Villa Akira | 5-Bedroom Villa with Private Pool in Zdrelac

Twelve guests arrive at Villa Akira expecting a Croatian coastal retreat. What they find is something rarer: a five-bedroom, four-bathroom property where the Adriatic Sea forms the actual boundary of your private space. Built on the island of Pašman near the village of Ždrelac, this villa doesn’t overlook the water—it claims it, with direct access to a sheltered pebble beach and views that dominate every social moment on the terrace.

Inside Villa Akira

Villa Akira sleeps 12 guests across 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, distributed across the main residence and a separate annexe. The main house spans 320 square metres of thoughtfully configured living space.

The ground floor opens with an expansive open-plan kitchen and dining zone—the type of kitchen that makes even reluctant cooks volunteer for dinner duty, equipped with a dishwasher, microwave, and coffee machine. Adjacent sits a comfortable sitting room with smart TV access, anchoring the social heart of the property. A dedicated gym space offers morning exercise with sea views, while the first bedroom (Bedroom 1) occupies an attic position with a double bed, open bathroom featuring a bath, integrated sofa, and television. The architectural quirk here—an open attic space with a generous 180 x 200cm mattress—means an additional sleeping surface without cramped conversion-style feels.

Bedroom 2 provides a double bed, en-suite bathroom with shower, television, and garden-facing windows that catch morning light. Bedroom 3 features a double bed and television with direct sea views—the kind of room where waking becomes a meditation. Bedroom 4 mirrors this layout: double bed, television, and unobstructed Adriatic vistas.

The separate annexe houses Bedroom 5, a guest-independent retreat with double bed, en-suite shower room, and television. The annexe includes its own staircase ascending to an open attic space with another substantial mattress (180 x 200cm), plus access to the back garden—effectively creating two private territories within one property.

Throughout: air conditioning, Wi-Fi internet, washing machine, dryer, iron and board, and highchair provision for younger guests. The practical infrastructure supports extended family stays without friction.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The heated swimming pool—40 square metres of temperature-controlled water—commands the garden’s focal point. The pool itself isn’t simply functional; it’s a destination within a destination, surrounded by sunbeds, shaded seating arbours, and a dedicated dining pavilion. An outdoor shower rinses away salt water before re-entering the main house.

From the terrace level, the Adriatic arrives immediately—no cliff drama, no perilous descent. The pebble beach transition is gentle, the water transparent enough to trace the seabed in shallow zones. The barbecue sits perfectly positioned to feed a gathering while guests drift between lounging and swimming. Parking accommodates multiple vehicles without compromise.

The heating system extends the seasonal usability significantly. Even in shoulder months (April, May, September, October), the pool remains comfortable for daily use while the air conditioning moderates inland heat.

Location: Pašman Island and the Surrounding Area

Villa Akira occupies one of Croatia’s most strategically positioned island locations. Ždrelac village sits on Pašman Island’s western shore, within the Dalmatian archipelago system that stretches from Zadar southward. The setting grants immediate coastal access while remaining genuinely quiet—Ždrelac hosts perhaps 200 permanent residents, creating that rare texture of inhabited-but-undiscovered.

The island itself measures roughly 57 square kilometres with a serpentine coastline that generates dozens of swimming coves. Veliki Bokolj, Pašman’s highest elevation at 245 metres, lies approximately 12km from the villa—a two-hour circuit walk offering panoramic views across the islands toward the mainland Velebit mountain range. The hike concludes with lunch at one of three clifftop restaurants that serve grilled fish and local Pašman white wines.

St. Michael Church, positioned in central Ždrelac, dates to the 14th century and anchors the village’s cultural identity. The interior houses original stone baptismal fonts and frescoes fragments—the working church remains open to visitors outside service hours. The adjacent village square hosts a weekly market (Thursday mornings) selling vegetables, local cheeses, and fresh-caught squid.

Restaurants cluster along the waterfront within easy walking distance: Konoba Ždrelac (250 metres) specialises in grilled shellfish; Konoba Mate (320 metres) serves traditional dalmatinski brodet (fish stew) in a 150-year-old stone house; Vila Pašman (400 metres) focuses on Pašman lamb and homemade pasta. All three require no transportation—evening walks conclude at dinner.

