Location

Our journey took us to two mesmerizing parts of Croatia. We spent the first two weeks near the world renowned city of Dubrovnik and we moved north along the Dalmatian coast for the second two weeks near the famous and picturesque city of Split.

Time of Year: September

Duration: One glorious month

Experiences and Excursions

Our non-working hours were a delightful mix of spontaneous and pre-planned Croatian experiences that left us awestruck.

Here are just a few of the highlights from our trip:

Old Town Dubrovnik: Wandering through its ancient walls and cobblestone streets felt like stepping back in time, followed by a cable car ride to the top of Mount Srđ with breathtaking views overlooking the Old Town.

Korčula: A serene island escape with charming villages and lush vineyards.

Old Town Kotor, Montenegro: Just a short trip away, this UNESCO World Heritage site enchanted us with its medieval architecture.

Mostar Bridge in Bosnia & Herzegovina: Witnessing the historic bridge and the daring divers.

Diocletian’s Palace: Exploring the labyrinthine alleys of this ancient palace was like uncovering history with every step.

Hvar: Known for its vibrant nightlife and beautiful beaches, the island of Hvar was a true must-see gem.

Plitvice Lakes National Park: The cascading lakes and waterfalls were straight out of a fairy tale.

Old Town Trogir: Its narrow streets and historical buildings were a photographer’s dream.

We also enjoyed these more local and authentic experiences:

Wine Pairing Dinner: An evening of delectable local cuisine, rakja, and exquisite wines.

Rafting on the Cetina River: A thrilling adventure navigating the rapids.

Local Konobas: Traditional taverns where we enjoyed peka dinners and other hearty Croatian dishes.

Wine Tasting in Bosnia & Herzegovina: Sampling regional wines in a picturesque setting.

Primošten: A charming and iconic town with winding streets and stunning sea views.

Lavender Fields: The fragrant fields provided a peaceful retreat near the coastal village of Rogoznica.

Accommodations

Proximity: Our first home base was located in Cavtat, a quaint coastal village just 20 km south of Dubrovnik. Our second home base was located in Slatine, a charming beach village across the bay from Split and Trogir.

Layout: Both villas were spacious and luxurious with a variety of shared living spaces and each bedroom offered comfort and privacy.

Kitchen: Both villas offered ample and well-equipped space for cooking and enjoying meals. Most cooked their own meals but some joined forces to make communal meals.

Other amenities: Both villas boasted a private pool with plenty of lounging space that was perfect for relaxation and unwinding after a day of exploration. They both also had washing machines so we were always fresh and ready for our next adventure.

Connectivity and Infrastructure

Internet: The internet was effortless and solid in Dubrovnik, ensuring smooth work sessions without any hiccups. However, we had some kinks to work out in our second home base. We faced some challenges due to the positioning of the villa but we quickly adapted with the help of the owner by repositioning routers for better signals. We also had backup options, including a global MiFi with a virtual SIM and everyone was able to hotspot with local Croatian SIM cards in their phones.

Electricity: No issues – reliable and consistent in both villas.

Hot Water: Both villas had plenty of reliable and ample hot water for refreshing showers.

Workspace Options

Inside the Villa: Both villas offered a variety of workspaces: desks in each of the private bedrooms, large kitchen tables, multiple cozy living rooms, and private balconies.

Outside the Villa: While most preferred working indoors, there was a variety of workspaces outside around the pool and patio areas.

Local Cafes & Coworking Spaces: Both villas were within walking distance to restaurants, cafes, and beach clubs. With the exception of one day when we went to a local beach club to work, we elected to work from the villa.

Conclusion

Pros:

• Luxurious accommodations with abundant workspace options
• Strong and adaptable internet connectivity
• Proximity to culturally rich and beautiful locations
• Diverse and exciting non-working activities

Cons:

• Some adjustments were needed for optimal internet connectivity in Split