There’s something magical about the Croatian island of Hvar. Like many, I had heard of its glittering waters, heavenly beaches, boujee bars and restaurants and picture perfect aesthetic, but it wasn’t until I spent a few days there myself that I fully appreciated just how idyllic it truly is.
If there’s a place left on this planet where you can truly disconnect from the world, it’s here. Although the nature of my trip surely helped - a yoga holiday with TDactive Holidays and MOONSyoga Loft, a five-day mind, body and soul adventure to nurture, rewire and reconnect with oneself.
The truth is, I had more jitters about this trip than I’m willing to admit. I’m not a yogi (I don’t practice daily, weekly or even monthly), I hadn’t traveled solo in years and I can’t swim - not ideal when your destination is an island famous for its sparkling blue seas!
What I was looking forward to was the chance to try something new, push myself out of my comfort zone and make space for the stillness we all so desperately crave but rarely have time to indulge in.
I need not have fretted. With 25 years experience and a passion for travel and adventure, the expert team at TDactive Holidays delivered a seamless experience. All I had to do was turn on my out-of-office, show up at the airport and board the plane. The rest - flights, transfers, accommodation, activities and even an amazing bunch of women (dedicated yogis, casual yogis and curious yogis like me) to make everlasting memories with - was all taken care of.
Our first taste of Croatian hospitality came courtesy of our local guide, Maia, who greeted us upon touch down in Split, Croatia's second-largest city. After formalities, we boarded a comfortable, air-conditioned bus to our hotel for the night, the four-star Hotel Art. It was close to midnight so I gave in to a good night’s rest; the more adventurous in the group ventured downstairs for getting-to-know-you drinks and a cheeky peek at the rooftop pool.
The following morning greeted us with blue skies and glorious sunshine. After a breakfast fit for royalty, we checked out with just enough time for a wander around the enchanting old town. Inspired by Maia’s welcome talk, we followed our nose to the famous Diocletian's Palace built at the end of the third century AD as the retirement home for the legendary Roman emperor. It's a magnificent place packed with shops and cafes and beautiful architecture to marvel at - it's also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
A trip up the bell tower later (worth the views but be prepared for the steep steps!), it was time to indulge in the local café culture by the palm-tree-lined harbour, a supreme spot for people-watching and admiring the mega yachts of the rich. Though I could have happily spent the day here, it was time for the next part of our adventure - the ferry to Hvar for an unforgettable yoga retreat lead by MOONSyoga Loft teacher Emily Cramp. If sunshine was a person, it would be Emily. How lucky we were to have her with us!
A home away from home surrounded by nature
The four-star Senses Resort in the charming, quaint town of Vrboska is aptly named. Surrounded by pine forests and just steps from the water, it's a real treat for the senses. The hotel is designed to honour its picturesque setting, offering plenty of outdoor spaces for relaxing by the Adriatic Sea, jumping off the pier, dipping in and out of the pool and lazing in the shade with a strong coffee and a juicy book.
Our stay was on a half-board basis meaning breakfast and dinner were included. If there was any worry this would be a salads and green smoothies type of holiday, rest assured it was quite the opposite. Pizza, pasta, fresh fish and grilled meats - if you can dream it up, it's on the menu and everything is delicious. The omelette station was a big hit and a personal favourite was the dessert stand complete with an ice cream cart. Local wine and beers flowed on tap and everyone went to bed happy, full and grateful.
Heart open
The daily yoga (what we were here for!) was glorious; a gentle 90-minute morning session to kiss the day hello, followed by a yummy evening workshop to go a little deeper into our practice. Initially, the thought of two yoga sessions daily seemed overwhelming - four hours of yoga a day felt intense for someone like me. As Emily eased us into our first session, I understood once again that I need not have worried. Going at your own pace is very much encouraged and if you can't quite touch your toes, that's OK too. Everyone is welcome. The classes take place on site in a bright and spacious yoga studio overlooking the sea and the mats are complimentary, although you are welcome to bring your own.
The rest of the day was ours to spend as we pleased and we packed in plenty of adventure. Biking, sea swimming, sun bathing, lazing by the pool, trips to the nearby towns of Jelsa (a short boat ride) and Vrboska (a scenic 20-minute walk) - we had plenty of stories to swap over dinner. A personal highlight? A day trip to Hvar town. This one requires a little planning - it's a 35-minute drive away - and worth every second of rushing back to the resort in time for the evening practice.
One very early morning at 5am, I found myself enjoying an unexpected moment of pure bliss on the pier. Spurred by teacher Emily's enthusiasm, a few early birds gathered for a sunrise meditation by the water followed by a dip in the sea. A non-swimmer, I watched from the sidelines as my fellow yogis bobbed up and down in the water, the most spectacular sunrise welcoming a new day. 'This is so nice,' I thought to myself with a grin on my face. It was by far the most over-used phrase of the trip but it was true. Every little experience was just so heartwarmingly beautiful and wholesome, I felt like I was in a movie.
Hvar turned out to be more than just a beautiful destination; it was a place of personal growth and connection, a place that nourishes the soul. I'll forever savor the memories created with my fellow yogis - smart, interesting, funny, kind, passionate, curious, witty, wonderful women. Oh, and I've kept up the yoga too!
Ready for your own adventure with TDactive Holidays? Visit www.tdactiveholidays.com to explore destinations and packages.