Villa Mirela | 5-Bedroom Villa with Private Pool in Zmijavci

Imotski’s Blue Lake draws adventurers and swimmers from across Europe, yet few realise that 3km inland sits Villa Mirela—a luxury villa rental in Imotski, Croatia, where 12 guests find themselves with an entire private estate and views that stretch across the Dalmatian hinterland. This is not a boutique property squeezed onto a hillside; it’s a sprawling, single-storey residence built for groups who refuse to compromise on space, privacy, or the calibre of amenities.

Inside Villa Mirela

Villa Mirela sleeps 12 guests across 5 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms. The architectural approach here prioritises accessibility—all sleeping quarters occupy the ground floor, meaning no luggage-hauling up narrow stairs and no grandparents excluded from the action.

Four identically appointed double bedrooms feature king-size beds paired with walk-in shower suites, air-conditioning, flat-screen televisions, and French doors that frame the surrounding countryside. The fifth bedroom diverges from this pattern: it sits slightly apart with its own external entrance, accommodates a king-size bed, includes a PlayStation gaming console for younger guests, and houses a convertible sofa bed capable of sleeping two additional occupants—making this the flexible room that transforms a group of ten into a gathering of twelve.

The living interior unfolds as an open-plan composition. A kitchen, equipped beyond standard holiday rental expectations, features a wine cooler for serious collectors, a DeLonghi coffee machine that rewards early risers, a full-sized dishwasher, microwave, and counter space that doesn’t feel cramped when multiple people cook simultaneously. A substantial dining table seats ten people comfortably, positioned to face both the kitchen and the main living area. The lounge itself anchors a smart television mounted on the wall—large enough to watch a film but not so dominant that it becomes the focus of conversation. A guest toilet, separate from the bedrooms, prevents morning bottlenecks.

The rooftop level deserves its own paragraph. Accessed via internal stairs, this space transforms how groups experience a villa. An outdoor kitchen and lounge create a second living zone entirely, a whirlpool hot tub sits ready for evening use, an exterior gym overlooks the valley below—the kind of view that actually motivates people to exercise—and an additional toilet ensures no one abandons their rooftop moment for a bathroom run indoors. Satellite television and a DVD player are integrated throughout the property for guests who want entertainment options beyond the valley views.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

Step outside and the property’s true scale emerges. A heated mineral swimming pool measures 12 metres by 6 metres, with a maximum depth of 1.5 metres, making it safe for children while spacious enough for genuine swimming. Twelve deck chairs position themselves around the sun deck, and a hydromassage system creates the sensation of a spa rather than a basic holiday pool. Unlike chlorine-dependent alternatives, this system uses mineral technology, meaning no chemical smell clings to skin and swimwear.

An outdoor shower, positioned separately from the poolside, allows guests to rinse away chlorine-free minerals before entering the heated water. The summer kitchen operates on a traditional barbecue principle—not a gas grill designed by people who’ve never actually grilled meat. An outdoor dining area sits adjacent, shaded by the structure itself, where twelve people can eat together without squinting into low sun or huddling under inadequate umbrellas.

Beyond the pool zone, a games lounge houses a full-size pool table, the kind that doesn’t wobble mid-break. Children’s play equipment occupies a designated area, keeping younger guests engaged while adults socialise nearby. A multi-sport court accommodates tennis, five-a-side football, and basketball—regulation-sized lines, not an afterthought painted on concrete. Table tennis equipment, an outdoor shower, and a private parking area complete the external infrastructure.

The rooftop gym deserves specific mention. Equipment is genuinely present here, not decorative dumbbells collecting dust. The vistas from this elevation—looking north toward Mount Biokovo’s slopes—make sunrise workouts voluntarily pursued rather than grimly endured. A lounge area on the rooftop provides a second destination when twelve guests need to disperse and find their own rhythms.

