No summer like Hvar summer!

Summer is finally back! Have you already make your perfect vacation itinerary? The choices are countless; so many beautiful places to see, hotels to stay at, cultures to discover, experiences to indulge….A tough choice is in front of you, tough but sweet.

If you are thinking about an island destination, where nature is gorgeous,  the sea is crystal clear and people  welcoming, where you can have great fun but also find a peaceful spot at the hidden beach, where accommodation options are various and all hotels perfectly located, then Hvar Island is definitely a perfect choice for your amazing summer vacation.

Apart from a wide range of accommodation solutions, which meet anyone’s needs, wishes and budget plans, Suncani HvarHotels have great restaurants and bars, all located on Hvar’s premier locations. Delicious snacks at Riva’s hot spot BB club terrace in the vivid ambience of Hvar Riva and breathtaking views on Paklinski islands, fine dining at Adriana’s Val Marina restaurant while enjoying romantic setting of the Hvar marina, Classic Mediterranean spirit of San Marco’s historic terrace or sunset lit dinner at Hvar’s most exclusive restaurant at Bonj’ les bains’....These are only some ideas which you will be able to experience while taking your sunsational Hvar vacation.

Once you pick your favo
u
rite hotel you become a member of the Sunčani Hvar family which makes you feel at home at any of our outlets and venues. Discover Hvar Club will make it easier for you to enjoy your Suncani outlets tour while using the benefits of your Coupon Club membership. Your concierge or front desk officer will be happy to provide detailed information on these unique offers and help you chose and book the selected venue at you convenience.

For online bookings received in July we have prepared a special F&B offer which gives you more value at our premier restaurants and bars.

We invite you to visit our new web page, find out more about our latest offers and packages, to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest and get latest news from our sunny island and Suncani Hvar Hotels.

Visit us on www.suncanihvar.com and book your favourite place under the sun! 

  

NEWS: HVAR IN A NUTSHELL – YOUR COMPACT GUIDE TO THE CAPITAL OF CROATIA’S PREMIER ISLAND!

Planning your trip to Hvar is now easier and more fun with the brand new Hvar in a Nutshell I-phone application.  A free download of this application will enable you to get all relevant Hvar related information; hotel offer, restaurants and bars, nightlife, events and much more.

Download here

Suncani Hvar Hotels and Lashings enter exclusive partnership

Hvar - The island of Hvar's visibility on the international stage has been enhanced with the announcement of a partnership with Lashings in the UK.

A new partnership between leading hotel group Suncani Hvar Hotels and Lashings announced on the latter's website on May 30, 2012, is the latest raising of the profile of Croatia's premier island, in an exclusive 2-years sponsorhip deal.  

Hvar, named by Lonely Planet as its number 5 destination for 2012, has cultivated an exclusive image and is one of the main celebrity destinations on the Adriatic coast, with 2011 high profile visitors Prince Harry and Beyonce making global headlines during their visits to Hvar.

Announcing the partnership, Lashings chairman David Folb said:

“We are absolutely delighted to have agreed a partnership with Suncani Hvar Hotels. Hvar is the new St.Tropez and the jewel of Adriatic. It is an absolutely stunning island and the Suncani Hvar Hotels are the best I have ever visited.”

"We're thrilled to be unveiled as a Lashings sponsor," said Roko Palmic, Commercial Head at Suncani Hvar. "Lashings are known all around the world and we feel their international profile is ideally suited to our rapidly growing brand."

As part of the deal, Lashings will wear the Suncani Hvar logo on their shirts, and the hotel's banners will appear in 30 cricket grounds around the UK. The partnership brings together two unlikely cricket stories which are separated by two centuries.

Not known for its cricket, sporting buffs are often surprised to learn that the oldest cricket club in Europe outside the UK is on Hvar's neighbouring island, Vis, which recently celebrated it bi-centenary, having been established by stationed British military personnel.

The history of Lashings is no less intriguing, and has its roots in owner Folb's willingness to assemble a scratch team at short notice to fulfill a fixture after a visiting team had pulled out. Lashings were thrashed on the day, but Folb grew the team from that inauspicious start to a formidable local force, one which was enhanced considerably when he signed former West Indian captain Richie Richardson to play for Lashings.

The rest is history and a string of cricketing stars have represented Lashings, including Sachin Tendulkar, Alvin Kallicharan, Jimmy Adams, Rashid Latif, Wasim Akram, Allan Donald and Sir Viv Richards, as the club has developed into a slick corporate outfit.

