A-listers on the Adriatic
croatia’s a-list secrets
Croatia’s Adriatic coast is unspoilt and full of Croatia s Adriatic coast is unspoilt and full of exotic hideaways. No wonder it’s popular with exotic hideaways. No wonder it s popular with celebrities looking to escape the paparazzi celebrities looking to escape the paparazzi
pula / sting, roman abramovich, naomi campbell
Home to the best-preserved ancient monument in Croatia, idyllic islands and an internationally renowned gastronomic scene, the medieval town of Pula on the Istrian coast is a draw for culture vultures, seclusion-seekers and foodies alike. Its Roman amphitheatre hosts an annual film festival and has seen performances by the likes of Norah Jones, Marilyn Manson, and a long list of classical singers at its opera festivals.
The best place to stay is the sleek Hotel Valsabbion (www.valsabbion.hr), set above a marina 5km south of town. Sting, Flavio Briatore and Placido Domingo are just some of the VIPs who have laid their heads on its goose-down pillows. The hotel restaurant is in Istria’s culinary top drawer, so prepare to gorge yourself on freshly caught seafood and truffle-rich dishes washed down with Malvasia, the highly prized local wine. Its slow food philosophy means you could be served up to a dozen courses during a long evening’s dining. Each is pure theatre: delicacies are served up in test tubes and liqueur glasses, with blowtorch-wielding waiters adding extra drama.
Work off the calories with a hike around the Brijuni Islands, a short ferry ride away. These were the private summer residence of former Yugoslavian leader Josip Tito, where he entertained his guests – all sorts including Fidel Castro, Queen Elizabeth II, Sophia Loren, Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor. Today, celebrities such as Roman Abramovich and Naomi Campbell have all hidden out here in secluded seaside villas, protected from prying eyes by military police.
zadar / gwyneth paltrow, bernie ecclestone
This walled city in the northern Dalmatia region has recently become Croatia’s dynamic new capital of cool. It was virtually destroyed during World War II and then bombarded again during the war of independence, but the old town has since been impressively restored and June saw the opening of its first boutique hotel, Bastion, which has been built into part of the historic city walls.
Zadar is dotted with funky lounge bars and clubs – try Arsenal (www.arsenalzadar.com/eng) in a converted 16th-century Venetian armoury – and contemporary art installations including The Sea Organ, which sounds notes as the water pushes air through it.
But a good measure of credit for the city’s emergence as a prime hipster hangout must go to The Garden (www.thegardenzadar.com), an outdoor DJ venue set up four years ago by UB40 drummer James Brown and his mate, music producer Nick Colgan. Each July it hosts a dance festival with its sister nightclub, Barbarella’s, in nearby Petrcane. Big names appearing this year include Norman Jay and Mr Scruff.
Although not yet a fixture on the A-list circuit, Zadar has had its share of celebrity endorsements: Alfred Hitchcock said it had the most beautiful sunset he had ever seen, Gwyneth Paltrow recently sailed in on Giorgio Armani’s yacht, Princess Caroline of Monaco is a regular, and Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone starts his summer holiday here every year. Its cool image also attracts big-name pop stars: Lenny Kravitz and Duran Duran are set to perform there this year.
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