Croatia's Hidden Gem: Stunning Polje Holiday Home with Private Garden Silo!
Croatia's Hidden Gem: Stunning Polje Holiday Home with Private Garden Silo! - A Messy, Honest Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from Croatia and I'm still buzzing. Forget those crowded tourist traps – I've stumbled upon something truly special, a place called "Stunning Polje Holiday Home with Private Garden Silo!" (Yes, that's its actual name. It's a mouthful, I know, but trust me, it's worth it.) This isn't your average cookie-cutter vacation spot. This is raw, real, and a little… well, let me just say I have a LOT to unpack.
Accessibility: Okay, I didn't personally need super specific accessibility features, but I did notice they claimed to have facilities for disabled guests. Big claim, but I didn't snoop and peek. Hopefully, they've got their act together. I’m always wary.
On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: Uh, here's where things get a little…rustic. I think there was a ramp to get into the main restaurant (more on that later), but the whole "accessible lounge" thing? Let's just say it wasn't exactly a priority. I’m not saying its perfect, but I’m also not certain…
Wheelchair Accessible: See above. I unfortunately didn't witness anything in the way of ramps etc. to make confident statements. I am unsure, I was too busy drinking wine.
Internet - The Eternal Struggle!
- Internet Access: They did have it. Thank GOD. I need my Instagram fix.
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!: YES! And it actually worked! Glory be!
- Internet [LAN]: Didn't use it. I am a heathen, give me Wifi or give me… more wine.
- Internet services: See above.
- Wi-Fi in public areas: Yup. Spotty, but it was there. Sometimes. Don't tell anyone I was working.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax, and The Spa That Almost Got Me:
Right, let's talk about relaxation. This place promised a spa, and a pool with a view. Well, the pool? Glorious. Infinity edge, looking out over the hills. Stunning. I spent a good chunk of my vacation just floating there, pretending I was a glamorous movie star.
Now, the Spa… I’m a sucker for a good massage, right? So, I booked one. Oh, it was supposed to be a "Body wrap" and "Body scrub" as well. The reality? Let's just say the "sauna" was more like a glorified sweatbox (but in a good way after my workout at the Gym/fitness room). It was a touch basic. They got some things right.
- Fitness center: The gym was small but…adequate. I could lift some weights, and then I passed out in the sauna.
- Foot bath: Nope.
- Gym/fitness: Yes. See above.
- Massage: They had it! But the masseuse… let's just say she had a very firm touch. I felt like a dough being kneaded. I have never been so relaxed.
- Pool with view: Absolutely. Breathtakingly beautiful.
- Sauna: Functional. Sweaty perfection.
- Spa: It's there! Don't expect luxury.
- Spa/sauna: See above.
- Steamroom: Unsure.
- Swimming pool: Yes. The star of the show!
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: The Swimming pool.
Cleanliness and Safety - Pandemic Pandemonium!
I am a worrier, and I was worried about Covid. But I felt pretty safe here. They seemed keen on cleanliness – maybe a little too keen sometimes.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: They were definitely spraying stuff down.
- Breakfast in room: I thought about it, but ended up going to the breakfast buffet (see below.)
- Breakfast takeaway service: They had it!
- Cashless payment service: Yes! Essential in these times.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Yup, I saw it. They were on it.
- Doctor/nurse on call: I didn't need one, thank God.
- First aid kit: Probably.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere.
- Hot water linen and laundry washing: I didn't check in to see the temperature but judging from how they were sanitizing things, I'd be surprised if this wasn't at the forefront of their minds.
- Hygiene certification: I didn't see this but I'm assuming they were.
- Individually-wrapped food options: Yes, especially at the buffet!
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: They tried. It's hard when you’re all crammed at the buffet, though.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services: Possibly.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: I didn't ask, but I'm guessing yeah.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Absolutely. You could smell it.
- Safe dining setup: Pretty good.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Definitely.
- Shared stationery removed: I didn't see any shared stationery.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Yes, they seemed to know what they were doing.
- Sterilizing equipment: I'd have to assume they had this.
Food, Glorious Food (and Drink!)
This is my happy place. Let's talk food. The restaurant situation was…interesting.
- A la carte in restaurant: Yes, but I was almost always at the buffet.
- Alternative meal arrangement: I'm sure if you asked they arranged something.
- Asian breakfast: No, this isn't the place.
