Villa Karmela | 5-Bedroom Villa with Private Pool in Zastrazisce Jelsa

The Adriatic reveals itself differently from Villa Karmela’s terrace in Zastražišće—not as a postcard backdrop, but as a living presence that defines every moment of your stay. This luxury villa rental on Hvar’s quieter coastline sleeps 13 guests across carefully designed spaces that balance togetherness with privacy, across two separate buildings anchored by an crystalline pool overlooking open water.

What distinguishes this property is its architecture of separation-within-connection: two main bedrooms with sea-facing bathrooms sit on the ground floor of the principal house, while upstairs an open-plan kitchen and living zone floods with southern light through full-length glazing. Across the private pool sits the guest house—two independent studio apartments, each with its own entrance, kitchenette, double bedroom, living area with sofa bed, and ensuite. This configuration transforms multi-generational holidays and friend groups into something almost impossible to achieve: shared meals and sunsets without the friction of constant proximity.

Inside Villa Karmela

Villa Karmela sleeps 13 guests across 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms, distributed across two distinct buildings connected by the outdoor spaces. The main house contains four sleeping quarters on its ground floor: two double bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms overlooking the sea, and one studio room with bunk beds and its own bathroom. The first floor houses the social heart—an open-plan living and dining room where full-length windows and patio doors dissolve the boundary between interior and the terrace beyond. The kitchen occupies this upper level, fully equipped for serious cooking or simple assembly of local ingredients brought back from nearby markets.

The guest house operates as a separate entity, consisting of two self-contained apartments. Each apartment contains a double bedroom, ensuite bathroom, living room with dining area, kitchenette, and a sofa bed for additional sleeping capacity. Both units have independent entrances, allowing guests to maintain their own rhythm while remaining steps away from the main gathering spaces.

Throughout the villa, air-conditioning systems manage the Mediterranean heat, while 40-inch LED televisions with satellite channels and complimentary Wi-Fi ensure connectivity remains optional rather than imposed. Hairdryers and ironing facilities address practical necessities without prominence. The ground-floor bedroom in the main house allows mobility-conscious guests to avoid stairs entirely.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

Step outside and the seduction begins in earnest. A 55-square-meter heated swimming pool commands the central courtyard between the two buildings—large enough for genuine swimming, shallow enough for children to play safely. Sun loungers and day beds arranged around the pool perimeter absorb heat differently throughout the day: some catch morning light filtering through pine trees, others claim the afternoon intensity. Poolside showers allow rinsing off salt water without tracking it indoors.

The outdoor dining terrace on the main house’s upper level becomes dinner theatre each evening. Positioned to capture the sun’s descent between the islands of Hvar and Brač, this is where you’ll watch the sky shift from blue through coral and amber before settling into deep purple. During mid-summer, the sun appears to sink directly into the sea between these two landmasses—a phenomenon worth planning your holiday around. The terrace receives direct ocean breezes that cool evening temperatures and carry the scent of salt and, in late summer, lavender drifting from the inland fields.

Direct access to the sea means you can walk straight from the pool onto a small rocky beach or into the water from the property’s edge. A private driveway and parking area create a genuine sense of seclusion despite the proximity to amenities.

Location: Zastražišće and the Surrounding Area

Villa Karmela sits on Hvar island—the longest island in the Adriatic archipelago, stretching 68 kilometers along Croatia’s Dalmatian coast. The property’s village of Zastražišće is deliberately quiet, the kind of place where locals outnumber visitors even in August. Yet this apparent remoteness masks excellent access to everything worth experiencing on Hvar.

The main town of Stari Grad lies just 500 meters away—close enough for a evening walk, far enough that its restaurants and harbor energy don’t intrude. Stari Grad’s pebbled beach fronts several restaurants specializing in fresh fish, grilled octopus, and the island’s distinctive white wines. The town’s 3,000-year-old grid layout, laid out by ancient Greek colonists, makes wandering its narrow streets feel like archaeological discovery rather than tourism.

For serious dining and nightlife, the island’s principal town of Hvar Town lies 25 kilometers northeast—approximately 30 minutes by car. Known for its shipyard heritage, Renaissance architecture, and sophisticated restaurant scene, Hvar Town attracts international visitors without overwhelming charm. The Hvar Town fortress overlooks the harbor from 120 meters elevation, offering views across the Pakleni Islands and defining the geography of your entire stay.

Vela Stiniva, a dramatic cove accessible by steep cliff descent or boat, sits within a short distance. The effort required to reach it—down 500 stone steps carved into cliff face—ensures it remains less crowded than other Adriatic beaches. The effort is repaid by pure water and a 200-meter arc of sand enclosed by 200-meter limestone cliffs.

Access to Hvar works through Split (65 kilometers away, approximately 70 minutes by car plus ferry), where the airport receives international flights from across Europe. The coastal ferry takes 50 minutes. Alternatively, the Drvenik-Sucuraj ferry crossing from the mainland reaches Hvar’s eastern peninsula in 45 minutes. Both ferry journeys are scenic, the Drvenik route particularly dramatic as it approaches through scattered islands.

The surrounding landscape rewards exploration. Vineyards producing the island’s Hvar rosés and white wines cluster around the villages of Jelsa (20 kilometers, 25 minutes drive) and Vrboska, both charming harbors in their own right. Jelsa hosts a Saturday farmers market where local producers sell wine, olive oil, lavender oil, herbs, and cheese. Late-summer countryside glows with lavender in full bloom—the fields between villages create natural sculpture gardens of purple and grey-green.

