Jack Bloch is president and founder of JB’s World Travel Consultants, a luxury travel design firm in New York City specializing in all facets of the luxury lifestyle. Established in 1977, he has been identified and recognized as a top travel trade professional in Travel + Leisure magazine’s “A-List” since 2005 and has been featured on the cover of Luxury Travel Advisor.
Jack has served on the advisory boards of Fairmont, Raffles, Swiss, Starwood Luxury, Sofitel-Legend, Park Hyatt Leadership, Ultra Luxury Travel Advisory, and Travel Agent Leadership Council.
This week we go to Jack Bloch to get his advice and insights on one of the summer’s hottest travel destinations – Croatia.
Croatia is as engaging as it is beautiful. As travelers move from one destination to the next, they’ll get to see and feel the depth of Croatian history. Dating all the way back to the Ancient Greeks and Romans, each city offers its own unique story to tell.
From the cities to the thousands of islands that decorate Croatia’s turquoise blue Dalmatian coastline, there’s no lack of things to explore. Along the way, discover Croatian wine and a delicious, unique approach to Meditteranean cuisine.
Whether chartering a private yacht or driving from one city to the next, this country offers boundless adventure. Read below for some of our itinerary highlights from all around Croatia.
Wine-Tasting in Hvar
Hvar is one of Croatia’s many beautiful islands. Blessed with pristine beaches, bustling towns, and year-round sunny skies, it has become a destination for travelers everywhere.
Thanks to particularly lush countryside, Hvar is especially well-known for its wine scene. A few days spent exploring the culture of wine on Hvar will be both delicious and educational. The history of grapes and vineyards dates all the way back to the Ancient Greeks!
One especially notable Hvar wine experience is a visit to Toni Bojanic’s secret tasting room. Accessible only by boat, this unique experience is set inside a cave. Here, you’ll get to experience Bojanic’s 500-year-old family tradition of winemaking. This opportunity is made all the more special by the fact that Bojanic only produces 5,000 bottles a year
Jack’s Picks – Where to Stay: Hotel Adriana, Heritage Villa Apolon, Palace Elisabeth
Experience History in Split
Split is Croatia’s second-largest city. It offers a mix of bustling modernity and incredible ancient history. Walking through the stone streets, travelers will get a feel for just how ancient Croatia really is.
Diocletian’s Palace tells a story of Ancient Greek influence while the Fortress of Klis offers insight into centuries of battle. With the assistance of a private guide to paint vivid pictures of Greeks, Romans, Balkan Tribes, Mongol invasions, and the Knights of Templar; ancient history will come to life right before your eyes.
Jack’s Picks – Where to Stay: Vestibul Palace, Judita Palace, Heritage Hotel Antique
Dining in Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is a city filled with charm. Scaling the old city’s iconic medieval walls is the perfect way to get the lay of the land. From one historic landmark to the next, Croatia’s most famous city offers a true feast for the eyes… and not to mention the stomach, too. Dubrovnik is the perfect place to embark on a private guided food tour.
Offering a blend of local eats and high-end dining, there’s a little something for everyone. Considering its oceanfront location, Croatia’s cuisine is, unsurprisingly, filled with fresh seafood. Travelers can expect deeply flavorful fish stews served alongside black risotto, octopus salad, and savory phyllo dough pastries… Delicious!
Jack’s Picks – Where to Stay: Villa Dubrovnik, Villa Orsula, St. Joseph’s Hotel, The Pucic Palace
Natural Wonders in National Parks
Croatia’s National Parks are not to be overlooked. The natural splendor of Croatia’s coastline often gets all the attention but the forests and lakes further inland are just as beautiful. Plitvice Lakes, Biokovo Mountain, Krka River, and Pelješak Peninsula all offer spectacular hiking trails at varying levels of difficulty.
Whether trekking through the forest to find a hidden lake or summitting a peak for a view of the horizon, Croatia’s landscape provides diverse and unique terrain for travelers to tackle.
Croatia’s ‘Must Stay’ 5-star Properties
After exploring everything that Croatia has the offer – the sailing, the food, the wine, the history, and nature – how better to cap off your trip than a few final nights of rest and relaxation at a luxury resort?
Croatia’s beautiful hotels are known for their hospitality. Indulge in good food and full comfort at Meneghetti Wine Hotel & Winery or Villa Korta Katarina. These two Relais & Chateau properties are located in the north and the south of Croatia, respectively, on their very own vineyards.
Meneghetti (below) offers a Tuscan villa vibe, with rustic decor and views of the surrounding vineyard and olive grove.
The experience at Villa Korta Katarina (below) is ultra-plush, with rich fabrics and ornate patterns filling each accommodation.
As expected of a Relais & Chateau property, both hotels offer five-star service, locally sourced cuisine, and the opportunity to enjoy some of the best wines of Croatia. Enjoy a few spa treatments, lounge by the pool, feast on good food, and unwind in a world where the sea and the sky share the same beautiful shade of blue.
VIP Contact
For more information, contact Jack Bloch at jackb@jbsworld.com or visit JB’s World Travel Consultants.
