My mum and me stayed at Lada Laura's historic house at the centre of Jelsa for a week. Upon arrival we were very warmly received by our hosts, who, throughout our stay, made us feel most comfortable and welcome.
The flat itself was in immaculate condition and I have seldom experienced such attention to details regarding cleanliness. Concerning the location, we could not have wished for a better situation: there was a parking spot right in front of the house, the 'centre' of Jelsa was right outside the doorstep with authentic local 'Konobas' in short walking distance. We were mostly interested in an active holiday, which proved most feasible in combination with our accommodation: there is beaches to walk to in various distances, ranging from 5 minutes to 2-3 hour trips. A place that rented out stand up paddles was right in the harbour and on various occasions we paddled from the harbour to the beaches and rocks that we fancied.
Regarding activities, local tips, recommendations on food, olive oil, restaurants and a myriad of other enquiries, our hosts were an inexhaustible source of inspiration and indispensable local knowledge. We visited several sites (restaurants, beaches, etc) that we never would have found without them and in addition to that, we learned a lot about the local life on Hvar (the 'Bura' wind, Prosek, Lada Laura's grandfather, Captain Niko). Without our host's hospitality and interest in their guests, our stay would certainly have been very different.
As a reaction to our interest in local sea salt and herbs, we even got to take home a whole lot of bay leaves from their garden! Honestly, we couldn't have wished for better hosts, both on the practical but also on a personal level.
From our bedroom windows facing the plaza, we got to observe religious processions taking place in the church opposite of the house, which was an event noteworthy by itself, despite not having experienced a religious education ourselves. How beautiful to see that right outside our window, we witnessed a local social gathering spirit, proving that Jelsa is home to a diverse community.
We will certainly come again. Thank you so very much for hosting us and we hope to meet you again soon!