WELCOME TO HVAR CROATIA

With over a thousand Croatian islands in the Adriatic Sea, Hvar is the island that is most popular and voted as one of the best of the best. If you're longing for peace, gourmet food, fun in the sun and zipping along the sea, you can satisfy all of life's little treasures right here in Hvar.

Hvar (pronounced hwahr) has been a popular resort destination for over a century. Croatia is a member of the European Union, and my guess is...you'll begin to see and hear a lot more about the charm of Croatia. As you make your way into town you'll pass the harbor and enjoy the crystal clear water filled with charming vessels.

Hvar has a mild Mediterranean climate and alluring beaches of pebble, smooth sun-bleached stone and white sand. It's one of the sunniest spots in Europe, with sunshine averaging about 2,720 hours a year.

The main piazza - St. Stephen's Cathedral

Hvar Town has one of Dalmatia's largest town squares, a large 17th-century building that later became a Renaissance theatre, and the Cathedral of St Stjepan, a splendid example of the Dalmatian Renaissance with a four-level bell tower. 

Everywhere you walk the cobblestone streets and winding pathways change color as the sun begins to set. 

We stayed at the Amfora Hvar Grand Beach Resort which includes the Bonj Les Bains beach club, a 1930's white stone colonnade and the island's most glamorous spot for soaking up the rays.

The Amfora Hvar Grand Beach Resort offers a wide range of water activities, a smooth sandy beach, paddle boards, snorkeling and if you have a chance you'll want to rent a boat. We rented one for 6 hours and it was a blast, we had so much fun exploring the islands, tossing you anchor anywhere you want, diving in and swimming in crystal clear water.

Benedictine Convent and Church of St. Anthony the Abbot, 17th-18th cent.

The Benedictine Convent has been located here since 1664, originally in the residential complex of the poet Hanibal Lucić's family (1485-1553), which was left by his daughter-in-law Julija in her will to the Benedictines in 1591. Next to the convent is the Baroque church of st. Anthony the Abbot and John the Baptist from the 17th cent.

We found GIAXA on our first night in town. Their stunning light fixture instantly caught our attention. In the 15th century, during the Venetian rule, Hvar became the major port on the east coast of the Adriatic. The city walls were completed in 1450 and the Franciscan Monastery is under construction (1461). By the end of the century, a noble family called Jakša built a family palace of Late Gothic style. After five hundred years of upgrades and changes, you will find GIAXA (Venetian name for Jakša). Beautiful setting, a true culinary experience from chef Marko Krolo. (credit cards accepted).

BACCHUS - By far our favorite lunch experience. Bacchus Palmizana (on the Pakleni islands) You will need a boat to enjoy Bacchus and it's worth it!

Wrapped in an oasis of tranquility, enjoy an amazing view and loose yourself in the shade of an olive grove. The service was exceptional and the food was incredibly satisfying...so we returned the following day .(Bacchus takes credit cards).

Fresh off the boat, nice catch!

Favorite dishes were the grilled calamari, garlic spinach, grilled fish, and you can't beat the view. We loved it so much we returned the next day for lunch. Try to get a table by the water, but everywhere you sit is a great experience. The olive trees are magical and provide excellent shade for a sunny day.

Bacchus is a family run restaurant, located in their own olive grove, the restaurant offers a natural, tranquil atmosphere along with a specific method of cooking in a traditional bread oven. Overall it was a terrific experience. 

There is plenty of spaces available to anchor a boat, large or small. It all flows effortlessly. 

After a tasty lunch, head back to your boat for a refreshing swim. The water temperature is just the right amount of chill and feels exhilarating when you take the plunge.

After spending the day on the sea, I had my family drop me off in the harbor for a little afternoon shopping. Easy in, easy out.

I found YUYU to be the best boutique on the island. You can find everything you need to remember your trip from here. The overall dress-code is casual, a kaftan, shorts sandals...it's really all you'll need.

Bathing suite, shoes, clutches, jewelry, and adorable kaftans.

We found MACONDO on the second night of our trip and returned the following night for a repeat performance. The owner is there on hand, along with an attentive staff and the food was fresh and excellent.  Be sure to sit outside on the walkway, which makes for a fun people watching experience. Many of the customers are locals, and that's usually a good sign.

I had fish every night while we were in Croatia. The food is simple, fresh and delicious.  It's also really well priced. Here you will need Cash.

