August 2, 2020 – The corona couldn’t get in the way of the Martinis Marchi annual summer bash, which was held under the ‘Simply White’ theme on Saturday night in Maslinica on the island of Solta.
Another year, another blowout by Martinis Marchi, whose annual summer party continues to cement itself as the hit of the season.
After attending my first summer soiree in the magical Maslinica back in 2017, I quickly learned it was an event that no other could rival – though Martinis manages to outdo themselves year after year. And while the disco dancing do of 2019 had me singing Abba songs for the weeks that followed, last night’s Simply White theme hit the heart a bit harder than the rest.
How the Martinis team, led by Creative Director Marija Gamulin, was able to pull off such a spectacle in the corona era, is not only commendable, but is truly remarkable.
With a limited capacity of 100 guests, the 9th Martinis Marchi summer party was exclusive, intimate, and exceptional. Dancing around the standard party go-to’s to ensure all measures were strictly adhered to penetrated this profound experience for all guests, one that is unparalleled when compared to the rest.
With the guest’s safety and privacy at the core of each intricate detail, every element was executed to perfection to make for my favorite evening yet. I was happy to have my father by my side as my date.
It all began in the late afternoon with Beefeater Gin on the Martinis marina, where white-clad waitresses walked from one end of the marina to the other, serving guests and yacht owners a selection of Tom Collins, Negroni and Blue Lagoon cocktails. This made for the perfect pre-party, as we strolled around the town to escape the sizzling sun.
Just before sunset, we made our way back over to the marina for the official opening, where Martinis director Ivan Kuret greeted guests and shared why it was so crucial for them to hold the event this year.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v=KDLkLOqZM5k
Guests gathered at small cocktail tables, each adorned with a chilled bottle of Dom Kalebic posip and hors d’oeuvres.
The opening speech was followed by a live saxophone performance, which set the mood for the night.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v=yDOMH3jXypM
The evening continued with a striking acrobatic ballet performance by local dancers, which captivated the crowd for almost ten minutes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v=rcx5fzh1lbo
But then, the crown of the opening of the opening party – the Arileo Studio fashion show.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v=EM3Z520_yTA
Arileo is composed of Marija and Jurica Piric, a fashion duo and married couple. Creating together since 2003, the pair has worked in the famous fashion houses Armani and Nitya, while Marija also worked for Emporio Armani. The stunning summer collection seized the eyes of everyone in the audience… my father included.
From the marina to the Martinis restaurant terrace, we were greeted with a cold glass of Mumm champagne.
We were then escorted into the garden, which was decorated in white, with all tables socially distanced according to corona measures.
Unlike in previous years, when the upper garden terrace was adorned with an all-you-can-eat buffet table, this year, each table was served individually by a careful waiter. We began with skuta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, whipped butter, focaccia, seafood pate, and salad. This was followed by soup made of crab and ravioli filled with duck and truffles.
And this absolutely divine tuna.
Dinner did not go without entertainment, as the acrobatic dancers returned for a performance under the stars.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v=s9hgvzE-Dg4
As guests made their way through more food, wine, and conversation, the night came to an end with a grand performance of Croatian tenors. The voices enhanced the already magical atmosphere and brought goosebumps to warm summer skin. As if we were in heaven.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v=tCjG-r2bsb8
A speedboat back to Split on the calm sea, glistening under a glowing full moon, was the pinnacle of the perfect evening.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v=g6zSVV5fmQs
A lit up Split Riva welcomed us home.
A big round of applause to Ivan Kuret, Marija Gamulin, and the entire Martinis Marchi team for succeeding in creating a truly unequaled spectacle in these trying times. To say you’ve outdone yourselves would be an understatement.
Just imagine what next year will bring!
For anyone interested in learning more about Martinis Marchi, or is interested in joining the party next year, you can visit the official website here.
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