As Hvar Town continues to grab all the headlines on Croatia’s premier island of the same name, the sleeping giant of tourism potential in historic, natural Central Hvar awakens gently with the opening of a newly-renovated 182-room hotel which raises the standards of hospitality considerably.
A lot is written about tourist accommodation in Croatia. First row to the sea, amazing sea view, surround yourself in natural beauty.
I have travelled a lot over the last thirteen years, stayed in many fabulous places, experienced the very best (and the very worst…) service in many places first row to the sea, but only two places have left an impression that will stay with me for many years.
The first was Hotel Feral in Brna on Korcula, now renamed Aminess Hotel Lume, which is located right on the water, and whose morning wake-up call was the lapping of waves, the quiet engine of a lone fisherman and the sound of birdsong.
The second was this very morning, but again a memory that will stay with me for a very long time, and apart from the fabulous view, the two experiences had one thing in common.
Birdsong.
Welcome to the newly opened (two days ago) Senses Resort on the island of Hvar, the biggest (pleasant) surprise I have encountered in the last few years on my adopted home island.
It was the birdsong. The nature. The peace. And the quality renovation of a hotel which had been in poor condition for so many years.
I heard the rumours a few months ago. A hotel on central Hvar which had seen better times was being completely overhauled over the winter with a 30 million kuna (4 million euro) investment, to produce a 182-room hotel of four-star quality but with three-star categorisation due to the technicalities of Croatian bureaucracy.
A hotel with outdoor swimming pool, sporting facilities, a wellness centre, located unobrusively in pine forests, with nature celebrated at every turn.
And with birdsong.
A hotel with a close affinity to the tradition and heritage of its immediate surroundings.
With a sense of humour presenting the essential facilities.
The rooms are pleasant and airy, with terraces overlooking the sea and forest, and with one thing in common.
Birdsong.
There are suites.
With birdsong. And the smell of pine.
If you are looking to truly get away from the stresses of modern life, and looking to immerse yourself in nature and tranquility, it does not come better than this. With no neighbours in the vicinity, the hotel is truly on its own, right on the water, wrapped in nature.
And birdsong. Modern stress relief.
There is wellness. A jacuzzi, two massage tables, a gym.
And after the massage, a chill out zone.
The gym is just a small part of the hotel’s sporting activities. Apart from numerous water sports, there are tennis courts, volleyball and basketball. Bicycles for hire. Hiking options.
The restaurant is open and spacious, with plenty of window frontage looking our to glorious nature and the inviting Adriatic through the trees. What a wonderful way to plan the day over breakfast.
Where the sea is clear. Take a dip just metres from the hotel.
The hotel is surrounded by spectacular nature and turquoise sea.
And birdsong.
The hotel is aimed at families, pensioners and people looking to get away from it all. Some 300 metres away (close enough to walk, far enough not to be noisy), is an aqua park for the kids, a little further one of Hvar’s top family beaches – Soline.
There are nice details to be found in the pine trees – showers after your Adriatic swim.
The natural setting and excellent service reminded me a little of Stipanksa, Carpe Diem Beach. By day, not by night, for this hotel is one of the great chill zones of Dalmatia.
With birdsong.
And it was not expensive. We all have our ways of measuring price. At 15 kuna for a half-litre of beer (2 euro), the drinks are cheaper than many cafes and bars on the island. Room prices start at 45 euro per person.
A stunning location, a fabulous renovation, a tranquil retreat.
Welcome to Senses Resort, which opened two days ago, just outside Vrboska. Formerly the two-star Hotel Adriatic, Senses has been transformed with its overhaul, and things will only get better. Nature is key, more is being planted and it will take time for everything to flower and bloom, but this is the most exciting development in tourism in central Hvar in the last ten years.
If you are on the island, go for a beer and listen to those birds, and enjoy the silence. If you are looking for a hotel option, look no further.
Welcome to Senses, learn more on the official website here. To reach the Senses Resort, take the Vrboska turning on the Jelsa – Stari Grad road, continue to Soline beach just past Vrboska, and turn right at the Senses sign to the right.
