By Anna Mrkovic, Country Manager, Croatia+ by Travelive
As someone who’s grown up and lived in Dubrovnik my entire life, I’ve always wondered what it would be like to visit it for the first time.
What would I do? Where would I go? What would I eat? And not least importantly: where would I stay?
Being an avid traveler myself, I’ve come to realize the difference a perfect home away from home can make; especially in a place like Dubrovnik.
And come to think about it, there is one place here that I certainly wouldn’t mind calling my own.
A Sense of Place
When you think of Dubrovnik, you think of grand palaces, hidden courtyards, and battle-ready strongholds. A city that prospered through maritime trade and has remained one of the world's most captivating destinations for centuries. One that the renowned Croatian poet Ivan Vidalić once called, "the crown of Croatian cities."
Or as I like to call it: home.
And when you’ve spent your entire life here, you learn that some places seem to capture the very essence of Dubrovnik better than others.
For me, one such place is a historic, 15th-century estate tucked away in the peaceful seaside village of Zaton, just a short drive from Dubrovnik’s Old Town. Originally built as a summer residence for Dubrovnik’s noble families, it has been welcoming guests ever since, offering a place to slow down, gather with loved ones, and enjoy life’s simple pleasures away from the bustle of the city.
What I love most is that it still serves exactly that purpose today.
With six spacious bedrooms, beautiful Mediterranean gardens, complete privacy, and views across the tranquil waters of Zaton Bay, it is the kind of place that naturally brings people together. Families reconnect over long dinners beneath the stars. Groups of friends gather by the pool after a day of exploring. Children discover hidden corners while grandparents settle into a shaded terrace with a book and a view.
As someone who often walks along the waterfront nearby, I still find myself admiring it whenever I pass. Not because it is grand, although it certainly is, but because it feels so perfectly at home here.
Making Yourself at Home
There’s nothing better than finding a place that feels like home while also inspiring you to explore everything around it.
Some mornings at the villa might begin with a private yoga session in the garden, while others could start with a boat waiting just beyond the villa’s doorstep, ready to whisk you away to the nearby Elafiti Islands. My personal favorite is Kalamota (also known as Kolocep), where the Adriatic still moves to a wonderfully unhurried rhythm.
For those who prefer to connect with a destination through its flavors, private cooking classes and guided foraging walks offer a chance to discover the traditional ingredients and recipes that have shaped local cuisine for generations.
And for travelers eager to explore further afield, there is always more to discover. From oyster tastings and underwater-aged wines on the Pelješac Peninsula to a fascinating day trip to Mostar, each experience adds another layer to the story.
Perhaps that is what makes a stay like this so memorable. It is not simply about having a beautiful place to return to at the end of the day, but about having the freedom to experience the region in a way that feels personal, authentic, and entirely your own.
More Than Hospitality
So, I guess that I’ve answered my own question. If there’s one place I’d love to stay in Dubrovnik other than my own, this one would certainly be at the top of the list.
Not simply because of its history, its beauty, or even its remarkable setting, but because of the way it allows you to truly experience Dubrovnik and all the discoveries that come with it.
Therefore, if you’re looking for a stay that combines the comfort of a private home with the authenticity of local experiences, feel free to reach out to our locally based Croatia+ by Travelive team at [email protected] to find a place in Dubrovnik to call your own.