Lashings also expressed the hope that cricket on the Dalmatian islands will be boosted by a proposed tour of Hvar in the near future.

Read more: http://digitaljournal.com/article/325755#ixzz1wvUyfnZg

HVAR’S PREMIER HOTEL ADRIANA CELEBRATES 5TH ANNIVERSARY

With the main tourist season just around the corner on the island named by Lonely Planet as its number five destination for 2012, one of the catalysts for Hvar's increasing international popularity will be celebrating a special birthday.
The huge investment by ORCO group in the flagship hotels of the Suncani Hvar Group finally brought high quality hotel accommodation to an island long known as one of the most beautiful tourist islands in the world, with Hvar's premier hotel - the renamed and total revamped Adriana - celebrating an award-winning first five years on June 6.
The hotel itself, formally known as the Adriatic, has been part of the Hvar scene since mass tourism took off in the Sixties, the only hotel with a waterfront location overlooking the main square, entire Riva and Pakleni Islands, but it was the complete overhaul by its new owners which has catipulted the hotel - and Hvar Town - to greater international recognition.
Adriana was once again shortlisted as one of only six hotels for the so-called 'Oscars of the Travel Industry' last week, appearing for the fifth year running as a nominee for the Best European Boutique Resort by the World Travel Awards, a category it won in 2008.
There have been plenty of other awards in the short time Adriana has been open, including Fodor's top 100 hotels in Europe in 2011, Hot Hotels: The 65 best new places to stay in the world (Conde Nast, 2008), Europe's coolest new hotel  (Sunday Times, 2007), and a 2009 Grand Award Winner  in the Andrew Harper's Hideaway Report.
With 50 deluxe guest rooms, 9 suites and spa-specific suites, there is ample room for a luxury stay in Hvar's premier hotel, but it is the additional amenities - also open to non-residents - which give Adriana that additional quality and have raised the bar in luxury island accommodation.
The award-winning Sensori Spa is a member of the Leading Spas of the World, offering a range of wellness products to pamper every need. Sensori is 1,400m2 of relaxation, from the heated seawater pool and outdoor cabana massages, to Carita facials, yoga and Pilates.
For the best view in town, head to the stylish Top Bar for a rooftop overview of the Spanish Fortress, entire old town and stunning Pakleni Islands, while the Val Marina terrace is a great place for dinner, as well as hosting the best breakfast in town - the perfect way to start the day with some leisurely harbour-watching.
Suncani Hvar's investment and commitment to Adriana is ongoing, as the company strives to improve the leisure experience of its guests. To that end, the company recently appointed a new manager of the hotel, the experienced Renata Lichtberger, whose ultimate goal is her guests' satisfaction.
„ Adriana is perfectly positioned, boutique spa hotel, unique for its facilities and service, not only on the island but in Croatia and our goal is to maximize its potential and provide our guests an overall experience of Hvar luxury. The popularity of Adriana is huge indeed, but our plan is to take the quality standards to the next level and exceed our guests expectations“.

Common Sense and Sensibility Arrives on Hvar on July 14

The city Loggia will host a summer exhibition for Hvar to promote Croatian product designs. The exhibition, supported by Suncani Hvar Hotels, aims to promote Croatian design culture at an international level. Called "Common Sense and Sensiblility", the exhibition will provide state-of-the-art visual and communication technology, supported by PR activities in traditional and online media both here and abroad.
The exhibition, sponsored by the Croatian Ministry of Culture, the City of Zagreb, the Town of Hvar and Suncani Hvar Hotels, will exhibit in Belgrade, Zagreb and Hvar, with the island hosting the exhibition from July 14 to August 15. The Hvar section will be the highlight of the event, with President Josipovic invited as a special guest.
The event is part of the launch of a new Internet magazine, DesignAgenda.me, which will launch in May in English, after a successful trial in Croatian, covering global design, innovation and creative industry topics. Bookmark their website for updates and more details.
Belgrade. Zagreb. Hvar. I like the sound of that as a trio to promote a new initiative in the region. The island of Hvar, so much more than the average tourist island.

Privided by Total-hvar.com

WHERE IS THE BEST BREAKFAST IN HVAR? VAL MARINA IN ADRIANA – IT'S FAB!

I have recently interviewed the new manager of Hotel Adriana, Renata Lichtberger, a lady with 25 years' experience in the industry. One thing that came across very strongly was her aim to personalize the leisure experience and to provide the ambiance for guests to truly enjoy their stay in her hotel. 

