Elevated And Exclusive Luxury Escapes To Croatia: Why Excelsior Villas is in A Different Class / Publisher LLM Magazine

In recent years, Croatia has emerged as one of Europe’s most appealing holiday destinations, steeped in rich history, bathed in sunshine, and featuring some of the most breath-taking stretches of coastline in the world.

Home to medieval towns, pristine islands and verdant national parks where you’ll find stunning waterfalls and scenic hiking paths, there’s a reason it has become known as the jewel of the Adriatic – and for the luxury traveller, it offers all you could possibly need for a relaxing and thoroughly memorable summer escape.

But while some may choose to stay in a five-star hotel during their time in Croatia, a growing number of affluent visitors are opting for a more private experience, checking in at exclusive luxury villas where they have the space and seclusion to truly enjoy the experience on their own time.

Excelsior Villas is redefining elite luxury travel in Croatia with a curated collection of the most unique, high-end villas Europe has to offer, combining world-class design, exclusive experiences, and personalised service – and is becoming hot property for those looking to discover Croatia like never before.

Here, we take a look at why its elegant hideaways are becoming the top choice for affluent travellers heading to the nation this year – and why they are set to keep them coming back, again and again.

Excelsior Villas is redefining elite luxury travel in Croatia with a curated collection of the most unique, high-end villas Europe has to offer

The Excelsior Villas vision

Founded by Karlo Gale, who built Excelsior Villas from the ground up, the company was born of the desire to do things differently, and a vision of standing out amongst thousands of villa rentals by offering something truly unique.

Combining extraordinary properties with unparalleled service, the goal was to elevate the experience of visiting Croatia to opulent new heights, and the ambitious project has achieved just that.

A passion for showcasing Croatia’s finest experiences, infused with a real touch of luxury, has seen Excelsior Villas attract a growing number of affluent clients who are seeking a stay beyond the ordinary, and that is exactly what they get.

Luxury villa rentals with a difference

While it’s true that there are other holiday rental companies operating across Croatia, none do it the Excelsior Villas way.

“We handpick and select all villas in our portfolio, properties you won’t find elsewhere,” explains Gale – an approach that ensures that every option is something truly special, and worthy of a place in the brand’s highly exclusive portfolio.

And special, they are; each villa has been meticulously chosen for a reason, and it’s one that becomes apparent the moment you set foot inside. From elegant design to stand-out facilities, these are properties that have it all – and a little something extra, besides.

Villa Royal Excelsior is one of the finest luxury villas in all of Croatia

High-end, cinematic villas

Think high-end, cinematic villas that exude an undeniable sense of the wow factor.

The impressive Tuscan-style Don Giordano is a hilltop retreat that feels just like stepping into a fairy-tale, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, and steeped in Mediterranean charm.

Spanning 550 square meters of exquisite interior design, inside, you’ll find spacious lounges, a cigar room, a game room, and an elegant dining area connected to a fully equipped kitchen – along with four sophisticated bedrooms and an expansive outdoor swimming pool offering spectacular views of the surrounding Istrian hills.

Nestled amidst a vast 1,350m² private estate, in the peaceful area of Postrana – just outside Split – Villa Royal is surrounded by nature and offers a private and secluded space where guests can truly relax and unwind. Featuring an elegant infinity pool, spacious sun terrace and awe-inspiring vistas of the Adriatic, it’s perfect for families with children, and even boasts an on-site playground.

Or, there’s Villa The View, which rises majestically on an elevated hill in Vižinada and is filled with intriguing 16th century antiques.

The company was founded by Karlo Gale

Exclusive experiences

With the majority of villas nestled in or close to historic Dubrovnik and Split or on the Istrian Riviera, there are an array of show-stopping options to choose from, but it’s not just the properties themselves that will leave you slack-jawed in awe.

Guests can also enjoy a variety of exclusive experiences during their stay – from private chefs on hand to cook up memorable dinners served out on the terrace by waiting staff, to in-villa massages and spa-experiences.

