December 11, 2024

 

LUXURY REDEFINED: WANDA S. RADETTI AND THE ART OF TAILOR-MADE JOURNEYS TO CROATIA

 
By TANJA VUČIĆEVIĆ
Photos: Private Collection

ORIGINAL ARTICLE
 

Wanda with her team, Mirela Benić and Tia Lovisa Moreira.
 

“Luxury is a sensation — a feeling that transcends matter and engages all senses.”
– Wanda S. Radetti

For American tourists, a luxury journey through Croatia is no longer defined solely by predictable comfort and indulgence. Their expectations extend beyond impeccably “polished” five-star hotel rooms, first-class flights, and fine dining experiences. Instead, they seek authentic, meaningful memories that resonate long after their journey ends.
 
Wanda S. Radetti, a New Yorker with roots in Rijeka, has spent the last 30 years mastering the art of crafting such experiences. As the founder and owner of Tasteful Croatian Journeys, she was the first to introduce Croatia to the most discerning travelers from the U.S and Canada, a testament to her vision and passion.
 
Since 2006, Condé Nast Traveler has consistently recognized her as the world’s top Croatia travel specialists. Wanda specializes in curating unforgettable, tailor-made journeys across Croatia—experiences that reflect her love for the country and its treasures.

About 20 years ago, she embarked on a journey with her friend Lidia Bastianich, the cookbook author and television host of Istrian heritage, to explore the lesser-known harbors and serene waves along the Croatian coast. Their boat, modest and unassuming compared to others docked in the marina of Cavtat, was far from the largest or most luxurious. Yet, it was the location—coupled with the extraordinary culinary experience—that made their trip unforgettable. They indulged on board in the finest ‘spiza,’ or local cuisine, crafted from fresh ingredients sourced from the nearby Konavle region, paired with exquisite wines from within a hundred kilometers, showcasing the true essence of the Croatian coastline. That was the first of many more annual sailings exploring the one-thousand-plus islands of the Croatian coast.
 
How do the travelers for whom I organize trips define luxury?
I can tell you that they seek exclusive, personalized experiences tailored to their personalities and interests. Luxury today consists of tangible comforts, but even more importantly, the intangible aspects of travel: impeccable service, exceptional attention to detail, and creating unforgettable moments for every client,” explains the American travel expert.

When you combine that with unique locations like Dubrovnik, Istria, Split, Korčula, Hvar, and especially Rovinj—which has recently become a rising star—you have the foundation for creating an unforgettable experience of Croatia.
 
The story of how one becomes her client begins with a phone call to her directly or to Tia Lovisa Moreira, Wanda’s right hand and Senior Luxury Travel Designer at Tasteful Croatian Journeys.

Before preparing a personalized itinerary, it is essential to have a phone conversation, as it is crucial for Wanda to get to know the person on the other end of the line. This allows her to understand the client’s interests, past travel experiences (what they liked or didn’t like), passions (culture, history, adventure, food), travel style (luxurious, relaxed, active, or family-oriented), and expectations (pace, budget, and must-sees).

On the ground, Mirela Benić, Tasteful Croatian Journeys Concierge based in Rijeka, takes care of the clients’ needs, ensuring they feel supported before, during, and after their trip to Croatia.
 
What Else Do We Discuss in the First Contact?
For example, I’ll ask them about their hobbies, requirements, and expectations, and what inspires them the most. We’ll discuss food allergies and their level of physical fitness so we can plan activities according to their abilities. This exchange helps us understand how to focus the traveler’s attention on places and experiences that will meet their specific needs. Once we connect, we begin transforming their dreams into a unique 10-to-12-day itinerary—the usual length of their stay in Croatia. Whether it is organizing a vow renewal, a private tour of a family vineyard, private cooking lessons with a local chef, or a bird-watching excursion for nature enthusiasts – explains Mrs. Radetti, who, for example, with the help of Leila Krešić-Jurić, director of the Croatian National Tourist Board in the USA, once organized a trip for a retired constitutional judge from California to Croatia which included a meeting with a Croatian judge to exchange professional experiences.

