Escape to Paradise: Villa Selene's Breathtaking Rabac Sea Views
Escape to Paradise: Villa Selene - Rabac, Croatia - Breathtaking Views & a Dash of Chaotic Charm (My Honest Review)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, 'cause I’m about to spill the tea (or maybe the local rakija?) on Villa Selene in Rabac. You’re probably thinking, “Another hotel review? Yawn.” But trust me, this one's different. I’m not just listing amenities; I’m giving you the feels. And let me tell you, Villa Selene gave me all the feels. Mostly good, some… interesting.
(Keywords: Villa Selene, Rabac, Croatia, Sea View, Luxury Hotel, Spa, Pool, Accessibility, Reviews, Vacation, Travel, Istria)
First, the Jaw-Dropping View… Seriously.
Let’s be real, the photos don't do it justice. Seriously. Waking up to that sunrise over the Adriatic? Forget Instagram likes; it's pure, unadulterated soul food. The "Breathtaking Rabac Sea Views" in the title? They’re not kidding. It’s the kind of view that makes you spontaneously burst into a cheesy ballad (and I may or may not have). The whole place is an absolute visual feast.
Accessibility – A Mixed Bag, I'm Afraid.
Now, the messy part. I'm going to be brutally honest here. While they claim to have "Facilities for disabled guests," and the presence of an Elevator is a plus, I didn't see a lot of definitive information on specific accessibility features, like grab bars or wider doorways. It’s something you really need to verify directly with the hotel if accessibility is a major concern. They could really up their game in this area; this is 2024, folks!
(Accessibility, Wheelchair accessible, Facilities for disabled guests, Elevator)
The Rooms: Paradise, But with a Few Quirks.
The rooms themselves? Generally lovely. Air conditioning? Check. Free Wi-Fi? Double-check! Oh, and it actually works, which is a godsend in many hotels! I'm a digital nomad, so that got a huge thumbs up from me. The complimentary tea was a nice touch. And the slippers? Pure luxury, even if I did accidentally wear them down to the beach (don't judge me).
(Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Free Wi-Fi, Slippers, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Bathrobes, Blackout curtains, Seating area, Safe box)
But… the bathroom phone? Seriously? Who uses those anymore? I’m talking to you, Villa Selene. And the alarm clock was straight out of the 80s, which, coupled with the bathtub that took roughly 45 minutes to fill makes you feel trapped in time, but not in a particularly comfortable way. Also, the extra-long bed was great, it just made it harder to negotiate the narrow pathway towards the balcony in the middle of the night.
The soundproofing was surprisingly good. We had some rowdy neighbours partying until the wee hours, but once the blackout curtains were closed, it was bliss. At least from inside!
(Available in all rooms: Alarm clock, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Soundproofing, Extra long bed, Bathroom phone)
Dining: A Feast for the Eyes and… Sometimes, the Belly.
Okay, the dining situation is where things get a little… complex. The Breakfast [buffet] was decent, a classic European spread. But I’d advise to get there early as the best palacinke (Croatian pancakes) went fast. There's an A la carte in restaurant, which is a nice option for dinner. The Asian cuisine in restaurant was a pleasant surprise. But after a week, I was craving a humble pizza. Thankfully, there were several places in walking distance.
The Poolside bar was my happy place! The cocktails were strong (always a plus). A delicious way to experience the pool with view.
(Dining: Breakfast [buffet], A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Pool with view, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant, Snack bar)
Spa & Wellness – Pure Indulgence (Mostly).
The spa! Oh, the spa! The massage was divine. I mean, I almost melted into a puddle of pure relaxation. They also have a sauna and steamroom. The Foot bath gave me a much needed break after all the climbing and staircases.
(Spa, Massage, Sauna, Steamroom, Foot bath, Body scrub, Body wrap, Gym/fitness, Swimming pool)
I didn’t go in the fitness center, I was too busy enjoying the swimming pool [outdoor]. It’s as good as the photos suggest. As a little anecdote, once I tried to take a sunrise swim, but got locked out of the pool area. I had to wait for the pool attendant, it was awkward, but hey, it made for a memorable story.
Cleanliness and Safety – A Modern Paradise.
