Villa Zimzelen
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Overview
Villa Zimzelen is a charming, beautifully finished villa perfect for a group of friends or two families wanting to take a holiday together but maybe wanting some private space too. This exceptional renovation offers a magical blend of old and new. The villa is located in the gorgeous village of Merisce in Istria, close to its renowned golf course, famous wine cellars, the Dragonja River and the border with Slovenia. It is a beautiful rural location where guests can use the six high-quality MTB bicycles provided to explore. The famous Kozlovik Winery is very close to the villa, where guests can enjoy tours and tastings and learn about this family wine story from 1904. Istria is a wonderful destination with some lovely seaside towns to discover, including Rovinj, Novigrad and Porec, as well as hilltop beauties.
Villa Zimzelen offers spectacular holiday accommodation with four luxurious bedrooms, gorgeous outside space, wellness treats including a sauna and jacuzzi and a wonderful array of living spaces, dining area and kitchens. You can eat with a different ambience night after night!
The villa has been stylishly decorated, using atmospheric nods from the past and blending them perfectly with contemporary trends. The result is stunning. The views from many of the rooms and the outdoor terraces are sublime. You will certainly be taking lots of photographs! Surrounding this dreamy property are beautiful gardens with walls built around ancient olive trees, a fabulous swimming pool and terrace, an alfresco lounge and dining area with a modern canopy, an alternative alfresco dining area and lots of little nooks and crannies to disappear for a quiet read. Beautiful, contemporary outdoor furniture completes the picture, and if the interior of this exquisite villa weren’t so utterly charming, you probably wouldn’t want to be inside much at all! Even as you drive to Villa Zimzelen, you will be enjoying the magical vistas from its hillside position.
There are so many unique rooms in the villa to enjoy. One of the dining areas enjoys stunning arched windows, all framing spectacular countryside views. The honey colour stone walls, beamed ceilings and open fireplace are blended with contemporary dining furniture. You will find another traditional dining area and kitchen with sunflower yellow walls, exposed stone and another open fire. Another dining space is ultra-modern with breakfast bar dining and doors opening to a wonderful garden vista. You will also find a variety of traditional lounge spaces with huge open fireplaces and other trendy ones. This villa is unique, and you are spoilt for a choice of relaxation spots.
Like the living areas, the bedroom suites also differ in theme and style. You have a floaty romantic room, a traditional one with rich dark wooden furniture, a warm and welcoming one with a wrought iron bed, floral armchairs, and an ultra-modern one that looks like a spa relaxation room. The wellness spa is heavenly, with a gorgeous jacuzzi and a fabulous sauna.
Villa Zimzelen is different from probably anywhere you have stayed before. It is luxurious, exciting and offers the most incredible views.
What you should know…
- Don’t forget to visit the lush interior of Istria. It is stunning with wonderful olive groves, fabulous vineyards and atmospheric hilltop villages
- There are so many gastronomic delights to try in Istria. If you like truffle, you will find it on the menu everywhere or you can buy some at the local markets
- Rovinj is really beautiful and worth a drive south to explore
Property Features
The Villa
Villa Zimzelen is a luxury villa with breathtaking views. It can offer accommodation for up to 10 people with 4 bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms
House 1
- Two double bedrooms with en-suite bathroom
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Dining area
House 2
- Two double bedrooms with en-suite bathroom
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Dining area
- Toilet
Exterior
- Covered dining area with BBQ
- Swimming pool
- Wellness room with 2 saunas, jacuzzi and relax area
- Private parking
6 MTB bicycles (free of charge) to use during your stay
Location
About the surrounding area of Villa ZimzelenIstria offers many secrets and charms. It is stunningly beautiful with beautiful scenery and some spectacular beaches. You will eat like royalty and enjoy fabulous Istrian wines. You should definitely visit the local Kozlovik Winery where you will enjoy a guided wine tasting along with small bites created by their chef and tours of the beautiful vineyard.
Oprtalj is a fabulous hilltop town in the centre of Istria. It features fortified town walls, a majestic bell tower, winding alleys and an array of churches adorned with works of art.
You will immerse yourselves in rich history and fascinating folklore in Oprtalj as well as dine on delicious traditional dishes. You may even find yourselves visiting during the town’s famous chestnut festival, known as a kestenijada. Fifteen minutes away, Motovun is a must! It is perched on the top of a steep hill dominating the Mirma River. It is incredibly picturesque with a medieval atmosphere and panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards and the Motovun forest. You will hear male voices joined in acappella singing in the Croatian klapa choir and some gorgeous Instagram worthy stops.
