HOTEL/CHEF NEWS . . . SPLIT CROATIA AN HOMAGE TO ANCIENT HISTORY AND DELICIOUS RECIPES By Bonnie Carroll  Split Harbor Split the largest city on the Croatian coast lies on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea and spreads over a central peninsula and its surroundings; it is linked to the Adriatic islands and Apennine Peninsula. More than 900,000 tourists visit this destination each year. 
Split Palace Square Diocletian’s Palace and Saint Domnius Cathedral provide history and architectural buff’s visiting the city, originally formed as a Greek colony in the third century, an opportunity to visit the home of the Palace of the Roman Emperor Diocletian. As a member of the Austrian Kingdom of Dalmatia and then the formation of former Yugoslavia it is a treasure trove of history and a photographer’s dream. I visited Split during January, which is considered the coldest month of the year, but found that I was amazingly comfortable walking in the sun with temperatures of around 50 degrees. Touring the historic center of Split, which has been included on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites since 1979, as well as a visit to the Diocletian’s Palace was a quite easy jaunt. Points of interest in the city of Split included The Croation National Theatre built in 1893, Split Archaeological Museum, Ethnographic Museum and Gallery of Fine Arts. A monument to 15th century poet Marko Marulic is a highly photographed site, and the Split Music Festival is a popular tourist attraction for international music lovers each summer.  The Palace of Diocletian was very impressive, and the Peristyle central square within the Palace was a synergy of centuries of architecture that was awe inspiring, and the limestone and marble venue, decorated with Egyptian sphinxes is reported to represent one of the best-preserved ancient complexes of this kind in the world. It is a huge complex and we only covered a small portion during our morning visit. If you are planning to tour the entire area, give yourself at least a day.
The restaurant scene in split is quite interesting, and offers not only Croation specialties, but everything from pizza, pasta, poke, kabobs and more. Reservations may be required for Adriatic fish specialties, and Michelin L’Assiette award winning menu favorites at venues like ZOL. Dalmatian food favorites include Brudet, a seafood stew made with fish and shellfish, or Peletina i povrce iz pecnice, a baked chicken and veggies dish with prunes. I was drawn to Lamb Peka (can use chicken as well) a dish cooked in a domed iron pot for hours over coals with ingredients of lamb or octopus or chicken and veal with potatoes, spices, and veggies that must be ordered a day in advance at local restaurants. For your next visit to Split I am wishing you Dober Tek! (“Good appetite” in Croatian). 
Area wines are plentiful and pair beautifully with Dalmatian or other popular dishes served in local restaurants. Some include Grasevina, white wine widely produced in Croatia, Marastina, a local white wine, like Riesling, grown in and around Kastela, ten miles from Split. Malvasia is a smooth, sweet white wine from Istria and Posip a marvelous white from Korcula Island is the most widely planted white in Croatia. Plavac Mali is the most widely produced red wine in the area from Hvar and the Peljesac peninsula or the Vugava, a local red wine from the Island of Vis. 
