Hvar’s story is one of sun, sea and untamed beauty — a tale that continues to unfold in harmony with nature. At Villas Hvar, this harmony is more than just a backdrop; it is the cornerstone of our philosophy. Our commitment to preserving this Adriatic gem isn’t just a pledge but a deeply personal journey.
Nestled in the heart of the Adriatic, our mission transcends exquisite accommodations and bespoke services. It’s about giving back to the land that inspires us. For every booking, we plant a tree, turning every guest’s stay into a step toward protecting the beauty of our island.
Rooted in Hvar’s beauty
To truly appreciate this initiative, one must first understand the magic of Hvar. Regularly celebrated as one of the world’s premier island destinations, Hvar enchants with its crystalline waters, sun-drenched landscapes and a mix of ancient heritage and nature. With an average of 7.7 hours of sunshine per day, it’s no wonder Hvar is a favourite for those seeking serenity and adventure. That’s why we feel an inherent responsibility to safeguard our sliver of paradise, ensuring its splendour endures for generations to come.
The start of a greener journey
In the ever-evolving landscape of luxury travel, at Villas Hvar we set out to redefine what it means to travel mindfully. Let’s take you back to 2020, the year our tree-planting initiative was born. Amid the uncertainties of the global pandemic, we found comfort in nature’s resilience. And to honour it, for every booking made, we planted a tree.
Our journey hasn’t been without challenges. The very first trees planted on the Kabal peninsula were tragically lost to a fire. But this setback only strengthened our resolve. Sustainability, we realised, isn’t a fleeting goal but a continuous commitment rooted in resilience, much like the trees we plant.
Growing stronger each year
Since that first season, we’ve planted an average of 130 trees each year, reaching a total of 650 trees so far. 2024 marked a new milestone as we diversified our efforts by planting three species: 40 stone pine (Pinus pinea), 40 Mediterranean cypress (Cypress sempervirens) and 40 holm oak (Quercus ilex). This diversification adds to the island’s biodiversity but also to its ecological resilience, ensuring that our efforts have a lasting impact.
Why trees matter
Trees are more than just beautiful additions to the landscape; they are nature’s silent heroes. Acting as carbon sinks, they absorb carbon dioxide and release the oxygen that sustains life. Each tree planted is a testament to our commitment to offsetting the carbon footprint of travel. Beyond this, trees provide shade and prevent soil erosion, all crucial to maintaining Hvar’s environmental balance.
Luxury meets responsibility
For us at Villas Hvar, true luxury lies in creating something greater than ourselves. Each tree represents a memory, a promise and a step towards a greener future. It’s our way of ensuring that Hvar’s sunlit shores and verdant landscapes endure for all generations. For us, luxury and responsibility are not mutually exclusive; they are intertwined, shaping a travel experience that is as enriching for the soul as it is kind to the planet.
Becoming part of the story
Our guests are at the heart of this initiative. Through personalised communication, we ensure they understand the environmental impact of their travel and how their stay contributes to our green vision. Many have embraced this opportunity, becoming part of a larger story that extends beyond their time on the island. Whether through planting a tree themselves or simply knowing that their booking supports this cause, they leave Hvar not just with cherished memories but with the knowledge that they’ve contributed to its preservation.
A legacy of regeneration
Our tree-planting initiative is more than just a programme; it’s a philosophy that connects the indulgence of travel with the responsibility of stewardship. Inspired by environmental advocates like Julia Butterfly Hill, who lived in a redwood tree for over two years to draw attention to the importance of conservation, we are reminded that even the smallest actions can ripple outward to create profound change.
Planting trees is an act of faith and a promise to the future. While we may not witness the full majesty of the trees we plant today, we trust in their potential to shape a healthier and greener world. These trees, like the memories created with Villas Hvar, are legacies planted with love and gratitude for the land and its future.
Together with our guests, we’re crafting a legacy of sustainable and regenerative luxury. Let’s plant roots that grow into a greener future, one tree and one memory at a time.