On the coast, Novigrad was once a peaceful fishing village and is now a compelling, charming town which has maintained its intimacy while offering exceptional cuisine and delightful bars. It is an architectural gem with astounding historical sights and preserved natural beauty. You should visit the St Pelagio and St. Maxim’s Parish Church bell tower dating back to 1883. The church has the only early Roman crypt in Istria. There are numerous souvenir shops around the town selling hand-made produce as well as several supermarkets. The fishing boats lined up in the town harbour Mandrac look so pretty.
A little further south, Porec offers a lot of entertainment for the whole family. Porec Old Town is very picturesque and steeped in history with stunning buildings, ancient ruins, narrow cobbled streets and atmospheric boutiques and craft shops. The gold, silver and amber in the jewelry shops might tempt you. It is a great place to buy some souvenirs. There is a World Heritage listed basilica and a medley of Gothic, Romanesque and baroque buildings to explore. It has also become the party hub of Istria in the last few years with amazing bars and restaurants.
Further south still, Rovinj is romantic, historic and looks and feels more Italian than Croatian. It is so photogenic with its narrow atmospheric streets, beautiful harbour and trendy little boutiques. The Old Town is so lovely to wander around and you will enjoy amazing views from the cathedral. The Farmer’s Market is a lovely place to stop for truffles and fresh fruit and vegetables. The bell tower at the Church of St Euphemia is 192 steps up but definitely worth it for the view. You can take a cruise from Rovinj to St Catherine’s Island and the Red Island. Balota Beach is a popular spot on the Old Town peninsula to sunbathe.
| Local Amenities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest Airport |
Pula Airport
(85 km) |
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| Nearest Restaurant |
Stari Podrum
(1,4 km) |
||
| Nearest Golf |
Golf Club Adriatic
(20 km) |
||
| Nearest Supermarket |
Studenac Market
(2 km) |
||
Region
Nestled along Croatia’s enchanting Adriatic coastline, Istria welcomes visitors with open arms and a rich tapestry of experiences waiting to be unraveled. Whether you're seeking adventure in nature, indulgence in culinary delights, a glimpse into history and culture, or simply a warm and inviting atmosphere, the peninsula of Istria has it all.
Istria's diverse and unspoiled landscapes will be the first thing to capture your attention! The region is renowned for its lush green hills, rolling vineyards, and enchanting coastline: the stunning scenery is a playground for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and beachgoers alike.
Offering a remarkable 445 kilometres of pristine coastline, including tranquil coves and sandy beaches, visitors can find plenty of secluded spots to soak up the sun. The clear, azure waters of the Adriatic are perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and scuba diving, making it a fantastic choice for those who enjoy an active day of water sports.
Venture inland and you'll discover picturesque villages set amidst rolling hills and verdant forests. Istria is home to over 30 nature reserves - an absolute haven for hikers and cyclists, with an abundance of well-marked trails to explore. The Učka Nature Park, in particular, stands out as a hiking and nature lover's paradise, offering waterfalls, historic villages, and breathtaking panoramic views of Istria's outstanding scenery.
Istria's rich history is woven into the fabric of its towns and cities. An ever popular choice for tourists is the impressive port city of Pula, full of quaint town squares and local restaurants, and home to one of the most well-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world. This ancient arena, known as the Pula Arena, is a testament to Istria's Roman heritage and hosts numerous events, including concerts and film festivals.
The medieval towns of Rovinj and Motovun enchant visitors with their cobbled streets and historic charm. The Euphrasian Basilica in Poreč, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a stunning example of early Christian art and architecture.
Istria's culinary scene is a treat for the taste buds: the region is famous for its truffles, particularly the elusive white truffle, and you can savour dishes infused with this prized delicacy in charming local restaurants across the region. Wine and olive oil lovers will find joy in Istria's vineyards and olive groves, offering tastings and insights into traditional production methods. Fresh seafood, often served with a Mediterranean twist, is a staple that you can enjoy at quaint waterfront eateries along the coastline.
One of the most enduring memories visitors take away from Istria is the warmth of its people. The locals are known for their friendly, welcoming nature and their willingness to share their traditions and stories with tourists. You'll find yourself immersed in the local way of life, whether you're exploring ancient towns or enjoying a meal in a family-run tavern.
Istria is easily accessible, with Pula Airport serving as a major gateway. Once you arrive, navigating the region is a breeze with well-maintained roads connecting major towns and villages. Language barriers are minimal, thanks to the widespread use of English, Italian, and German, alongside the local Croatian language.
