto Blaha.  

Palace Elisabeth, hvar heritage hotel has already been listed in Architectural Digest as one of the best hotels in the Mediterranean for design lovers, among top hotel brands like Four Seasons and Rocco Forte. 

The project is assigned to one of the leading architecture firms in Croatia Agro Inženjering, led by architects Zoran and Neda Balog, while the hotel’s interior is designed by renowned interior designer Oto Blaha. Below are a couple of words from Oto Blaha regarding his most notable works and the significance of Palace Elisabeth.

1. Tell us a bit about yourself, your previous projects and some of your most notable works?

I am an interior designer and an academic painter and have finished my MA in Art at the Prague Academy. I started working at a small French shop in Prague, owned by Marie Borenstein who was an important influence in my early career. This way I got introduced to other smaller projects; designing coffee shops and restaurants. This brought me to many larger projects in different locations, for example Prague, Greece, Switzerland and in St. Barths in the Caribbean.

The project that I am especially proud of is the Chateau Mcely, a renowned luxury Spa Hotel near Prague. in addition to now, Palace Elisabeth, which I hope will be the highlight of my career.

2. Where do you draw your inspiration, do you have a particular signature style?

In order to start on a project, you have to have a particular theme and a story behind to support what you are creating. Since I am in charge of the hotel design and interior, I am pleased that in addition to this I am able to combine this aspect with my love for painting and really create something unique.

When it comes to style, I would say that my style is definitely more classic instead of modern. In my opinion, classical things tend to last longer and cannot easily become outdated.

3. How did you prepare for this particular project? 

When I first arrived at Hotel Palace, it was a classic three-star hotel with great potential. I took many photos and got a good feel of the space. When I got home, I did the initial sketches, which evolved over time to the final design which you can see on the hotel renderings. Moreover, I studied the history of the island and the history of the hotel, including its significance for the city of Hvar. I also learned that the hotel was built under the generous patronage of Empress Elisabeth of Austria (Sisi), so this was also a factor that directed me in this particular direction, when we talk about “classic style”. Sisi’s lifestyle was a true inspiration in this project, and I have incorporated in the hotel’s design some special details that you can associate with her.

4. How is this project different from others that you have done previously?

This is surely one of the biggest projects I have worked on in the past years. The hotel itself is a unique building with great historical importance to the city of Hvar. And to be a part of its story now during its refurbishment is very satisfying since I feel I am becoming a part of Hvar’s rich history.

5. As part of your unique signature, you are painting each room by hand; how challenging is this for you?

This project is demanding; however, it is truly unique. I am pleased to be creating something different in each one or Palace Elisabeth’s 45 rooms and suites. By having an arch above the bed, we receive a lot of space in that area where we can really create something distinctive; and of course, this will be the stunning sites, historic buildings and landscapes of Hvar island.

6. Do you believe that hand-painted murals give added value to the hotel and why?

Not many hotels have this special touch and have each room painted by hand, so this is surely something will set Palace Elisabeth apart from others in Croatian hospitality. Most hotels have canvases hung to the bedroom wall, which can also look nice. However, I believe that hand-painted murals give added value to the entire hotel experience. Today, everything is often mass-produced, so I am sure that people will appreciate this unique addition to their room.

7. What preparation was needed beforehand – how did you prepare the wall and what type of paints are you using?

After many years of experience on different and unique projects, some details I simply love to keep as my little secret.

To learn more about Palace Elisabeth, check out the official web page. 

To learn more about the island of Hvar, check out the Total Croatia Hvar in a Page guide. 

July 2, 2019 - As Hvar continues to move its image and tourist offer from party to more luxury tourism, TCN meets Dubravka Novak, manager of the island's leading hotel, Adriana.

This is an important year for tourism in Hvar Town. A year after celebrating 150 years of the birth of organised tourism in Europe with the founding of the Hvar Health Society in 1868, 2019 also has some significant happenings which are restoring the island's standing as a place of culture and tradition. The opening of the oldest public theatre in Europe after a 20-year renovation, as well as the renovated Arsenal and imminent opening of the first 5-star hotel, Palace Elisabeth, hvar heritage hotel have done much to restore the focus on the town's history, heritage and traditions. 

