Croatia's Hidden Gem: Domus Maria's Stunning Pool Awaits!
Croatia's Hidden Gem: Domus Maria's Stunning Pool Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into my (hopefully) soon-to-be-favorite Croatian escape: Domus Maria's Stunning Pool Awaits!. Forget those sterile, cookie-cutter hotel reviews. We're going full-blown messy travel diary, complete with the highs, the lows, and the inevitable "oops, I forgot my toothbrush!" moments. Let’s get into it, shall we?
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Right, so the lure? Domus Maria promises a "hidden gem" in… well, Croatia. And the siren song? That stunning pool. Let's unpack this beauty, category by glorious category, with a generous helping of my own unfiltered opinion.
Accessibility: Can Granny Get in the Pool?
Okay, first things first, because this matters. Domus Maria, are you wheelchair accessible? This is crucial. If you're touting accessibility, you better deliver. I’m talking ramps, elevators, and rooms that actually work for people with mobility concerns. I'm imagining, and HOPING, that the elevator exists, and there's a way to actually reach the pool. I will need to confirm, specifically, the nature of the access to the pool. I'm looking for specific details here – is there a ramp? A lift? This section needs more investigation before I can give it a solid thumbs up, or sadly, a thumbs down. More details needed!
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: Are there accessible dining options? Again, crucial for enjoying the whole experience, not just the pool. More info needed here too.
Internet – The Lifeline of the Modern Traveler:
Alright, let’s talk internet. They promise Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise be! No more frantically searching for a signal in the lobby while simultaneously juggling a croissant and a desperate Facetime call to the family. Internet [LAN] is listed too, and I am hoping they mean wired internet in case the Wi-Fi is… well… iffy. Wi-Fi in public areas is also a must, because, let’s be honest, sometimes you just need to Instagram that ridiculously beautiful sunset from the terrace, right?
My Anecdote Alert! I once stayed in a "luxury" hotel where the Wi-Fi was slower than dial-up. I ended up having to walk to a McDonald's just to check my email. Never. Again.
Internet services: This is vague. I hope that means things like printing services, maybe even help with setting up a video call. Let's pray.
Cleanliness and Safety – Because We’re Not Trying to Catch Anything:
This is HUGE in the post-pandemic world. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Room sanitization between stays. YES, YES, and YES. Hand sanitizer readily available? Good. Staff trained in safety protocol? Double good. I’m looking for reassurance here, folks. I want to feel safe and secure.
Hygiene certification: A big plus. I want to know they are taking it seriously.
Safe dining setup: Absolutely essential these days.
Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: The new normal, and I'm cool with it.
Food: Individually-wrapped food options: I am a huge fan of this!
Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: I want to make my mind at ease when I eat!
Rooms sanitized between stays: Another definite plus.
Professional-grade sanitizing services: Makes me feel more safe than ever.
Room sanitization opt-out available: Okay, this is a nice touch, gives you the choice not to have it!
Shared stationery removed: Good.
Hot water linen and laundry washing: A MUST
Doctor/nurse on call: Good to have.
First aid kit: Always handy.
Stuff they removed: I also look for things like Shared stationery removed. That's great.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Fueling the Fun:
Here is where things get interesting. A la carte in restaurant sounds promising. Breakfast [buffet]? Yes, please, especially if that buffet has a decent coffee machine. Breakfast takeaway service? Even better. Poolside bar? Must-have. Room service [24-hour]? Essential for those late-night snack attacks.
Asian cuisine in restaurant: What? I wasn't expecting it, but I am really intrigued!
I'm hoping there are options for me, as I am a Vegetarian. I see that they have a Vegetarian restaurant. Good. I hope to see that they have a Salad in restaurant available.
Here's where I start to dream… Imagine: Waking up to a breathtaking view, sipping a perfect cappuccino, and then diving into a bottomless spread of fruit and croissants. Pure bliss.
Other Considerations: Alternative meal arrangement: Could be very helpful!
Coffee/tea in restaurant: I love coffee!
Happy hour: Cheers to that!
Desserts in restaurant: As long as they have them, I am happy.
Soup in restaurant: Perfect for a light meal.
Bottle of water: A MUST.
Restaurants Western breakfast Western cuisine in restaurant
Things to Do and Ways to Relax – Beyond the Pool (Hopefully!)
Okay, the pool's the star, but let's see what else they've got. A Spa/sauna? YES, please! I want to melt into a pile of relaxation. Massage? Sign me up. Fitness center? Tempting, although let's be honest, the most exercise I do on vacation is walking to the bar. Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Steamroom All sounds lovely.
Pool with view: I NEED TO see this. Make sure that is in fact, what it looks like, or I need a refund!