Villa Selene absolutely nails this. It’s clear they're taking COVID precautions seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and staff trained in safety protocol made me feel safe and secure. The hand sanitizer stations were plentiful. The room sanitization opt-out is a nice touch.
(Cleanliness and safety: Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Staff trained in safety protocol, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Safe dining setup, Sterilizing equipment)
The "Things to Do" – Beyond the Sea View.
Okay, let's be honest. The views are the main event! But beyond that, Rabac is a great base. They offer Airport transfer, although I opted for a local taxi. And you can arrange car park [free of charge].
(Getting around: Airport transfer, Car park [free of charge], Taxi service, Bicycle parking, Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Valet parking)
Service & Conveniences: A Mixed Bag of Good and… Well.
The concierge was fantastic, always helpful. Daily housekeeping was efficient and friendly. But the convenience store was limited. You're better off popping down to the local supermarket for snacks and bits.
(Services and conveniences: Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Doorman, Elevator, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Invoice provided, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Safety deposit boxes, Smoking area, Terrace)
Oh, and a quick word about the Wi-Fi. They boast Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and Wi-Fi in public areas. However, internet access was patchy sometimes, and was a little of a struggle when trying to work with heavier programs. The Internet [LAN] might be more reliable if you have lots of uploading to do.
(Internet access, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, Internet, Internet [LAN], Wi-Fi in public areas, Laptop workspace)
For the Kids (and the Kid in You)
They have some Kids facilities and a Babysitting service. While I didn't use them myself, I saw lots of families having a blast.
(For the kids: Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal)
The Verdict: Go, But Go Prepared.
Villa Selene is special. The view alone is worth the trip! The staff are friendly, the spa is amazing, and the location is perfect for exploring Rabac and the surrounding area.
BUT…
- Double-check the accessibility if that's a key need.
- Pack some patience for those quirks (the bathroom phone, the slow filling bathtubs).
- Embrace the slightly chaotic charm. It's part of what makes it memorable!
Ultimately, I'd recommend Villa Selene. Just go with your eyes wide open, and prepare to be blown away by that view. And if you see me there, buy me a cocktail. I’ll be the one humming a cheesy ballad.
Gokceada Escape: Unveiling Marmaros Butik Otel's Canakkale Charm
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because here's my attempt at a diary-esque, messy, and hopefully hilarious itinerary for a week at Villa Selene in Rabac, Croatia. Forget perfect Insta-worthy shots; this is the raw, unfiltered experience. Prepare for rambles, opinions, and the occasional existential crisis fueled by too much sunshine and wine.
Villa Selene: A Croation Comedy of Errors (and Sunburns)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Luggage Debacle
- Morning (or what passes for it after a red-eye): Land in Pula. Sun is already beating down. "Okay, breathe," I tell myself, "You're in Croatia. This is supposed to be paradise." Then comes the baggage claim. My suitcase? MIA. Turns out, it's having a lovely vacation in… I don't even know. Some obscure European hub.
- Afternoon: Taxi to Villa Selene. Oh. My. God. The pictures? They don’t do it justice. The view? I practically weeped. A glorious cry of “FINALLY!” and I could just feel every tension in my body melting in that pool. Checked in, unpacked the essentials (swimsuit, sunscreen, and a bottle of Prosecco – priorities), and then the hunt for a replacement wardrobe commenced. Rabac's shops are cute, but not exactly known for a wide selection of emergency travel outfits.
- Evening: Dinner at a local Konoba (restaurant): "Konoba Stari Ribar". The food was incredible, no question. But here’s the embarrassing part: I ordered the wrong appetizer twice. The first time, I swear the waiter’s eyebrow did a full arch. The second time, he just brought me what I wanted with a knowing smile. Fine. It's a learning curve. We sat and watched the sun descend into a molten orange. The evening ended with a promise to go back again.
Day 2: Beach Bliss… and a Sandcastle of Existential Dread
- Morning: Attempted to make the most of it. Did not want to spend hours in stores when the sea calls my name. After a terrible coffee experience, decided to go to the beach. I spent most of the morning sprawled on a sunbed, alternating between blissful relaxation and the nagging feeling that I should be doing something productive. I tried to make a sandcastle - but lost patience and made a lopsided pile of sand.
