Sundowner: Spring/Summer 2019

Villa Oaza, Croatia
BEST FOR: WELLNESS WANDERERS
When it comes to Villa Oaza, it’s not all location, location,
location – although the accommodation places you in the
heart of Hvar’s Old Town, moments from the promenade
and marina. It’s so much more – from the Baroque façade
of this 16th-century house to the refurbed interior, and
lavender, jasmine, orange, and lemon blossom-filled gardens.
The interior has been transformed into a lavish wellness centre
with sauna, Jacuzzi, and massage room waiting to centre you
after you’ve spent a long day exploring this long, slender island
in the Adriatic. Stari Grad Plain is a UNESCO World Heritage
Site – its location is the home of olive groves planted by Greek
colonists over 2,500 years ago.
Simeroma, Crete
BEST FOR: SUN WORSHIPPING IN STYLE
Where else could the king of the gods, Zeus, have been
born than the island of Crete? Set in the cerulean blue of
the Aegean, Crete has retained its natural beauty, as well
as its wealth of history. Elounda on the island’s northern
coast is centred around a picture-postcard harbour from
which you can sail to Spinalonga. Nearby is the subtle but
luxurious rental, Simeroma. From the Steinway grand
piano in the library to the artwork – both sculpture and
pictorial – touches of classic style are never lacking.
Wander through the ancient olive grove, play a match on
the Davis-Cup-sized court, while away an hour on the
croquet lawn or, of course, drink in the sun and sea views.
A villa fit for a god, or king – or both.
64 | SPRING/SUMMER 2019