Istria’s unique blend of pristine landscapes, rich traditions, and warm-hearted locals creates an experience that will linger in your memories long after you've returned home.
Kids
Best Suited For: All AgesVilla Zimzelen is ideal for families. It has wonderful outside space with an excellent modern pool and garden. If you book for two families, there are many living and dining spaces so you can each have some private time too.
Istralandia is a fantastic waterpark a jumping kids pool, family pool, spray kids arena, dedicated children’s pools, a hydromassage pool and a wave pool as well as thrill-seeking slides and tunnels. It is a great day out and not too far from the villa.
Dinopark Funtana has amazing life-size moving dinosaurs to wander around. It is educational as well as fun. The circus shows are so funny and the cinema is great. The amusement park, shooting range and playground are very entertaining too.
Glavani Park is so thrilling with an adrenaline rush, high ropes climbing course among the lush treetops and a speedy zipline. The 11 metre drop from the 3G high swing is not for the feint hearted! If this is not enough, you could visit Pazinska Jama Ziplining at Pazin. There are two steel cables which can reach speeds of up to 50km per hour. If you can keep your eyes open you will have views of the Medieval castle on the cliffs and will land above a cave. Children up to 16 years can only use the zipline with parents permission. Children that weigh less than 35kg can use it in tandem with a zipline guide.
For more thrills you can visit Adventure Park Sky Fox at Porec. It is in a beautiful oak forest. There are several high-wire and climbing courses as well as a go-kart track, cross and buggy off-road trails, paintball and airsoft lasergame. There is so much to do.
Kids Activities Close-by
- Cycling
- Outdoor Pursuit & Activities
- Tourist Towns & Villages
Onsite Facilities
- Cooling Jacuzzi
At Oliver’s Travels we pride our...
Read moreExtras
At Oliver’s Travels we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. If there is anything you would like to arrange for your stay, please contact the Oliver’s VIP Concierge Team (by clicking on the link in the blue Oliver’s Extras box above) who will be happy to help. We can usually put you in touch with the right people arrange any of the following:
- Cook/catering
- Maid service/extra cleaning
- Local day-trips or tours
- Airport pick-up/drop-off
- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge
This is by no means an exhaustive list, so please just contact Oliver’s VIP Concierge Team to help you arrange any of those little extras that can really make the difference.
| Security deposit | €400 paid in cash to the owner upon arrival and refunded upon departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | 4.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | 10.00 a.m. |
Terms & Conditions
These terms and conditions may be amended from time to time.
| Security deposit | €400 paid in cash to the owner upon arrival and refunded upon departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | 4.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | 10.00 a.m. |
| Energy costs included? | Yes, included in the rental price. |
| Heating costs included? | Yes, included in the rental price. |
| Linen & towels included? | Yes, included in the rental price. |
| End of stay cleaning included? | Yes. However, guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or rubbish disposal required will be charged against the security deposit. |
| Internet access? | Wi-Fi internet access included. |
| Minimum stay | 5 nights. |
| Changeover day | Flexible |
| Pets welcome? | On request only and with prior agreement with the owner. If accepted, a pet supplement of €50 per pet per booking will apply (paid locally). |
| Smoking Allowed? | Smoking & vaping are not permitted. |
| Pool heating charge? | For those who require pool heating, there will be an additional charge of €30 (to be paid locally on arrival). Please note that like all heated pools, pool heating and water temperature are reliant on weather and outside temperatures. |
| Tax | Included in the rental price. |
Rental Rates
Prices based on an occupancy of 8 people:
| Rental period | 5 Nights | Weekly |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 23rd 2025 - May 10th 2025 | £2,052 | £2,872 |
| May 10th 2025 - Jun 7th 2025 | £2,715 | £3,801 |
| Jun 7th 2025 - Jun 21st 2025 | £3,379 | £4,730 |
| Jun 21st 2025 - Jul 5th 2025 | £4,404 | £6,166 |
| Jul 5th 2025 - Aug 23rd 2025 | £4,646 | £6,504 |
| Aug 23rd 2025 - Aug 30th 2025 | £4,404 | £6,166 |
| Aug 30th 2025 - Sep 13th 2025 | £3,379 | £4,730 |
| Sep 13th 2025 - Sep 27th 2025 | £2,715 | £3,801 |
| Sep 27th 2025 - Oct 25th 2026 | £2,052 | £2,872 |
Please note that these prices/rates are a guide only and may not be correct at the current date. For an accurate quote, please enquire.
Don't miss out! Reserve now and get a full refund if you change your mind within 48hrs.