Location: Imotski and the Surrounding Area

Imotski sits 3 kilometres from the remarkable Blue Lake, a karst formation where freshwater springs emerge from limestone bedrock and create swimming conditions from June through September. The Red Lake, 2 kilometres further, descends to 6 metres below sea level at its deepest point—a sight worth seeing even if swimming here remains impossible due to cliff steepness and extreme depth.

The immediate town of Imotski offers restaurants serving traditional Dalmatian fare, bakeries with fresh pastries daily, and small supermarkets stocking everything from international wine selections to local produce. The nearest significant coastal town, Baška Voda, lies 32 kilometres south—a 40-minute drive through winding roads that open onto Mediterranean views. Baška Voda itself functions as a beach resort where water-skiing, mountain biking, and beach volleyball are organised activities, and waterfront restaurants serve grilled fish with sea views that justify the drive time.

Makarska, 45 kilometres south, represents the region’s main entertainment hub. Kačić Square anchors the Old Town, named after 18th-century poet Andrija Kačić Miošić, and hosts restaurant terraces, cultural events, and the town’s primary church. The Biokovo Skywalk, perched at 1,200 metres elevation above Makarska, is a horseshoe-shaped glass-bottomed viewing platform that genuinely justifies its reputation—visibility extends to Italian islands on clear days. The mountain itself, Mount Biokovo, rises immediately north of Villa Mirela and offers hiking trails ranging from one-hour walks to full-day expeditions.

Specific named beaches include Punta Rata at Brela, featuring the distinctive Brela Stone rock formation, approximately 38 kilometres away. The Kotišina botanical gardens showcase native Mediterranean flora, while the holy shrine of Veprić sits at the foot of the surrounding hills—a 2-hour hiking destination from Villa Mirela. Explore our villas in Opcina Zmijavci for alternative properties in this region, or browse our luxury villas in Europe if you’re considering multiple destinations. For deeper destination context, read our Croatia travel guide, and check our full collection in Croatia for additional options.

Nightlife concentrates in Makarska. Deep nightclub, housed inside a cave system, offers views of the Adriatic sunset visible from areas outside the main dancefloor. The annual Makarska Jazz Festival runs in summer, while Makarska Cultural Summer provides theatre, concerts, and visual art exhibitions throughout June to September. Split Airport, 85 kilometres northwest, accepts most European carriers and requires approximately 90 minutes’ driving to reach Villa Mirela. Zadar Airport, 120 kilometres northeast, offers an alternative entry point for some routes, requiring 2 hours’ driving.

Best visiting periods align with summer months (June to September) when lake swimming becomes viable, cultural events are scheduled, and coastal restaurants operate at full capacity. May and October provide pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and slightly lower prices. December through February sees considerable rainfall, though winter visitors appreciate empty beaches and discounted accommodation rates.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Extended families spanning three generations find Villa Mirela particularly suitable. The ground-floor layout eliminates climbing for older guests, while children’s amenities and family-friendly beaches nearby (particularly Baška Voda’s shallow zones) remove barriers to participation. The pool depth of 1.5 metres suits young swimmers without requiring constant supervision in deep water.

Groups of friends celebrating significant occasions—milestone birthdays, graduations, wedding weekends—benefit from the multi-use spaces. The games room, rooftop gym, and pool table encourage informal competition, while the capacity to seat twelve at one dining table supports communal meals without splitting the group across multiple seatings.

Couples seeking a private retreat with guest accommodation for friends or family will find the scale appropriate; the separate guest bedroom with external access allows visiting couples genuine independence. Active holidaymakers who hike, mountain bike, or water sports benefit from proximity to Mount Biokovo’s trails, Baška Voda’s water activity operators, and the Blue Lake’s swimming opportunities.

Professional groups using properties as wellness retreats or team-building venues appreciate the rooftop gym, the on-site pool for morning swimming, and the quiet setting that permits concentration alongside recreational breaks. The property’s layout supports people working remotely—Wi-Fi coverage throughout, quiet bedrooms, and distance from urban noise.