- Asian cuisine in restaurant: Negative.
- Bar: A decent bar! The Happy Hour situation was a bit loosey-goosey, but the views were amazing.
- Bottle of water: Complimentary, yes.
- Breakfast [buffet]: The piece de resistance. A mountain of food. I think I gained five pounds just looking at it. Croissants, eggs, bacon, the works.
- Breakfast service: Top notch.
- Buffet in restaurant: See above. Endless.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Good coffee! Essential.
- Coffee shop: I think they had one, but I didn't bother.
- Desserts in restaurant: Yes, and they were calling my name…
- Happy hour: Loosely defined, but the cocktails were good.
- International cuisine in restaurant: A bit of everything, but mostly Croatian.
- Poolside bar: Heaven. Drinking cocktails whilst gazing at the water. Perfection.
- Restaurants: There was one main restaurant, which sometimes had themed nights.
- Room service [24-hour]: Tempted me, but I never bothered.
- Salad in restaurant: Yes! Thankfully.
- Snack bar: Nope.
- Soup in restaurant: Probably.
- Vegetarian restaurant: Options were available.
- Western breakfast: Yes, in abundance.
- Western cuisine in restaurant: Yes, a lot of it.
Services and Conveniences - They've Got You Covered (Almost!)
Everything you could need!
- Air conditioning in public area: Yes, thank goodness.
- Audio-visual equipment for special events: Probably.
- Business facilities: Nothing special.
- Cash withdrawal: I'm sure.
- Concierge: Yes, but in a "charming, slightly disorganized" kind of way.
- Contactless check-in/out: Yes.
- Convenience store: Nope.
- Currency exchange: Yes, probably.
- Daily housekeeping: Yes, and they were thorough.
- Doorman: Nope.
- Dry cleaning: I think so.
- Elevator: Yes.
- Essential condiments: They were there, don't worry.
- Facilities for disabled guests: I'm not sure.
- Food delivery: I don't know.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Nope.
- Indoor venue for special events: Yes.
- Invoice provided: Yes.
- Ironing service: Definitely.
- Laundry service: Yes.
- Luggage storage: Yup.
- Meeting/banquet facilities: Sure.
- Meetings: Yes.
- Meeting stationery: Probably.
- On-site event hosting: Yes.
- Outdoor venue for special events: Yes.
- Projector/LED display: Probably. *
Polje, My Love… (and occasional Agony) - A Holiday Home Itinerary That's Got More Grit Than Glamour
Okay, so, I'm not one for pristine itineraries. Life's too messy, right? This 'holiday home in Polje with garden near Silo, Croatia' trip? Gonna be a wild ride. Buckle up, Buttercups.
Day 1: Arrival - The Great Unpacking Debacle & Croatian Charm (Maybe)
- 12:00 PM: Touch down at Rijeka Airport. The plan? Get a rental car. The reality? An hour spent arguing with a guy who clearly spent the last decade perfecting the art of "overcharging the tourists." Finally, victory! A beat-up Fiat that smells vaguely of stale cigarettes. Perfect.
- 1:30 PM: Finding the holiday home. Google Maps, bless its algorithmic heart, sent us down a road that could probably be classified as a goat track. My stomach did a jitterbug when we finally saw the house. The garden looks idyllic in the pictures, but let's not get ahead of ourselves, shall we?
- 2:30 PM: Unpacking. This is where things go south. The suitcases explode. The kids start fighting. I feel like I've lived in this holiday home my entire life. Where's the wine? Must find wine.
- 3:30 PM: Garden Recon. Okay, the garden is pretty. And the view? Stunning. I'm already feeling the stress melt away. I almost trip over a rogue sprinkler head. Note to self: Investigate this sprinkler.
- 4:30 PM: First impressions of the house. The kitchen's… functional. Which is generous. The fridge is suspiciously empty. Where's the nearest supermarket? Panic sets in. We've got to find provisions, kids need to eat.
- 6:00 PM: Supermarket run. Lost in the labyrinthine aisles of a Slovenian supermarket, I emerge victorious with bread, cheese, and a questionable-looking jar of something pickled. The kids aren't thrilled.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. We survive. Salad from the garden (after a quick bug inspection), cheese, and some crusty bread. Kids ate it (success!). I crack open the wine. Finally, some peace.
- 8:00 PM: Stargazing. The sky is a tapestry of diamond dust. Worth the travel. I can't believe I didn't take a photo, I'm so overwhelmed by the beauty of the night sky.