Quite by chance, I found myself staying at the Adriana, due to other events in Hvar Town, and after a very refreshing night's rest and some early blogging, I went to check it out. I wasn't going to bother with breakfast, but I thought I would pop in and have some orange juice. 

And then I saw the spread.

It was partly the food, it was partly the service, it was definitely more than partly the stunning location - possibly the best terrace on the waterfront - but it was also very much the realization of Renata's goal - the enjoyment of personalized leisure with great ambiance.
The food? Excellent, well beyond my expectations, and with an option for everyone. Real bacon and eggs, a great selection of grilled veggies, to croissants and pastries, to hams and cheeses, to fresh salmon, to cereals and yogurts, and a selection of juices. It is all there. Well prepared and well presented, as it should be in such a good hotel.
There is a great terrace outside, wide and relaxed with a simply breathtaking view, to people watch or just relax and take in the sheer beauty of Hvar. To the left, a view straight down the main square to the Cathedral, a  vista which stretches the length of the waterfront and then out to the Pakleni Islands - an ideal place to laze away an hour or two with a good book.
Breakfast is from 7 - 11, and is open to non-residents for a price of 99 kuna. For me it's a very good spread, great ambiance and the chance to while away a couple of hours on the best terrace on the waterfront, while taking in the magic of Hvar, I think it is very good value.

Provided by Total Hvar

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Guests' satisfaction is my ultimate goal

At Renata Lichtberger's helm, who has been appointed new hotel manager, Adriana enters a new season ready to meet all needs of international clientele and maximize the potential of Hvar's leading spa hotel.

GUESTS' SATISFACTION IS MY ULTIMATE GOAL
After 25 years in the hotel business, including 10 years for the Intercontinental Hotel Group, as well as stints at Falkensteiner Hotels and Croatia's largest tour operator, Generalturist, Renata Lichtberger has taken on her sunniest challenge yet - the running of Hvar's premier hotel. Meet the new manager of Hotel Adriana.

Welcome to Hvar. Why Adriana?
It is very nice to be here. Why Adriana? I wanted the challenge of running a hotel providing tailor-made service to guests, to personalize the sophistication of service.

What are the diffences between running a hotel in Zagreb and on a premier tourist island?
In Zagreb, the majority of guests were associated with business and meetings, and while there was tourism, it was mostly group leisure. While our business and conference bookings are increasing, the big difference is that here at Adriana, we are dealing with individuals, allowing the opportunity to create the personalized leisure experience.

If there is one legacy you would like to leave after your time at Suncani, what would it be?
Quite simply to instill the joy of service and the sense of achievement in having a satisfied guest. I want the staff to get used to the sheer pleasure of knowing a satisfied guest has left the hotel very happy.

Non-residents of hotels often shy away from the services on offer. Give us three reasons why people should visit Adriana, even if they are not staying there.
We welcome non-residents and have plenty to offer. If I had to limit our attractions to three, the first would be without question the chance to have a drink and experience the astonishing view from the Top Bar, surely one of the best views in Croatia. Secondly would be the wonderful selection of wellness options available at the Sensori Spa, sophisticated spa treatments at an affordable price. And finally, I invite non-residents to come and try the excellent food, all freshly prepared.

How are bookings for the season?
Very good so far, and we are looking forward to a successful year with many satisfied guests. One thing that has been particularly pleasing so early in my time here has been the fabulous guest comments we have received.

What do you see as your greatest challenge?
The challenge is quite simple - to have each guest confirm that they have experienced their stay in the hotel the way I envisage it – a sophisticated, tailor-made and personalized service.

You sound a busy lady. How much have you explored Hvar, and what is your favourite place?
I have only been here a month, and working mostly in the hotel, but I have pleasant memories of a holiday in Jelsa 30 years ago, and as for my favourite place, the main square in Hvar Town is the centre of everything, and has a wonderful atmosphere. But i am looking forward to discovering more of this great island when time permits - but only when all the guests have left satisfied.

A foreigner view: Magic of Easter on Hvar

By Paul Bradbury

Photo provided by Miranda Milicic Bradbury

While Hvar is famous for its sun, beaches and party atmosphere, is it nightlife of a very different kind which contributes to the most fascinating night of the year on the island - Maundy Thursday. No loud clubbing here, but the singing continues through the night until 7am, as six simultaneous processions return to their starting points in Jelsa, Pitve, Vrisnik, Svirce, Vrbanj and Vrboska, having walked 22km through the night, praying and chanting and following a barefoot cross-bearer as part of a UNESCO-protected 500 year-old tradition.

