Villa Draen Croatia

This delightful villa has a fantastic turquoise pool large enough for real swimming and sunny ochre exteriors. Enjoy a refreshing dip to cool down from the Istrian sunshine. An array of sun loungers are available for guest use and there are plenty of umbrellas for shade.
Just beyond the pool, there is a lush canopy of trees, and there is a shaded terrace with a dining table. Here, there is space for the whole family to dine together. Pets are welcome at this villa, and there is private parking available on site.
Inside, there is a spacious living room decorated in shades of coffee and cream, with a large fuzzy grey sofa. Sophisticated and elegant, the room provides the perfect spot to unwind with a good book or watch a film on the satellite television. The floor tiles have an interesting geometric pattern, while starburst silver art decorates the walls. There is a formal dining table just behind the sofa, and a large corridor that runs through the lower level of the villa.
There is a state-of-the-art kitchen, equipped with everything you could need to make delicious meals. Decorated in glossy purple, there’s plenty of cupboards to store everything, an oven and a coffee maker. There’s even a dishwasher, so there should be no arguments over the washing up!
Ascend the swirly staircase to reach the five bedrooms at this villa, with a combination of single and double beds. Designed in tones of regal deep purple, there are violet feature walls and fluffy rugs on the floors. The furniture is modern and fresh white, which contrasts with the vintage-style mirrors on the walls. Chandeliers hang elegantly from the ceilings. The bathrooms at this villa feature particularly high-tech showers, circular and glass-encased. This villa is beautifully situated in Banjole, a peaceful former fishing village turned popular holiday destination. Banjole has wonderful hiking trails that wind through pine forests and around a peninsula. There are stunning coastal views from here and there’s plenty of bike trails for those who like to explore on two wheels. Around Banjole, there are several horse riding ranches. The village is also close to Pula and Medulin.
Medulin has a fantastic treetop adventure centre called Adrenaline Park Medulin. Great for the whole family, this high ropes course is a sure-fire cure for a fear of heights. Guests can also try paintballing, rock climbing and amazing zip lines that are the grand finale of the adventure course. Soar through dramatic scenery and take in the amazing views as you go.
Pula is just 8km from the villa, the Istrian capital overflowing with history, culture and mythology, particularly of the Roman era. There’s a famous colosseum here that was built in the 1st century AD. It now hosts concerts, theatre and events, but in the days of the Romans it was home to gladiator fights. In the summer months, there are re-enactments of these.
There are lots of carnivals in Pula, so keep an eye out for these during your visit! Additionally, visit the Temple of Augustus, built to honour the emperor of the same name. Beautiful and located in the main square, the temple is free to visit.
Istria has a strong Italian influence, being just two hours from Venice. It also has plenty of relics and architecture left over from the Roman era, especially in Pula. It’s easy to hop across the border to Italy and spend a day exploring and indulging in Italian food. Istria’s heart-shaped coastline is gorgeous, with endless beaches on offer.
Take a day trip to Brijuni National Park, an archipelago of 14 islands that can be accessed by boat from Pula. The islands are famous for their natural beauty and indigenous flora and fauna. Enjoy a scenic boat ride with views of the southwestern peninsula to reach the park. There are dinosaur footprints on the largest island, Viliki Brijuni, and plenty of archaeological wonders. Those who enjoy hiking will love the trails around the islands, with stunning views at every turn.
Istria is well known for its tasty cuisine and fresh ingredients, like wild asparagus and chestnuts. A local dish to try is pljukanci, a hand-rolled pasta dish served with all sorts of delicious sauces. Banjole is famous for its seafood, so make sure you try some at a local restaurant. Vineyard tours are also popular throughout Istria. There are also many wineries that offer tours with the opportunity to try a glass of Refošk or Malvazija. Admire the views of rolling hills and rows of grapes from the terrace.
Of course, a trip to Croatia wouldn’t be complete without a beach day – the shallow sea is absolutely beautiful. A great option close to the villa include Bijeca, which has sandy areas – rare in Istria – and glittering emerald green sea. There are also kayaks for rent and watersports including windsurfing and water-skiing.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
Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact Excellence Luxury Villas Concierge Team.
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!