An abundance of lavender is found in vast fields on Hvar, the queen of the Croatian Dalmatian Islands and home to the five-star Maslina Resort. Situated in Stari Grad overlooking the crystal waters of Maslinica Bay, Maslina Resort, a Relais & Chateaux property that champions a philosophy of Mindful Luxury, will offer lavender-inspired activities during the two-day festival, which takes place on the 15th-16th of July. In addition to being the sunniest island in Europe, widely recognised for its healing environment, and accorded UNESCO heritage status, the aromatic lavender fields of Hvar are emblematic of the Dalmatian way of life. During the two-day celebrations, the entire island joins together to celebrate the evergreen plant's historical and cultural importance.
There’s nothing that says summer more than smell of emanating their signature fragrance in the warm sea island air. This native European plant is a bushy, strong-scented perennial herb with lavender flower spikes rising above its grey to green foliage. It is not only a beautiful garden plant but also has significant culinary and medicinal value. Guests staying at the resort during the festival can participate in a complimentary art workshop with a locally based artist, where they can design lavender-inspired artwork to take away as a souvenir.
During the two days, in-house and walk-in guests can also try the resort’s Michelin-recommended restaurant specially curated Lavender Menu. The tasting menu starts with bite-sized lavender macarons with goat cheese and honey, followed by octopus with lavender caviar and green essence, beef fillet with a lavender and pistachio crust for the main course, and a lavender gel bonbon with lavender-infused cream, ice cream, and strawberries for dessert. The resort’s expert mixologist will also be on hand with a special vodka-based cocktail lavished with lavender syrup.
The resort's Pharomatiq Spa, which follows a garden-to-skin concept, already uses lavender in its regular treatments, from eye covers infused with lavender flowers, essential oils used during massages, and little lavender soaps for guests after their therapies. The spa’s signature treatment, the Adriatic Rejuvenation treatment, takes you on an unforgettable journey through the world of Adriatic fragrances. A minced olive kernel and peppermint-infused exfoliation that will energise and uplift your senses are followed by oat milk and lavender soak that leaves your skin soft and velvety, and a customised aromatherapy massage that confers a sense of deep relaxation and pampering.
The annual lavender festival dovetails perfectly with the rich cultural and natural heritage of Hvar Island. Brought to life in the cultural, culinary, and therapeutic settings of Maslina Resort, the two-day celebrations expand the boundaries of the mindful luxury ethos that honours the natural world-a celebration for the body and soul.
About Maslina resort
Maslina Resort is a contemporary, five-star resort on the Croatian Island of Hvar, located near Stari Grad, one of the oldest towns in the eastern Adriatic. Situated in the stunning Maslinica Bay, Maslina Resort is surrounded by olive groves and terraced vineyards and stretches across two hectares of lush pine forest overlooking the crystalline Adriatic Sea. Boasting 50 rooms and suites and three villas, Maslina Resort is a mindful luxury resort that holds wellness, family, culinary arts, cultural heritage, and authenticity as its core.
Getting there
Many airlines including British Airways, Easy Jet, Jet 2, and Whizz Air fly from many regional and London airports direct to Split. The flight time is approximately two hours and 30 minutes. From Split Airport, the transfer by speed boat takes 60 minutes. Dubrovnik and Brac airports are also nearby. Private car and speedboat transfers can be arranged from any of these locations.