Dubrovnik's Hidden Gem: Villa Borna Apartments (Unbeatable Views!)
Dubrovnik's Hidden Gem: Villa Borna Apartments (Unbeatable Views!) - My Unvarnished Truth!
Alright, let's be honest, finding a truly hidden gem in Dubrovnik feels as rare as a sunny day in December. But, and this is a BIG but, Villa Borna Apartments? They might just be it. I just got back, and I'm still buzzing (and maybe a little sunburned). Forget the polished brochures; this is the real deal, warts and all. Buckle up, because this review is going to be a rollercoaster.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (But with Potential!)
Okay, so let's address the elephant in the (very, very scenic) room. Accessibility. It's not perfect. The hills in Dubrovnik are no joke, and Villa Borna is perched up there, offering those killer views (more on those later!). They do have an elevator, which is a huge plus. Facilities for disabled guests are listed, which is promising. However, I didn't see a ton of explicit info about wheelchair access in the descriptions. You'd need to check directly with them to confirm specifics like ramp access and adapted rooms. Seriously, call ahead and quiz them! It’s worth it if you need it.
Internet Nirvana (Mostly!)
Thank god for the Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and the hotel’s Internet access generally. I'm a digital nomad, and that's my bread and butter. The connection was surprisingly reliable, even with all the other tourists likely streaming their TikToks. There's even Internet [LAN] if you're a serious gamer. However, the Wi-Fi in public areas wasn't as strong as in the rooms. Minor quibble, though. You won't miss it when you’re staring at the ocean.
Things to Do: Beyond the Obvious (And the Sunset!)
Don't expect a non-stop action holiday, But the pool with a view is… well, it's the view you’re here for. Seriously. Picture yourself floating, Aperol Spritz in hand, watching the sun melt into the Adriatic. That is a core memory right there. The apartments don't have a full-blown spa, but the promise of a massage is there, and that is very attractive. I didn’t use it. I was too busy staring at that damn view.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe and Slightly Obsessive!
Okay, this is where Villa Borna shines. They take cleanliness SERIOUSLY. There's Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Room sanitization between stays. They even have Hand sanitizers everywhere. I'm usually a bit of a germaphobe (don't judge!), and I felt completely at ease. The fact that they offer Room sanitization opt-out available is a testament to their commitment. Plus, Staff trained in safety protocol is a huge relief. And the CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property made me feel safer than I have in some supposedly “safe” neighborhoods.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Feast Your Eyes (and Your Stomach!)
Let's be honest, this isn’t the hotel with a Michelin star restaurant. However, they offer a Breakfast [buffet] or Breakfast service. I'm a sucker for a Western breakfast to start the day off right. If you're a serious foodie, this isn’t the place for culinary adventures, but there are Restaurants within a short walk. The Poolside bar is a must for those sunset drinks.
Services and Conveniences: Smooth Sailing (Mostly!)
The staff are generally great, very friendly, and they’re on hand to help with almost anything. They offer Air conditioning in public areas, and the Concierge was helpful, though not overly chatty. The Luggage storage kept my suitcase safe while I explored. There's Daily housekeeping, which is essential when you're living out of a suitcase like I do. There is a Car park [free of charge], and a Car park [on-site].
For the Kids:
While they list Family/child friendly and Babysitting service, I didn’t see any specific Kids facilities. So, if you're traveling with little ones, double-check what's on offer if you need it.
Available in all rooms: A Deep Dive (and A Few Quirks!)
Okay, let's go through the list because this is where we get into the nitty-gritty.
- Additional toilet: Always a win!
- Air conditioning: Essential.
- Alarm clock: Useful, especially after a night of Aperol Spritzes.
- Bathrobes: Nice touch!
- Bathroom phone: Didn't use it, but it’s there.
- Bathtub: Needed a hot bath after some exploring.
- Blackout curtains: Crucial for sleeping in after watching the sunset.
- Carpeting: Yep.
- Closet: Adequate.
- Coffee/tea maker: Lifesaver!
- Complimentary tea: Nice touch.
- Daily housekeeping: See above.
- Desk: Decent work space.
- Extra long bed: Nice (especially after too much wine the night before).
- Free bottled water: Awesome.
- Hair dryer: Check.
- High floor: The higher, the better!
- In-room safe box: Peace of mind.
- Interconnecting room(s) available: Good for families.
