Bonnie Carroll's Life Bites

SPLIT CROATIA SPOTLIGHTS ANCIENT HISTORY AUTHENTIC RECIPES, DELICIOUS WINE VARITALS AND GREAT COFFEE

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.

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 15^th 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).

Hottest new wines coming from Croatia, according to popular wine writers and wine afficionados. Croatian 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 the popular Posip is a marvelous white from Korcula Island that 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, and Vugava, is a favorite 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, as well as tour ships going to Hvar and Korcula, confirming its point of interest as a major tourist destination. After touring and some shopping, it was lovely to sit by the harbor to 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!

Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort Partners With De Soi To Introduce Elevated Zero-Proof Cocktail Program

Resort launches zero-proof cocktail program with Katy Perry–founded non-alcoholic apéritif brand, De Soi

Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort, a beloved coastal retreat set on 24 oceanfront acres, has partnered with premium non-alcoholic beverage brand, De Soi, to launch a signature zero-proof cocktail program at the property’s signature restaurant, The Set. The partnership reflects Hilton Santa Barbara’s commitment to wellness-driven hospitality, inclusive beverage options, and continued innovation within its food and beverage programming; offering guests elevated, flavorful alternatives to traditional cocktails.

The Set has debuted a dedicated non-alcoholic cocktail

menu spotlighting De Soi’s premium blends, each priced at $12. The menu includes the Haute Margarita, featuring tangy citrus, smooth agave, and fiery jalapeño; Très Rosé, a vibrant combination of tart raspberry and soft, earthy rooibos; Spritz Italiano, layered with sweet and bitter citrus, crisp white grape, and bold gentian root; and Golden Hour, a warm and aromatic blend of citrus, yuzu, and leafy herbs.

“We’re always looking for thoughtful ways to evolve the guest

experience, and our partnership with De Soi allows us to do that,” said Dane Gorup, general manager, Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort. “As interest in wellness-forward and inclusive beverage options continues to grow, De Soi offers a thoughtfully crafted alternative that delivers the same sense of ritual and sophistication as a traditional cocktail. It’s a natural extension of our approach to modern hospitality and intentional food and beverage programming.”

Co-founded by singer-songwriter, Katy Perry, and award-winning master distiller, Morgan McLachlan, De Soi has

quickly emerged as a leader in the non-alcoholic space for its complex, cocktail-like flavors and functional botanical ingredients. Each blend is made using premium botanicals and natural adaptogens, offering a sophisticated option for guests who are sober, sober-curious, or simply choosing to drink less. Each De Soi flavor is crafted with natural adaptogens, including lion’s mane, L-theanine, and reishi mushroom, delivering functional benefits designed to promote calm and balance while maintaining the ritual and sophistication of a cocktail experience.

“We created De Soi for a world where not drinking alcohol is just as normal and celebratory as drinking,” said Scout Brisson, CEO, De Soi. “Non-alcoholic options have become everyday staples for so many people, and partnering with Hilton Santa Barbara allows us to show what elevated zero-proof hospitality can really look like. We’re excited to meet guests where they are and offer sophisticated, complex cocktails that feel indulgent, transportive, and worthy of the setting, just without the alcohol.”

Over the past year, one in four global travelers have reduced their alcohol consumption according to Hilton’s 2025 Trends Report, reflecting a broader shift toward mindful moderation. In response, Hilton Santa Barbara is adapting its food and beverage offerings to better meet evolving guest preferences while reinforcing its positioning as a forward-thinking beachfront resort. Looking ahead, De Soi will continue to be integrated into the resort’s broader food and beverage offerings, including catering and wedding menus, guest amenities, and future wellness-focused programming, supporting the resort’s ongoing commitment to inclusive, wellness-driven hospitality. For information about De Soi, please visit the website. For information and reservations, visit Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort.

About Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort is a coastal haven that blends laid-back California charm with elevated resort experiences. Set on 24 oceanfront acres just steps from East Beach and the Funk Zone, the newly renovated mission-style resort features 335 well-appointed rooms and 25 suites, most with private balconies or patios, as well as a variety of upscale amenities including a heated outdoor pool, pickleball courts, and a full-service spa. Guests can enjoy fresh coastal cuisine at on-site dining destinations such as The Roundhouse, The Set, Tereza Del Mar and Java, or sip locally sourced wines at The Wine Tasting Room. With over 60,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor event space, including the iconic oceanfront Plaza Del Sol, the resort is an ideal destination for weddings, meetings, and special celebrations. As a pet-friendly property, Hilton Santa Barbara is a destination for relaxed luxury, memorable celebrations, and meaningful stays in one of the West Coast’s favorite beach destinations.