Day 2: Silo's Shimmer & Beach Bliss (or Maybe Just Sand in Everything)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. I'm pretty sure I've drunk the last of the coffee. I contemplate just drinking the pool water.
- 10:00 AM: Beach day in Silo! The bluest water I've ever seen. Gorgeous. The kids immediately bury themselves in sand. I get sunburnt. Typical.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch by the beach. Seriously, the calamari is the best. I'm in love.
- 2:00 PM: Boat ride. I didn't want to do the boat ride, I get seasick. But the kids were super enthusiastic. And, well, it was beautiful. Mostly. Just try to ignore the rising tide of stomach acid.
- 4:00 PM: Ice cream. Mandatory.
- 5:00 PM: Explore Silo's little streets. I find a souvenir shop filled with tacky trinkets and things that probably cost way more than they're worth. Buy something cute.
- 6:00 PM: Back to the holiday home for quiet time.
- 7:30 PM: Dinner. We grilled what we could find in the fridge.
Day 3: The Island's Secrets & a Brush with Disaster (and a lot of olives)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. I'm starting to feel like a local with the coffee thing.
- 10:00 AM: Road trip! Drive to Vrbnik. The drive is a series of winding roads with breathtaking views. I need to pull over and just stare at the ocean. That's all.
- 11:00 AM: Vrbnik. I love this town. It's old, it's charming. And I almost crash into a tiny church.
- 12:00 PM: Tasting local wine! The wine is amazing.
- 1:00 PM: Food stop. Lunch is fresh seafood, local, amazing, and perfect. I'm officially in love with Croatian cuisine.
- 2:00 PM: Back to the car, only to discover we have a flat tire… This is the part where I cry a little.
- 3:00 PM: Thankfully, someone's coming to help.
- 4:00 PM: At last, we're rolling. I'm just so relieved.
- 5:00 PM: I have a sudden, desperate need for some olives.
- 6:00 PM: Back in the house. A relaxing rest. I sit in the garden.
Day 4: The Garden's Embrace & a Kitchen Catastrophe (and more wine!)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. I actually make pancakes. I feel like a domestic goddess.
- 10:00 AM: I spend the day reading in the garden. The sounds of nature, the sun on my skin… pure bliss.
- 12:00 PM: The kids go to the playground. I make a mess in the kitchen.
- 2:00 PM: Lunch: Something basic, but the garden is still beautiful.
- 3:00 PM: A nap. I pass out for two whole hours. Bliss.
- 5:00 PM: Cook dinner. I make a HUGE pasta dish. It's delicious. The kids are starving. I put my best effort into this evening.
- 6:00 PM: Disaster strikes! I manage to set off the smoke alarm while making pasta. The kids are screaming. I briefly consider just running away.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. We survive another meal, slightly smoky pasta.
- 8:00 PM: Wine in the garden. I'm still grateful.
Day 5: Farewell, Polje! (Maybe Not Goodbye, Though…)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. We finish the last of the coffee.
- 10:00 AM: Packing. Cleaning. The usual pre-departure panic.
- 12:00 PM: Last walk in the garden. I already miss the peace.
- 1:00 PM: Check out. Tears.
- 2:00 PM: Drive back to the airport.
- 3:00 PM: Argue with another person over the rental car fee.
- 4:00 PM: Depart.
This trip, I know, it wasn't perfect. It's never perfect. But in this whirlwind of sun and beaches, stress and wine, I found it. Croatia, you magnificent, chaotic, beautiful mess. You have my heart. I'll be back. Eventually. Maybe.
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Croatia's Hidden Gem: Polje Holiday Home - You've Got Questions? I've Got (Mostly) Honest Answers!
Okay, spill the beans. Is this Polje Holiday Home *really* as amazing as it looks in the photos? Because, let's be real, photos lie.
Alright, buckle up, buttercup. The good news? The photos are mostly… truthful. The place is gorgeous. That silo? Stunning. The views? Breath-taking. The bad news? You're gonna have a serious "after-holiday letdown" when you get back home. Seriously. I still dream about that garden. But… reality check: it's not *perfect*. For example, that perfectly manicured lawn in the picture? Yeah, well, it's more like a really well-loved patch of grass. And that perfectly styled outdoor table? Might have a rogue ant or two wandering about. But honestly, that adds to the charm! It's the kind of place where you can actually *relax* and not worry about every single thing being Instagram-worthy. Think of it as rustic chic meets Croatian countryside heaven. Seriously though, bring bug spray. The mosquitoes there are *vicious*... I swear they trained in a special academy for biting tourists.
