Travelogue
Palmizana, Croatia
~ courtesy
of Viia Beaumanis, special to Billy's House of Charm ~
Where to Stay | Getting There | When To Go | Rates | Snapshots
In the famously gorgeous Croatian archipelago, the wildly picturesque small island
of St Klement is known informally as ‘Palmizana’ for its family-run Palmizana
Meneghello hotel that opened in 1909. Overlooking an idyllic
cove, the property houses seventeen rooms tucked into charming bungalows
and cottages scattered throughout a lush, century-old botanical garden
roamed by imported peacocks.
Palmizana, Interiors and gardens alike are hung with the vast art collection
of current matriarch, Dagmar Meneghello, who in her four decade tenure
has cast the property as an artist retreat, home to poets and painters,
as much as hotel guests. Run by her entertaining daughter Romina, these
two extroverts lend the place its singular character and soul. Staffed
with cool, young locals from the mainland, the casual al fresco restaurant
welcomes hotel patrons and guests from the yachts and sailboats that
moor offshore. Ringed in turquoise water and white stone beaches, the
island has numerous deserted coves, a small, fully equipped, modern
marina, a handful of seaside restaurants and one very cool beach bar.
Follow the nature trails that lead from Palmizana and you’ll wind up
in the tiny town of Vlaka, on the island’s other side, with an old
church, rolling vineyards, and a small guesthouse
that serves fresh caught fish.
A total family affair, more funky than five star, Palmizana is wonderfully
charming and colourful island getaway with great food, good music,
and none of the summer tourist crowds. The perfect spot for a super
chill getaway—it’s also 10 minutes by speedboat from the party island
Hvar if you need a little excitement in the form of shopping and nightlife.
GETTING THERE: Fly to Split, Croatia and take the one-hour ferry to
Hvar; Palmizana’s speedboat collects you at the harbour.
WHEN TO GO: The ideal time to visit is May through August.
RATES: Double Rooms: 120 Euros / 2 Bdrm Cottages: 200 to 300
Euros.
SNAPSHOTS
 
 
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