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things That Make a Big Difference:
This is where you separate the wheat from the chaff. Concierge? Always a plus. Daily housekeeping? Essential. Laundry service, dry cleaning, Ironing service, all make life easier. Cash withdrawal? Handy. Currency exchange? Useful. Elevator? (Again, see accessibility). Gift/souvenir shop? Always good for picking up those last-minute presents.
*My Opinion: * I’m always looking for little touches: a welcome drink, complimentary water in the room, a well-stocked mini-bar… those small details that show they care.
Facilities for disabled guests: Again, important to get my facts straight.
Food delivery
Outdoor venue for special events
Indoor venue for special events
For the Kids – The Family Factor:
Family/child friendly is good to see. Babysitting service, Kids facilities, Kids meal are bonuses.
Rooms – Where the Magic Happens (or Doesn't):
Available in all rooms: This is a LONG list, so I will list the important ones: Air conditioning in public area Air conditioning Alarm clock Bathrobes Bathtub Blackout curtains: Crucial for a good night’s sleep. Closet: Because I have a lot of clothes. Coffee/tea maker: Essential for a caffeine addict like me. Complimentary tea: See above. Daily housekeeping: Again, a MUST. Desk: For when I pretend to work. Extra long bed: Yes, please. Free bottled water: So important! Hair dryer: Don't want to be stuck. High floor In-room safe box: Always a good idea. Internet access – wireless Ironing facilities: Helpful. Laptop workspace: I can use this! Linens Mini bar: Essential. Non-smoking On-demand movies: Good. Private bathroom Reading light Refrigerator: Very nice. Satellite/cable channels Seating area: Perfect for relaxing. Separate shower/bathtub Shower Slippers: Love it. Smoke detector Socket near the bed: Important! Sofa: Perfect for chilling. Soundproofing: Needed. Telephone Towels: Essentials. Umbrella: If you need it. Wake-up service Wi-Fi [free] Window that opens
Getting Around – Logistics, Logistics, Logistics:
Airport transfer: Wonderful. Car park [free of charge]: Fantastic! Taxi service: Convenient.
Safety/Security – Peace of Mind:
CCTV in common areas & outside property: Always good to see. **Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Non-smoking rooms, Room decorations, Safety/security
Ningbo Wonderland: Luxury Hotel & Conference Center Unveiled!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause we're about to dive headfirst into my Croatian adventure. Specifically, Domus Maria with the swimming pool in Banjole. Fingers crossed it actually is as idyllic as it looks in the brochures, 'cause I'm already picturing myself sipping Aperol spritzes by that sparkling water.
Pre-Trip Nervous Breakdown (aka The Planning Phase)
So, I'm terrible at packing. Seriously, it's a skill I clearly haven’t mastered. My suitcase is a black hole. I swear things disappear in there, never to be seen again. Just trying to decide which shoes to bring resulted in a full-blown existential crisis. Why so many shoes? WHY?! Then, there was the sunscreen dilemma. SPF 30? 50? Do I need aftersun? Or, like, all the aftersun? And the adaptor! The eternal adaptor question. Don’t even get me started on the "mosquito repellent with DEET but also natural and vegan” paradox. I’ve already over-packed, I just know it.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Pool Reconnaissance
- Morning: Ugh, the flight. Don't even ask about the person who thought it was a good idea to recline their seat into my already-cramped existence. Pure. Torture. I swear, I need a neck massage just thinking about it. But hey, landed! Croatian sunshine is already hitting different.
- Afternoon: Arrived at Domus Maria. The photos? Lies! (Kidding… mostly). It’s gorgeous. That pool…that damn pool… is the colour of a Caribbean postcard. I briefly considered diving straight in, fully clothed just to prove how relaxed I am. (I didn't, obviously, because that would be, you know, weird). Unpacked (or, more accurately, attempted to extract my suitcase from itself). Found the AC. Blessed be.
- Evening: Okay, the first dip in the pool was… chef's kiss. Pure bliss. The water was the perfect temperature, and I even managed a few clumsy laps without drowning. Followed that up with a local dinner (more on that later, when my memory decides to cooperate about the name of the place). Croatian food - definitely not complaining. And a large glass of wine or two while watching the sunset. Life, I like you.
Day 2: The Beach & Almost Drowning in Charm
- Morning: Beach Time! I’d read about a secluded beach nearby, so I bravely (and by bravely, I mean, slightly terrified of getting lost) navigated the little road with a map I’d printed out and got horribly creased. It was called…oh, what was it called? "Kamenjak" I think? Anyway, it was amazing. Crystal clear water, enough pebbles to torture your feet, and a total feeling of being away from everyone. I even tried snorkelling, and promptly swallowed half the Adriatic Sea. Still worth it.
