Just along the coast from the Pearl of the Adriatic – Dubrovnik – this sleek, modern villa overlooks the sea and is within walking distance of the beach. From the infinity pool, you can gaze out at the Elafiti Islands floating on the horizon. Cocktails in the outdoor lounge beneath the pergola are particularly good at sunset and alfresco dinners can be enjoyed next to an ancient olive tree. Inside, the raw wood and ink-black motif gives a Japanese zen vibe to the open-plan living area. Choose to sit down to formal meals at the banquet-sized dining table, or perch up at the sleek breakfast bar for a quick start to the day. Alongside blissfully zen bedrooms upstairs, you’ll find a glass-fronted balcony overlooking the sparkling Adriatic. The villa is located in Orašac, a little coastal village with a handful of beachy tavernas and bars serving local cuisine from the sea and mountains. The horseshoe-shaped pebble beach here slips away into emerald-green water and has a swim platform for hot days. If you want to discover Dubrovnik’s ancient history, the Old Town is just a half-hour drive or taxi ride away.

Additional fees

• Your host can help arrange a variety of extra services during your stay, including massages and beauty treatments, wine tours, laundry and dry cleaning, fridge fills, restaurant reservations, private chefs, airport transfers, and car hire

• You can also arrange to have your breakfast cooked each morning – you only need to pay for the food

• If you’re travelling with children, your host can organise babysitting services – alternatively, a live-in nanny can be arranged at a cost of £475-£670 per week

Additional fees subject to a 3.5% handling charge.