Wanda explains that organizing a personalized trip means anticipating every traveler’s need and acting unobtrusively while arranging private charters of specially designed yachts, behind-the-scenes access to cultural landmarks and events, or personalized culinary journeys… The key is understanding that today, luxury is defined by the depth of the experience. Therefore, it matters how the service is presented to the guest, whether it’s a private tour guide, skipper, or personal driver.
 
After the first trip I organized in 1994, while Croatia was going through a difficult period, little by little, I got to know and trained a network of collaborators on the ground. Sometimes it felt like I was an ‘ice breaker’ I trained professionals whose services we needed, such as private drivers. I acted as a client and guided drivers on how to be professional, elegant, patient, educated, and, of course, non-smokers. I taught them to remove their sunglasses when speaking to clients and not to wear flip-flops. I explained when it’s appropriate to talk with the guest and when it’s not. They learned that cologne should be used sparingly and that their favorite music should not be played in the car without the guest’s consent. I emphasized that it was not advisable to step on the gas to show how fast they could drive and that they should not invite their girlfriend on the ride with the guest,” explains Wanda S. Radetti, who also revealed to us that the usual seasonality of travel to Croatia (summer, summer, and only summer) is no longer crucial. Here’s how she presents to guests what they can do off-season.
 
In autumn, imagine a private yacht weaving along the Dalmatian coast. Find quiet, secluded emerald coves where you can anchor overnight. Swim in the Adriatic Sea, which is still pleasantly warm. On a clear, crisp night, wrap yourself in a blanket on the deck, sipping “rakija” made by your skipper’s family as they teach you how to navigate by the stars. Visit off-the-beaten-path coastal destinations, join celebrations of local traditions or patron saints, or enjoy February carnivals. Rijeka is one of the most beautiful carnival cities in the world. In spring, just before Easter, spend the night in a renovated bishop’s palace on the island of Korčula and join the Good Friday procession with the locals, a tradition over 700 years old,” Wanda suggests.  Since, after three decades of organizing luxury travel to Croatia, she can recognize the unspoken desires of the most demanding travelers, it is no surprise that she has traveled the world in search of unforgettable experiences. Travel is her way of life and true passion, which she has transformed into a successful business.
 
I have traveled almost all the states of the USA and Canada, navigated the white water rapids of the Colorado River, swam in the cenotes of Yucatan, sinkholes that develop over millions of years, I swam with dolphins and fell in love in Isla Mujeres, one of the most beautiful smaller islands of the Caribbean Sea. I spent a night at a table in Mexico City tasting tequila and enjoyed coca leaf tea in Cusco. I paid the price with a terrible headache, but it was worth trying. I rode the train along the Urubamba River on my way to Machu Picchu, played blackjack at the Casino de Monte-Carlo, and regained my losses when I played my birthdate at the roulette table; I was intimidated by the shouts and banging of the tables by the players at the Casino’ in Macau. I climbed the famous pyramids in most Central American countries, visited most European countries, and petted a baby elephant on a safari in West Africa. In Mombasa, I received a marriage proposal: to impress me with his wealth, my suitor brought his camel daily to greet me on the beach… On my way to Bali, my airplane made an emergency landing in Papua New Guinea, which was an extraordinary experience,” recalls the unstoppable entrepreneur.
 
And since there are very few corners of the world she hasn’t visited, her answer to where she found the most beauty carries special weight. “Have you seen the full moon low over the sea next to Rijeka and Opatija? Believe me when I say there is no more beautiful sight in the world,” concludes Wanda S. Radetti.

TRAVEL + LEISURE A-LIST FEATURED ADVISOR

December 4, 2024
 
Celebrating 30 Years of Passion and Dedication
Thirty incredible years devoted to exploring and promoting the culture, art, history, and culinary treasures of Croatia Full of life —and its neighboring countries.
It has been a journey marked by challenges and countless moments of joy and discovery.
I am deeply grateful for the recognition of the effort, expertise, and passion we share with our most curious and inspiring travelers.
Thank you to Travel + Leisure for this honor, the extraordinary VisitCroatia.com – Tasteful Croatian Journeys team, and our cherished partners, friends, and service providers. You have guided, supported, and held my hand from the first moment my heart landed in Croatia.
Here’s to many more years of creating unforgettable journeys!
 
