Dozing in Paradise: Maslina Resort's Lavender Sleep Haven in Hvar Croatia

Are you having trouble sleeping? According to the University of Bristol, 20% of Brits sleep poorly. Even more concerning, a recent 2022 survey by HNI revealed that 74% of adults reported a decline in sleep quality over the past year.

The Maslina Resort on the lavender-strewn island of Hvar in Croatia might be able to help.

Maslina is a wellness resort that nurtures both mind and body. Offering sleep therapy without pills or potions, the resort utilises natural herbs and mental techniques. Set in a luxurious five-star environment, it features twin pools, wooden terraces overlooking the sea, a beach with its own herb garden, a canvas wellness centre, and the ultimate in healthy, delicious cuisine.

And of course, they teach you how to sleep well, arguably the best way to live a long, healthy, and happy life.

So I jetted off from grimy Gatwick to sunny Split, then hopped onto a superb private yacht just a hundred yards from the airport. Maslina's bespoke Colnago speedboat, crafted by a local company, swiftly transported us to the resort on the island of Hvar in just under an hour. I could have happily spent the entire trip on the deck, mesmerised by Croatia's jaw-dropping islands gliding by in waters so clear, they'd give the Maldives a run for their money.

As we approached the neighbouring harbour, my first glimpse of the resort was subtly impressive—I could barely make it out against the backdrop of the coastline. Maslina is nestled in a secluded natural bay, surrounded by lush olive trees, almost concealed from view—an intentional nod to ethical development and privacy. The name "Maslina" itself means olive, conjuring images of Mediterranean tranquility and luxury.

Our hosts greeted us with a lavish platter of welcome canapés and refreshing drinks crafted from apricot, lemon, exotic tea infusion and ginger, instantly dispelling any befuddlement from the early morning start.

The setting was inspiring: the ultra-modern architectural exterior seamlessly camouflaged by natural woods, complemented by neo-classical interiors inspired by 20th-century French art, blending Mediterranean traditional materials with luxurious opulence. Natural red earth terracotta tiles adorned the floor, alongside propeller chandeliers and vintage leather armchairs. All designed by Paris-based Léonie Alma Mason, a friend of the resort's owner.

My room was even more exquisite, boasting a panoramic view of the terrace, pools, and shimmering bay. And all surrounded by a thousand olive trees. The air made my lungs feel like they were being massaged with a burst of pure herb-infused oxygen.

Maslina offers 50 rooms and suites, along with three uber luxurious private villas. Guests can enjoy two pools: an infinity pool for adults and a family pool, both without chlorine. The indoor/outdoor hotel bar exudes French bistro elegance alongside a pool terrace that screams ravishing Riviera.

Maslina Resort is the brainchild of owners Maud and Damian Truchi. Maud is the business brain whose ethos is founded on mindful luxury whilst Damian is the luxury wellness guru of the family.The concept for the hotel took root during a family trip to a bar in Japan when Damian was just 9 years old. There, he witnessed a captivating Japanese raccoon perform a dance, only to playfully nip him on the cheek. The establishment's hostess, a skilled Reiki master, tenderly tended to his wound, infusing Damian with an overwhelming sense of warmth and care. Miraculously, the pain dissipated without leaving a trace on his cheek. Inspired by this transformative experience, Damian's mother delved into learning Reiki, with Damian following suit.

For those that missed the first TV series of Big Brother where its most famous guest employed Reiki as a cheesy chat up line, Reiki harnesses the power of Chakras to alleviate stress and anxiety, promoting relaxation and enhancing the body's natural energy flow. And whilst I have my doubts as to the theories in Reiki, the practical side of mindfulness undoubtedly has some benefits.

