From London to Hvar, Croatia [PLACES] hotel by Valamar

I was looking for somewhere to slow down, soak up some sun and reset. So, when the opportunity came up to go to Hvar in Croatia, I didn’t think twice.

I stayed at Hvar [PLACES] hotel owned by the brand Valamar which was tucked away right on island’s coastline.

(Image: NQ) It was more than just a hotel, it’s a fresh, thoughtfully curated experience that blends modern design with laid-back island living.

I had the pleasure of staying here between June 10 and 13 and it exceeded all expectations that delivered a mix of blue skies, beautiful sea views and the right amount of luxury.

(Image: NQ) If you’re craving a getaway that’s chilled and chic, then Hvar and especially PLACES should definitely be on top of your list.

Arrival

We flew into Split and hopped on a ferry where we were welcomed with stunning sea views that instantly set the tone.

(Image: NQ)After stepping off the boat at Stari Grad, we were met by a private driver who took us away on a short 10-minute drive to the hotel.

We were welcomed by friendly faces and handed an ice-cold drink which instantly made us feel like we were officially on holiday.

(Image: NQ)The reception area offered water jars infused with lemon, citrus fruit or cucumber, ensuring guests stay hydrated upon arrival.

It was a small but thoughtful touch.

As soon as I stepped into my room, I instantly knew that I would be sleeping like a king for the next few nights.

(Image: NQ)The bed was super comfy, with crisp white sheets and plenty of pillows, it was perfect for sinking into after a day in the sun.

It felt like the kind of place made for couples, but also for solo travellers like me who just needed quiet, comfort, and space to relax.

(Image: NQ)What makes PLACES stand out is how easy everything feels.

Every morning starts with an open buffet which is served daily until 11am. This is ideal if you’re not in a rush.

The hotel has two bars, one inside and and one by the poolside, so whether you’re having a quiet drink or a cocktail in the sun, you’re covered.

(Image: NQ)The swimming pool is surrounded by comfy loungers and the vibe is instantly set with a live DJ playing outside.

There’s also a outdoor fitness area (if you’re feeling energetic) plus a jacuzzi for relaxing after.

(Image: NQ)Every guest gets a €25 daily credit on their wristbands which they can use for lunch or dinner.

Or even for drinks and snacks at the hotels bars. It’s a thoughtful setup that gives you the freedom to enjoy your stay.

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Second day

Every morning, I walked down to the beach just a few steps from the hotel.

It’s one of the most peaceful beaches I’ve been to with small pebbles, crystal-clear water and not a soul crowding the space.

(Image: NQ)After a late breakfast, we set off on a short tour of the nearby Valamar Amicor Resort, a beautiful eco-conscious spot.

The resort featured a seriously impressive children’s play area, with everything from a water slide to PlayStation 5s, TV gaming setups, and even an interactive goalkeeper game, making it a dream for kids (and honestly, a few adults too).

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(Image: NQ)It’s a relaxed space that’s clearly designed with families in mind, without compromising on style or comfort.

Later in the morning, we met our guide Ivana, who took us on a tour of Stari Grad, one of the oldest towns in Europe.

(Image: NQ)We wandered its charming streets and visited the historic Petar Hektorović Castle, a peaceful stone villa built in the 16th century by the poet himself.

The standout feature? A large fish pond in the centre of the courtyard, home to mullet fish, surrounded by stone inscriptions and greenery.

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(Image: NQ)We then headed up into the hills for a winery tour at Lacman Family Winery and traditional Croatian lunch.

We tasted a selection of local wines alongside dishes like ravioli, and a delicious chicken dish.

It was all enjoyed with stunning views over the vineyards and coastline.

(Image: NQ)To finish, we had a classic tiramisu for dessert before heading back to the hotel full and happy.

I managed to treat myself to a 60-minute massage, and it was one of the best decisions I made on the trip.

It was completely relaxing and just what I needed after a few active days.

(Image: NQ) (Image: NQ) (Image: NQ)That evening, we returned to Amicor Resort for dinner, where we enjoyed a relaxed open buffet with plenty of drinks.

It ended on a high note when the lovely hotel staff surprised our friend Steve with a birthday cake and sang Happy Birthday, a thoughtful touch that made the night extra special.

Third day

On our final full day in Hvar, we started the morning with a guided walk through Hvar Town, led once again by our brilliant guide Ivana.

She took us through the town’s charming backstreets, sharing stories of its rich history and pointing out landmarks we might’ve missed on our own.

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(Image: NQ)We visited the home of Ivan Vučetić, the Hvar-born pioneer of fingerprint identification.

It was a short but fascinating look into an unexpected piece of history.

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From there, we boarded a private boat and set off for the Paklinski Islands.

Along the way, we stopped for a swim where the water was so clear you could see the sea floor.

We then arrived at Palmižana and had lunch at the iconic Toto’s Restaurant, nestled just off the beach under a canopy of trees.

(Image: NQ)The setting was effortlessly cool and relaxed, with waves lapping just beyond the tables.

We ordered fresh scampi with spaghetti, a simple but standout dish that felt perfectly in tune with the setting.

(Image: NQ)After cruising back to the hotel and enjoying a bit of downtime, we wrapped up the trip with a farewell dinner at Kod Barba Luke, a charming restaurant right in the heart of Hvar Town.