Villa Venera

The villa

Located in idyllic Duga Luka, six kilometres from Labin, Villa Venera enjoys one of the most enchanting positions on the Istrian peninsula. A stunning waterside view is just part of the charm of this five-bedroom property, which also offers wellness facilities, including two saunas, a hot tub, and a swimming pool.

A peaceful place on Istria’s eastern coast, Duga Luka delights with its scents of Mediterranean herbs and bright, blue waters. Villa Venera lies 30m away from them, and you can wander down to a wooden pontoon if you wish to dip in the sea or sunbathe as the waters lap around you. The villa is well-equipped for fitness, with a treadmill, exercise bike, weights, an elliptical trainer, and less active pursuits like darts and billiards.

The outdoor terrace includes sun loungers, seating areas, and an outdoor hot tub; even the sauna enjoys a view over the water. A barbecue and outdoor kitchen make it just as easy to eat outside as in, with room for 12 at the dining table.

A modern living room inside offers a 65-inch Smart TV, PlayStation and Bose music system, and direct terrace access. An impressive kitchen and dining area form another charming space warmed, if needed, by a centrepiece fireplace.

The five beautiful bedrooms are spread over two floors, with three doubles on the ground floor, and a double and twin upstairs. All offer sea views, a Smart TV and a private bathroom, and four have direct access to a terrace.

The medieval town of Labin, on the eastern side of the Istrian peninsula, may not get the attention of some of its west coast counterparts, but those who do visit are sure to be charmed by its laid-back ambience.

The town is located high in the hills above the resort of Rabac, and they make a great combination of history, excellent Istrian cuisine, and relaxing beach life. Labin is the perfect place to spend a little time on a café terrace or potter around the town museum, an art gallery or an atelier.

Old houses, churches and a few steep hills give it authentic charm, and its elevated position offers some stunning views down to the bay and across sweeping areas of forest, particularly from the fortress viewpoint where an old cannon points oceanwards. In summer, the local artistic community becomes even more visible when the Art Republika festival brings theatre and concerts to the streets.

Neighbouring Rabac, with its pristine beaches of Girandella, St Andrea and Lanterna, is a fishing village which has become the region’s favourite tourist destination. It’s easy to see the attraction - with clear blue waters, optimal diving conditions and cool open-air bars, it’s the obvious choice for chilled days and nights at the beach when you’re visiting Labin.