The neighbouring island of Ugljan lies 3.5km northeast across a narrow strait. Ugljan Town hosts the area’s primary supermarket (Konzum, approximately 8km by road via the ferry), a post office, pharmacy, and seasonal tourist information centre. The Ugljan-Pašman ferry crossing operates continuously, with vehicles and foot passengers charged separately—essential for provisioning larger groups.

Zadar city centre lies 28km northwest by road (approximately 40 minutes driving), hosting the international airport (Zadar Airport, serving flights from European hubs), a ferry terminal for long-haul island routes, fish markets, Renaissance architecture, and restaurants ranging from casual to Michelin-tracked. The Roman Forum, Sea Organ (Morske Orgulje—a wave-powered acoustic installation), and Greeting to the Sun light installation attract cultural visitors year-round.

Snorkelling opportunities surround the property. The waters immediately offshore support abundant sea urchins, grouper, and octopus in rocky zones. Boat hire services (based in Ugljan Town, 9km away) arrange guided excursions to named diving sites: Stomorska Underwater Reserve, Sutina Rock (known for giant grouper), and the wreck of the steamship Greben (underwater archaeology site at 28-metre depth, suitable for certified divers only).

Cycling routes utilise Pašman’s eastern spine road (relatively flat, 18km circuits available) and Ugljan’s network of agricultural paths linking villages. Local rental shops in Ugljan Town provide mountain bikes and electric assistance cycles.

Seasonal timing shapes the experience distinctly. June through August brings peak temperature (26-28°C sea water, 32-35°C air), full restaurant operations, and accommodation competition. May and September offer near-identical conditions with 30% fewer visitors. April and October remain swimmable (17-18°C water) but close some seasonal restaurants. November through February sees reduced tourism and occasional storms, though the winter light across the islands creates exceptional photography conditions.

For comprehensive destination planning, explore our luxury villas in Croatia collection, browse available properties in Ždrelac, and read our complete Croatia travel guide for seasonal insights and practical arrival logistics.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Extended families (12-16 people): The dual-zone layout—main house plus independent annexe—accommodates three-generation groups without enforced proximity. Parents occupy the main residence; adult children with partners use the annexe; grandchildren sleep in attic mattress spaces. The heated pool and gym reduce restlessness during variable-weather days.

Friendship groups and celebration rentals: Three couples plus four single friends fit comfortably across five private bedrooms. The shared kitchen, dining space, and beachfront terrace create natural gathering zones without bedroom isolation. Birthday and anniversary celebrations benefit from the pool’s evening lighting and the barbecue’s communal energy.

Multi-family holidays: Two families (four adults, four children) operate semi-independently here. Each family occupies separate bedrooms; children beds scatter across attic spaces. The annexe provides guest independence during afternoon rest periods while shared pool time builds bonding.

Remote-work groups: The dedicated gym, Wi-Fi internet, and multiple sitting zones suit digital nomad rotations. Four guests might each occupy a private bedroom, utilising the gym as a focused work space, with the sitting room available for video calls requiring proper backgrounds.

Couples seeking larger-group hosting: Those planning to host visiting friends during extended stays benefit from the five-bedroom capacity without proportional cost increases of booking multiple smaller properties across the island.

This villa suits guests prioritising privacy, beach immediacy, and practical multi-bedroom space over dramatic architectural statements or resort-style amenities.

Practical Information

Capacity & Configuration: Villa Akira accommodates 12 guests: 5 double beds (one per bedroom) plus 2 additional mattress spaces in open attic areas. Four bathrooms serve the layout without bottleneck pressure during morning routines.

Nearest Airport: Zadar International Airport (ZAD) lies 28km northwest, approximately 40 minutes’ drive via the mainland road network. Ferry transfer from Zadar port to Ugljan Town then road to Villa Akira extends the journey to roughly 60 minutes total. Ground transfer services and car hire desks operate at the airport; advance booking reduces mid-summer wait times.

Nearest Supermarket: Konzum supermarket in Ugljan Town (8km by road via ferry) stocks fresh produce, meat, fish, dairy, wines, and pantry staples daily. The store opens 7am–9pm summer season, with slightly reduced hours October–April. Smaller village shops in Ždrelac itself provide basics (bread, milk, newspapers) but limited selection.

Included in Rental: Heating for the 40-square-metre pool; Wi-Fi internet across the property; air conditioning throughout; all linen and towel provision; use of the gym equipment; dishwasher, washing machine, dryer functionality; barbecue fuel (propane). Cleaning occurs before arrival and after departure; mid-week tidying depends on rental duration and prior arrangement.