And the hotels are following suit. During a recent stay at Hotel Adriana on Hvar, I had the opportunity to catch up with hotel manager Dubravka Novak on the part her hotel is playing in Hvar's new direction. 

1. Hvar's leading hotel Adriana has undergone a facelift over the last year. Can you tell us a little about the changes?

The hotel was revamped last year and received a complete makeover. Refurbishments were done on all public areas, which include the entrance, lobby and lobby bar, as well as Val Marina restaurant, which has a charming outdoor terrace. Top Bar was also refurbished and it now includes a comfortable, modern lounge area with a restaurant that has a most beautiful view of the city and Hvar port. The biggest addition to the hotel are of course its three new luxurious penthouse suites. What I would also highlight is the top quality Gourmet and Spa service that we personalize for each guest. Moreover, our Sensori Spa also received a makeover; now we have four different saunas, eight massage rooms, relaxation room, gym, VIP treatment room and indoor jacuzzi. Our guests are also offered refreshing and healthy drinks throughout their day at the spa. 

2. You are part of the Stories boutique hotel collection, just 17 small hotels in Croatia. Tell us more about that and what is YOUR story?

We have a beautiful Gourmet and Spa story and offer our guests a unique breakfast experience composed of rich, healthy local food from the island (Hvar honey, goat cheese, fresh fruit and vegetables from the island’s fields) and home-made products such as yogurt, kefir, peanut butter, coconut butter, carrot cake, apple oatmeal muffins, freshly squeezed juices; orange, tomato, carrot, ginger, beetroot and apple. We also have different freshly prepared fruit smoothies, homemade brandies, salt with various herbs such as oregano, rosemary, oranges, etc. What we also offer our guests is detox water - prepared daily with different healthy ingredients.

3. While hotels often have services open to non-residents, it is not always easy to find that information. What can you offer to Hvar's guests who are not staying with you?

All non-residents are very welcome at hotel Adriana and often visit our Top Bar and Val Marina restaurant. Also, we have a lot of non-resident guests who enjoy different spa services and treatments that we offer at our Sensori Spa, that spreads across 6 different indoor and outdoor levels. Many non-residents choose to take a whole 'spa day' in order to use all our spa services, from the sauna, pool, gym and spa terrace.

4. You have an interesting concept as a spa hotel, connecting gastronomy and spa. Can you tell us more about it?

Our services are designed to accommodate personal preferences. On check-in we provide refreshing towels with a scent of lavender, so guests can have a feeling of a “spa ambience”, as well as a welcome prosecco in the room. The gourmet experience is defined throughout the hotel as we focus on organic and homemade products. In the Spa we have a so-called refreshment carousel, where our staff can bring you freshly made smoothies, juices and delicious healthy snacks.  

 
5. Buying local is becoming more fashionable. How much do you rely on local suppliers, and can you tell us about some of the more unusual things you are sourcing on Hvar. I hear that there is a local perfume, for example.

In our spa we use relax and revive oils that are made in a little village on Hvar called Gdinj. We use these oils for aromatherapy massages. The peelings are also from different locally sourced Hvar herbs. In addition we have Hvar perfumes called Antique Hvar, created by Ela Ivanković from Stari Grad.

 
6. You have been working for Suncani Hvar for many years. How do you see the direction of tourism today?

Hvar is an elite tourist destination not a party destination. It should strive to have quality accommodation and services in the city; from gastronomy, excursion programs to good connections with mainland and neighboring islands. All of these factors play a large role in what type of guests arrive on the island; and with quality, Hvar will attract more people with higher spending power.

7. While Adriana is currently the top hotel on Hvar, the opening of the 5-star Hotel Palace Elisabeth this summer will raise the level even more. How significant is this for the island's tourism?

This is Hvar's first 5-star heritage hotel, and I believe it is very important for the island as it will raise the bar even higher, surely attracting more high-end hotel guests.
 
8. And finally, your favourite place on Hvar, and why?

Sveta Nedjelja is my favorite place that is in my heart and where I am from.

To learn more about Hotel Adriana, visit the Suncani Hvar website. 

To learn more about Hvar, check out the Total Croatia Hvar in a Page guide.

