Villa Costello | 5-Bedroom Villa with Private Pool in Podstrana

Ten guests arrive at Villa Costello in Podstrana, Split, Croatia to find a contemporary five-bedroom property that transforms a coastal hillside into a private retreat. The Adriatic stretches beyond the terrace; the village of Podstrana curves along the shoreline below. This is a 5-bedroom luxury villa rental in Podstrana designed for groups who refuse to compromise on space, comfort, or the quality of light that floods through floor-to-ceiling glass doors at golden hour.

Inside Villa Costello

Villa Costello sleeps 10 guests across 5 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms, distributed across four floors that feel less like stacked accommodation and more like a series of private sanctuaries. The ground floor opens into an expansive living zone where the kitchen, dining, and lounge converge without walls to separate them. The kitchen itself is fully equipped with a dishwasher, coffee machine, ice machine, and microwave—the kind of culinary space that makes even reluctant cooks volunteer for breakfast duty. Eight guests sit comfortably at the dining table here, while the living room invites you into deep sofas arranged around a working fireplace. Doors from this level lead directly onto the garden and pool terrace.

One flight down, the lower ground floor reveals a games room that shifts the energy entirely. A kitchenette sits alongside a pool table, gaming chair, PlayStation 5, television, and additional sofas—this is where the villa becomes a venue for late-night tournaments and younger guests disappear for hours. A shower room and one bedroom with a double bed anchor this floor, providing both entertainment and accommodation without requiring guests to climb stairs at the end of the evening.

The first floor hosts three further bedrooms, each distinct. Two rooms command attention: both feature king-size beds, en-suite bathrooms with showers, sea-facing terraces, and the kind of unobstructed Adriatic views that make waking at dawn an involuntary pleasure rather than a chore. The third bedroom on this floor is a double room with television, air conditioning, and its own en-suite shower room. All bedrooms include air conditioning and televisions; all are fitted with quality linens and modern furnishings.

The ground floor also includes a twin room with en-suite facilities, offering flexibility for families or friends who prefer their own entrance and bathroom.

Throughout the interior, air conditioning, Wi-Fi internet, and televisions function seamlessly. A laundry room with washing machine and tumble dryer serves the group. Hairdryers, iron and board, and other essentials are distributed where needed.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The rooftop terrace is where Villa Costello reveals its finest ambition. A hot tub sits beneath a retractable roof—useful on Croatia’s rare winter days, essential for evening swims under stars during summer months. Sunbeds cluster nearby. A sauna and dedicated bathroom occupy this floor alongside a cocktail kitchen, transforming sunset into ceremony. The retractable roof cover means you can bathe under open sky or retreat into shelter as weather demands.

The main garden below holds a private heated swimming pool measuring 9 metres by 4.5 metres, with a hydromassage function that transforms the water into a therapeutic experience after days spent exploring the Dalmatian coast. Eight sunbeds surround the pool’s perimeter; a covered dining area for eight guests provides shade without surrender to indoors. A shower adjacent to the pool means guests can rinse salt water before returning to dry lounging. The garden itself commands panoramic views across the Adriatic—the kind of vista that justifies standing still for twenty minutes without speaking.

A separate seating area and barbecue facilities extend the entertaining options. Covered terraces on multiple levels allow outdoor living in any season, any weather.

Location: Podstrana and the Surrounding Area

Podstrana itself is a five-village coastal settlement that operates at a different rhythm from Split, 10 kilometres inland. The Dalmatian Riviera stretches through this region—crystalline Adriatic water, pebbled beaches, and the kind of underwater clarity that invites snorkelling within metres of the shore. The nearest beaches lie 1.5 kilometres from Villa Costello: Zivogosce beach and the smaller Molunat cove both offer calm water and family-friendly facilities. Water sports—kayaking, paddleboarding, jet-skiing—are available through local operators; boat hire for half-day or full-day island exploration departs from Podstrana harbour.

