Spent a fantastic weekend swapping well-trodden routes for rugged, charming, lesser-known corners of Croatia. Every twist and turn of my visit was a scene worth filming. How to choose between wide shots of the dreamy Adriatic coastline and snorkel-ready islands and close-ups of all the quirky details, hidden courtyards, pretty vineyards and fresh oysters?

Arrived in Split and travelled west to Trogir kicking off our trip in the most joyful, charming way with a wonderful Croatian lunch cooked by Chef Tatjana. Feasted on crispy fish in lemon, fresh octopus salad, salads with figs and cheese, king prawns with zucchini all washed down with a glass of chilled white or two.

Followed the dreamy Dalmatian coast passing eye-popping scenery before reaching Šibenik the gateway to the Kornati islands – an ideal base from which to explore some of Croatia’s other must-visit cities. At night we meandered through the Medieval Old Town tangled with steep stony streets, and it’s UNESCO-approved St James’ Cathedral with its infamous frieze of 71 sculpted heads.

The following day we cruised along the oyster beds in the inlets of St. Anthony’s channel stopping to eat the creamiest of oysters. And then headed inland to discover a different side – a visit to a network of sapphire pools and tumbling waterfalls accessed by walking trails in Krka National Park and Bibich Winery.

An unforgettable time was had on the wildly lovely island of Lošinj - a tricky to access haven of low-key beach glamour. Definitely worth the private flight (20 minutes) Imagine custard yellow, bleached peach and powder blue villas lining the natural harbour, where you can sit out for an aperitif before capping it off with a seafood supper. Perfect for long days of lounging on hot rocks in tiny, secluded bays, sailing lazily along the coast or biking along pine-fringed headlands.

We stopped off in Zadar and wandered along the broad seafront. Zadar does modern as well as ancient brilliantly. Two audacious public art displays by Nikola Bašić have become two of Zadar’s most loved attractions. Sit on the concrete steps at the peninsula’s north-western tip and you’ll hear the haunting sounds of the Sea Organ, whose underwater pipes move to the motion of the waves. Then just beyond are the blue-glass floor panels of Greeting to the Sun, which light up in the dark.

Oyster shucking, wine tasting represent a tiny morsel of what is possible! With long-established high profile partnerships in the world of luxury travel, I can give you access to one-off hyper curated guides.

So feel free to contact me for itinerary ideas or hotel recommendations!

Clare xx

CROATIA: A Haven of Wild, Low-Key Glamour