As a foreigner here for several years, Easter is my favourite time of year and provides a unique insight into life here, which is missed by many tourists. It is not so much the procession itself (although it is a phenomenon in its own right) as the atmosphere and joy which pervades the whole island, with Easter always being both a celebration and the unofficial end of the long winter.

It is, above all, a family occasion, with the island's students and young professionals returning home from Zagreb and elsewhere, to celebrate this religiously important festival. The cafes are brimming with chatter and laughter, as friends and family catch up over an espresso or two. Many bars and restaurants open for the season, and there is a vibrancy about the island, as it comes to life after the quiet winter.

It is a time of light as well, and the tradition of lighting every house during the procession bathes the town in brightness through the night, a fabulous sight to see as one enters the town. There is a special light for the house for the honoured position of cross-bearer, a huge illuminated cross in front of the house during the whole Easter period.

The procession takes about 8 hours, as the cross-bearer, accompanied by his acolytes in white robes, the religious congregation and many tourists, depart the six towns and villages and visit the other five locations through the night, stopping to pray in each village church en route. The sound of the chanting in the distance at different times through the night is magical, and sleep is somehow an afterthought, but the most special moment of all is about 0630 as the Jelsa congregation passes, chanting, directly under our terrace before descending down to the main square. It is the most amazing wake-up call and summons one immediately to the terrace where one emerges into bright early-morning sunshine and a Jelsa bathed in light.

Words cannot truly convey the magic of the Easter Procession in Jelsa, which has taken place every year uninterrupted since 1510. It has to be experienced, and it is an experience that will remain one of your most abiding memories of Hvar. Suncani Hvar Hotels understand this and have a spectacular Easter offer at Hotel Adriana, which is a true combination of tradition and luxury. The 4-day spa break includes transfers and participation in the procession, which is probably the most magical and memorable Hvar nightlife of all.

For more information on the Suncani Hvar Hotels Easter on Hvar offer, visit the Suncani Hvar website.

Month of love

Month of love on Croatia's sunniest island Hvar is consistently recognized as one of the sexiest and most exciting island destinations in the world. Hvar is loved world over for that inexplicable, but strongly captivating essence that, many of the visitors say, keeps you bound to this place long after loosing the sight of its shores. Therefore, Sunčani Hvar Hotels renamed February the Month of Love because it is no longer enough to celebrate the love for just one day.

Aiming to provide its guests an overall, memorable and authentic experience, while visiting Hvar at any season of the year, Sunčani Hvar Hotels are dedicated to originality and uniqueness, always offering a fine balance of high quality accommodation, guest oriented service, and exciting destination experience program.

The Month of Love will be celebrated throughout February in Hvar’s trendiest boutique hotel Riva. Perfectly located in Hvar’s marina, overlooking neighboring islands and uniquely designed, Riva is a natural choice for this romantic story.

“ Hvar is romantic for itself and it is no surprise that the island has recently become one of the most desirable wedding destinations in Croatia and our venues on top of the list for a perfect wedding day in Hvar. Couples from all over the world chose Hvar and our hotels to celebrate their love. In the Month of Love in Riva we encourage ladies to draw inspiration from an ancient Irish tradition, where every four years, on February 29th, the Month of Love culminates in marriage proposals to – men.“ – says Ivan Safundžić, hotel manager.

Apart from a small extras scented with aromatic Hvar lavander, relaxing spa treatmants and romantic settings at Riva's Superior rooms, the Month of love aims at introducing guests and visitors a like a natural and historical beauties of Hvar. Romantic walks to the centre of the old town, which boasts the largest square in Dalmatia, the magnificent Cathedral, the historic Arsenal and one of the oldest public theatres in Europe will be organized every weekend during the Month of Love.

Many people have yet to discover the hidden secrets of Hvar island and surrounding archipelago of the Paklinski islands. Hvar's winter charms and it's mild climate make a perfect setting for a romantic private picnik luch on one of hidden beaches on the neighbouring archipelago.

One of the highlights of the romantic weekends in February is without doubt a visit of Andro Tomić winery, one of Hvar’s award winning wineries, where world’s first tasting of Mr Tomić’s 2011 Opolo nobile rosé has been planned out. Think Beaujolais nouveau, but add Hvar and Love and the most amazing experience for all senses is guaranteed.

At Riva's Roots restaurant and colourful BB-club delicious meals will be served. All based on top class, natural local ingredients; fresh, tasty and creatively prepared by Riva's chef.

Following the sunset, the celebration of Love will reach it's climax by launching Chinese lanterns into the sky with your secret love message.