- Afternoon: Snorkeled. Saw fish. Got a little too excited and swallowed a mouthful of saltwater. It tasted like… well, the sea.
- Evening: Watched the sunset from Villa Selene's balcony, sipping wine, and pondering the meaning of life. The sunset was gorgeous, but the existential dread was stronger, and I was overwhelmed, and started reevaluating everything.
Day 3: Exploring and… Maybe I Overdid It?
- Morning: I set off to explore the area. The town of Rabac is charming with its little streets and the boat dock. Went looking for breakfast and ended up in a place that, let's just say, wasn't exactly Michelin-star quality. Still, it fuelled me.
- Afternoon: Boat trip. This was supposed to be relaxing. It ended up with me getting a bit seasick, which was not the most glamorous experience.
- Evening: Dinner at a restaurant on the waterfront. I may have over-ordered. Or maybe the pasta was just that good. Either way, I was in a food coma by 9 pm.
Day 4: Losing Myself in Wine and Walls
- Morning: Went to a winery. I’m not a sommelier, so I could not discern the complex flavor notes, but, I did enjoy the wine.
- Afternoon: Walked the walls of Labin. The old town of Labin is an absolute treasure, a maze of cobbled streets with views. Started to feel like a character in a story. I then took some pictures, and got lost.
- Evening: More wine. More food. I might have had a deep conversation with a stray cat about the futility of human existence. Either that, or I dreamt it. I don't remember.
Day 5: Beach Day Redemption (and Sunburn Relief)
- Morning: Sunscreen. Lots and lots of sunscreen. Finally found a pharmacy with after-sun lotion. It’s amazing.
- Afternoon: Back to the beach. This time, achieved maximum relaxation. Actually read a book. Didn't get lost in my thoughts. Just… existed.
- Evening: Cooking at the villa. Did not burn the kitchen down. Small victories are what it's all about. Followed by a movie on the balcony.
Day 6: The Great Croatian Hike… or, More Likely, A Mild Stroll
- Morning: I attempted a hike. Attempted. Ended up wimping out at the trailhead, because, well, I was not feeling the mountain. Instead, walked along the coast.
- Afternoon: Discovered the perfect gelato shop. Doubled down on the experience. Ate gelato for lunch, gelato for a snack, and gelato just because.
- Evening: A final Croatian sunset. This particular sunset looked spectacular. Reflected on the week. It wasn't perfect, but it was real. Did not plan for all the hiccups, nor did I want to, because this is what made it an experience.
Day 7: Departure and the Great Suitcase Revelation
- Morning: Woke up still sad about leaving.
- Afternoon: Last-minute souvenir shopping. Pestered the owners of the villa to give me their secret to the perfect garden I was never able to appreciate during my stay. Taxi to the airport.
- Evening: Board the plane. Arrive home. The suitcase? Still MIA. But you know what? I kinda miss the chaos. Croatia, you beautiful, messy, sun-drenched mess, I’ll be back.
Escape to Paradise: Villa Selene - The Rabac Sea Views...and the Rest of the Story!
So, the views…are they *really* as good as the pictures? Because let’s be honest, sometimes those photos are… optimistic.
Okay, deep breath. The views. The *freaking* views. Let's just say the pictures are…a starting point. They don't *begin* to do justice to the feeling of practically being suspended in the Adriatic. I swear, the first morning I woke up (after a somewhat harrowing journey involving a near-miss with a rogue suitcase on the airport carousel – don't ask) and stepped onto that balcony... I actually gasped. Loudly. My husband, who is normally unfazed by pretty much everything, just muttered, "Wow." And he's seen the Grand Canyon. So yeah, they're good. They're breathtaking. They’re the kind of views that make you question your entire life and wonder if maybe you should just *stay* there forever, sipping wine and staring at the horizon. Which, by the way, is a perfectly valid option. (And yes, the wine is excellent in Croatia. More on that later...probably.)
The Villa itself...is it all gleaming white marble and minimalist perfection? Because, frankly, I get a bit nervous around places that look like a spaceship.
