Sometimes the best travel moments come from plans going completely wrong.
We were halfway through a three-week road trip through Croatia and Montenegro, staying in nine different villas and air bnb’s, when one particular stay in Montenegro just… didn’t work. Within a couple of days, we made the decision to leave early, got back in the car, and headed back into Croatia.
And honestly? It was the best decision we made on the whole trip.
Because it led us to this incredible luxury penthouse apartment near Split. A place so special we still talk about it now.
If you’re looking for more luxury villas in Croatia with pools, we also loved our stay at Casa Iria in Istria.
A New Luxury Villa in Croatia
Tucked away in a peaceful, gated setting, this beautifully renovated villa has been transformed from a family home into three separate apartments – ground, middle and the penthouse where we stayed.
Run by the loveliest hosts, Vanja and her husband, this isn’t just somewhere to stay – it’s somewhere to completely switch off.
This is not a party villa.
This is a deep breath, slow mornings, sunset-watching kind of place.
And after a hectic few weeks of travelling, it was exactly what we needed.
The Penthouse Apartment: Stylish, Spacious and Thoughtful
The penthouse apartment itself was absolutely stunning.
Inside, you’ll find:
- A huge open-plan living and dining space
- A fully equipped kitchen (oven, toaster, coffee machine – everything spotless)
- Two comfortable bedrooms
- A modern bathroom with a brilliant power shower
- Washing machine and toiletries provided
There’s also a small office area, which felt incredibly special – imagine sitting with your laptop, looking out over the Croatian landscape. Not a bad “work from home” setup, especially with the glass of fizz!
What really stood out though were the little details:
- The quirky, carefully chosen artwork
- The quality of the furnishings
- How immaculately clean everything was
It genuinely felt like staying in someone’s home – not just a rental.
The Balcony Views – Simply Unforgettable
The standout feature?
The wraparound balcony.
From up there, you can see for miles – rolling countryside, distant coastline, and the most incredible sunsets.
Every evening, we found ourselves sitting out there, completely still, just watching the sky change colours.
We didn’t want to leave. And honestly, we barely moved once we were up there.
The Kindest Hosts We’ve Ever Met
I can’t write this review without talking about Vanja and her husband.
They were, quite simply, the ultimate hosts.
They didn’t live on-site but came by every day to:
- Clean the pool and communal areas
- Prepare breakfast for guests
And not just a simple breakfast – this was next level.
Think:
- Fresh breads
- Cheeses and hams
- Yogurts and fruit
- Drinks and extras
It was one of those “wow, they’ve thought of everything” moments.
At the same time, they struck the perfect balance – always available, but never intrusive. We had complete privacy.
You can tell they genuinely care about this place, and it shows in every detail.
Pool, Space and Total Relaxation
Outside, there’s a compact but perfect swimming pool, surrounded by seating for relaxing.
It’s not huge, but it didn’t need to be. It was just right for cooling off and unwinding, or even just lying poolside soaking up the Croatian sun.
There’s also:
- Plenty of outdoor seating
- A BBQ area (ideal if booking the whole villa)
- Private parking within the gated property
Everything about the space encourages you to slow down.
Location – Peaceful but You’ll Need a Car
This is one of those places where location really matters.
✔️ Set away from busy tourist areas
✔️ Quiet, peaceful, and private
✔️ Perfect for couples or families wanting to switch off
But:
You will need a car
- Around 15 minutes to supermarkets (Lidl, Aldi, etc.)
- Around 12 minutes to Tisno, a gorgeous harbour town
We had one of our favourite evenings of the trip in Tisno – a family-friendly festival, street performers, and a lovely Italian restaurant right by the water.
- Around 1 hour to Split Airport
- Around 35 minutes to Zadar Airport
Is It Worth the Price?
We stayed for 3 nights in mid-August and paid £767.
It’s definitely not the cheapest option – but for what you get?
Absolutely worth it.
This is one of those rare places where the photos don’t do it justice and the experience exceeds expectations.
Things to Know Before Booking
- Check-in: 4pm – 8pm
- Quiet hours after 8pm (which suits the vibe perfectly)
- No smoking
- No pets
- Steps to access apartments (not suitable for mobility issues)
Final Thoughts – Would We Stay Again?
Without hesitation yes!
In fact, if we could give it 6 out of 5 stars, we would.
After a disappointing end to our stay in Montenegro, this stay completely reset our trip. It reminded us why we love travelling – those unexpected places that end up meaning the most.
This isn’t just a place to stay near Split.
It’s somewhere to:
- Pause
- Breathe
- Watch the sunset
- And properly switch off
And those places are rare.
Planning Your Croatia Trip
If you’re looking for:
- A luxury villa in Croatia with a pool
- A peaceful base near Split
- Or a special apartment for a relaxing break
This is one to add to your list.
Those views are everything! What a place, so serene and idylic and that breakfast?! You sold me on that alone! 🙂 So glad you had a good time at the apartment – a fab place to stay when travelling around Croatia! Sim x