Amfora Grand Beach Resort - Most rooms have a birds eye view. If you stay here you will have access to the private beach club Bonj les bains and it's about a 5-minute walk along the sea into town.

The Bonj 'les bains' beach club offers lounge chairs, towels, umbrellas and private pontoons for all-day shade. 

When you're ready to head to your next island you will want to take the ferry; it was a delightful, smooth, easy and relaxing ride. I suggest your tickets a day or two before you depart.

Hotel Adriana is located in town with this amazing view of the harbour. The Amfora and the Adriana are the main hotels. I noticed several apartments when strolling along inside the town that looked charming, I think that's worthy of looking into.

HVAR

Don't forget your swim goggles, it's absolutely dreamy under here!  Next stop...Dubrovnik.

     “For whatever we lose (like a you or a me), It’s always our self we find in the sea.” – e.e. Cummings

REYNA ICAZA

 Luxe crocodile handbag designer Reyna Icaza wants to put an explanation point on your outfit. The stylish Nicaraguan-born beauty says her bespoke line of custom purses, clutches, and shoulder bags is distinguished, yet practical enough for everyday living, and can help women punctuate their own unique stories with classic "aspirational, yet attainable" elegance

A childhood spent steeped in the rich natural and cultural wonders of her Central American homeland developed Icaza's eye for refined detail. These early days of creative inspiration would prove more short-lived and impactful on the young designer-in-the-making than anyone could have predicted. In Late December of 1972, while Reyna and her family were visiting relatives in Los Angeles, a magnitude 6.2 Earthquake devasted their hometown of Managua. "Our home, my school: everything crumbled," she recalls, "My parents made the decision for us to stay in Los Angeles since there was nothing to go back to."  Our entire family had to start our new lives in L.A. I had to learn English, enroll in school, adapt to a new country and proudly became a citizen of the U.S. - my new country -which I love"  Fortunately for the fashion world, Reyna's sartorial - centric upbringing in Nicaragua led to an early career working with product development for luxury brands such as Ralph Lauren and William-Sonoma. 

Thirty-five years later Reyna returned to Managua, the cit's landscape had changed dramatically. I discovered a new city that I didn't even recognize, after returning I decided I wanted a change from the corporate world and I wanted to dive into something that would afford me more personal contact with both my creations and my clients. In Re-exploring my native country, I discovered that Nicaragua had access to incredibly beautiful crocodile skins. That planted a seed in my mind. I could source both the crocodile skins and manufacturing in Nicaragua. 

Reyna has a great eye for developing those perfect jewel tones. 

The process of building her business has been a family affair. Acquiring the sustainable crocodile skins and working with local craftspeople were just two of the challenges she said were greatly simplified by having roots there. Reyna's mother was very instrumental in helping her network and makes her dust-bags. Her first year in Nicaragua was spent learning about the skins, working with the craftsmen, and establishing her standards." Her husband Dane was vital in designing her logo and website, which were both major steps to launching practical operations. 

Look who else is part of the family business. Matisse oversees all of Reyna's packing for her travels...mostly figuring out how to go with her... 

Reyna enjoys doing trunk shows in her friend's homes. She enjoys the creative process and taking her time while working one-on-one. 

Classy Snake Skin Clutch Bags.

 You can also choose cuff bracelets, belts, wallets and passport covers... a great gift idea for men.

I love working with my clients, In many cases they come up with stunning ideas and color combos. Seen here with Kelly Preston.

These one-of-a-kind pieces give any look instant "WOW"  I absolutely love my red bag. The red is a perfect red. It's nice to be hands-free. This bag is great for traveling, and for evenings you can remove the strap for a dressier look. Cuff bracelet.

Reyna has found one of the most multi-faceted obstacles of being a handbag maven is to understand the ever-changing landscape of social media and to strategize how to leverage it to help build her brand. "It's a whole new way of doing business, so I'm pushing myself to get out of my comfort zone and embrace it."  Reyna is right where she belongs; thoughtfully stitching together pieces of the two countries she calls home. "I love facing every new day," she says. "Since it's just me running my business, I get to wear many different hats. Depending on the time of year, I may be developing and designing new handbags, sourcing, and buying hardware, preparing for a trunk show, or boxing and shipping handbag. I do spend a lot of time following up on production and talking with my team in Nicaragua. It's amazing how you can run a business with an IPhone."...  We're so grateful she does.