Practical Information

Villa Mirela accommodates 12 guests across 5 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms. The property includes heated pooling, Wi-Fi internet throughout all areas, air-conditioning in every bedroom, heating for winter visits, a safe for valuables, satellite television, DVD playback, games console access, hairdryers in each bathroom, and laundry facilities. Baby cots and high chairs are available for families with very young children.

Split Airport represents the nearest major international hub at 85 kilometres distance, with transfer time approximately 90 minutes by car. Zadar Airport, 120 kilometres away, requires 2 hours’ transfer time but occasionally offers better flight availability or pricing for certain routes. A hire car is essential—public transport to Villa Mirela does not exist, and taxis from Split would cost significantly more than daily car rental.

Lidl supermarket and local market vendors in Imotski town centre, 3 kilometres away, stock groceries, fresh produce, wine, and spirits. Weekly markets operate on scheduled days, offering farm produce at lower prices than supermarkets. Restaurants in Imotski range from traditional konoba establishments (family-run eateries serving regional specialties) to more contemporary venues; most require advance booking during summer months.

Check-in time is typically 16:00 (4 PM), with check-out at 11:00 (11 AM). Flexibility outside these hours is sometimes possible if the property schedule permits; this requires direct discussion with the operator. Linen and towels are provided and changed during the rental period; additional laundry cycles are guest-managed or available through paid additional service.

Frequently Asked Questions about Villa Mirela

How many guests does Villa Mirela sleep?

Villa Mirela sleeps up to 12 guests. Five bedrooms provide the primary sleeping accommodation: four rooms with king-size beds and private en-suite bathrooms, plus a fifth bedroom containing a king-size bed, games console, and a convertible sofa bed that accommodates two additional guests. This configuration provides maximum flexibility for groups of varying sizes.

What is the nearest airport to Villa Mirela in Croatia?

Split Airport (Aerodrom Split) lies 85 kilometres from Villa Mirela, requiring approximately 90 minutes’ driving via the D1 coastal motorway and inland routes. Zadar Airport, 120 kilometres away, provides an alternative with approximate transfer time of 2 hours. Both airports handle numerous daily flights from major European cities; Split Airport offers greater frequency overall.

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

June through September offer optimal conditions: the Blue Lake is swimmable, coastal water temperatures reach 22-25°C, cultural events are scheduled throughout the region, and restaurants operate at full capacity. May and October provide pleasant weather (15-22°C daytime temperatures) with substantially fewer crowds and lower prices than peak summer. November through March brings rainfall and cooler conditions but attracts visitors seeking solitude and off-season pricing.

Is Villa Mirela suitable for families with children?

Yes. The pool depth (1.5 metres maximum) suits young swimmers; children’s play equipment is installed on-site; ground-floor bedrooms allow parents to monitor access; baby cots and high chairs are available for very young children. Baška Voda, 32 kilometres away, features supervised family beaches with shallow zones and water sports suitable for older children. The Blue Lake allows summer swimming, and hiking trails on Mount Biokovo can be adapted to family fitness levels.

What is included in the rental price at Villa Mirela?

The rental rate includes heated pool access, Wi-Fi internet throughout the property, air-conditioning and heating, satellite television access, games console use, pool table access, barbecue and summer kitchen facilities, all linen and towels, and the use of all furnished areas. Utilities (electricity, water, gas) are covered. Additional services such as cleaning between arrivals, staff meals, or premium beverages may incur extra charges depending on operator policies.

What restaurants and shops are near Villa Mirela?

Imotski town centre, 3 kilometres away, contains Lidl supermarket, local produce markets, and approximately 12-15 restaurants ranging from traditional konoba establishments to contemporary venues. Specific named restaurants in Imotski include family-operated establishments serving grilled meats and fresh fish; most operate seasonally with peak hours 12:00-14:00 and 19:00-23:00. Baška Voda, 32 kilometres away, offers waterfront restaurants specialising in seafood, beach bars with DJ entertainment during summer, and more contemporary dining options.