Hello from…Mali Lošinj, one of my favorite islands in Croatia. I’m from New York but my parents are Croatian, so Croatia has always held a special place in my heart. Mali Lošinj is in the northern Adriatic, off Croatia’s coast. It’s still something of a hidden gem, with such a special energy, crystal-clear waters, centuries-old pine forests, charming stone streets and breathtaking natural beauty. It feels peaceful yet vibrant in summer, and it’s one of those places that leaves you feeling healthier, happier and completely recharged.
Where I’m staying… At the Hotel Alhambra—right on the water, tucked into Čikat Bay and surrounded by pine forest. A beautifully restored historic villa with that old-world charm and really warm service that makes you never want to leave. I’ve also been sneaking over to the spa at Hotel Bellevue for their amazing massages.
The best meal(s) I had… The food here runs the full range, and it’s been phenomenal everywhere—from a local restaurant like El Paso to amazing sushi at Matsunoki, to Michelin-starred dining at Alfred Keller right at Hotel Alhambra. El Paso is this rustic little spot tucked right by the airport, open since 2003—the grilled meats are outstanding and the whole atmosphere feels like a well-kept secret. Matsunoki at Hotel Bellevue is a place I go back to every time for the fresh fish and amazing sushi overlooking Čikat Bay. And Alfred Keller is a true treat and always unforgettable meals.
Most fun things I did… I swim every day in the water here, which is some of the most crystal-clear and clean water I’ve ever seen, and it’s really one of my favorite things about Croatia. For me, the real magic is renting a small boat for the day right from town and to start exploring. I love that you can still find these quiet, tucked-away coves and empty bays where you have the water all to yourself.
The book I read… What to Make of a Life: Cliffs, Fog, Fire and the Self-Knowledge Imperative by Jim Collins––a fascinating read about pivotal life turns if you want something meatier than a beach thriller.
The playlist on repeat… A mix of Lucio Dalla to RÜFÜS DU SOL, depending on my mood.
A thing or two I learned… Lošinj has been known as the “Island of Vitality” since the 1800s, when it became a health and healing destination because of its mild climate and aromatic pine forests. And it’s also home to one of the last dolphin populations in the Adriatic, with a marine research center here dedicated to protecting them, which I love knowing is happening just off the coast.
What I packed… Sunglasses by Saint Laurent, hats by Janessa Leone, swimsuits by Eres, and easy, lightweight shirts and dresses I can just throw on. It probably comes as no surprise that I’m beauty heavy when it comes to packing. Sunscreen, first and always. This trip it’s Good Weather Skin’s The One Warm Glow Daily Sun Cream, SPF 30—antioxidant-rich and clean, with a slight tint that mimics a post-vacation glow before you’ve actually earned one. It melts in without leaving any chalk or pilling under makeup. For the body, their All-Over Sun Milk SPF 50 is excellent.
For makeup, I keep things light. I love mixing the Westman Atelier Vital Skincare Complexion Drops with our Biphase Moisturizing Oil to create my own custom tinted oil—it gives a natural glow while still feeling nourishing and lightweight. I apply RMS Beauty UnCover-Up under my eyes; the Westman Atelier Beauty Butter Powder Bronzer leaves a beautiful velvety-matte finish; and I finish with their Baby Cheeks blush for a flush of color. For eyes, nothing beats Victoria Beckham’s Satin Kajal Liner. I layer it at night, finishing with her Future Lash Mascara. I fill in any gaps in my brows with her BabyBlade Eyebrow Pencil.
For skincare, it’s Furtuna Skin, always. The Replenishing Balm is my overnight recovery after a flight and the perfect salve post-sun, made from a wild-foraged blend of Sicilian botanicals — hawthorn, dandelion, carrot, St. John’s Wort. The Biphase Moisturizing Oil, built from olive oil and olive-leaf water, enhances my natural vacation glow and extends it once I’m home, Cleansing Oil Balm takes off sunscreen and makeup in one step, and the Micellar Cleansing Essence is what I reach for when summer throws everything at my skin, built around Anchusa azurea, a rare Mediterranean flower. Olive Lip Butter Balm is always in my bag, made with botanicals from our farm in Sicily.
The best thing I’m bringing home… Solana Nin sea salt. It’s harvested by hand, the old way—no machines, just sun, sea, and wind, and hands that know exactly when the salt is ready. The saltworks sits in a shallow lagoon near Nin, ringed by national parks, no industry for miles.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.