Istrian Villas Plava Laguna

We are staying at the Istrian villa for the second time. We had an excellent experience last year. Unfortunately we were disappointed arriving today as we were given a smaller villa (yet in the same category) located in front of the house keeping room. It is very loud and smoky, which is really a pity for a village that is supposed to offer a premium experience. We have requested weeks ago to reserve the same villa than last year, but we were informed at the reception today that they do not take into consideration such requests. Poor customer experience, especially for returning customers.

The location of the resort is absolutely stunning: on a small peninsula where the sea is just within a few steps from each building. We made a booking very last minute, while driving in the car (after getting the confirmation email I typed in the address into the navigation and had to 'turn after 900 meters to the right' to the resort, so it was really that last minute) yet the room was prepared with fresh flowers and fruits. Check-in was quick and uncomplicated, yet I would have welcomed more information on amenities, services etc. so we don't have to figure out everything by ourselves. We booked the self catering stay so I cannot comment on the all-inclusive option. We had lunch and dinner at O Grille and the pizza restaurant. Waiters were super friendly at both places, food was OK but not extraordinary. The villa itself was amazing, nicely refurbished and equipped with everything you need incl. sunbeds, gas grill, very well equipped bar etc. the bathroom could have been a bit more spacious though. The villa area can not be accessed by car, they transfer you with a golf car to the building, this is perfectly fine. Yet the supermarket is not close so I had to walk with back with the grocery which wasn't ideal. The beaches are rocky or pebbly but this is Croatia so shouldn't be a surprise. With small children we spent more time at the pool. We had a nice stay here, probably could have explored the resort better but we were rather out for relaxation.

Everything five stars: Tennis courts, swimming pools, villas, rooms, shops, seaside, restaurants. No cars allowed, guesst are transferred by golfcars. Clean, big, quiet. Places worth visiting in the neighborhood: Piran, Rovinj, Groznjan.

The Istrian Villas are located some 2.5km from the town of Umag, they are set in a vast area within a national park with pine trees. The area is huge and within it are the Istrian Villas, apartments (Amfora and Stella), the Coral Hotel and lots of other properties that are part of the Plava Laguna Group. The setting is simply idyllic. We landed at Pula airport and it took about 2hrs to reach the villas by coach, it sounds like a long way but it was a nice, relaxed journey by coach (organised by TUI). Roads were clear all the way. The coach made 5 stops along the way to other hotels so if you're coming directly from Pula airport, without any stops is should take just over an hour. We checked the price for a taxi and were told between 750-1000 kunas one way. We had a standard villa, with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, small kitchen area, living room and an outdoor terrace. The Plava Laguna website states that all villas are refurbished, when we got there we were told the standard villas are NOT refurbished, only higher category ones are (Premier, Plus etc). They are planning on refurbishing them next year, we were told. We had one twin bedroom with 2 single beds, one bedroom with king size bed with an en-suite shower & WC. The beds are hard but comfy, pillows are good. The kitchenette is small with a small fridge, two ring hob (no oven) , microwave, a kettle and a selection of pots, pans, cutlery, dinner ware - if you are planning on going self-catering the kitchen is probably not adequately equipped to cook dinners every day (unless you don't mind boiled and fried food only). The sofa in the living room is not that comfortable, so are the wooden dinning chairs. There were AC units in both bedrooms and one in the living area - they seemed to be at a set temperature at 25-26C, and were controlled by the hotel reception. We did ask if we could have it cooler and they allowed us 23C which we found cold enough. Bear in mind outside temperature was around 32-33C. We had HB included (breakfast and dinner), this was at the EL Mare restaurant which is superb. Big shout out to Marijan (the manager) and all of his staff from the chefs to the waitresses (Milena, Teodora and the others I am sorry I can't remember your names) - all very professional, accommodating and friendly. Breakfast is from 7am-10am / Dinner from 7pm-9pm We found the food quality and choice excellent. The restaurant is on the seafront, not busy and had a relaxed atmosphere. The views and setting is stunning. Marijan really knows how to run the place with the customer in mind. He keeps things relaxed and not over crowded. Well done for that and they should keep this up!! On the other hand, the people that stayed in the Amfora and Stella apartments had the use of the Stella Maris restaurant which was much bigger and busier, depends what you are after but would not recommend the Stella Maris restaurant if you want a relaxed setting. Within walking distance to our villa, there were 2