Thank GOD, no! Don’t get me wrong, Villa Selene is lovely, but it's not so aggressively pristine it made me afraid to even sit down. It's…cozy. Charming. Think more "chic Mediterranean grandma's house" than "sterile spa retreat." There’s a rustic feel, exposed wooden beams, and that warm, welcoming vibe that you only get when someone actually *lives* in a place. And thank goodness! I dropped a suitcase and almost had a full-blown meltdown when I thought I’d chipped the corner of a table. It's not perfect, that's part of the charm. And the AC? Actually WORKS. (A huge, glorious win, considering I’ve stayed in places where the "air conditioning" was apparently powered by wishful thinking and a tiny hamster wheel.)
Is it close enough to Rabac town? I don't want to be stranded in the middle of nowhere.
Perfectly positioned, really. You're close enough to walk down to the town...which, okay, the *walk* back up is a bit of a workout. I'm talking serious glute engagement. Consider it a built-in fitness program! But the convenience of popping down for dinner, a gelato (OMG the gelato!), or a boat trip is fantastic. You can be in Rabac in minutes. Plus, the slight distance gives you that sense of peace and quiet. You’re not bombarded with all the tourist noise. Even the *dog* seemed to enjoy it. We took our dog. (Yes, they're pet-friendly! Another huge win!)
Okay, the dog. How pet-friendly is it, really? And did you leave any… "presents"?
Alright, fine, let’s talk about the dog. First off, mega-props to Villa Selene for being genuinely pet-friendly. They didn’t just *tolerate* the furry overlord; they *welcomed* him. They even had a little dog bed set up. (He, naturally, preferred the couch.) Did we leave any "presents"? Well… I'm not going to lie, there was one incident. A very unfortunate incident involving a particularly tempting patch of wildflowers and a poorly-timed tummy rumble. We cleaned it up, of course (thank you, copious amounts of paper towels!). But the point is, they were understanding. They didn't judge us. They probably get it. We're still mortified, though.
What about the kitchen? Can you actually cook a decent meal, or is it just a microwave and a toaster?
The kitchen is…well equipped! Not like some of those sad, sparsely furnished things you find in holiday rentals. You've got everything you need. The only thing is, I'm a terrible cook. I attempted a pasta dish one night. It was…an experience. Let's just say the smoke alarm got a workout. My husband, bless him, managed to salvage it. (He’s a culinary wizard, apparently.) The moral of the story? Even if you’re a culinary disaster like me, you can still make something. And if all else fails, there are amazing restaurants in Rabac. And the local markets are LOADED with fresh produce. We ended up eating fresh seafood most nights. One place we found recommended a type of local seafood. And let me tell you, that was the best recommendation of the trip.
Anything I *shouldn't* expect? Like hidden fees or a creepy neighbor with a staring problem?
Hidden fees? Nope. Creepy neighbors? Not a one. Just lovely, friendly locals. (The bakery down the street makes the *best* bread, and my waistline will never forgive me). Expect… the unexpected. Like the time a rogue seagull tried to steal my breakfast sausage. Seriously. I practically had a wrestling match with a bird. And the occasional power outage (they happen) is a good reminder to disconnect and enjoy the moment, and the fact that you are in paradise. But to be crystal clear – all positive experiences. The local host was amazing, ready to help at a drop of a hat. The communication was seamless from the moment of booking. The Villa was as advertised. We loved the place.
Would you go back? Or are you already scheming to book it again?
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! I'm currently on the website, trying to figure out when I can sneak back in. I'm thinking maybe next year? Or, you know, possibly next month? Look, let’s be blunt: If you’re looking for a truly relaxing, beautiful, and *real* escape, book this place. It’s a slice of heaven. Just… maybe pack extra paper towels. And maybe a seagull-repelling device. You can thank me later. Seriously. Go. Now.
One last thing: The pool. Tell me about the pool. It looked amazing in the pictures…
Okay, the pool. The pool deserves its own paragraph, no, scratch that, its own *chapter* in the memories of my trip. It doesn't just *look* amazing in the pictures. It *is* amazing. It's the perfect size, the perfect temperatureBudget Hotel Guru