– Wanda
 

Featured Advisor: Wanda S. Radetti

 

Full article here

November 7, 2024

There’s a reason it’s been voted among the top 10 countries to visit. Here’s what you need to know about the best time to go to Croatia.

Wanda Radetti, founder of VisitCroatia.com, recommends the following highlights for your visit… Read more

 Full article here

August 26, 2024

Avoid the summer crowds by traveling in May or October—shoulder season is no longer June and September, especially in Dalmatia. “September has become the most popular month to visit Croatia, as our travelers see it as the first chapter of autumn,” says Wanda S. Radetti, founder of Tasteful Croatian Journeys, a pioneer in Croatia travel with more than 30 years of experience.

Full article here

October, 2023

Opatija, Croatia – A Playground of the Past: This town on the Adriatic Sea draws Europeans for its healthy air and waters for more than a century, Says Wanda S. Radetti, founder of visitcroatia.com

 

 
Full article here

April 27, 2023

“Located on a tiny island, Trogir’s Old Town is bursting with charm. Its narrow, ancient streets form a labyrinth lined with medieval town houses. The lively seafront promenade, lined with cafes and restaurants, is abuzz with activity on a summer day. The town also boasts many beautiful and well-preserved buildings from its age of glory between the 13th and 15th centuries. In 1997, its profuse collection of Romanesque and Renaissance buildings earned it UNESCO World Heritage status.” wrote Wanda S. Radetti, President of VisitCroatia.com – Tasteful Croatian Jorneys.

Full article here

December 2, 2022

When two luxury tourism pioneers collide, as Tasteful Croatian Journeys founder Wanda Radetti meets Hotel Ambasador, the first luxury waterfront 5-star hotel in central Split. It was quite an evening.
It only takes a few good people, those with vision and a pioneering spirit, whose efforts, dedication and passion can truly bring change.
Opposite me was a lady I had wanted to meet for a very long time, the truly pioneering founder of luxury Croatian tourism from the USA, and Conde Nast’s preferred Croatian partner every year since 2006, Wanda Radetti, whose VisitCroatia.com Tasteful Croatian Journeys project has arguably done more than anything to raise the profile of Croatian tourism in this crucial market.

Full article here – PDF version

November 15, 2022

Nemaš vizitku, a razgovaraš o biznisu? Da sam ja na tvom mjestu, sama bih sebi dala otkaz! – kroz smiješak jednom od svojih vodiča govori Wanda Radetti, ponajbolja američka agentica za luksuzna putovanja po Hrvatskoj, Tasteful Croatian Journeys. Ova rođena Riječanka, hrvatska Talijanka već je desetljećima najcjenjenija u svom poslu, a sve, kaže, zbog toga što je zaljubljena u Hrvatsku. Iz Rijeke je promjenom granica s roditeljima pobjegla kao dijete, boravila u migrantskim logorima u Italiji, morala lagati da je iz Trsta, dok se nisu dočepali obećane zemlje Amerike. Granice ne podnosi, a kad ih netko i spomene, smatra da su to mjesta koja spajaju ljude, ne crte razdvajanja.

Full article here

September 8, 2022

Croatia native and trip planner Wanda Radetti relishes the slower autumnal pace on the usually crowded destinations along the Dalmatian coast: “The days are calmer, the restaurants are still open, and the sea is still warm.” On Korčula, an island long associated with the peripatetic Marco Polo, visitors can help pick olives or explore in an antique motor boat. In the isle’s walled old town, Ms. Radetti suggests overnighters consider the 18th-century Lešić Dimitri Palace, with six suites inspired by the famed explorer’s wanderings.

Full article here

June 17, 2021

After becoming engaged, you’re (understandably) eager to celebrate-but the stress of wedding planning can quickly snowball. So why wait until the honeymoon to take a few days to toast to your future together? Planning a post-engagement trip allows you to spend time with your future spouse and kick off a lifetime of adventure, before you get bogged down in wedding details. Here are some of the best places to celebrate a recent engagement, suggested by T+L’s trusted A-List travel advisors.