{"title":"Istria: Luxury Stays","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"istria-a-private-countryside-villa-stay-with-sea-views","title":"Istria: A Private Countryside Villa Stay with Sea Views","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn the green countryside outside Umag, we retreat to a private hillside villa surrounded by the quieter landscapes of northern Istria. With views stretching towards the Adriatic, a private pool, generous gardens and spaces designed for long days together, this is a stay made for families and friends looking for privacy, countryside and the freedom to settle into their own rhythm. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Experience\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA Private Istrian Hideaway\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSet on a small hill in the village of Matelići, the property sits away from the bustle of the coast while remaining within a short drive of Umag and the sea. The entire villa is rented privately, with its two living areas brought together as one secluded retreat. The enclosed grounds create a peaceful setting for slow mornings, afternoons outdoors and evenings spent entirely at home.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSlow Days by the Pool\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMuch of the stay unfolds outside. A private swimming pool sits within the garden alongside a heated Jacuzzi and sun loungers, with sea views opening beyond the surrounding countryside. There is plenty of space to find a quiet corner beneath the Istrian sun, while the villa's private recreational areas offer everything from badminton and volleyball to table tennis and bicycles when we feel like being a little more active.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLong Evenings Around the Table\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA covered terrace and fully equipped outdoor kitchen make gathering around the table one of the defining pleasures of the stay. We can prepare dinner outside, cook over the barbecue and pick aromatic herbs from the surrounding garden before settling in for an unhurried evening together. Nearby wineries, olive-oil producers and restaurants offer another way to explore the flavours of Istria when we choose to venture beyond the villa.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eWhat Awaits\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExclusive use of the entire countryside property\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSix bedrooms across two connected living areas\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrivate swimming pool\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeated Jacuzzi\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdriatic Sea and countryside views\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpacious enclosed gardens\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCovered outdoor dining terrace\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFully equipped outdoor kitchen and barbecue\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAromatic herb garden\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrivate sports and recreation areas\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eBeyond the Experience\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe coast and beaches around Umag are around seven kilometres away, while the surrounding countryside is particularly suited to exploring Istria through its food and wine. Local wineries, extra virgin olive-oil producers and traditional restaurants can be found within the wider area, alongside cycling routes that weave through the peninsula.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eAn Invitation\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the kind of place where we can let the days take their own shape. Mornings begin quietly in the garden, afternoons drift between the pool and the surrounding countryside, and evenings bring everyone back together around a long table beneath the covered terrace. Private, spacious and removed from the busier coast, it offers an easy way to experience Istria at a gentler pace.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Slow Diary","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55503437693270,"sku":null,"price":200.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1011\/5740\/5014\/files\/ChatGPTImageSep26_2026_04_55_17AM_aaf666fd-4a58-4fb6-97e3-24dbdba870ea.png?v=1790409987"},{"product_id":"istria-a-traditional-stone-villa-stay-among-vineyards","title":"Istria: A Traditional Stone Villa Stay Among Vineyards","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn the peaceful countryside, we retreat to a lovingly restored Istrian stone property surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and forest. With distant views towards the Adriatic, a private pool and generous outdoor spaces made for long summer days, this is a quiet base for experiencing rural Istria at its own pace. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Experience\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn Authentic Istrian Hideaway\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTraditional stone gives the property its character, while the interiors have been carefully restored for a comfortable countryside stay. The accommodation is arranged across two separate living areas, connected by the outdoor spaces and available together as one private retreat—creating room to gather while still allowing quieter corners of our own.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSlow Days Beneath the Istrian Sun\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOutside, the landscape becomes part of everyday life. We can spend afternoons beside the private swimming pool, find shade in the landscaped garden or simply take in views stretching across vineyards, olive groves, forest and towards the Adriatic. An outdoor shower, loungers and several seating areas make it easy to stay outside from morning until evening.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSunset Dinners in the Garden\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA large outdoor kitchen and grilling area sits at the heart of the property, alongside a covered dining table designed for long meals together. As the afternoon light softens, we can prepare dinner outdoors and settle around the table for an unhurried evening surrounded by the Istrian countryside.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eWhat Awaits\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrivate traditional Istrian stone property\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrivate swimming pool\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLandscaped garden and outdoor seating\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eViews across vineyards, olive groves and forest\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistant Adriatic Sea views\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLarge outdoor kitchen and grilling area\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCovered al fresco dining space\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFully equipped indoor kitchen\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFireplace and relaxed living spaces\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eBeyond the Experience\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe surrounding countryside places us within one of Istria's wine and truffle-growing areas, with wineries and rural landscapes nearby. Walking and cycling routes weave through the region, while Višnjan is only a few kilometres away and the historic coastal town of Poreč is around twelve kilometres from the property. These excursions are independent of the stay rather than included experiences.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eAn Invitation\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a place for letting the countryside set the rhythm. We wake to vineyards and olive trees, spend warm afternoons beside the pool and gather outdoors when the evening light begins to soften. Between old stone, open landscapes and dinners beneath the covered terrace, the stay captures something wonderfully simple about rural Istria—the freedom to slow down and simply enjoy where we are.