- Afternoon: Back at the apartment, my skin is gloriously sun-kissed (for now, let’s see what the weather is like tomorrow) and I'm starting to feel more comfortable (and possibly slightly less stupid) in my surroundings. The afternoon was spent in a haze of reading, napping, and occasionally looking up to confirm I wasn't dreaming.
- Evening: Dinner at that little family-run restaurant again (still can't remember the name…but it had the BEST seafood pasta EVER). The owner, a tiny but imposing woman who reminded me of my grandmother, made me feel like I was part of the family. (I think she even said that, as the food poured into my belly with an angelic force). Another glass (or two) of wine. Fell asleep dreaming of pasta. And that damn pool.
Day 3: Istrian Adventures and the Great Olive Oil Obsession
- Morning: Decided to be adventurous (or, at least, less lazy) and took a day trip to the Istrian interior. Drove (mostly in the right direction) to Rovinj. Rovinj is picturesque, like, ridiculously picturesque. Cobbled streets, colorful buildings, and a harbour filled with boats that look like they've been painted. Spent a couple of hours wandering, getting slightly lost, and taking a million photos. (Instagram is going to be loving this trip).
- Afternoon: Then came the olive oil tasting. Oh. My. God. I've never tasted anything like it. I'm officially an olive oil snob now. Seriously, I bought like, three bottles. Which, of course, means I'll need to buy extra suitcase space coming home. Worth it. (Also bought some rosemary infused salt and was thinking about buying some paprika too)
- Evening: Back at Domus Maria, slightly exhausted, slightly sunburnt. Dinner at the apartment. Trying out my (admittedly limited) cooking skills and making myself a meal. Pretty good, if I do say so myself. (Okay, I might have used slightly too much garlic). Followed by another swim in the pool with a glass of cold white wine. Heaven.
Day 4: Domus Maria's Pool - My therapist
- Morning: Swimming time. I was tired, I was feeling lost, I was stressed. All the usual stuff. The water called to me, and so I went. It was just me in the pool, the sound of the water and the sun hitting my skin. I let my mind go, I let it relax and just. Exist. A few laps, followed by a long time just floating.
- Afternoon: I really wanted to leave the apartment, go outside, get some sun, and see some more. But I didn't. I sat in my chair, with my book, next to the pool. Just me, the book, and that pool.
- Evening: It was dark, I was in the pool again. My mind was clear, my thoughts were flowing.
Day 5: Food, Wine and The Ongoing Quest for the Perfect Sunset
- Morning: My brain is still tired from all the swimming, so a casual morning. Coffee on the balcony, watching the world wake up. Simple pleasures, people!
- Afternoon: I'm pretty sure I've gained at least five pounds from all the delicious food and wine. But, honestly? No regrets. Decided to just embrace the Croatian culinary experience and got myself another seafood feast, I could eat it three times a day.
- Evening: Sunset watch! This time, I think I found the perfect spot (although I've said that about three times already). This one was amazing. The sky exploded with colour, and the sea glittered. Honestly, it was almost too beautiful. I almost cried. (Maybe I did cry a little. Shut up.) Took another swim because everything is better in the water.
And then… (a blur of deliciousness and swimming)
The remaining days became a delightful, hazy blur: More seafood, more wine, more sun, more pool time. I explored more of the coastline, probably got a little too confident with my Croatian phrasebook skills (which resulted in some hilarious misunderstandings), and maybe, just maybe, started to think I could actually live here.
Departure Day Meltdown (aka Reality Bites)
Packing. Still awful. This time, the suitcase (which, by the way, gained a significant amount of weight during the trip) was overflowing. Buying extra handles won't solve the problem.
The drive to the airport was silent, and as I sat on the plane I already missed that pool. The sun. The food. The vibe. I left Croatia feeling a little sad and a lot more sun-kissed.
Final Thoughts
This trip wasn't perfect. I got sunburned. I ate too much. I probably spent too much money. I got lost a few times. The apartment was a bit smaller than the photos suggested and I spent almost the entire time in the water. But it was amazing. It was exactly what I needed. Domus Maria in Banjole… it was pure, unadulterated bliss. And hey, I survived the packing AND the flight home. Consider me a success.
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Croatia's Secret Oasis: Domus Maria's Pool - Question Time! (Brace Yourselves)
Okay, so, Domus Maria's pool… is it *really* that good? The pictures look… suspiciously perfect.
