By Anna Mrkovic, Country Manager, Croatia+ by Travelive
Being a travel specialist can often feel a bit like playing detective.
You’re always looking for something. Studying the map under a magnifying glass while trying to find something new. Following a trail of sparkling waters, stunning landscapes, and delicious flavors that will crack the case for travelers seeking the perfect place, the perfect vibe, the perfect… getaway.
As Croatia+ by Travelive’s Country Manager, I have done my fair share of investigating around the country, experiencing many of its hotels, destinations and experiences firsthand. After all, having a clue pays off when putting together an itinerary that travelers can really connect with.
Of course, there’s been plenty of the usual suspects. Ones who impress you immediately make a case for themselves.
And then there are those who reveal their true character slowly, inviting you to look a little deeper into Croatia and pull on a thread that offers a genuine connection to it, through nature, gastronomy, and tradition.
One such place is Villa Nai 3.3 on Dugi Otok.
Villa Nai 3.3 — At One with Croatia
Recently awarded three Michelin Keys and recognized among Europe’s leading micro-hotels by Condé Nast Traveller, Villa Nai 3.3 is not so much a luxury hotel as something Croatia seems to have created purely to speak with its visitors in private. To tell them about its heritage amid the property’s very own olive groves. To offer guests an exclusive view of the Adriatic. And to reveal its flavors through dishes made with local ingredients.
Designed by renowned Croatian architect Nikola Bašić, best known for Zadar’s Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun, the hotel appears to emerge straight from a picturesque hillside, with local stone and organic materials creating a seamless connection between architecture and nature.
Meanwhile, inside, books, carefully selected artwork, natural textures and the quiet of the surrounding landscape offer sophistication without ever feeling excessive.
All of which makes Villa Nai feel like a place where you can have Croatia all to yourself.
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The Truth Behind the Name
Originally the name of the estate’s olive oil, the hotel’s moniker has a history that stretches far beyond its foundations.
“Nai” is an old Dalmatian word for snow, while “3.3” refers to the average number of days each year that snow falls on Dugi Otok. Therefore, regardless of when you choose to visit, there’s probably no need to pack a sled.
The Stay
My journey to Dugi Otok began with the ferry from Zadar to Brbinj. Even before reaching Villa Nai, the crossing encouraged me to embrace a different rhythm of travel: slower, quieter and more connected to the sea.
From the moment I arrived, Villa Nai 3.3 felt refined yet completely unpretentious, welcoming me with an atmosphere more akin to staying in an elegant private residence than a conventional luxury hotel.
The first evening saw the property introduce itself with a delicious three-course dinner accompanied by a carefully selected wine pairing and the soft hush of the surrounding nature. Local ingredients took center stage, and it felt (or tasted) like the island itself unfolded across the table.
The following morning, breakfast was served until noon. It is a small detail, perhaps, but one that says a great deal about Villa Nai. There is no sense of rushing here. The day unfolds at its own pace, whether over breakfast, a spa treatment or lunch overlooking the olive groves and the Adriatic.
And speaking of olives…
On the Olive Oil Trail
When life gives you olives, you make olive oil. And one of the most memorable experiences at Villa Nai 3.3 was discovering its olive-growing heritage directly from the person who knows it best: the owner himself.
He personally leads guests through the centuries-old olive groves, sharing the history of the estate, the philosophy behind its golden produce, and how it has remained a part of Dugi Otok’s identity for generations.
And the trail doesn’t go cold there. It continues at the olive mill within the property, where visitors can follow the journey from olive tree to bottle, learning about the production process, the many awards that the oil has received on the global stage, and, naturally, how good it tastes.
For me, this was the experience that connected all the dots: luxury here is not only about what you see and taste, but about the people, the stories, and the traditions that hide within the groves.
Discovering Dugi Otok
You know how rewarding it feels to finally find something you’ve been searching for a long time? Even your keys?
Well, that’s the “key” to Dugi Otok’s appeal. Because discovering this off-the-beaten-path island is part of the journey.
Taking the ferry from Zadar to Dugi Otok is like leaving the everyday world behind and entering a slower rhythm. Once on the island, that feeling only grows stronger. Fishing, agriculture and olive growing remain woven into everyday life, while tourism never quite overshadows its local identity.
At the humble seaside tavern Go Ro in Magrovica Bay, fresh seafood, local flavors and the relaxed rhythm of island life take center stage. It is this understated character that has long attracted travelers seeking privacy and seclusion, including the likes of Warren Buffett, Princess Caroline of Monaco and Roman Abramovich.
But Dugi Otok’s appeal extends beyond its quiet villages and hidden shores. At Telašćica Nature Park, dramatic cliffs plunge into the Adriatic above a sheltered bay and the unique saltwater Lake Mir. From there, a private boat excursion toward Kornati National Park reveals a rugged landscape of limestone islands, crystal-clear waters and hidden coves, offering another clue to what makes this corner of Croatia so special.
Case Closed
Well, I’m no Sherlock Holmes, but I think that I did a pretty good job of uncovering the secrets behind one of Croatia’s most authentic and compelling escapes.
For travelers seeking quiet luxury, privacy, exceptional gastronomy and a genuine sense of place, three to four nights at Villa Nai 3.3 offer the perfect opportunity to discover the villa, its olive groves and wellness offerings, as well as Telašćica, Kornati and the island’s local konobas.
Because Dugi Otok does not reveal all its charms at once. It rewards travelers who take the time to look a little closer, with an experience shaped by silence, sea air, nature, local traditions and genuine hospitality.
So, if you’re ready to let your travelers in on the secret, contact Croatia+ by Travelive at [email protected] and let’s discover Villa Nai 3.3 and Dugi Otok together.