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Slow Diary","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55504008380758,"sku":null,"price":200.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1011\/5740\/5014\/files\/ChatGPT_Image_Sep_26_2026_05_38_03_PM.png?v=1790415502"},{"product_id":"istria-a-slow-countryside-stay-in-a-historic-farmhouse","title":"Istria: A Slow Countryside Stay in a Historic Farmhouse","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn the green countryside of Istria, we settle into a beautifully restored farmhouse dating back to the eighteenth century. Old stone, quiet gardens and views stretching towards the Adriatic create a private retreat where days revolve around the pool and evenings around a long table beneath the open sky. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Experience\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn Old Istrian Farmhouse\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe property began life as a farmhouse in 1750 and has since been carefully renovated, preserving the atmosphere of a traditional Istrian country house while introducing the comforts of a contemporary stay. Inside, three bedrooms each have their own bathroom, while an open fireplace brings warmth and character to the shared living space. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSlow Days in the Garden\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOutside, the villa opens onto a spacious private garden with several terraces and a swimming pool. We can spend the afternoon beneath the Istrian sun, cool off in the outdoor shower or simply find a quiet place in the garden to read and linger. From the terrace, views reach across the surrounding countryside towards the Adriatic Sea. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEvenings Around the Outdoor Kitchen\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the loveliest parts of the stay is the outdoor kitchen and traditional pizza oven. We can prepare dinner outside, gather around the terrace and let meals stretch slowly into the evening. There is also an outdoor barbecue, making the garden as much a living space as the house itself. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eWhat Awaits\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRestored eighteenth-century Istrian farmhouse\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThree bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrivate swimming pool\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpacious private garden\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSeveral outdoor terraces\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdriatic Sea and countryside views\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOutdoor kitchen and dining area\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTraditional pizza oven and barbecue\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOpen fireplace\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOutdoor shower\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eBeyond the Experience\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen we feel like leaving the quiet of the villa, the old town of Rovinj and the Adriatic coast. The surrounding countryside offers another side of Istria, while cafés, restaurants and everyday amenities can also be found nearby. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eAn Invitation\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is a lovely simplicity to staying here. We wake in an old Istrian farmhouse, wander into the garden for slow mornings and spend warm afternoons beside the pool. As evening arrives, the outdoor kitchen becomes the heart of the house—somewhere to cook, pour a glass of wine and gather around the table while the countryside settles into dusk.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Slow Diary","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55504122118486,"sku":null,"price":200.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1011\/5740\/5014\/files\/ChatGPTImageSep26_2026_06_06_37PM.png?v=1790417228"},{"product_id":"istria-a-luxury-countryside-villa-stay-with-private-pool","title":"Istria: A Luxury Countryside Villa Stay with Private Pool","description":"\u003cp\u003eAt the edge of a quiet Istrian village, we settle into a secluded countryside villa surrounded by Mediterranean woodland and open meadows. Traditional architecture meets understated modern comfort, with generous gardens, a heated pool and private wellness spaces creating a retreat designed equally for slow afternoons and active days outdoors. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Experience\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA Private Retreat in the Countryside\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe house blends traditional Istrian character with contemporary interiors, creating spaces that feel warm rather than overly polished. Four bedrooms each have their own bathroom, while the main living area centres around a fireplace, open kitchen and long dining table—an inviting setting for mornings together and dinners that stretch into the evening. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSlow Days by the Pool\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOutside, landscaped gardens wrap around the property with several quiet corners for reading, resting or simply enjoying the countryside. A large private pool with a hydromassage area sits at the heart of the garden, while a covered loggia creates an outdoor living, cooking and dining space overlooking the grounds. The pool can also be heated on request for an additional charge. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWellness \u0026amp; Days Outdoors\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is plenty of space to move when we feel like doing more. The grounds include a private full-size tennis court, a small golf course and areas for badminton, volleyball, basketball and football. Afterwards, the villa's private wellness room offers a quieter counterpoint—a place to slow down after an afternoon outside. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eWhat Awaits\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFour-bedroom private countryside villa\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrivate heated pool with hydromassage area\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLandscaped Mediterranean gardens\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCovered outdoor kitchen and dining area\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrivate wellness room\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFireplace and generous indoor living spaces\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrivate full-size tennis court\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmall golf course\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBadminton, volleyball, basketball and football facilities\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eBeyond the Experience\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe villa sits in southern Istria, surrounded by quiet rural landscapes while remaining within easy reach of the coastline. Horse riding and outdoor adventures are among the activities highlighted by the property for exploring the surrounding region; these are separate experiences rather than inclusions in the stay. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eAn Invitation\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a stay made for having nowhere we need to rush to. We can begin slowly over coffee on the shaded terrace, spend warm afternoons moving between the garden and pool, and retreat to the wellness space when the day grows quiet. As evening arrives, the outdoor kitchen and long table invite us to gather again—surrounded by greenery, stillness and the gentle rhythm of the Istrian countryside.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Slow Diary","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55504486990166,"sku":null,"price":200.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1011\/5740\/5014\/files\/ChatGPTImageSep26_2026_07_16_24PM.png?v=1790421430"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1011\/5740\/5014\/collections\/Istria_-_Category_-_Luxury_Stays.png?v=1792156620","url":"https:\/\/www.theslowdiary.com\/collections\/istria-luxury-stays.oembed","provider":"The Slow Diary","version":"1.0","type":"link"}