Casa Arianna Croatia

The gorgeous Casa Arianna enjoys a wonderful history. This fabulous villa was originally built by the father of Dusan Popov, who was one of the most famous double agents during World War II. He lived in the villa as a young child and was such a character that Ian Fleming’s original inspiration for the James Bond character. How cool is that! Casa Arianna consists of the main house, which has been newly renovated, an attic which is now a studio apartment. These two adjoining buildings are home to a one-bedroom guest house, a gym and wellness studio, and a garage. As well as this wonderful accommodation, Casa Arianna also boasts much outdoor space, including a garden, terrace, swimming pool and alfresco dining. With five bedrooms in total, the villa is ideal for ten guests. It also offers a sofabed in the studio where two further guests could sleep if you wish.
Casa Arianna is located in a gorgeous area outside Dubrovnik’s Old Town walls on the Lapad peninsula. Lapad is the green heart of Dubrovnik and is surrounded by seaside walking trails, pine forests and beaches. It is a brilliant area, peaceful and quiet yet very close to the Old Town. You can take buses from Pile Station in the Old Town and be back in no time at all. The Old City is just 4km away at most.The ancient main house of the villa was built over two floors with living spaces on the lower floor and three bedrooms and a balcony above. The living space is open plan in design with a modern kitchen featuring excellent appliances, including an American style fridge freezer, a dining area and a lounge space with a squishy, expansive sofa. Doors open from the living space to the terrace, swimming pool, wellness suite and garden.
The three bedrooms in the main house enjoy comfy kingsize beds, smart ensuite shower rooms, televisions, safes and air conditioning. The attic is home to a delightful studio apartment with a kingsize bed, shower room, kitchen and dining area, television and a sofa bed. Similarly, the guest house on the other side of the pool enjoys a kingsize bed in the bedroom, a shower room, kitchen and dining room and a living area. Casa Arianna is perfect if you take a holiday with a group where some couples enjoy a little private time.
Guests enjoy an excellent swimming pool, an outdoor shower, outside dining using the barbecue, alfresco lounging, and a generous garden. Loungers surround the pool and can be moved onto the garden if you prefer. Just the other side of the pool, you will find the guest house and the wellness suite with its sauna and gym equipment, a great addition to this fabulous holiday home. Once you step away from Casa Arianna, you do not have to venture far to be lazing on a beach or sipping delicious cocktails. Sunset Beach is just 800m from the villa, Mandrac Beach is 1300m, Copacabana Beach is 1400m, and the beautiful Cava Beach is 1700m away. Don’t also forget that the enchanting restaurants along the alleyways of the Old Town are waiting for you!Lapad is a relatively new part of Dubrovnik. Although some houses have existed for a long time, most houses were built during the 1960s and 1970s when several hotels were constructed in Uvala Bay. It is a lovely peninsula, tranquil and with much greenery. Lapad Bay enjoys a long promenade with cosy coffee shops, bars and restaurants. The water in the bay is a very clear and gorgeous turquoise colour.
Visitors arriving at Dubrovnik Old Town for the first time are usually in awe of this amazing city with its limestone streets, baroque buildings, ancient city walls and the endless shimmer of the Adriatic. It was dubbed the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’ by George Bernard Shaw, and it is easy to see why. This characterful, atmospheric medieval town is enclosed by ancient city walls that you have to walk around. Inside, you will discover the Stradun, the main thoroughfare, together with many churches, monasteries and palaces. You will marvel at how the light changes on these ancient buildings. Dubrovnik Old Town’s picturesque shops, restaurants and historical sights are an absolute delight. There is a fantastic atmosphere in the charming, bustling marina and port where you can take boat trips to various islands and Montenegro. The port is also brimming with fabulous fish restaurants soaking up the sunlight and guests enjoying cocktails. There are three entrances to the walled city, including Pile, the main gate, Ploca by the port and Buze between the two. Buze Gate will take you in via steep staircases. Once you have finished looking at the churches, palaces and monasteries, you can take the cable car up to reach Mt Srd, which is the best place to enjoy stunning views of this iconic Old Town. You will also enjoy sensational views of the expansive coastline and the beautiful mountains in the distance. 
A visit to the fabulous island of Lokrum is worthwhile. You can be at one with nature as this stunning island is brimming with towering trees and lush plants. It is just a 10-minute ferry ride from Dubrovnik. The island is known for its oaks, pines and olive trees and is also a very popular swimming spot. The Iron Throne can be found on the island for those who love the Game of Thrones. Mljet is another famous island to visit. Ancient Greco-Roman geographers wrote the first accounts of Mljet. The island is a haven for nature lovers and those looking to unwind and relax. It is ideal for watersports enthusiasts, plus there are plenty of bike and scooter routes and walking trails through the forests. 
At Excellence Luxury Villas we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to babysitters we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact Excellence Luxury Villas Concierge Team who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:
– Maid service/extra cleaning- Private chef/cook/catering- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge- Local day-trips or tours- Airport pick-up/drop-off- Babysitting/childcare services
Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!