June 22, 2019 - Where is the best place to observe life in the slow lane in Hvar Town? The case for spa hotel, Hotel Adriana. 

It is about 8 years since I first entered the lobby at Hotel Adriana, the luxury spa hotel which is currently the flagship of Suncani Hvar Hotels. I had just started a website called Total Hvar, and I was looking for some prominent Hvar businessmen to support my nascent project, and they suggested Adriana as a meeting place. 

Some eight years later, the destination of Hvar, my Total Hvar project (now part of the TCN family), Hotel Adriana, and I have all undergone quite some change, and I was very happy to accept a kind invitation from Suncani Hvar to spend the night at Adriana to see how things are changing in Hvar Town. 

And things ARE changing. For the better.

As the new Hvar Town Tourist Board Director, Petar Razovic, explained in a TCN interview two months ago, the destination s trying to change its party image and revert back to its traditional roots as a luxury destination. There are already some concrete signs of success in this direction, as well as agreements with the nightclub bosses which seem to be working. The Yacht Week, for example, no longer comes to Hvar Town, being instead diverted straight to Carpe Diem Beach, a huge improvement. And according to Rezovic, The Yacht Week only comes five times a month now, much less than before. 

But I was keen to see how things looked from Hotel Adriana, as it has always been for me the best place to observe life in Hvar Town. 

The heat of the day was an instant distant memory within seconds of arrival, as were greeted by wet towels and a glass of prosecco, before entering our first floor room. 

There is nothing wrong with a bedroom view like that.

One of the things I love about the Adriana view is that it takes in everything - a great view to the imposing Spanish fortress and the Arsenal and main square... 

And a lovely view of the busy and enchanting Hvar harbour and exclusive waterfront. 

And, as a people-watching exercise, it was hard to beat - congrats to the happy couple!

One of the joys of the Adriana is watching the diverse and busy harbour life, where sailors of all budgets and experience co-exist in a beautiful space. From the fishermen and water taxis, and the sailors and sea kayakers, to the superyachts and catamarans. It really is enchanting. Several years ago, Hvar TV put together a collage of Hvar harbour life speeded up - it is still a great watch today. 

I decided that I wanted to keep the windows open to see get a sense of the sounds - and the noise - of the destination. By far the most prominent and seductive noise in the late afternoon was the gentle lapping of waves almost directly below the room - you don't get that in every 'waterfront' hotel. 

Observing harbour life was like being in a posh and relaxed Mediterranean town back in the 1970s, the kind of place you would expect Sophia Loren to show up at any minute. Was this really a party destination? It had all the elements of a stylish and elite destination. 

A big change this summer is the large increase in the number of catamarans - some 16 in all during the peak season. I was expecting this to somehow change the dynamic of harbour life, but their frequent arrival was in harmony, the main difference being to reduce the queues of waiting passengers and increase choice. 

And as the day progressed, so too did the changing position of the sun change the colour of the facades of Hvar's stone houses. And so too did the riva fill up from with the boats from Krilo Jesenice bringing young tourists to sample the famous Hvar nightlife. The view above taken from the top of Hotel Adriana.

Arguably the best place for a pre-dinner cocktail is the Top Bar of Hotel Adriana, a stylish locale with fabulous views of the main sights of the town. Choose from the Arsenal, oldest public theatre in Europe and main square... 

Or the changing colours of the Hvar facades above the exclusive waterfront. 

Either way, an experience heartily recommended. The Top Bar was completely renovated in 2018 and now has three penthouse suites alongside. I will leave it to you to imagine how the bedroom views are from there.

Hotel Adriana is a member of Stories, an exclusive group of 17 small and boutique hotels in Croatia, and Adriana's focus is on spa and gourmet. Although we did not get to test out the spa facilities, the range of services - and its integration into the menu - was impressive. You can learn more about the Sensori Spa facilities here. 

The perceived wisdom is that Top Bar is the best terrace at Hotel Adriana, and some may even say in Hvar Town. The views are certainly divine, but I personally disagree, for the ground floor terrace at the Val Marina restaurant is a total gem, either for a drink, dinner, brunch or an unmissable breakfast experience. 