  Reyna is available for trunk shows. Her information is on her website or you can email me, or write in the comment box here on the blog with any questions. It was an absolute pleasure spending the day with Reyna and having lovely women enjoying a little shopping and sharing a few laughs.

      Money doesn't buy elegance. You can take an inexpensive sheath, add a pretty scarf, gray              shoes, and a wonderful bag, and it will always be elegant. Carolina Herrera

Grateful Gardenia: As a businesswoman, what are some challenges you have faced in the beginning stages, and how did you overcome them?  

Reyna: The beginning stages of my business were actually very exciting. The first challenge was to find the right factory to work with in Nicaragua that could make my handbags. Being from Nicaragua and having family there made the process a little easier. My mother was very instrumental in helping me network. I spent a lot of time in Nicaragua my first year learning about the skins, working with the craftsmen, and establishing my standards. The other challenge was developing my brand and setting up my business.  My husband Dane, designed my logo, helped me set up everything operationally, and most importantly developed my initial my website. I was amazed how my identity, brand logo set the tone for my vision. After that, I was on my way.  Most challenging for me was understanding the never changing landscape of social media, and how to leverage it to help build my business.  It’s a whole new way of doing business, so I’m pushing myself to get out of my comfort zone and embrace it. Thanks to your help too, I’m on my way.

Grateful Gardenia:  Briefly describes a day in your life as an entrepreneur. From the time you wake up -

Reyna: I wake up with lots of love: hugs and kisses from Matisse - our mini dachshund - every morning (sorry honey).  I love facing every new day. Since it’s just I running my business, I get to wear many different hats. Depending on the time of year, I may be developing and designing new handbags, sourcing, and buying hardware, following up on production, preparing for a trunk show, and boxing and shipping handbags.  I do spend a lot of time talking with Nicaragua since all my production is done there. It’s amazing how you can run a business with an iPhone.

Grateful Gardenia: What motivates you in your job and your personal life?

Reyna: Oh wow, so many things…In life I think “love and faith” are the key ingredients, that seem to make everything fall into place. It feels so good to love!! I love my husband, my family, Matisse, my friends, and my home. I also love food, eating and cooking, mixed with travel and exploration. Having family in New York, California and Nicaragua pretty much ensures that I’m always exposed to a lot of amazing places, people, and ideas. It’s easy to be motivated when you have positive energy and know how to be happy in life. I feel very blessed. I’m doing business with my native country, in my native tongue.  I never dreamed that I would return to my roots and start a business. The support of my husband, family and friends keep me going. In my job, I receive enormous motivation and encouragement from all the women I meet, from fellow entrepreneurs to my customers.  Women truly motivate and help one another, and want other women to succeed.  I spent many years in the corporate world, and I can tell you that it’s very different dealing with women outside the corporate world. There are so many entrepreneurial women doing great things and succeeding. This inspires me. It’s also amazing that in the short time that I’ve been in business, I’ve developed a very loyal clientele. I receive dozens of handwritten cards from my clients, telling me how much they love their handbags. These notes come from the heart and they are priceless to me. It’s such a wonderful feeling; I can’t help but stay motivated. Thank you to all the women that are reading this, you know who you are, and I’m so appreciative for all your support.

Grateful Gardenia: What are your three favorite beauty or clothing products you simply can’t live without?

Reyna:  Hmmm…Yoga is essential, and no red meat.  I’m scared of the “new” beauty treatments.  In clothing, I have a fetish for white blouses and black dresses for every occasion. I love combining navy and black. White jeans are essential for summer, and of course handbags, preferably a Reyna Icaza handbag. :)

Grateful Gardenia:  How do the ideas to consistently grow your business come to you?

Reyna: I’ve been in the fashion industry my whole life.  In my early years I spent many years in product development, merchandising and design, and later in retail management at Ralph Lauren. The interesting part is that what I’m doing now is totally new to me. I’ve been introduced to private trunk shows, and I’m enjoying them so much.  Direct contact with all my customers is priceless; I’m constantly listening to feedback and growing. I’ve been in the fashion industry my whole life.  In my early years I spent many years in product development, merchandising and design, and later in retail management at Ralph Lauren. The interesting part is that what I’m doing now is totally new to me. I’ve been introduced to private trunk shows, and I’m enjoying them so much.  Direct contact with all my customers is priceless; I’m constantly listening to feedback and growing.