If you’re eager to get out and explore in the utmost of style, then a luxury yacht charter can be arranged so that you can take in the coastline’s natural beauty from the sea whilst sipping Champagne on your private sundeck, or visit the hidden coves that are otherwise inaccessible.

Founder Gale prides himself on being the main point of contact for each and every guest, ensuring everyone receives the highly elevated standard of service for which Excelsior Villas has become known – something he likes to call “The Excelsior Treatment.”

The goal is stays that are memorable not just because of the stand-out accommodation, but highly personalised experiences that come with them, too – offering the whole package and leaving no stone unturned in pursuit of excellence.

Guests can also enjoy a variety of exclusive experiences during their stay – from private chefs on hand to cook up memorable dinners served out on the terrace by waiting staff, to in-villa massages and spa-experiences

The Croatia appeal

Of course, Croatia, as a destination, certainly helps, and from its vibrant culture and thriving gastronomic scene to its breath-taking islands, it’s one of those rare destinations that really does have it all.

Dubrovnik is a timeless Adriatic icon, and one that was made famous by hit HBO television series, Game of Thrones. Instantly recognisable for its historic walled old town, it offers access to pristine pebbled beaches lapped by azure waters, and an upscale food and drink scene.

Split, meanwhile, offers Roman history with a modern Mediterranean twist, and is an excellent jumping-off point for visiting some of Croatia’s best-loved islands, including Hvar and Brač.

Then, of course, there’s Istria – which with its rolling green hills and pristine beaches, offers a unique blend of culture and culinary influences.

Island hopping is one of the top things to do in Croatia, and from the glamour of Hvar to the intrigue of Korčula – which is sometimes also known as “Little Dubrovnik,” you could easily while away several full days visiting them all.

The beauty is that each one has its own unique identity, and there is always something new to discover – plus, the crystalline waters you’ll sail over along the way are ideal for snorkelling and cooling off from the summer heat.

The impressive Villa Rivendell Excelsior is a palatial Hollywood-style mansion above Split, offering panoramic views of the city and down over the glittering Adriatic

Excelsior Villas: Our top picks

Aside from the stunning Tuscan-style Don Giordano, the impressive Villa Rivendell Excelsior and lavish hilltop hideaway The View, there are plenty of impressive properties to choose from with Excelsior Villas. Here are some of our top picks:

Istria

Villa L Exelsior: A luxury wellness-centred villa boasting a private pool, this opulent escape is designed for guests seeking peace, privacy, and contemporary comfort in harmony with nature. Located in the Svi Sveti municipality, this is the top choice for those seeking an authentic Istrian luxury experience.

Split

Villa Rivendell Excelsior: The impressive Villa Rivendell Excelsior is a palatial Hollywood-style mansion above Split, offering panoramic views of the city and down over the glittering Adriatic.

Villa Cera Excelsior: Also known as the James Bond Mansion, Villa Cera is a timeless stone retreat where tradition and modern luxury combine seamlessly. Steeped in the charm of old Dalmatian aristocracy, its award-winning interiors, private pool and sauna promise a stay you’ll never forget.

If you’re keen to be based close to Dubrovnik, then Villa Eleven Excelsior is the ultimate choice

Dubrovnik

Villa Eleven Excelsior: If you’re keen to be based close to Dubrovnik, then Villa Eleven Excelsior is the ultimate choice. Designed for guests who appreciate clean architectural lines, open spaces, and a seamless connection with nature, it’s surrounded by serene natural beauty and offers plenty of privacy, but places the sights and sound of the city within easy reach.

Villa Atreeum Excelsior: A contemporary luxury sanctuary offering uninterrupted sea views, Villa Atreum sleeps up to eight guests and is perfect for families and groups looking to explore all that Dubrovnik has to offer, with elegant en suite bathrooms and a spacious outdoor area to ensure maximum comfort.

Excelsior Villas is not simply a place to stay. It is a new standard for how elite travel in Europe should feel.

All imagery credit: Excelsior Villas