Suncani Hvar Hotels

Tuesday, January 13 2015

The best natural beauty secrets of Croatian women

"Women around the world have their own natural ingredients and local secrets that they swear by. When talking about the Mediterranean, some of us will think of delicious food while others of the crystalline azure sea and scattered islands bashed by sunrays BUT when talking about their women we all agree on their flawless skin and a lot of well-deserved looks. More closely, if we center our focus on a small country just in between of Greece and Italy, we will soon find that the ladies of Croatia are the true gems of the Adriatic."


What is their beauty secret?

In an effort to dig out the ‘truth’ from the secret – we’ve assembled a list of their top beauty secrets and tips all available at the beautiful island of Hvar. #sensorispaexperience

#1 beauty secret - OLIVE OIL

Hvar is famous for its premium olive oil since the ancient times where the olive trees were probably brought by the Phoenicians or ancient Greeks, and cultivation was further developed by the Romans and this fact can be easily seen at the Stari Grad Plain, a historical site under UNESCO patronage.  Hvar olive oil is among the best in the world, and every inhabitant has a family connection to an olive grove somewhere on the island. When we observe the beautiful skin of Mediterranean women, many claim their secret is the oil of this tiny fruit. Olive oil will promote a smooth, radiant complexion and help maintain elasticity of skin besides it is an antioxidant which protects against age-accelerating free radicals. 

Beauty must try: Olive leaf and sea salt polish treatment – an invigorating exfoliation which uses ground olive leaves, pure Adriatic Sea salt and essential oils to make your skin flawlessly glow. #sensorispaexperience

A healthy diet staple: To receive the full benefit of olive oil, don't limit it to external care. Take a cue from the Mediterranean culture... eat it!

A local tip: In Winter, at times of “Bura”, a cool north-eastern wind, women use to alleviate chapped lips with straight olive oil dabbing it on lips, this is especially helpful at bedtime.

#2 beauty secret - LAVENDER

Did you know that lavender is a widely-used plant that's a member of the mint family. It is primarily a fragrance ingredient but is also widely used as one of the most useful skin care oils, it has excellent antiseptic properties and it is also very mild to the skin. In the Mediterranean it is specifically used for relaxation, sleep, improved mood, pain control, wound care, and skin irritation. Just to picture the importance of this plant to its island inhabitants we like to mention the fact that the cozy village of Velo Grablje in Hvar was once the center of lavender production for the whole of Dalmatia. Each year at the end of June, a Lavander Festival takes place in Velo Grablje to celebrate this beautiful simmery plant.
Beauty must try: Scents of Hvar massage – indigenous Hvar botanical essences and oils are combined with the nurturing power of touch to release tension and helping to deeply relax. #sensorispaexperience

A healthy diet staple: When the thermometer hits extremely hot, it is time to ditch food and just stick to this thirst quenching drink – the Lavander infused Lemonade.

A local tip: If you wish to up level this rather girly drink you can always add a splash of gin turning it into a fine little tipple.

#3 beauty secret - ALMONDS

Did you know the powerful secrets behind this small innocent plant? We will reveal just a few so you will have to discover the rest by yourself in one of your signature trips to the island of Hvar. Have you heard of phenols? To protect themselves, almonds produce phenols, protective chemicals that serve as antioxidants to repair sun damage or produce a bitter taste to dissuade bugs from eating them. These plant phenols also help protect people against diseases including heart disease and certain cancers. Omega 3 fatty acids? Your body can't make these essential fatty acids and, after walnuts, almonds are the best nut source, so maybe a good idea is to bring them back as a souvenir and keep them on your desk or kitchen bench.

A healthy diet staple: Try the dried almond stuffed figs. This is a great healthy and delicious alternative to cookies and rather un-healthy snacks we like to stuff ourselves in. Even though the combination might not seem obvious at first glance, one taste of these confections shows how well-suited dried figs are to the unique taste of almonds which balance the sugary aftertaste. And to make it even more delicious, try it as after-dinner sweet with a glass of good Hvar’s “Prošek” wine.

A local tip: Professional manicurists insist by almond oil for moisturizing hands, nails and cuticles.


#4 beauty secret - RED WINE

Everyone would wish to have a healthy glowing skin and this magic is one of the many benefits of drinking red wine. Yes you heard it right! The antioxidants within red wine protect the skin and prevent it from ageing. For those who wonder how those women have such pearly white teeth, the secret is revealed. Red wine contains polyphenol that helps to strengthen the gums and prevents gum inflammation. Further it can also prevent the teeth from decaying by hardening the enamel. So those are just some of the facts which help you enjoy even more those ruby red indulging drops. For an immersive experience, book yourself onto one of the many wine and gastronomy tours that are on offer. (for more information contact concierge@suncanihvar.com)

A healthy diet staple: An absolute must try is the Zlatan Plavac Mali. Zlatan Plavac is a rare full-bodied wine from the Dalmatian island of Hvar in Croatia. The wine is made from selected grapes of the variety Plavac Mali, a blend between Zinfandel and Dobricic grapes. Try some exquisite wine and food pairings at Hvar’s signature steakhouse Butchery&Wine.

A local tip: Plavac Mali is the local grape, typical to the Hvar and Dalmatian region. This wine is quite sweet to the western palate and the way to enjoy it is local-style, by adding water.


#5 beauty secret - OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers are common traits of the Mediterranean climate enabling its population to enjoy most of the time outdoors.  Exposure to nature has been reported to have a positive impact on health, and several studies have documented that engaging in physical activity outdoors improves mental health and well-being. Even in winter times you will notice that the morning stroll around the city is a must for all of its inhabitants, the crisp air which comes with the sea breeze is charged with negative ions (with detoxifying and relaxing effects) and full of mineral salts, as well it is beneficial for the respiratory system and the skin, which it nurtures and rehydrates in depth. The island is also ideal for bicycling with its interesting bike trails passing through lavender and olive tree groves, vivid greenery and fields of wild grown Mediterranean herbs as rosemary, salvia and many others. The close proximity of the sea and the fishing culture and diet based on the daily catch also contributes with its rich omega-3 fatty acids. This is the secret behind Mediterranean women smooth, supple skin which goes along with a slimmer waistline.

A local tip: Bicycle ride offers a possibility to experience the true nature, untouched green landscape, sleeping villages, fascinating impressions and unique seduction of the Mediterranean landscape which shaped remarkably the unique island of Hvar. While on your ride, stop by a rosemary bush and crush rosemary gently in your hands to release oils, a short massage with the oil helps in toning your skin and removing dryness.


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