I first went to Hvar in Croatia two years in the past. On that journey there have been 5 of us and we stayed in a hostel, which was nice. However final summer season we have been fortunate sufficient to remain within the Amfora, the island’s most luxurious lodge, which made for a completely totally different expertise.
I like Croatia. After my first go to I knew that I needed to return as quickly as I might. Every little thing in regards to the place is extraordinary.
Fruits of his labour: Jamie soaks up the solar on Hvar’s tranquil waterfront
The expertise begins instantly – after flying to town of Cut up, you are taking a 90-minute catamaran journey to Hvar. It is a terrific experience and prices a mere £6. In summer season, there is a massive demand for tickets as a result of the catamaran completes the journey a lot quicker than a traditional ferry.
Once you get to Hvar, and the catamaran pulls into the harbour, you will discover the place is already buzzing. Hvar is a comparatively small island nevertheless it’s actually cool – it is Croatia’s reply to Monaco.
It was much more of a thrill to be staying on the Amfora this time round. The lodge is tucked away in a tranquil bay, surrounded by a lush pine grove, and solely a ten-minute stroll from the historic metropolis centre of Hvar.
For my cash, Amfora is probably the most thrilling seaside resort within the Adriatic. It has elegant, fashionable rooms and superb views of the close by Paklinski Islands. Amenities embody a spectacular cascading pool and an opulent seaside membership with personal cabanas.
On this go to it was apparent how the resort had grow to be far more fashionable. It was additionally clear that it is attracting a extra upmarket clientele. I do not assume that Hvar will ever grow to be a ‘Brits-abroad’ paradise as a result of there are different resorts on the Croatian coast which are a lot simpler to succeed in. However regardless of this, costs on Hvar are fairly affordable.
I visited final summer season after the top of our profitable British Lions tour of Australia so I used to be feeling fairly drained and in want of a glass or two of one thing refreshing. On the Lions tour, there was solely a restricted quantity of down-time. Between the second and third checks, the gamers went to Noosa in Queensland for 3 or 4 days.
In a league of its personal: A hilltop view of the trendy island resort of Hvar
Noosa is an impressive place – fully chilled. Lots of the gamers tried their hand at browsing and acquired to loosen up on a seaside. It was nice to flee the depth of the rugby for a bit.
So Hvar was my first probability after the tour to occasion and relieve all of the stress. The break was all about switching off, forgetting about food plan and coaching, and fully letting myself go.
I used to be decided to benefit from Hvar’s superb bars, and the Hula Hula seaside membership is the place to go for at sundown. Being right here for a sundowner or two needs to be on everyone’s checklist of issues to do.
The opposite factor you need to do in Hvar is hire a ship and get out on the water. We rented a small vessel and explored a number of the different little islands dotted round Hvar.
With your individual boat you possibly can simply drop anchor and discover a abandoned cove or seaside. It is a sensible approach to spend the day.
Being accountable for my very own boat was additionally an opportunity to dwell out a little bit of a James Bond fantasy.
On the finish of the keep I used to be fully relaxed, which was simply as nicely as a result of instantly after the vacation I moved from Wales to Paris, the place I am now taking part in membership rugby for high French facet Racing Metro. I’ve a beautiful flat subsequent to the Musée d’Orsay and a scooter to drive across the metropolis.
At the moment I will be taking part in for Wales towards England in a significant Six Nations match at Twickenham – I might do with one other break on Hvar after that!