The village itself contains supermarkets, traditional bakeries, and restaurants serving Adriatic seafood and Dalmatian specialities: grilled squid, octopus salad, brodetto (fish stew), and local wines from the Dalmatian hinterland. Narrow stone streets wind between family-run establishments that have occupied the same space for generations. Markets operate several days weekly, stocked with local produce, cheese, and cured meats.

Split, a 10-kilometre drive north, houses Diocletian’s Palace—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s most intact Roman palace complexes, built in 305 AD and now a living neighbourhood woven through narrow streets and underground passages. The Peristyle (the palace’s central courtyard), the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, and the Temple of Jupiter draw cultural tourists year-round. Museums and galleries showcase contemporary and historical Croatian art; the waterfront promenade (Riva) bustles with street performers, cafes, and evening passeggiata (the traditional evening stroll).

Within 30 kilometres of Villa Costello, Trogir (25 kilometres west) offers another UNESCO World Heritage old town built on an island, connected by bridges and ferries, with Renaissance architecture and quieter streets than Split. The Dalmatian wine region stretches inland from Podstrana—wineries around Trilj and the Neretva valley offer tastings of Plavac Mali and Pošip wines. Kayaking the Cetina River gorge, a 45-minute drive from the villa, provides freshwater adventure through limestone canyons. Hiking trails crisscross the Dalmatian hills; the Biokovo mountain range rises dramatically behind the coast, accessible via the winding Biokovo Corniche road.

The islands of Brač, Hvar, and Vis lie within reach by ferry or private boat. Summer festivals and cultural events animate Split and coastal villages from June through September: theatre, music, and food festivals occur throughout the season. The best time to visit extends from May through October—May and September offer warm water and fewer crowds than July-August, when temperatures peak and European tourists arrive en masse. Winter (November-March) brings rain and cooler temperatures but dramatically lower accommodation costs and authentic local life undisturbed by tourism.

For destination inspiration and detailed regional guidance, explore our Split travel guide. Additional options are available through our villas in Opcina Podstrana, or browse our broader luxury villas in Croatia.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Villa Costello is engineered for multi-generational family groups: parents, children, and grandparents who want shared accommodation without everyone sleeping in the same corridor. The games room and hot tub appeal to teenagers; the heated pool, calm beach, and family activities suit younger children; the quiet bedrooms and private terraces restore adults. Extended family gatherings—cousins, siblings, in-laws—function smoothly across five separate bedrooms with distinct bathrooms.

Friend groups of eight to ten find the space and amenities conducive to long stays: the PlayStation 5, pool table, and multiple kitchens mean sub-groups can pursue different activities simultaneously. Couples seeking a group escape benefit from the two sea-view king bedrooms on the first floor, which offer privacy alongside communal entertaining downstairs.

Business groups or creative retreats appreciate the reliable Wi-Fi, multiple work surfaces, and the ability to hold meetings in the dining or living spaces while others swim or relax. The separate games room floor provides a private social zone away from rest areas.

Families with young children (the villa provides a cot and highchair) find proximity to Podstrana’s family beaches, shallow Adriatic water, pool heating, and safety features like covered terraces and secure garden boundaries. The village bakeries, supermarkets, and restaurants are within walking distance.

Practical Information

Capacity: 10 guests across 5 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms. The property accommodates infants (cot available) and young children (highchair available).

Nearest Airport: Split Airport (Aerodrom Split) lies 25 kilometres away, approximately 35 minutes by car depending on traffic and ferry queues (a car ferry crosses the bay). Transfer services are available and can be arranged in advance.

Nearest Supermarket: Konzum and Lidl supermarkets operate in Podstrana village, 1.5 kilometres from the villa—a 15-minute walk or 3-minute drive. Pharmacies, bakeries, and butchers are similarly distributed through the village.

What Is Included: Air conditioning, heating (including pool heating), Wi-Fi internet, televisions, pool access, hot tub access, sauna access, dishwasher, washing and drying facilities, parking, linens, towels, and basic amenities (hairdryer, iron, board). Pre-stocking of the fridge can be arranged. Spa treatments can be arranged through our concierge. Transfer services are available.

