The Power of the Summer Pause: Lessons in Slowing Down from the Dalmatian Coast
- 27 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Nature understands something that we modern humans often forget: growth doesn’t happen through constant exertion. Every ecosystem in nature relies on periods of stillness to recalibrate, replenish and prepare for the next season. As humans, we are no different. We aren't built to run at full capacity year-round, yet we routinely push past our natural limits. This is one of the reasons you will often hear me talk about the power of the pause and for me, the summer pause isn't a luxury – it is essential to our wellbeing.
I was reminded of this truth on our recent two-week family holiday in Croatia. Following many glowing recommendations from friends, the Dalmatian coast had sat near the top of our wish list for a while. It exceeded every expectation: crystal-clear water, effortless island hopping, cuisine that beautifully fuses Italian and Greek influences, and, above all, a genuinely slower pace of life and that feeling of being 'off the beaten track'.
By popular demand, following requests from my Instagram followers - Hello and welcome, if you found me over there! - this is how two weeks of Adriatic sun, salt water and stillness helped our family reset. I'd love to hear how your summer pause is going, so please message me to send your recommendations.
Finding Our Rhythm on Korčula
We kicked off the trip by flying with British Airways into Split, catching a catamaran straight out to the island of Korčula. For our first week, we based ourselves at Tara’s Lodge, tucked away in a secluded bay just outside Korčula town. Sitting right at the water’s edge and comfortably removed from the main tourist hubs, it was the ultimate setting to unwind.
The rhythm of life at Tara's Lodge was blissfully simple:
Morning Swims: I cherished slipping into the quiet sea early each morning before breakfast.
Effortless Dining: The onsite bistro, Mimi’s, served delicious breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, meaning on the days we wanted zero effort, we barely had to leave.
Unstructured Time: The boys spent endless hours swimming, paddle boarding, fishing, and pottering around making new friends.
When we did venture out, we loved strolling into historic Korčula town for dinner. One culinary standout was Konoba Maha, a countryside restaurant where family heritage inspires contemporary Croatian cuisine. Cooking with produce grown in their own gardens and sourced from local farms, they serve the full, authentic flavours of the island.
For my birthday, we decided to push out the boat - literally - with a private trip aboard Vila, a beautifully restored wooden sailboat booked through sailkorcula.com. Our skipper, Anton, prepared a fresh Mediterranean bouillabaisse with the catch of the day right on board. At around £800 for the four of us, it was a splurge, but navigating the hidden bays on a classic boat made it a birthday memory we will hold onto for years.
Barefoot Luxury in Stari Grad, Hvar
For our second week, we hopped aboard another catamaran over to Hvar, staying at Places by Valamar, a resort recommended to us by friends. Located a short walk from the ancient fishing town of Stari Grad, it gave us a quiet, authentic alternative to the lively energy of Hvar Town. Stari Grad quickly won us over with its relaxed harbor, narrow limestone streets, and the nearby UNESCO-listed agricultural plain.
At the resort, we opted for a beachfront villa, which gave us privacy away from the main hotel building while letting us tap into all the facilities the boys love – a large pool, continuous activities, food on demand, and an outdoor gym for me. Our favourite evening ritual was taking the water taxi across the bay into Stari Grad to wander the unspoiled backstreets, pick out a local spot for dinner, and finish with gelato.
A Dose of Heritage in Split
We wrapped up our holiday with a night in Split before flying home, staying at the Heritage Hotel Santa Lucia, positioned right by the Iron Gate entrance to Diocletian’s Palace.
When in Split, don't miss the views: Climbing the Cathedral bell tower delivers incredible panoramic views of the city, or save your legs the steep hike up Marjan Hill by catching the miniature train up to the park's main viewpoint. We shared our final traditional Croatian supper at Cicibela, reflecting on the trip before heading to the airport.
Why We Must Recalibrate
Stepping off the hamster wheel for two weeks reminded me that taking time to pause isn't "doing nothing" – it's active maintenance for the body and mind.
When we give ourselves permission to slow down, we create space for connection, clarity, and genuine rest. We return to our daily lives not just rested, but deeply recharged. And, I bet, having dreamt up a couple of brilliant ideas in the process.
Croatia, you were magical – we will most certainly be back.
Don't forget that if you'd like to put some more intentional pause moments into your diary - we have two Reinvention Retreats coming up! Friday 9th October in Derbyshire, and my Creative Writing Retreat 9-11 November in the Cotswolds. Sign up today!
Over to you: How do you build stillness into your life when things get busy? Have you ever visited the Dalmatian coast or got any holiday tips to share? I’d love to hear your favourite ways to pause over the summer – connect with me on Instagram at @rosiejnixon
