Inside Hvar Town's Most Luxurious Rental - WOW!
I must confess that this Total Hvar project is a lot of fun. Not only does it mean I am meeting some really interesting people and learning lots about the island, but it is also taking me into places I would not otherwise have access to. Places such as Villa Heraclea, for example.
My day started with a blog post about the most private terrace on the Hvar waterfront, the Riva Marina suite at Hotel Riva, where I had had a meeting a couple of days before (again, not a place I would ordinarily have gone). Within five minutes of sharing the article on Facebook, my phone rang and I was invited to come and see something even more special next time I was in Hvar Town.
As luck would have it, I was just about to jump in the car to Hvar Town as I had an interview with Slobodna Dalmacija on the main square, so I arranged to meet after the interview. I had actually been inside Villa Heraclea several times in the past, but in a former era, when the property had been on the market in 2003. Then it had been a spacious two-storey property with attic and generous outside space. As a real estate agent at the time, I almost sold the property, and was inside several times with would-be buyers, but we were not quick enough and the property was sold by another agency.
Although I missed out on a generous commission back then, I can honestly say after today that I am glad, because no buyer could possibly have done such a magnificent job as the current owner. It was inspiring.
I could write here about how the property sleeps ten, has swimming pool, jacuzzi, massage room, wine cellar, a massive stone courtyard and all the rest, but there is no need for me to do so, as Heraclea provides all that information on its own website. I quickly learned as I was being expertly guided around the property by Ana, who manages the both the property and the guests' various whims, that at Heraclea, there is no need to worry about anything except relaxing. I had brought my camera to take pictures, but there was no need, as there is a website full of stunning interior shots.
What struck me was not the detailed finish, quality of furnishing or attention to style and detail - it had that in abundance - but much more impressive for me after almost a decade in Croatia was that here was a luxury property with the level of service to match its luxury surroundings. From entering the property to checking out, the only task the guest has to worry about is to communicate his/her needs, and everything else is taken care of.
Looking to dine in tonight? Heraclea has the restaurant menus for you to choose from, and Gariful caters for home delivery, all expertly overseen by Ana. Want a chef to cook for you? No problem. Looking for something to do tomorrow? The offers of Hvar's finest service providers were just a phone call away.
There is a level of tourist for whom money is no object but the quality and service must be top notch. It is one of the reasons Restaurant Gariful is so successful, and why some guests will fly down from Munich for lunch at his restaurant. Heraclea is not cheap - nor should it be - but its very existence is a huge asset to the town, a property that provides the top end luxury which rich guests would expect from such a premier island.
As impressive as the property is, the professional service offered by Ana was equal to her surroundings. It was fascinating to visit the property through her experienced guided tour, and I got a glimpse of how special the experience of being a pampered guest must be. Thank you for your time, Ana (if you ever read this).
After today's visit, I still maintain that Hotel Riva has the most private terrace on the Hvar waterfront, but all the gold stars go to Heraclea for quality accommodation. But not just accommodation, but luxury service which sets it apart from the competition. To find out more, and to book (or maybe just to surf and dream...), visit the Heraclea website.
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