The first stop of the recent Gastronaut trip to northern Dalmatia, on November 6, 2017, visited a divine spot full of natural goodness just outside Sibenik. Meet Holiday Resort Jadrija Olive Garden.
One of the things that I have come to realise over the years writing about tourism in Croatia is that many of the very best things Croatia has to offer have come from private initiatives. This year alone I have been fortunate to have visited some of the very best all over the country. In this year's list I would include the amazing story of Zlatni Klas in Otrovanec, the inspiring story of Restaurant Festa on the island of Zut, Lesic Dimitri on Korcula, Pravi Podrum in Volosko, and the fabulous olive oil story of Chiavalon in Istria. All outstanding experiences, and ones which have raised the level of tourism considerably in their various destinations.
The other thing I have come to realise is that part of Croatia's rich diversity for tourists is due to the very diverse visions and personal goals that these entrepreneurs share. Some are passionate about food, others wine, architecture, nature and so on. The results for the visiting tourist are plethora of unique experiences, something I was reminded of on the first day of the recent Gastronaut foodie tour of Northern Dalmatia. After a wonderful Indian summer, the trip coincided with a huge downpour which initially dampened the spirits, but not long in the company of our first host, Vinko from Holiday Resort Jadrija Olive Garden.
Due to the rain, my initial impression was of wet feet and being huddled together with other wet journalists - it was an inauspicious start to the trip. But then we met Vinko, the owner, who hid his disappointment at the weather well and soon had us in very jolly mood with a great selection of appetisers, some outstanding liqueurs and wines, but nothing impressed or surprised me as much as this - rose liqueur. And in a nice touch, one had to pour the liquid over the petals of an attached fresh rose. It was outstanding, fragrant and one of the most unusual things I had ever tasted. I had to buy a bottle for my wife.
"This is wonderful," I complimented Vinko. "How do I buy a bottle?"
"You can't," he replied, smiling a little at my crestfallen look. "I don't sell it, I only give it to people. I will bring you a bottle to dinner tonight."
My elation turned to disappointment, as I did not see him at the dinner later that night in Tisno, and my fragrant memories were destined to be just that. And then, two days later, during our final meal of the trip at Restaurant Krka Belvedere, Vinko came over to my table with two bottles in my bag, one of rose liqueur for me, and one of olive liqueur for the person to my left. He had not forgotten. Thank you, Sir.
The rain made a mockery of my attempts at decent photographs, and so for better clarification, I refer you to pictures from Vinko's website.
And what a lovely concept and location he has! Well-furnised holiday homes located in an immaculate olive grove, right in front of a beach on the edge of a village called Jadrija, not far from Sibenik.
And with few neighbours to compete for beach space, it must be rather a divine spot in Summer.
Open from April to November, the accommodation comprises holiday homes, which he describes as follows:
Our Olive Garden Luxury homes have 32-37 square meters of living area and are specially designed to accommodate entire families (4+2), with your comfort in mind.
All Luxury homes are equipped with modern furnishing, air condition, 2 bedrooms (1 with a double bed, the other with 2 single beds), living room that has a fold out sofa / double bed and kitchen equipped with a dish washer. All Luxury homes have a large bathrooms with all facilities that you would expect in a house.
To top it all off, each home also has a dedicated alfresco area and free parking for you to enjoy.
Nature and authenticity. Olives are obviously a key element of the Olive Garden experience, and if you have never taken part in an olive harvest, Jadrija is the perfect place to try, and Vinko has special olive picking packages for those who want to experience one of the great essences of being Dalmatian. His quality olive oil has won award at the European level.
Or not. Perhaps you just want to chill and watch the boats and sunsets go by. Tranquil Dalmatia at its finest.
Learn more about Vinko's slice of paradise on the official website.