But first we needed to encounter the lush landscapes of Hvar with a bike ride up the mountain behind the resort. The journey was effortlessly smooth thanks to our electric bikes, a blessing considering the steep incline, stopping at the Alavia Cafe perched at the top. This charming spot boasts a bijou bar and a comfortable terrace adorned with deep sofas that overlook the valley and the bay. Our guide explained that UNESCO safeguards the cultural heritage in Hvar, including the local Mediterranean diet, the Stari Grad Plain, dry stone walls, nuns' lacemaking, traditional singing, and the Za Križen Procession.

Then we cycled to a super exclusive remote location atop another summit, where an incredible chef and her team prepared a delicious Octopus carpaccio and family recipe dish of John Dory fish and lobster Grenada, or stew. Watching the chef skillfully prepare the ingredients amidst such beautiful surroundings was a highlight of the trip..

This was also the location for our first sleep therapy session—a guided hilltop meditation led by Damian, accompanied by singing bowls and a svaram chime. We laid down beneath a majestic cherry tree, its branches dramatically extending over the mountain's edge. Before us unfolded a breathtaking panorama of the bay and the hills stretching endlessly into the horizon. As the chimes played, we were lulled into a half sleep leaving me to focus on the twinkling light flickering through the swaying leaves above. Talk about bliss—Damian certainly knows how to mix serenity with a love of landscapes! And the snoring of two of my colleagues nearby just added to the rhythmic sounds of nature.

Then we cycled back downhill all the way to Maslina, feeling the wind in our hair and marvelling at the view of the shimmering sea below. After the thrilling ride, we indulged in an afternoon swim, playing in the swell and navigating around the rocks. The water was crystal clear, unmarred by sand. Finally, we rewarded ourselves with refreshing green juices by the pool, the perfect elixir to wash off the salt and make us feel as rejuvenated as celebrities on Love Island.

That evening, we were treated to a very special "Sunset Seaside Dining" experience—a table fit for royalty perched on rocks jutting out from the glistening sea. It was a magical evening; our waiters seemed to have mastered the art of appearing just in time with more wine, each bottle more prestigious than the last. The owner, Maud, is an acknowledged wine expert and a keen aficionado of Croatian wines. Having grown up in Bordeaux, she has advised UHNW individuals on wine investment for many years. As for the local dishes, they arrived with such mouth-watering descriptions that we almost felt guilty eating them—almost. All this was accompanied by the serene symphony of the gentle wind over the rolling waves, turning our dinner into a Michelin-starred pirate's dream.

Then, at the crack of dawn—7 am to be precise—we found ourselves at a serene little beach a hundred yards along the bay for an invigorating Hatha Yoga session. Under a beautifully draped canvas, we began our sun salutations, greeted by the gentle sounds of the waves. Andrea, our yoga teacher, epitomised the graceful elegance of someone who practices regularly. She was in perfect shape and customised the session for each of us, expertly gauging our abilities and adjusting the intensity accordingly.

We stretched and eased into long relaxation poses, aided by the soothing aroma of lavender oil and her expert touch of light Thai and Marma massage. This perfect blend of techniques prepared us for a deeply soothing Shavasana, the final resting pose. "Breathe in, count to five slowly, breathe out, count to five, rinse and repeat," Andrea guided us. "In through your nose, out through your mouth." This simple yet profoundly effective meditation technique, rooted in Ayurvedic tradition, left our minds and bodies feeling luxuriously calm.

Though some in our party were more expert than others as they snored gently throughout in poses that captured the very essence of 'relaxed' ie: prostrate. The ease with which they achieved sleep Zen mastery left us feeling jealous.

Then came a welcome early breakfast under the olive trees. Though calling it "breakfast" doesn’t quite capture the rich cornucopia—it was more like a divine feast organised by the god of picnics. We indulged in banana bread, pastries, fresh fruit, lavender lemonade, cheese, and hams. It was a sun-drenched dream, complete with chocolate pastries that melted in our mouths.

