You can’t really go wrong when the water is that colour and that clear in front of your hotel, can you?
Gorgeous Hvar Town, with one of the cleanest seas on a harbour in Europe. You could be forgiven for wanting to jump in straight away, but have a little patience and walk a little – there are plenty of excellent bathing spots nearby.
The spectacular water is mirrored by the fabulous view of the island’s leading hotel, Hotel Adriana, the flagship of the Suncani Hvar Hotel group, which is currently enjoying a record season, and a tour inside will reveal why.
Located just off the main square, the hotel is ideally located to walk out into the magic of downtown Hvar. Having lived here for almost 14 years, it was something of a novelty to be a guest in the hotel a couple of years ago, and I will never forget the feeling of walking out of the hotel entrance and seeing the great filmset of Hvar Town in front of me. As a local, it is something I have taken for granted over the years, but now I had the same impressions as a first-time tourist – absolutely stunning!
Although the hotel is relatively small, with 50 superior rooms and 9 spa suites, it is deceptively spacious, in terms of facilities ad amenities. A pleasant ground floor bar, just off the reception for example, perfect for a quiet drink away from the crowds.
In this year’s edition of our guidebook, Hvar, An Insider’s Guide 2016, I surprised a few people by naming breakfast at Hotel Adriana as one of the top five things to do in Hvar Town. For me, it is one of the great experiences of the island, not so much for the food itself – which is great with some very healthy options – so much as the terrace experience. Everyone raves about the view from Top Bar (of which more below), but the groundfloor terrace of Adriana is one of the finest vantage points to observe life in Hvar’s idyllic harbour. Close enough to the sea to hear the waves lapping, perfectly positioned to watch boats of all sizes and shapes go about their business, and a superb people watching haven. With breakfast from 0700 – 1100 open to non-residents, there is not finer terrace in Hvar Town to greet the new day and watch the town come to life.
Restaurant food, perhaps justifiably, does not always have the best reputation in the world, but there has been a marked improvement at Adriana in recent times. After a few experiments, the concept of Butchery and Wine seems to be a hit, and its reputation has been steadily improving. And, in addition to the fine fare on offer, don’t forget that fabulous terrace as a backdrop to your romantic evening. Butchery and Wine was the first place to bring Kobe beef to Hvar, and here is a look at the last time I dined there, one of the meals of the year last summer.
To the rooms, and there are worse bedroom views to greet the new day…
Modern and stylish bathrooms, including a private jacuzzi in the top suite.
With superb views of Hvar Town below – it really does feel like being front row in a theatre.
Life at Adriana gets more interesting the higher you go. Finding a perfect swimming spot a little too much hassle? Head to the fourth floor for a dip in the hotel pool, then relax in the sun on the sun-loungers provided in the patio outside.
Or climb the stairs and seek out your own personal hammock, and laze away as the laganini lifestyle of Hvar continues below.
Or for the ultimate, just a little further, book your own private outdoor jaccuzzi in one of what has been named as one of the top roof terraces in the world. The ideal way to relax and enjoy Hvar Town.
Despite its relatively small size, Adriana more than punches its weight in spa services, and it is a regular nominee in the annual World Travel Awards for the best boutique hotel in Europe.
But after all that eating and wellness, time for a drink to take in the full majesty of this amazing tourist destination which is the home to organised tourism in Europe, as well as the oldest public theatre in Europe.
The fantastic Top Bar, which must surely have one of the best views of any bar in Europe – a complete panorama from the Spanish fortress high above Hvar, all the way through the main square and exclusive waterfront to the emerald jewels of the Pakleni Islands to the right. Check it out in the video below.
And with the view enjoyed, relax in the modern and stylish interior of Top Bar, a must visit during your stay in Hvar Town.
The good news for non-residents is that most of the hotel’s facilities are available to people not staying in the hotel – just ask at reception.
Did I mention the breakfast?
To learn more about Hotel Adriana, visit the official website.