- Internet access – LAN: Cool.
- Internet access – wireless: Check.
- Ironing facilities: Needed!
- Laptop workspace: Check.
- Linens: Fine.
- Mini bar: Didn't use it.
- Mirror: Essential for selfies.
- Non-smoking: Good for everyone.
- On-demand movies: Didn't bother.
- Private bathroom: Yes!
- Reading light: For late-night bookworms.
- Refrigerator: Useful.
- Safety/security feature: Appreciate.
- Satellite/cable channels: Didn’t use, but could be useful.
- Scale: Never a good sign, post-vacation.
- Seating area: Needed.
- Separate shower/bathtub: Nice.
- Shower: Check.
- Slippers: Luxurious!
- Smoke detector: Good.
- Socket near the bed: Essential for charging my phone!
- Sofa: Comfy.
- Soundproofing: Needed if you're near the pool (or me).
- Telephone: Probably works.
- Toiletries: Fine.
- Towels: Plenty.
- Umbrella: Needed – Dubrovnik weather can be unpredictable!
- Visual alarm: Appreciate.
- Wake-up service: Did not need.
- Wi-Fi [free]: YES!
- Window that opens: Essential for fresh air.
Getting Around:
Airport transfer is available. So, they do offer a Taxi service. A Car park [free of charge] is a bonus too.
My Unpopular Opinion: The View.
Okay, I said it before, but I need to say it again. The views. Holy mother of… unbelievable. I spent a good chunk of each day just drinking them in. It's worth the price of admission alone. Now, the perfection of Villa Borna is that it is slightly imperfect. They aren't trying to be something they aren't. It's a relaxed, comfortable place that gets the important things right. The staff are friendly, and the location? Well, you'll be saying "wow" every day.
The Quirks:
- The stairs can be brutal. Seriously. Pack light. Or hire a porter.
- The pool can get busy at peak times.
- The breakfast isn’t the star of the show, but it's adequate.
The Verdict:
Villa Borna Apartments is a winner. It's not flawless, but it's got heart, it's safe, it's clean, and the views are… well, you get the idea. I'd go back in a heartbeat.
My Persuasive Offer, Just for You:
Escape to Paradise: Unbeatable Views & Unforgettable Memories at Villa Borna Apartments!
Are you dreaming of breathtaking views, crystal-clear waters, and sunsets that will steal your breath? Villa Borna Apartments in Dubrovnik offers all this and more. Nestled in a prime location with panoramic vistas of the Adriatic Sea and the city, our apartments are the perfect base for your Croatian adventure.
Here's what makes Villa Borna the perfect choice for your Dubrovnik escape:
- Unparalleled Views: Wake up to stunning sunr
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! Because this isn't your sanitized, perfectly-polished travel itinerary. This is… reality, Dubrovnik-style. We're heading to Villa Borna Apartments, and let's be honest, things are gonna get weird.
Dubrovnik Mess-Around: Villa Borna & Beyond - The Slightly Unhinged Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and OMG, This View! (Plus, Why Backpacks Are The Devil)
- Morning (ish - let's be real, it'll be afternoon by the time you actually do anything): Land at Dubrovnik Airport (DBV). The first shock? The heat. Dear god, the Adriatic sun is a beast. Struggle with your luggage (seriously, why did I pack that ridiculous floral sundress? It's already wrinkled!), and pray to whatever deity you believe in that your pre-booked transfer actually shows up. (I read online that people were waiting, so yeah.) That guy I booked it with, he kept telling me how to use the ferry, so yeah.
- Afternoon: Taxi to Villa Borna Apartments. The driver, bless his heart, probably thought I was a complete mess. "Is everything alright, mam?" Yes! (I'm not sure anymore). The view! Oh. My. GOD. Pictures do NOT do it justice. Seriously, prepare to have your jaw hit the floor. Sea, Islands, and Walls, the perfect view! Settle into the apartment (hopefully it's the one I booked, not the one with the view of the dumpster). Unpack… or at least attempt to. Find the nearest place selling a cold beer (pretty critical), because this unpacking business is exhausting.