Afterward, we went foraging in the Maslina garden amidst the olive groves. Here, they grow all their herbs and vegetables for the kitchen and spa teas, and even produce their own Maslina olive oil. Sustainability isn’t just a marketing buzzword here—it’s woven into the very fabric of the hotel’s ethos.

This was followed by lovely light lunch by the pool (all local and freshly sourced ingredients) that set the stage for what was to come—a blissful afternoon Adriatic Rejuvenation massage at the Pharomatiq Wellness spa with Ivana. First up, a rejuvenating body scrub, followed by a luxurious lavender bath where I was left to soak for half an hour. I kept worrying that she had forgotten about me, "Was this the massage?" But no, this was just the prelude.

Ivana returned, and after I dried off, she administered an incredibly deep massage. With her expertise in sports therapy, she relaxed all my muscles and then stretched my legs and glutes to perfection. It was the best massage I've ever had. In my post-massage trance, I briefly considered a marriage proposal, but realised that I would just be the last in a long queue for that day alone.

There was just enough time to relax with a book, sitting in the comfy wooden deck chairs on the rocks with the sea lapping at my feet. After some blissful reading, I decided to swim to the beach a few hundred yards away. Along the way, I found myself swimming next to a lady kite surfer who looked like the Cindy Crawford of the surfing world.

Soon it was time for a therapeutic sound healing session at the luxurious Villa Litica. Damian, our sound healer extraordinaire, played a hand pan and chimes to create a symphony that transported us to another world. Picture this: bowls made in northern India from seven different types of metal—tin, mercury, lead, copper, silver, gold, and iron—each representing the planets and chakras, pinging away, the sound ebbing and flowing with our thoughts.

We lounged by the villa pool, drifting into a dreamlike state, half awake and half asleep, serenaded by the gentle rustling of olive trees in the wind and the soothing murmur of the sea. It felt like being enveloped in a luxurious lullaby, cocooned in absolute serenity.

Later, we moved back to the hotel pool, basking in the sun while clinging to that peaceful, dreamy feeling. The warmth of the sun's rays, combined with the tranquil ambiance, continued to transport us, as if we were still in that realm of reverie.

But no rest for the wicked, as there was more nirvana on offer. Friday morning found me back under canvas by the sea, this time for a sleep activity (a perfect oxymoron) with yoga and healing guru Simone. A Croatian who also grew up in New Zealand, Simone brought a unique blend of cultures and perspectives to our session.

Though I did find myself questioning the wisdom of getting up early to practice sleep therapy—surely we could have stayed in bed! But perhaps I was missing the point. Learning these techniques as the sun rose was entrancing, and I found them quite useful for winding down before bed. Besides, I did feel much more limber afterwards.

We began by applying lavender oil to our hands, inhaling its calming scent deeply. Simone guided us through simple stretches, including the playful "happy baby" pose, followed by body scanning (Yoga Nidra), a practice where we focused on different parts of the body. She encouraged us to enter our 'heart space', a sanctuary for the mind amidst the stress of Western culture, which is often competitive and toxic.

By the end of the session, everyone was deeply relaxed. The sun streamed through the tent poles, casting a warm glow, while the wind gently billowed the white cloths draped over the four-poster beds on the beach, set against the backdrop of the azure blue sea.

This is a fitting moment to note that many of these sleep therapies are likely most effective when practiced before bedtime. If you happen to suffer from narcolepsy, you're already a master of sleep! But if counting sheep doesn't quite do the trick, perhaps it's time to embrace a more holistic approach to achieving bedtime bliss!

Let's face it: a good night's sleep is the holy grail of happiness and health. Forget the sleeping pills and the booze—spend a few nights here and watch your mental capacity soar, your happiness levels skyrocket, and your overall health flourish. It's not just about feeling rested; it's about living a longer, healthier life filled with vitality and joy.

Sadly the end was nigh, so I savoured a last herbal pouches massage at the spa—a true masterpiece once again. Maslina undoubtedly boasts the world's finest massages, take my word for it. Feeling like a seasoned veteran, I confidently discarded the paper pants and embraced the au-naturel approach, which makes it easier for the masseur to work the largest muscles in the body more effectively.