The restaurant is a little above the pedestrian walkway and separated by a glass fence. The effect is that the restaurant affords privacy and is not so well noticed by passers by, but gives diners a stunning view, prime position and a proximity to those addictive lapping waves. I came for breakfast several years ago and wrote how it was the best terrace in all Hvar Town.

It still is. 

There are also some gems on the wine list. Zlatan Aurum, for example, the 23-carat gold leaf Posip from the late, great Hvar winemaker, Zlatan Plenkovic, which can only be tried here outside the Sveta Nedjelja winery. Learn more about Zlatan Aurum. 

Could you imagine a better view for dinner?

I could write a separate blog about dinner, but let's keep it short here and pay special tribute to this starter, sea bass ceviche...

And if you are a lover of macarons, there is no avoiding this dessert. 

As dinner progressed, so the atmosphere of the day evolved. Many younger tourists were heading into the centre for an evening out, and the atmosphere was a lot more vibrant that earlier in the day. The change started around 22:00, but was not as dramatic as I had been expecting. One of the key agreements between Carpe Diem and the town, apart from removing The Yacht Week, has been to have better policing of the partygoers heading for the all-night party on Stipanska. Security guards have been employed to ensure the smooth running of things, as well as being in position to greet the tourists in the early hours on their return and ensure an orderly dispersal. 

Although we are not in peak season yet, the difference - to me at least - was marked. Walking around town last year was not that pleasant due to many drunken (and yes, mostly Brits) tourists, but it now only felt safe but much more relaved. I believe that party nightlife can co-exist with Hvar tourism, and this new strategy of outsourcing it from the centre seems to be working. 

There was plenty of music and action in the bars which have deals with the party boats - Kiva, Nautica, Seven, Aloha etc. and this was the centre of all nightlife until 2am. While not as intrusive to a relaxing stay as I expected, if there was a way to outsource this to another part of town, all the ingredients are there to really restore Hvar's place as an elite destination, attracting the kind of clientele such a destination deserves. 

But progress has been significant in the last year, and long may it continue. I decided to sleep with the window open to see how much noise there was. Apart from some shouting as one might expect, it was not too disruptive, and a closed window ensured a good night's sleep. It remains to be seen how the peak season will look, but Hvar is definitely moving in the right direction. Congratulations to all who have enabled this to happen.  

The morning view was hard to beat.  

And there are certainly worse places in the world to enjoy life as a digital nomad.  

And so to breakfast on THAT terrace. Open from 07:00 - 11:00 (non-residents welcome), it really is one of the top 5 things to do in Hvar Town - breakfast on the terrace at Hotel Adriana. 

It is several years since I had breakfast at Hotel Adriana, and I still remember the wonderful experience and the lazy morning on that terrace. It was every bit as good this time, if not better, and the emphasis on healthy living (no less than 11 types of milk to choose from) was plain to see. I plan to do a separate story on the Adriana breakfast experience, as I really think the combination of what is on offer nutrition-wise, combined with the view and ambiance, make it one of the best ways to observe Hvar Town. I didn't eat again until the following morning. 

And for those who wanted to indulge, the waffle temptation was never far away. 

Our stay was less than 24 hours in mid to late-June. A snapshot of a destination. As a place to observe life on Hvar and to truly relax, Hotel Adriana is hard to beat. 

But more importantly, the first results of change in Hvar Town's tourism direction are already bearing fruit, and it is encouraging to see. There is still some way to go, and I - along with many others - will be watching with interest. 

For one of the best seats to follow developments, I heartily recommend one of the Hotel Adriana terraces. 

To learn more about Hvar as a destination, check out the Total Croatia Hvar in a Page guide. 

June 16, 2019 - There are few more people in demand in the hotel industry than the head concierge. A snapshot of life through the eyes of Suncani Hvar Hotels concierge, Ana Stambuk. 

1. Being a concierge on Hvar must be a demanding job - tell us about a typical day?1. Being a concierge on Hvar must be a demanding job - tell us about a typical day?

It is a very demanding job and you are pretty much always on the move. When I arrive at Amfora, I am in constant communication with my guests. This doesn’t only mean communication at the concierge pult, but also through the phone, messages, e-mails. So very often I find myself scattered around, either in my office, pult, or on the move to other hotels where we have concierge services.