- Evening: Wander the Old Town. Take a deep breath of history. Get lost in the maze-like streets. Feel like you've stepped back in time. I'm also going to buy a souvenir or two. (probably something tacky and overpriced, but hey, memories!) Dinner: something with seafood – I'm thinking octopus, but I'm open to bribery. And after that? That's when things get interesting…
Day 2: Walls, Waffles, and the Woe of Sunburn
- Morning: Walk the City Walls. This is a must-do. It's a serious climb, the sun beats down, and you'll curse yourself for not bringing a proper hat. Did I? Of course not. I found a vendor selling water. I'm guessing the water is just as hot as the stone, but hey, it's fine. The walls are so awesome. The views from up there… chef's kiss. Take a million photos (and then probably delete half of them later, because… you know).
- Afternoon: SUNBURN! Okay, maybe not. I'm going to try to be responsible… but it's hot and I want a tan. I can only hope I get some of that Croatian melanin. Stroll along Stradun, the main street. People watch. Maybe find a cafe, where the waiters are annoyingly charming and the coffee is surprisingly strong. Waffles. I NEED those waffles. And gelato! I'm going all in with the gelato.
- Evening: Explore the side streets. Try to get off the beaten path. Get hopelessly lost (it’s part of the fun!). Dinner: maybe something more budget-friendly tonight. A small place with local grub, somewhere the locals eat. I have to eat the grub. I'M GOING TO EAT IT.
Day 3: Island Hop and My Inner Sea Goddess (or, the Ferry Fiasco)
- Morning: Ferry to Lokrum Island. Supposedly, peacocks roam free there. I'm half-expecting a giant, fluffy, judgemental peacock to start pecking at my ankles. (Don't judge me, I read a travel blog.) Pack snacks, water, and sunscreen (again!). I'm going to pretend I'm a mermaid and soak up all the sun.
- Afternoon: Lokrum Island shenanigans. Explore the Benedictine Monastery ruins. Swim in the Dead Sea (don't panic, it's just a salty, little lake). Feel the sea. Breathe it in. Be free. Get a little bit more too much sun. Don't worry, I can buy more.
- Evening: Back to Dubrovnik. Dinner: a nice, romantic patio restaurant. I think I'll try to act like a sophisticated traveler, but it usually ends with me laughing at my own bad jokes. Drinks: somewhere with live music. Hopefully, I don't embarrass myself on the dance floor.
Day 4: Cable Cars, Caves, and the Crumbling Realization That I'm Going Home
- Morning: Cable car ride up Mount Srđ. More phenomenal views (are you sensing a theme here?). Try not to be too terrified of heights. Take more pictures. Maybe get a coffee at the panoramic cafe (overpriced, but the view is worth it… maybe).
- Afternoon: Buggy rides! A trip to the seaside caves of the Croatian coast!
- Evening: A last mournful walk by the sea. So much beautiful architecture!
Day 5: Departure - Adios, Adriatic! (Or, The Post-Holiday Blues are Real)
- Morning: Pack. Curse the fact that you never managed to wear three-quarters of your clothes. Squeeze souvenirs into your already overstuffed suitcase. Maybe buy one last burek (because, yum).
- Afternoon: Transfer back to the airport. Wave a sad goodbye to Dubrovnik, and mentally start planning your return trip. That view will be missed.
- Evening: Fly home. Spend the flight reliving your trip, editing photos, and already daydreaming about your next adventure. (And immediately book a spa day to recover from the holiday hangover.)
Important Notes (Because I'm a Hot Mess, Okay?):
- Currency: Euros.
- Language: Croatian, but English is widely spoken.
- Food: Eat everything. Seriously. Try the seafood, the black risotto, the burek, the gelato… just do it.
- Sunscreen: You need it. Trust me.
- Expect the unexpected. Things will go wrong. You'll get lost. You'll probably overspend on something ridiculous. Embrace it. That's part of the fun.
- Have FUN! Dubrovnik is magical. Let it work its magic on you.
This itinerary is more of a guideline. Don't be afraid to deviate. Get lost, explore, and make your own memories. And don't be afraid to laugh at yourself (because trust me, you will). Cheers to your Dubrovnik adventure!
Gatlinburg's Hidden Gem: Hampton Inn & Historic Nature Trail Adventure!
Dubrovnik's Hidden Gem: Villa Borna Apartments - Seriously (and *Maybe* Uncomfortably) Honest FAQs
Okay, okay, the "Unbeatable Views" – Is it *Really* True? Because I've seen brochures...