Check-In Flexibility: Standard check-in is 4:00 PM and check-out is 11:00 AM. Early arrival or late departure may be possible depending on prior bookings—contact Excellence Luxury Villas directly to discuss your travel dates.

Frequently Asked Questions about Villa Costello

How many guests does Villa Costello sleep?

Villa Costello accommodates 10 guests across 5 bedrooms. Four bedrooms contain double or king-size beds (sleeping 2 guests each); one bedroom contains twin single beds (sleeping 2 guests). The villa includes 6 bathrooms, meaning most guests have either private en-suite facilities or shared facilities with one other room. A cot is available for infants, and a highchair is provided for young children.

What is the nearest airport to Villa Costello in Podstrana?

Split Airport (Resnik International Airport / Aerodrom Split) is the principal gateway, located approximately 25 kilometres north of Podstrana. By car, the journey takes 35-45 minutes depending on traffic patterns and whether the car ferry crossing Kaštela Bay is required. Private transfer services can be booked through Excellence Luxury Villas to collect you from the airport and deliver you to the villa, eliminating the need to navigate rental cars or public transport.

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

May through October offers warm, sunny weather ideal for swimming and outdoor activities. July and August are peak season—warm water, vibrant nightlife in Split, and numerous festivals, but also peak tourist crowds and highest prices. May and September offer a sweet spot: water temperature around 20-22°C (warm enough for most swimmers), fewer tourists, lower accommodation costs, and more availability of restaurant tables and local attention. June and September are particularly excellent for those seeking cultural activities without summer intensity. Winter (November-March) brings occasional rain and cooler temperatures (5-12°C), making swimming less appealing, but the landscape remains green and accommodation rates drop significantly—ideal for couples or those prioritising cost savings over beach time.

Is Villa Costello suitable for families with children?

Yes. The villa includes a cot for infants and a highchair for toddlers. The heated pool maintains comfortable temperatures for young swimmers. Zivogosce and Molunat beaches, 1.5 kilometres away, are shallow and family-friendly with lifeguard services during summer months. Podstrana village contains supermarkets, bakeries, pharmacies, and family restaurants within walking distance. Multiple bedrooms allow parents and children to have their own sleeping spaces. The games room provides entertainment for older children during rest hours or weather delays. The sauna and hot tub offer adult relaxation while younger guests play safely in the pool or garden.

What is included in the rental price at Villa Costello?

The rental price includes: air conditioning and heating throughout the villa; pool heating and hot tub access; sauna access; Wi-Fi internet; televisions in all bedrooms and communal areas; full kitchen equipment (dishwasher, refrigerator, freezer, microwave, coffee machine, ice machine); laundry facilities (washing machine, tumble dryer); linens and towels (changed mid-stay for longer bookings); parking; and access to all outdoor spaces and amenities. Pre-stocking of the refrigerator with groceries to your specifications can be arranged (additional cost). Spa treatments (massage, facials) are available through our concierge (additional cost). Transfer services from Split Airport are available (additional cost).

What restaurants and shops are near Villa Costello?

Podstrana village centre, 1.5 kilometres downslope from the villa, contains multiple restaurants specialising in grilled fish, seafood risotto, and traditional Dalmatian meat dishes. Konoba Mate and Konoba Bačvice serve local Adriatic cuisine in family-run settings. Konzum and Lidl supermarkets stock groceries, wines, and fresh produce (daily). Bakeries (pekare) operate throughout the village, selling fresh bread, pastries, and burek (savoury pastry). A fish market operates on specific days weekly, where local fishermen sell the morning’s catch. Split city centre (10 kilometres north) contains shopping malls, designer boutiques, farmers’ markets on the waterfront Riva, and restaurants ranging from casual seafood grills to Michelin-acknowledged establishments. Trogir (25 kilometres west) offers artisan shops and family-run restaurants in its historic old town. Wine shops throughout the region stock Dalmatian labels including Plavac Mali and Pošip.