The ocean front harbor walk of Split is very pretty and charming, dotted with lovely outdoor restaurants, and filled with visiting cruise ships, and tour ships going to Hvar and Korcula, confirming its point of interest as a major tourist destination. After a tour and a shopping adventure, it was lovely to sit, and people watch over a cup of coffee before walking back to my ship, which was docked nearby. This interesting destination will be on my ‘be back’ list for a potential future summer vacation. Split is splendid! For information visit: http://visitsplit.com. ♦ ♦ ♦ _______________________________________________________________________ New Cacao Experience at Casa Velas in Puerto Vallarta Luxury Boutique Hotel Invites Guests to Discover the Origins, Traditions, and Wellness Benefits of Cacao   
Casa Velas, an adults-only boutique hotel in Marina Vallarta, unveils an immersive cacao experience that takes guests on a sensory journey from bean to bar. The new offering invites visitors to discover the rich heritage of Mexican chocolate, beginning with an interactive chocolate-making workshop where participants craft their own artisanal chocolate using time-honored methods. Participants are taken through a thriving cacao garden while expert guides share insights about the sacred bean's cultural significance and its vital role in the local ecosystem. Guests learn to identify various stages of cacao development, from delicate flowers to mature pods, while sampling traditional drinks crafted using ancestral techniques. This hands-on session allows guests to discover firsthand the intricate process of transforming raw cacao into finished confections. The experience extends beyond the workshop with a nightly chocolate turndown amenity, s'mores at Tau Beach Club, and an authentic cacao ceremony held in the property's botanical garden. Just in time for Valentine's Day, couples can indulge in this romantic adventure that combines the allure of chocolate-making with the intimacy of a shared culinary craft. The ancient Aztecs believed cacao was a gift from the gods and an aphrodisiac—making this journey the perfect way to celebrate love in paradise. The experience includes round-trip transportation to Planeta Cacao and is priced at $1,380 USD for two people. Hotel nightly rates start at $722 USD. For more information, please call 1-888-407-4869 or visit https://www.hotelcasavelas.com/. About Casa Velas:
Casa Velas is a luxury all-inclusive boutique hotel for adults only in Puerto Vallarta. Reminiscent of a Spanish hacienda, the hotel features 80 spacious suites, some with private pools and Jacuzzis. Nestled on the greens of Marina Vallarta's 18-hole golf course, this Puerto Vallarta hotel offers guests a 25% discount on green fees. Casa Velas’ guests have beach access at Táu Beach Club, a relaxed atmosphere overlooking the ocean with infinity pool, delectable cuisine, and event space. ABJA Spa encompasses treatment rooms for singles and couples, a hydrotherapy area, garden-view fitness center, and a beauty salon. Emiliano restaurant is in the hands of one of the area's leading chefs serving Mexican and international cuisine. Casa Velas' concierge, a member of the prestigious Les Clefs d'Or, forges connections with locals and immerses travelers in the rich tapestry of Mexican culture in accordance with individual preferences and interests. Casa Velas was built by Eduardo Vela Ruiz, founder of Velas Resorts, with brother Juan Vela Ruiz, vice president of Velas Resorts, by his side. For reservations or more information please or visit hotelcasavelas.com. Explore tips, recipes, lifestyle and travel trends, and the latest news about Velas Resorts on the digital mag: www.velasmagazine.com. ♦ ♦ ♦ ________________________________________________________________ SANTA BARBARA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL AT EL ENCANTO The Santa Barbara Film Festival is the ultimate destination for stars and cinephiles on the road to the Oscars. From February 4–15, 2025, join like-minded film enthusiasts in spotting industry icons, attending engaging panels, and experiencing world-class films and exclusive premieres.WWW.ELENCANTO.COM. For this 40th anniversary edition, celebrate in style at El Encanto – a serene retreat from the city’s bustle. Immerse yourself in a series of captivating cinema panel events, savor themed culinary delights, and connect with filmmakers in a setting that inspires creativity and cultural exploration. Experience the magic of cinema like never before at El Encanto. Cinema Lovers Join us during the starry Santa Barbara International Film Festival and enjoy a host of cinematic inclusions when you stay at our hilltop sanctuary. - Luxury accommodation
- Bottle of champagne and chocolate truffles
- Two general admission tickets to each Celebrity Tribute Event (Montecito Award, Outstanding Performer of the Year Award, Maltin Modern Master Award, Artisans Award, American Riviera Award, Cinema Vanguard Award, Outstanding Directors of the Year Award)
- Two general admission tickets to Opening Night Film
- Two general admission tickets to Closing Night Film
- Two ‘4 Film MiniPaks’ (8 film admissions)
- Terms & conditions: Available for stays between February 4–15, 2025
Learn more about the Santa Barbara Film Festival SELF-GUIDED CINEMATIC TOUR OF SANTA BARBARA Santa Barbara has long been a magnet for filmmakers, from classic Hollywood epics to contemporary dramas. Ahead of the 40th Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF), take our self-guided cinematic tour through the very places where some of the most iconic films were made. AL FRESCO MOVIE NIGHTS Here’s looking at you, kid. Watch your favorite stars under the stars with an alfresco movie screening, available for guests staying at El Encanto. Relax on your private terrace and tuck in to popcorn, artisanal candies and mocktails. LOOK AHEAD THE FRENCH WAVE FILM FESTIVAL Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) will present the French Wave Film Festival from 11–17 July 2025. Enjoy all the action from El Encanto, with lunch and dinner specials to honor the Art of French Film.
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