Alright, buckle up buttercup, because I'm about to get real about the views at Villa Borna. *Unbeatable*? Look, I'm a cynical travel blogger, so I'd usually roll my eyes at that kind of marketing fluff. But... yeah. It's pretty damn close. I'm talking, "lost my breath the first morning and almost tripped over my suitcase" levels of good. You're perched above the Old Town, the terracotta roofs spread out like a painter's palette beneath you, the Adriatic sparkling like a million scattered sapphires. Even my grumpy Aunt Mildred, who hates *everything*, grunted something vaguely positive, like, "Not bad, for a change." That's high praise, people. Just… be prepared to spend a significant portion of your vacation glued to the balcony, possibly drooling. (No judgment.)
The Apartments Themselves – Are They Actually Nice, Or Just Views?
Right! Practicalities. Okay, so, the apartments aren't *palatial*. Let's get that out of the way. They're well… *functional*. Think clean, comfortable, and with everything you actually need (kitchenette, decent wifi, surprisingly comfy beds). Don't expect designer everything. My shower pressure was a bit… *optimistic* at times, and I swear I saw a slightly wonky tile in the bathroom. A tiny *crack* in the coffee table, I think. Honestly, I barely noticed because I was too busy staring out the window. It's the sort of place that feels lived-in, not sterile. They're not trying to be the Four Seasons, but that’s a good thing because the owners are nice.
Location, Location, Location… How Difficult is the Walk? (Because I'm Slightly Lazy.)
Ah, the hill. Let's be brutally honest: Villa Borna is *up* there. Like, "good for your thighs and potentially your lungs" up there. It's a decent climb from the Old Town. I'm not going to sugarcoat it. The first day, I was huffing and puffing like a particularly winded walrus. My calves ached. The second day, I was mildly less hideous. By day three, I was actually seeing the views, not just the pavement. My advice? Take it slow. Drink water (it's hot!). Maybe bribe a local kid to carry your groceries (kidding... mostly). But seriously, it's the price you pay for those views. Consider it your daily dose of cardio with an amazing reward. The walk is a small price to pay for the view, I can not stress that enought. Plus, there's a bus.
Parking – Nightmare or Manageable?
Parking in Dubrovnik is… an experience. Let's leave it at that. Villa Borna has parking, which is a massive win. I’m pretty sure I saw a parking angel descending to get my car into its space. Expect it to be tight and possibly involve some creative maneuvering. But hey, it's free and you do have a space! It's way better than searching for an hour in the baking sun to find a spot somewhere else.
What About the Owners/Staff? Are They Friendly? (Because I can be fussy.)
The owners are absolutely lovely. Honestly. They're genuinely kind, helpful, and welcoming. I remember when I arrived, I was utterly frazzled from the journey, and they offered me a cold drink and helped me with my bags. They gave me tips on places to eat (definitely listen to them, especially about the local konobas! They know their stuff!), booked a taxi, and were just generally good people. They're the reason I stayed there!
Can I Get Breakfast? (Because I Am Not a Morning Person.)
They don’t offer breakfast, which can be a downside if you're a breakfast person. I, personally, am not, so it was fine for me. But there are a few bakeries *relatively* nearby, and you can always stock up on goodies at the local grocery store. Or, you know, just wallow in that view and skip breakfast altogether. That's what I did - it was an acceptable compromise.
Is it Kid-Friendly?
Kids? Hmm... it depends. There are stairs, and that climb… well, you decide! If your kids are adventurous, they might love it. If they are fussy toddlers, maybe not so much. My advice is to ask the owners directly. They'll tell you what suits.
Anything I Should Be Aware Of (The "Gotchas")?
Okay, the "gotchas." *Remember the hill!*. And, the wifi can be a little… temperamental at times. Don't expect lightning speeds. Also, the walls are a bit thin. I could occasionally hear snippets of conversations from the neighboring apartment, which, honestly, was a little disappointing. I am being totally honest. I wanted to actually eavesdrop and learn more local gossip! But seriously, minor quibbles. The views, the owners, the overall vibe – they more than make up for it.
Would You Go Back? (The Ultimate Test!)
Absolutely. Without a doubt. I'm already planning my return trip. Seriously, even with the minor quirks, the views, the genuine warmth of the owners, and that feeling of being away from the tourist masses… it's a winner. I'm already dreaming of that balcony, that first morning coffee, and that moment when I’m like “WOW! That’s Dubrovnik!” … Again.