Tell me about the silo! Is it actually *in* the house? Is it cool inside?
The silo! Oh, the silo. Yes, it's *part* of the house. It's like the house grew a really fancy, circular appendage. And cool? Honey, it's *spectacular*. It's been repurposed and transformed, which is amazing. Think high ceilings, maybe a bedroom, or the dining area...I was there last year and I’m still a little hazy on what’s what. Look, it's a unique experience, and I'm giving you the *honest* answer (which also means I might not remember all the details...). Just remember, it's not just a gimmick; it really adds to the whole vibe. But… be warned: I spent a good hour trying to figure out the light switches in the silo. The lighting *is* atmospheric, trust me.
What's the deal with the private garden? Is it actually *private*?
Private garden? Oh, yes. It's private, alright. And it's heaven. Think lush greenery, maybe some fruit trees (if you're lucky and it's the right season), and a general sense of utter tranquility. You can sit there for hours with a good book and a glass of wine. Speaking of wine… GET THE LOCAL WINE! Seriously, it’s incredible. As for the privacy… well, you might hear a neighbor's rooster at dawn. But honestly, that just adds to the charm, doesn't it? It's a gentle reminder that you're *not* in the city. And besides, that rooster is probably the only living soul who's seen more sunrises than you have. So, yes, mostly private, and utterly sublime. Except for the rooster. He's a show-off.
I'm a foodie. What about local restaurants and groceries?
Okay, foodie alert! The good news is, Croatia is a food lover's paradise. And while Polje itself is pretty remote, there are still options! Don't expect Michelin stars right around the corner. This isn't that kind of experience. More like "charming konobas" and "family-run trattorias" that you'll find. The food is *fresh*, and most of it is amazing. I would recommend just asking at your rental (or researching beforehand) what's nearby... the local grocery stores might be... small. Think more "supply stores" than "supermarkets". So plan your meals. You'll enjoy it more!
Is it family-friendly? Would it be fun for kids?
Honestly? That depends on your kids. If they're the "easily bored and need constant entertainment" type, maybe not. There's no kids club, no water park, no organized activities. BUT, the garden is amazing for exploring, and the space is huge. My nephew came, and he was obsessed with the garden and chasing lizards. It's great for kids who like to be outdoors and enjoy nature. Parents, bring a travel crib or ask the owners if they have one. And, be warned: the stairs in the silo might be a little tricky for the very young. But for us? It was a winner, as long as you're happy with a little bit of a "back to basics" approach.
What's the Wi-Fi situation like? Because, let's be real, I need to post photos.
The Wi-Fi...oh, the Wi-Fi. *Deep sigh*. It's... present. Let's put it that way. Remember, you're in the Croatian countryside. Don't expect lightning-fast speeds. Consider it a digital detox vacation. Seriously, embrace it! Some days it's great, and some days it's… well, let's just say you might rediscover the joy of reading a *physical* book. Or, you know, actually *talking* to your travel companions. I did manage to upload a few photos, but it took some patience. Embrace the slow life. Trust me, you'll thank me later. Also, be prepared to have to troubleshoot it a few times. It’s part of the adventure!
How accessible is it? Is it hard to get to?
Accessibility… well, it’s a bit off the beaten path. Expect winding country roads. You’ll *definitely* need a car. GPS is your friend, but even then, you might end up doing a few U-turns. I remember one time we got spectacularly lost. We ended up driving through a tiny village and the locals looked at us like we were aliens. It was hilarious – in retrospect! So, yes, it's a bit of an adventure to get there. But that's part of the charm, right? It's worth it! Don't drive too fast, especially at night. Deer. They’re everywhere. And they don’t care about your vacation.
What should I pack? (Besides bug spray... which I'm already packing.)
Besides the bug spray (you're smart), pack... comfortable shoes for exploring. Hiking boots maybe? Or good walking shoes. The terrain around there is beautiful. A good book (or three) is a must, especially if you're embracing the digital detox. Cards, board games... anything to unplug. Don’t forget sunscreen, a hat, and swimwear. Bring any medication you might need, and a basic first-Comfort Zone Inn