This wasn't my first rodeo—actually, it marked my fourth massage in just two weeks, courtesy of a recent jaunt to Agadir. And let's be frank, if you're a frequent cyclist, proper kneading of the backside is as essential as choosing the perfect vintage wine. Maslina's skilled therapists worked their magic again.

For our grand finale, we gracefully glided on the hotel's wooden electric bikes half a kilometre to Stari Grad for a memorable dinner in this UNESCO heritage site. Stari Grad's charm lies in its ancient plains and Greek harbour architecture, surrounded by lush olive groves and vineyards that exude the essence of the Mediterranean.

We began with drinks and catching up at Café Expresso, a quaint port side cafe. Afterwards, we explored the town's art galleries and fashion boutiques nestled in narrow cobbled streets among ancient stone buildings that have stood the test of time for centuries. Our dining experience unfolded at the fabulous Blue Door restaurant, owned and operated by two brothers—one of whom was a lawyer turned restaurateur chasing his dream.

The service at Blue Door was impeccable, and as twilight descended, the ambiance became truly heavenly. With the season just about to begin, the atmosphere was still tranquil, with a few families leisurely strolling and children joyfully riding bicycles. The warm night air carried a gentle breeze as we quaffed exquisite local wines and shared stories of our experiences at Maslina.

Cycling back under the fading light, we were guided by a canopy of stars in a night sky untouched by light pollution. It was a perfect ending to our journey, where every moment shimmered with the enchantment of Hvar's timeless beauty and hospitality.

I slept like a hibernating bear that night— a definite win for the Maslina Resort.

Our early flight the next day prompted the hotel to prepare a delightful breakfast to-go, which we enjoyed during the scenic speedboat trip to the airport. For an hour, we revelled in the wake of the boat, surrounded by countless picturesque, unspoiled islands, sailboats dotting the horizon, and even dolphins playfully leaping alongside us. It was pure bliss, a fitting conclusion to our luxurious wellness retreat.

Maslina Resort is undeniably a labour of love, meticulously designed with a steadfast commitment to sustainability—no plastic, no artificiality. Every aspect of our stay resonated with this dedication to preserving and promoting environmental harmony, where mindful luxury effortlessly blends with a contemporary interpretation of holistic Asian therapies.

Hvar itself is a haven of luxury. "Unspoiled" comes to mind most often—the air, the sea, and the people seem to exist in a time before pollution and mass tourism reshaped the landscape. It is a privilege to explore and discover these hidden treasures. Maslina is a sanctuary where nature's tranquillity rejuvenates both body and soul, leaving an enduring impression of serenity and inspiration.

The owners, Maud and Damian, have penned a heartfelt love letter to Croatia, infusing their vision with elements of health, wellness, sustainability, mindfulness, sleep therapy, and overall wellbeing. This beautifully crafted manifesto, written in a flowing cursive hand, reveals the passion that fuels Maslina's essence. The staff at Maslina embody this ethos too, with warmth, friendship, and genuine care for their guests, creating an atmosphere of sincere hospitality and empathy.

https://www.maslinaresort.com

Fact Box

Maslina Resort has a four-night Lavender Sleep Retreat with all activities included and prices starting from €4,870 per person based on two people sharing a Garden Room, on a half-board basis (breakfast and dinners) including one Seaside Dining Dinner and return speedboat transfers from Split to Stari Grad on Hvar Island. Contact details: Maslina Resort, relax@maslinaresort

Lavender Sleep Retreat itinerary info: https://www.maslinaresort.com/special-offers/lave…

Pricing begins from 9740 euros in the low season and the retreat can be booked from May 1st to October 15th.

Exclusive Seaside Dining: https://www.maslinaresort.com/experiences/dining/…