When travelers think of Mediterranean romance, Santorini often takes the spotlight - whitewashed walls, famous sunsets, and a little too much company.
But those in the know are quietly heading elsewhere.
To Hvar, Croatia - where the same Mediterranean magic unfolds with more space, more soul, and far more authenticity.
Here, lavender fields ripple above ancient stone terraces, boats drift between hidden coves, and timeless villages hum with a distinctly Croatian rhythm. It’s the Adriatic at its most refined yet unspoiled - and it’s where Roundabout Experiences curates journeys that balance privacy, connection, and a sense of place.
What Makes Hvar Different
While Santorini dazzles, Hvar breathes.
Its beauty isn’t found in spectacle but in simplicity - in quiet mornings by the sea, in local families who still cook over open fire, in vineyards that stretch toward the horizon.
It’s a destination that rewards curiosity and slows you down in all the right ways.
Two Experiences to Fall For
1. A Family Cooking Class in the UNESCO Stari Grad Plain
On ancestral land that has been cultivated for over 2,000 years, the Poje family welcomes guests for an evening of food, stories, and connection.
You’ll handpick ingredients from the garden, learn age-old techniques, and cook over an open flame as the sun sets behind the fields. Between sips of local wine and laughter, you’ll discover that the real flavor of Hvar lies in its people.
2. Private Sunset Dinner in an Olive Grove
At golden hour, when the light turns honey-warm, guests are welcomed to a secret dining spot tucked in Hvar’s hills.
A candlelit table awaits beneath ancient olive trees, where a private chef serves a multi-course menu of island specialties paired with local wines. It’s a quiet, intimate experience - one that feels more like a celebration of life than just dinner.
Where to Stay
Palace Elisabeth, Hvar Heritage Hotel
A former Habsburg palace overlooking the harbor, Palace Elisabeth combines Belle Époque charm with Adriatic elegance. Marble terraces, sweeping sea views, and contemporary interiors make it an icon of understated luxury.
Maslina Resort, Stari Grad
Nestled among olive groves and vineyards, Maslina Resort is a Relais & Châteaux retreat known for its “mindful luxury.” With organic design, a holistic spa, and views that stretch endlessly to the sea, it captures Hvar’s essence: nature, calm, and quiet sophistication.
A Mediterranean Classic, Reimagined
For travelers who love Italy and Greece but crave something more personal, Hvar delivers the same sophistication and sunlight - without the rush.
It’s not just an alternative; it’s the next chapter of European island travel, where luxury meets local life and every moment feels yours genuinely.
✨ Read the full feature on TravelKinship ->
Get Your Front-Row Seat to Adriatic Magic
Festive markets, alpine stillness, winter lights - and a trail of small, thoughtful moments curated just for two.
A journey made for couples who crave beauty, authenticity, and unforgettable moments.
Not every traveler wants a full week on a yacht. But they’d rather explore by boat and unwind on land.
