Croatia Is Calling With The Exciting New Riva Marina Hotel Opening In Hvar
And a lavender festival painting everything purple in July, too.
In case you were looking for another reason to decamp to Croatia this summer, we're here to give you one–or make that, two.
On the most sun-splashed of Croatia's islands, Hvar, the iconic Riva Marina hotel just reopened on June 1, following a complete makeover. Dating back to 1914, when it debuted on Hvar's seafront as Hotel Kovačić, the newly reimagined boutique hotel looks more like your own Mediterranean villa.
The property has 50 rooms, waterfront terraces, and a chic bar and restaurant for sipping cocktails, with lots of historic nods to its century-old heritage throughout the redesign. Guests here get access to the heated pool and sauna at nearby Adriana Hvar Spa Hotel, although we're the types who would be jumping into those turquoise Adriatic seas at any possible moment instead.
Hvar is one Croatia's most spectacular islands, covered with vineyards, biking trails, olive groves, and, during the summer months, lavender fields that look like something straight out of Provence. Why not time your visit for July 15-16, when the Lavender Festival takes over the tiny 14th century town of Velo Grablje on Hvar with lavender beer and lavender chocolates among the gourmet bites on offer alongside live concerts, workshops, and plenty of sweet smelling people basking in lavender aromas.