Alright, let's get one thing straight. I am a cynical, world-weary travel writer. I’ve seen more “paradises” than I’ve had hot dinners. And yes, okay, the pictures? They’re… pretty accurate. Actually, scratch that. They DON'T do it justice. Seriously! The light, the water, the way the sun hits the stone… it's like a Renaissance painting, but you can *actually* swim in it. The first time I saw it, I actually gasped. I’m not exaggerating. The sound then was "Ugh" because my jaw dropped and it was hard to catch my breath. I did not plan on being THIS dramatic. Now, the downside? I spent a good ten minutes just staring at it, mesmerized. Then I tripped over a stray towel. Classic.
Tell me about the location, what's the view like? I need to escape... and I mean *really* escape.
Okay, you want escape? Honey, you got it. It’s nestled inland, away from the main tourist hordes. Think olive groves, the scent of pine, and the sound of… well, not much, which is the point, isn't it? Peace. The view? Breathtaking. Rolling hills, a hint of coastline (maybe even a glimpse of the Adriatic, if you're lucky and have binoculars that can see thru the air), and the kind of sunsets that will make you weep with gratitude. I have a picture of me, actually weeping a little bit. I hate to get all emotional, but damn, it was beautiful. You actually feel the weight of the world lift from your shoulders. Except, you know, the weight of your luggage, which I always overpack.
Is it crowded near the pool? I *hate* crowds.
Okay, listen. This is the BEST part. It's a boutique hotel, relatively small. I never felt like I was fighting for space. I mean, who'd want to share that pool? It's an invitation to a little slice of heaven, not a water park. I went during peak season and STILL had ample space, and a spot to lay down so I could gaze up at the sun. The worst "crowd" I encountered was a family of lazy bees, buzzing around the rosemary bush nearby. That was annoying, but honestly, it was part of the charm.
The food! I hear Croatian food is amazing. What's the story there?
Oh, the food. Oh, the FOOD. Get ready to loosen your belt. I spent an entire week there, and I swear I gained five pounds just smelling the air. Breakfasts are a symphony of fresh-baked bread, local cheeses, and eggs cooked *perfectly*. I am not even a breakfast person, but I was there, every morning, shoveling down the goodness. Dinners? Forget about it. Fresh seafood, grilled meats, and wines that just... *sing* on your tongue. One night, I had a grilled octopus that was so tender, so flavorful, I nearly wept again. Again, not planned. They use all local ingredients. And the portions are… generous, let's just say that. But it's all so delicious you'll happily waddle back to your room.
Are there any downsides? Be brutally honest!
Okay, okay, here's the truth. The Wi-Fi isn't the fastest. And it's kinda… peaceful. Too peaceful, for some folks. Like, if you're the type who needs a non-stop party, this ain't it. And, I’m gonna sound cliché, but finding the place can be a bit challenging. The drive is gorgeous though, once you *get* there. Some people may find the prices a bit steep. Yeah, it's not budget travel. But listen, the memory... *THAT* is priceless. And I have to be honest, I got *slightly* bored after three days. I'm a busy bee, I need to know where I am going, and what I am doing. I started to miss the rush of the city. But I also loved it. It was a difficult paradox.
Tell me about one specific experience that made it special.
Right, okay. Let me tell you about *the* sunset. I had a glass of local wine, which I’d recommend, and was lounging by the pool. Sun was setting. And the sky was like… a painter had gone completely bonkers. All oranges, pinks, and purples. Gorgeous, obviously. I wasn't talking to anyone, just swimming in the pool with the lights from the village reflecting off the water. I felt so completely at peace. The only sound was crickets chirping, a gentle breeze, and the occasional blissful sigh escaping my lips. Just me and the pool. And the sky. And, yes, my rapidly emptying wine glass. It was so perfect, that I didn’t even need to take a photo. It just… *was*. And for a cynical travel writer who's seen everything, that’s saying something. And then, because life likes to keep you honest, I splashed water on my phone, while trying to take a photo. Which promptly died. But still, the memory? Beautiful. The phone? Not so much.
What kind of traveler is this place best for?
If you're looking for a frenetic, Instagram-fueled holiday? Maybe not. If you want a place to unwind, recharge your batteries, and reconnect with yourself and nature? Bingo! It's perfect for couples, solo travelers seeking solace, or anyone who just needs to escape the everyday chaos. Especially if you value good food, great views, and a truly relaxing experience. Just don't expect to have a wild nightlife or spotty internet – embrace the calm! And if you happen to be a bit melodramatic like me, bring tissues and a spare phone.
Any tips for booking or visiting?
Book in advance, especially during peak season. Do it! The place is popular for a reason. Pack light, but bring good walking shoes for exploring the area. Rent a car if you want to see the sights nearby, but be warned, the roads can be narrow! Take cash. Don't underestimate the magic of a simple afternoonStayin The Heart
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