2. What are the most common requests you receive from guests?

Guests that arrive in Hvar often want to explore the entire island and further. This is when I recommend different tours to Paklinski islands, Blue Cave or suggest them to go and explore the other side of the island. Many of them like to go wine tasting, since the island is very well known for its different wine sorts. They like the entire experience – of going to the vineyards, and then tasting the wine that came from those fields.

3. There is lots to do on the island, and there are an increasing number of specialised tours. Give us a flavour of some of the lesser known things you recommend to guests?

Our favorite (and new) tour this summer is the Vis experience tour, which includes Blue Cave, Green Cave, Stiniva, Paklinski islands and Jeep safari on Vis. We also recommend the 6 top Beaches on Hvar, which is starting to become a very popular choice for our guests. Moreover, we have a new boat available for daily rent, Pershing 46, a 14.72 m yacht with 3 cabins and suitable for 6 people, a very popular choice for day cruising.
 
 
4. Hvar attracts some very famous and wealthy visitors, and I assume there have been some rather unusual requests over the years. Any funny ones you would like to share?

There are really no unusual requests. But what I can say is that each guest requires a personalized treatment. In this business it is very important to be a good listener and have a lot of compassion towards each guest.
 
 
5. Palace Elisabeth will open its doors this summer, the first 5-star hotel on the island. How important is this for the island's tourism in your opinion?

We are so excited for the opening of Palace Elisabeth! I believe it is a very important project for Sunčani Hvar, but also for Hvar island as well. After all this will be the first 5-star hotel on the island which will definitely attract high end clientele who are eager to discover tailor-made programs and enjoy individualized experiences.
 
 
6. And finally, where does the Sunčani Hvar concierge go to relax? Where is your favourite place on the island, and why?

I love to go to Paklinski islands and Vis and experience the nature there. However, my favorite place on Hvar is my home town Vrboska where I go to relax with family and friends. There are also many nice places to swim and taste wine.

Learn more about what is on offer at Suncani Hvar Hotels.

To learn more about the island, visit the Total Croatia Hvar in a Page. 

June 1, 2019 - The eagerly-awaited opening of Palace Elisabeth, Hvar's first 5-star hotel, is getting closer, with the external renderings now complete. 

Some nice things are happening on the island of Hvar. 

The island with the most sun in Europe and the most UNESCO heritage of any island in the world, is focusing more attention on its rich cultural heritage, and 2019 has already seen some significant milestones.

Having celebrated 150 years of the oldest organised tourism in Europe last year (after the founding of the Hvar Health Society in 1868), last month saw another significant event - the reopening of the oldest public theatre in Europe. Built in 1612, the Hvar Public Theatre had remained closed for almost 20 years for renovation. Since its reopening, the theatre has already hosted a range of cultural and fashion events, as TCN reported recently. 

Looking to put the location of the theatre in context? Check out this excellent drone footage by Jaksa Kuzmicic, which starts overlooking the main square of Hvar Town, below.  

But while much of the attention so far this year has been focused on the theatre and the imposing Arsenal building where it is housed, there is another fantastic heritage story unfolding just across the square. 

The former 2-storey Hotel Palace is undergoing a total transformation and will reopen later this summer as the luxury 5-star Palace Elisabeth, hvar heritage hotel, the first five-star hotel on this elite island. 

Palace Elisabeth takes its name from Empress Elisabeth 'Sisi', a benefactor of the original hotel which is located on the spot were organised tourism in Europe began way back in 1868. And there are not many places in the world (actually only Hvar!) where you will be able to enjoy a pre-theatre cocktail on the terrace where organised tourism began in Europe, before strolling across Dalmatia's largest square for a performance at the oldest public theatre in Europe. 

As you can see from the lead photo, the exterior facade has now been completed. Work is ongoing inside (the above pictures are renderings of how the hotel will look), and things are on schedule for an August opening. 

You can learn more about this luxury addition to Hvar tourism on the Suncani Hvar website. 

To learn more about Hvar, check out the Total Croatia Hvar in a Page guide. 

Palace Elisabeth is not the only luxury upgrade Hvar's hotels have seen in recent times. For arguably the best views of all, the three penthouse suites of Hotel Adriana, above, take some beating.