Maslina Resort: Hotel in Hvar, Croatia

A secluded address in Maslinica Bay

On the western side of Hvar, Maslina Resort, a member of Relais & Châteaux, sits in Maslinica Bay, surrounded by a remarkably preserved Mediterranean landscape. The resort stretches across more than two hectares of pine forest, overlooking the Adriatic, where the scents of Mediterranean vegetation mingle with the sea air. Away from the island’s liveliest destinations, the resort embraces an intimate relationship with nature and the sea. This philosophy is expressed through the concept of Mindful Luxury, built around a more conscious approach to travel, where personalized service, architecture, nature, gastronomy, wellness, and local culture come together. The arrival immediately sets the tone. The resort can be reached from the ports of Stari Grad and Hvar, while some experiences can begin directly on the water, with a speedboat arrival into Maslinica Bay. It is an almost cinematic way to discover this secluded retreat hidden among the pines.

A story conceived as a love letter to Hvar

Maslina Resort was born from the desire to create far more than a luxury hotel on the Adriatic: an address deeply rooted in its surroundings. The resort describes its origins as a true love letter to the Mediterranean, inspired by the discovery of Dalmatia’s landscapes, its people, and a cultural heritage that has remained remarkably preserved. The idea was to recreate the emotion felt when first approaching this singular bay and to create a place capable of sharing that same feeling with its guests. The philosophy is even reflected in the resort’s name: “Maslina” means olive in Croatian, referring to one of the most emblematic trees of Hvar and Mediterranean culture. The project therefore maintains a close relationship with the land, vegetation, and island traditions. Here, luxury is less about display than sensation, with an emphasis on natural materials, local experiences, and a form of hospitality that follows the rhythm of the island.

Contemporary architecture inspired by nature

At Maslina Resort, architecture seeks to blend into the landscape rather than dominate it. The project was designed by Aalto, an architecture studio based in Split and led by Croatian architect Tomislav Alujević. The buildings were deliberately fragmented into a series of pavilions to preserve the pine forest and minimize the resort’s visual impact. The structures weave between the trees rather than imposing themselves on the site, while ventilated wooden facades were designed to blend into the island environment. Indoor and outdoor spaces flow naturally into one another, reinforcing the feeling of living in close connection with the landscape. Inside, French interior designer Léonie Alma Mason, founder of LA.M Studio and a graduate of Paris’s École Camondo, drew inspiration from her memories of Hvar and the island’s colors. Brač stone, Iroko wood, terracotta, brushed brass, and natural textiles create a warm, tactile palette. The result is a contemporary Mediterranean aesthetic that feels elegant without being ostentatious, bringing together local craftsmanship, clean lines, and French influences.

53 rooms, suites, and villas overlooking the Adriatic

Maslina Resort features 53 rooms, suites, and villas, designed to preserve privacy while opening up views toward the sea and surrounding landscapes. The accommodation includes Garden Rooms, opening onto light-filled loggias overlooking the vegetation, as well as Panoramic Rooms, which offer privileged views of Maslinica Bay. Garden Rooms range from approximately 42 to 45 square meters, while Panoramic Rooms offer 33 to 36 square meters, complemented by loggias ranging from 6 to 14 square meters. The suites take the experience further with terraces, loggias, rooftop gardens, and, in select categories, heated private pools. Eight suites feature their own plunge pool, allowing guests to enjoy views across the bay in complete privacy. Some connecting configurations have also been designed for families and groups of friends. Even more exclusive, the villas are nestled either directly by the water or within the pine forest. Depending on the configuration, they feature four or five bedrooms, generous indoor and outdoor living spaces, professional kitchens, and private heated pools. Conceived as Mediterranean homes, they offer an entirely private take on the Maslina experience.

Terra, Mediterranean cuisine from earth to plate

At Maslina, gastronomy continues the same dialogue with the land. Terra, the resort’s Michelin-recommended restaurant, serves cuisine that combines classical French techniques with Mediterranean ingredients, with a particular focus on herbs and locally sourced produce. Its “earth-to-plate” philosophy seeks to reconnect each dish with the landscapes, producers, and traditions of Hvar. Olive oil, rosemary, sage, seasonal vegetables, and produce from the island’s land and sea come together in a cuisine deeply rooted in its surroundings. The restaurant also draws inspiration from the Mediterranean Diet, inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, while leaving room for contemporary creativity. Inside, terracotta tones evoke the red earth of the Stari Grad Plain. The terrace, with 30 seats, overlooks the pool, while an additional 50 seats are available indoors. During the warmer months, guests can also enjoy lunch by the pool. The experience continues at the bar, with signature cocktails inspired by Hvar, Champagne, and a selection of wines. Set by the water, A·Bay Beach Bar offers a more relaxed atmosphere for long days of swimming, lunch, and sunset. For more intimate occasions, Maslina also offers private dining experiences, including dinners arranged beside the Adriatic.

Pharomatiq Wellness, wellness as a way of life

Wellness lies at the heart of Maslina Resort’s identity. Known as Pharomatiq Wellness, the spa draws inspiration from Hvar’s natural properties and its renowned aromatic and medicinal vegetation. The approach is holistic, combining massages, essential oils, botanical ingredients, sound therapy, and different practices designed to promote balance between body and mind. Experiences are organized around four intentions: Purify, Vitality, Longevity, and Serenity, allowing guests to tailor their wellness journey to their individual needs. The resort also offers a daily program of activities including yoga, meditation, and sound healing, with selected experiences included in the stay. Wellness therefore extends beyond the spa, becoming part of a broader philosophy centered around a slower, more intentional pace of life. Maslina also encourages guests to experience Hvar in a different way: local wine tastings, cocktail classes, water activities, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and experiences around the organic garden all contribute to a philosophy of slower, more immersive travel that remains closely connected to the island.

Five new villas to extend the Maslina experience

The story of Maslina Resort is also entering a new chapter. The resort is developing five new villas, which will expand its existing accommodation offering while extending its philosophy of Mindful Luxury. Located on land already acquired by the resort, the new properties will be developed and operated under the Maslina brand. The project encompasses approximately 5,401 square meters, while maintaining the resort’s commitment to wood, stone, and natural materials in order to preserve the character of the site. Designed as a continuation of the resort’s architectural approach, the new villas are expected to build on the same philosophy already established at Maslina: working with the landscape rather than against it, preserving existing trees and local species, and maintaining a strong connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. This new collection will further strengthen the resort’s residential offering while remaining faithful to its original vision of a more understated, conscious form of Mediterranean luxury deeply rooted in Hvar.

A different idea of Mediterranean luxury

At Maslina Resort, luxury is not measured by what is added, but by everything one can finally leave behind. The noise, the schedules, the rush. What remains is a turquoise bay, the scent of pine trees, a plate inspired by the land of Hvar, and the light slowly descending over the Adriatic. A place where nature is not simply the backdrop, but the true thread running through the entire stay,  and where time seems to find a gentler rhythm.

We love Maslina Resort for:

• Privileged location in Maslinica Bay, surrounded by Hvar’s preserved natural landscape
• Architecture by Aalto, designed to blend seamlessly into the pine forest and surrounding landscape
• 53 rooms, suites, and villas, overlooking the sea or the island’s natural surroundings
• Mediterranean cuisine at Terra, the resort’s Michelin-recommended restaurant
• Pharomatiq Wellness, a holistic spa inspired by Hvar’s plants and traditions
• Mindful Luxury philosophy, bringing together nature, contemporary design, and immersive island experiences