Check-in Flexibility: Standard check-in occurs at 4pm; check-out at 11am. Early arrival (from 2pm) and late departure (until 1pm) are subject to availability—confirm during booking without assuming automatic extension.

Frequently Asked Questions about Villa Akira

How many guests does Villa Akira sleep?

Villa Akira sleeps 12 guests across 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. The main house contains 4 bedrooms plus a dedicated annexe housing a fifth bedroom. Both the main building and annexe include open attic spaces fitted with generous mattresses (180 x 200cm), creating additional sleeping surfaces. The typical breakdown: 5 double beds across the five bedrooms, plus 2 attic mattress spaces. The configuration supports families and friend groups equally; the separate annexe provides guest independence when needed.

What is the nearest airport to Villa Akira in Ždrelac?

Zadar International Airport (ZAD) serves Villa Akira’s needs, located 28 kilometres northwest. The airport handles direct flights from most major European cities (London, Berlin, Paris, Vienna, Munich) via scheduled services and seasonal charters. Ground transfer time from airport to villa typically runs 55–65 minutes, depending on ferry queue times at Ugljan crossing and final villa access roads. Car hire desks operate in the airport terminal; advance booking during July–August peak season secures familiar vehicle classes at better rates than last-minute counters.

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

May through September offers optimal conditions. June–August provides guaranteed warm sea temperatures (26–28°C), full restaurant operations, and daily sunshine, balanced against peak accommodation prices and highest visitor density across the islands. May and September deliver nearly identical weather (24–26°C water, comfortable air temperatures) with 35–40% lower rates and dramatically fewer competing guests on beaches and in restaurants. April and October remain viable for cold-water swimmers and those seeking solitude, though some seasonal restaurants close and water temperature dips to 16–18°C. November through March experiences unpredictable weather, occasional storms, and limited social amenities—suited only to off-season seekers accepting reduced services.

Is Villa Akira suitable for families with children?

Yes, with age-specific qualifications. The heated pool eliminates cold-water hesitation for younger swimmers; the shallow pebble beach transition creates safe supervised swimming zones. A highchair provision accommodates infants during meals. Bedside monitoring remains straightforward given the compact layout—children’s rooms cluster within calling distance of parent bedrooms. The gym space provides bad-weather activity. The calm strait waters off the beach suit ages 3+ for water play. Children aged 12+ enjoy island cycling paths and hiking routes (Veliki Bokolj walk works well for ages 8+). Restaurants within walking distance serve family portions and simple child plates alongside sophisticated cuisine. The primary limitation: this villa suits families prioritising beach time and pool access over children’s clubs or organised activities—you’re responsible for day programming.

What is included in the rental price at Villa Akira?

The rental price includes: heated pool operation (maintaining comfortable temperature year-round); Wi-Fi internet access throughout the property; air conditioning functionality; complete linen provision (sheets, pillowcases, duvet covers) and bath towels; washing machine and dryer use; gym equipment access; dishwasher operation; and pre-arrival cleaning plus post-departure turnover cleaning. Barbecue propane is provided. Additional costs cover: food and beverage (grocery-dependent); ferry crossing if renting a vehicle on the mainland; any damage beyond normal wear; and optional mid-week cleaning for stays exceeding 14 days (priced per arrangement).

What restaurants and shops are near Villa Akira?

Walking distance (under 500 metres) from the villa: Konoba Ždrelac specialises in grilled shellfish and octopus, occupying a waterfront position with terrace seating—accessible by barefoot waterfront walk or 5-minute road stroll; Konoba Mate operates in a 150-year-old stone building serving dalmatinski brodit and local fish, positioned 320 metres away via village path; Vila Pašman focuses on Pašman lamb and handmade pasta, 400 metres distant with garden dining. Ždrelac village centre (200–400 metres) hosts a small convenience shop open daily, a post office (mornings only), and a Thursday morning market selling fresh vegetables and local dairy products. For full-scale supermarket shopping (Konzum supermarket, Ugljan Town, 8km away) vehicle transport becomes necessary, though the store serves all provisions for week-long stays. Restaurants operate seasonally: peak hours (June–August) ensure evening service from 6pm; May and September reduce opening hours to 7pm onwards; April and October see irregular hours with advance reservation recommended.