Water-based activities define much of the summer here. Boat rental operators in nearby Stari Grad and Jelsa rent everything from small speedboats to larger vessels. The waters around Villa Karmela teem with marine life; snorkeling and scuba diving reveal Mediterranean fish, octopus, and crevices in rocky seabed. Local fishermen occasionally beach themselves ashore selling fresh catch—an impromptu market of daily-caught species. A sunset sailing tour costs around 40-50 euros per person and departs from Stari Grad multiple times daily during high season.

For detailed exploration advice, consult our Hvar travel guide, which provides seasonal insights and curated activity recommendations. Our villas in Opcina Jelsa offer alternative bases on the island, while our broader luxury villa collection across Europe and properties throughout Croatia provide options if you’re considering other regions.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Multi-generational families benefit from the two-building layout—grandparents and young children in the main house, adult children and their partners in the guest house apartments, everyone gathering at the pool and dining terrace. The ground-floor bedroom accommodates guests with mobility limitations without making accessibility feel like accommodation.

Groups of 8-12 friends find the configuration ideal. The guest house apartments provide private sleeping quarters while maintaining the shared spaces for meals and evening conversation. The private pool eliminates the need to negotiate resort beaches or public facilities.

Couples or small families (4-6 people) can rent the entire villa and have genuine solitude, or use the flexible sleeping arrangements to host visiting friends without hotel bookings.

Remote workers occasionally book for extended stays, as Wi-Fi reliability and the presence of a living room (and guest house kitchenette) support working mornings and leisured afternoons.

Practical Information

Villa Karmela accommodates 13 guests maximum: 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms provide comfortable spacing. The nearest international airport is Split Airport (Aerodrom Split), 65 kilometers away with approximately 90 minutes transfer time by car and ferry. Budget airlines serve Split from major European cities daily.

The nearest supermarket for provisions is in Stari Grad (500 meters)—adequate for daily supplies though selection is more limited than major towns. Plan significant shopping trips for Hvar Town or time your arrival for Jelsa’s Saturday farmers market.

The rental price includes Wi-Fi throughout both buildings, air-conditioning, heated pool access, and pool maintenance. Maid service is available on request (typically arranged as daily, twice-weekly, or weekly sessions). Pets are permitted subject to approval. Check-in times are flexible depending on season and booking calendar; discuss specific requirements directly with our team.

Frequently Asked Questions about Villa Karmela

How many guests does Villa Karmela sleep?

Villa Karmela sleeps 13 guests maximum across 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. The main house contains 2 double bedrooms (ground floor), 1 studio with bunk beds (ground floor), and living areas upstairs. The separate guest house provides 2 independent apartments, each with a double bedroom and sofa bed. This flexible configuration accommodates extended families or friend groups while maintaining privacy options.

What is the nearest airport to Villa Karmela in Zastražišće?

Split Airport (Aerodrom Split) is the nearest major international airport, located approximately 65 kilometers away. Transfer time is roughly 70 minutes by car to the ferry port in Split, plus 50 minutes on the coastal ferry to Hvar. Alternatively, the Drvenik-Sucuraj ferry (45 minutes) reaches Hvar’s eastern peninsula; this is 72 kilometers from Split and provides scenic coastal driving. Both routes are straightforward with signage in English and Croatian.

What is the best time of year to rent Villa Karmela?

June and September offer ideal conditions: warm enough for swimming (sea temperature reaches 24°C), but before July-August heat peaks and crowds concentrate. May and October still provide pleasant weather with fewer visitors and lower rates. July-August deliver guaranteed sunshine and sea warmth but attract international tourism to main towns. Winter (November-March) is quiet but sees occasional rain and cooler sea temperatures, though Mediterranean winters remain mild compared to northern Europe.

Is Villa Karmela suitable for families with children?

Yes. The heated pool provides safe water play, with shallow areas suitable for young children and day beds for supervising adults. Stari Grad’s small pebbled beach is 500 meters away—within walking distance and gentle for paddling. The property’s ground-floor layout minimizes stair navigation for toddlers. A maid service available on request helps manage household tasks. Nearby restaurants in Stari Grad and Zastražišće typically accommodate families, and local shops stock essentials. The village’s quiet character means children can play safely on nearby paths.

What is included in the rental price at Villa Karmela?

The rental includes accommodations in all 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms, complimentary Wi-Fi throughout both buildings, air-conditioning, pool heating and maintenance, and use of all outdoor furnishings (loungers, day beds, dining table). Utilities including electricity and water are covered. Maid service and pet accommodation are available at additional cost on request. Linen and towel provision varies by booking package; confirm specific inclusions when arranging your reservation.

What restaurants and shops are near Villa Karmela?

Stari Grad, just 500 meters away, offers several waterfront restaurants including Zlatna Pula (known for traditional Dalmatian fish dishes), Antika (popular for grilled seafood and sunset views), and Luciano (focusing on contemporary Mediterranean cuisine). The town market operates mornings and stocks fresh produce, local cheeses, and regional wines. Jelsa, 20 kilometers away (25 minutes by car), hosts a farmers market on Saturdays with local producers selling lavender oil, wines, olive oil, and seasonal vegetables. For serious provisioning, Hvar Town (25 kilometers) contains larger supermarkets including Konzum and local specialty shops.