Suite views from Masline Resort

Croatia tourism is booming, with the tiny Republic in Southeast Europe among the few EU destinations allowing Americans to visit. New resorts are also coming to meet future demand (two Four Seasons Hotel projects on the island of Hvar and in Kupari, Hilton Costabella, Marriott in Split and a new Aman resort in Cavtat are currently in the pipeline.) On a recent visit, I had a birdseye view of the dramatic newMaslina Resortlocated on Hvar Island's stunning Maslinica Bay. Hvar and the surrounding Pakleni Islands are filled with superyachts this time of year.

Maslina Resort is surrounded by a rich pine forest and positioned overlooking the Adriatic Sea. It is an easy stroll along the coast that leads you to the UNESCO-protected town of Stari Grad. Created as a sustainability-focused luxury boutique resort, the new property opens in August and offers up 33 rooms, 17 suites, and three villas, all inspired by nature's elements.

Maslina Resort on the island of Hvar in Croatia

Utilizing extensive gardens and terraces, eight of the suites have their own private plunge pools overlooking the bay. The Villas are perfectly positioned along the waterfront and have stunning indoor and outdoor living spaces, and private heated infinity pools. My favorite is Villa Uvala with its own gym, five bedrooms and extreme privacy.

Sea views from the restaurant at Maslina Resort

Guests can choose between four and five bedrooms, but the villas make you feel like a local in your own home, including a professional-style kitchen to add on your own sommelier and chef services. All of the soft goods are organic, comfy king-sized beds, bathrooms with walk-in showers, and wooden bathtubs that contribute to the feeling of being connected to nature.

The resort also features a natural beach, heated infinity, and family pools, as well as a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant (led by American Top Master Chef Patricia Yeo), beach bar, and organic garden. Other amenities will include a Pharomatiq Spa, a library, a Wine & Culture Club, and a kids playroom.

Suite views from Maslina Resort

The company behind the project Paradox Hospitality explains sustainability was forefront in the design, and include natural and local materials; a built-in modern heat recovery system; natural green roofs; ventilation designed to reduce the use of A/C including sensors for the windows; non-chlorinated pools; an organic garden; certified organic linen; andbiodegradable options for slippers, straws and disposable underwear for spa treatments.

They add, To cultivate the same feeling upon first visiting Maslinica Bay, native and local species are used to maintain the landscape language already in place, where wild Mediterranean vegetation thrives thanks to thick Aleppo pines, mature olive trees, and fragrant herb bushes.

Beach club at Maslina Resort

The low-profile architecture includes numerous scattered pavilions, all with ventilated wooden facades that seamlessly blend in with the island environment. The interior design is inspired by the four elements of nature, which helped the designers construct a palette driven by the cerulean Adriatic Sea, salty summer breeze, pearly white rocks, and dense green forest.

The historic town of Hvar aerial view, Dalmatia, Croatia.

Even though Americans cannot visit most of the EU, the Croatian Institute for Public Health recently announced that non-EU citizens, including those from the United States, can enter Croatia as tourists, as long as they provide evidence of a negative test for COVID-19 within 48 hours of their arrival. Important to note given the fluidity of the pandemic situation, the Croatian Government is posting any new requirements on their website, please check prior to making travel plans.

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A Dramatic New Island Resort Opens In CroatiaAnd Americans Are Allowed To Visit - Forbes