Maslina Resort

Maslina is a gem in the Adriatic Sea. It has everything you would expect and more from a five star beachfront Relais & Chateaux property. Service is impeccable and knowledgeable. I have three key highlights. First, it’s an intimate property with a high ratio of staff to guests. There are only 50 rooms in the whole resort! You feel like you have your own space to wander, yet there’s a Maslina team member always nearby. The culinary team provides fantastic meals and signature cocktails. The produce they source is really fresh. The design and theme evokes eco friendliness which is a contrast to the typically ostentatious resorts that show up alongside Maslina in lists. Second, the boat tour is a must do. I’ve been around boats my whole life, and I’ve never been on such a perfectly executed tour. The Colnago 45ft jet boats are built for the Adriatic Sea as they zoom fast over choppy waters. Also, because the boats are built so well (by a Croatian shipbuilder, which is a nice touch) you’re zooming from Hvar Town to the Pakleni Islands much faster than others because you can take a direct route opposed to staying close to shore. Every time the boat pull into a harbor or cove, it’s legitimately the best boat for its length. The Captain: Ivan, is one of the most brilliant drivers I’ve encountered. As a Croat, he knows the seas like the back of his hand. I noticed he makes subtle adjustments to the direction boat when encountering waves to minimize bouncing, which is an art that is not easily learned. Frankly, it takes decades on the water to learn how to navigate a boat a well as him. His first mate, also Ivan keeps the drinks flowing and helps execute docking and anchoring flawlessly. As a captain myself, I have a critical eye when it comes to boat tours. The one my wife and I went on with the Ivans was flawless, fun, and the perfect day on the sea. Finally, and most importantly: the staff here are proud of their resort. They want you to have fun, experience Croatian culture, and walk away with the best experience. I’ve been to resorts that are cash grabs where corners are being cut every which way to maximize profit. Maslina is furthest from that, where no expense is spared by the resort and ownership to ensure that guests have the best possible experience. My wife and I would like to thank the Maslina team for providing the perfect start to our honeymoon. We hope to visit again soon.

This is an incredible hotel. From beginning to end, could not have had a better experience. The staff are all extremely hospitable and helpful from the front desk, Batu helping arrange plans, and all of the staff in the restaurants. The rooms are thoughtfully designed and spacious. Everything we ate and drank was excellent. If you are looking for a relaxing vacation, this checks all of the boxes. You can sit by the pool, the ocean or at the beach, all with food/drink service. Plenty of seating space wherever you go. The wellness facility is beautiful and peaceful. It is a quick trip into the town of Stari Grad with their shuttle. We booked the Tuk Tuk tour with Petar as guide, it was a great way to see some of the other nearby towns with a stop for olive oil and wine tasting, highly recommend this tour. Would definitely visit Maslina again.

Croatia’s natural beauty and warm people are truly unforgettable – but unfortunately, this particular hotel experience did not match our expectations of “Mindful Luxury.” I added an extra star solely because the hotel has an outstanding manager named Batu, whose professionalism and dedication truly stand out and elevate the experience Booking & Expectations We booked at a rate of €1,400 per night, anticipating a serene, thoughtfully designed luxury escape. While there are some positives, overall the experience fell short of the premium promise. Positives The service staff are friendly, kind, and genuinely try their best. It’s clear they work hard to assist guests, though they sometimes appear overstretched. My concerns are directed towards the hotel’s concept and management rather than the frontline staff. Rooms • The interior design feels unfinished and minimalist to the point of being impractical, with tiny wardrobes and limited furniture. • Soundproofing is minimal, making rooms quite noisy. • The bed and pillows were not as comfortable as expected for a hotel in this price category. • “Eco” towels don’t dry well, and fresh replacements aren’t offered automatically. • Housekeeping focuses on changing towels and making the bed, but personal items left out are not tidied – unusual for a five-star hotel. Restaurant & Breakfast • Lunch and dinner dishes are very good in taste and presentation. • Outdoor seating is limited, so reservations are needed for preferred spots. • The dinner menu is the same each night and offers no vegan options. • Breakfast selection is modest, with limited fresh produce, and some items were underwhelming. • Coffee is enjoyable but can take up to 15 minutes to be served. • Service during breakfast is minimal – guests seat themselves and navigate a small buffet, which can feel crowded. Pool & Beach • The pool is located near a road, which may not suit those seeking complete tranquility. • The “hotel beach” requires crossing a street and descending steps, with loungers placed on rocky areas. • The alternative public beach is busy and not particularly peaceful. • Beach towels are provided only upon specific request. While marketed as “eco-luxury,” the execution feels more like cost-saving under the guise of sustainability. There’s little evidence of a thoughtful environmental approach, and certain compromises impact comfort and overall guest experience. This resort does not currently deliver the level of comfort, design, and serenity implied by its branding or pricing.