Villa Nai 3.3 - A MASTERPIECE OF DESIGN, SUSTAINABILITY, AND CULINARY EXCELLENCE

During our last visit, Miodrag Spahic, Editor-in-Chief of The Collection magazine sat down with the owner of Villa Nai 3.3, Mr. Goran Morović to discuss this extraordinary projectits visionary design, deep commitment to sustainability, and the unparalleled luxury experience it offers on the serene island of Dugi Otok.

Q. The Collection Magazine: Villa Nai 3.3 is often praised for its unique and sustainable design. Can you share the inspiration behind its architectural concept and how it blends with the natural surroundings?

A. Goran Morović: Villa Nai 3.3 was designed by a renowned architect Nikola Bašić, with nature as the primary inspiration. The building follows natural contours of the terrain, seamlessly integrating into the hillside under a green roof. This distinctive geometric structure combines an olive oil extraction facility with luxury accommodation, all in accordance with The Leading Hotels of the World standards.

Despite being embedded in the landscape, the hotel is bright and airy, thanks to light-coloured interiors, strategically placed skylights, and floor-to-ceiling French windows that open onto spacious terraces. Even at night, guests can enjoy natural illumination — our bathrooms feature rooftop windows directly above the bathtubs, allowing guests to unwind in a warm bath with a glass of champagne while gazing at the stars.

Q. The hotel is built using top-quality materials, including local stone. How did you select these materials, and how do they contribute to the overall guest experience?

A. Sustainability was a guiding principle in our material selection. The stone used in construction was excavated directly from

the site, reducing our carbon footprint while preserving the authenticity of the landscape.

We carefully chose only the highest-quality materials and furnishings, ensuring a balance between modern aesthetics and guest comfort. Unfortunately, some contemporary designs prioritize visual impact over functionality, but at Villa Nai 3.3, we focus on both. For example, while some luxury hotels incorporate glass-walled bathrooms, which may not suit every guest, our Agape bathtubs offer a blend of elegance and practicality.

Moreover, individuality is key to our design philosophy. Each of our eight rooms has a unique layout, décor, and terrace view, allowing guests to select the space that best suits their personal taste.

Q. Sustainability is a key aspect of luxury travel today. How does Villa Nai 3.3 incorporate eco-friendly practices while maintaining a high level of comfort and exclusivity?

A. At Villa Nai 3.3, sustainability and luxury go hand in hand. True sustainability goes beyond simple measures like waste separation or reusing towels - it requires a deep commitment to ecoconscious operations.

We have our own water desalination system and have recently invested in solar panels to reduce energy consumption for heating. Additionally, we prioritize local sourcing, using fresh, highquality ingredients from nearby suppliers to support the community and minimize our environmental impact.

A great example of our sustainable approach is our olive grove. While olive harvesting typically takes place in October, olive oil production is a year-round process. In late winter and early spring, we prune the trees, grind the branches, and ferment them into organic fertilizer. The leaves are dried and used to make our signature olive tea. This process embodies our philosophy - sustainability, quality, and a unique guest experience all in one.

Q. Your olive oil, Nai 3.3, is recognized as one of the best in the world. Can you tell us more about your olive groves, the production process, and what makes your olive oil so exceptional?

A. Our olive grove, over 500 years old, is not just a stunning backdrop for the hotel but also a living connection between tradition and modernity. The olive tree is a symbol of the Mediterranean, and our commitment to excellence in both cultivation and production ensures the highest quality olive oil.

We harvest our olives by hand, avoiding mechanical shaking methods that could compromise the trees. Each olive undergoes a meticulous selection process to remove any damaged fruit, leaves, or stems, ensuring only the finest olives make it into our oil. This careful attention to detail results in a low acidity level, enhancing both flavour and health benefits.

Our olive oil is 100% estate-produced - no blending, no outside suppliers, just pure, high-quality oil under our full control. Additionally, olive oil’s unique properties go beyond culinary use. Since ancient times, it has been used in skincare, from Levantine soap-making to Roman beauty rituals. At Villa Nai 3.3, we incorporate olive oil extracts into our spa treatments, offering guests a natural remedy for sun-exposed skin, perfect for our island’s 2,500+ hours of sunshine per year.

Q. Your location on Dugi Otok offers breathtaking views and a sense of seclusion. How do you curate experiences for guests that highlight the island’s natural beauty and cultural heritage?

A. As a boutique hotel, we offer tailor-made experiences, providing guests with expert local guidance on how to best explore Dugi Otok. We collaborate with top local skippers for private boat excursions, experienced diving instructors for underwater adventures, and knowledgeable guides for hiking and cycling tours.

Dugi Otok is a hidden gem, less known than some other Adriatic destinations, which makes it even more special. From the serene Salt Lake Mir to the tallest lighthouse in the Adriatic, there are countless natural and cultural wonders to discover.

To enhance the guest experience, we also ensure seamless travel to and from the island. Our private heliport allows guests to arrive via helicopter for maximum comfort and efficiency.

Q. Villa Nai 3.3 is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World. What sets it apart from other high-end properties in the Adriatic, and what makes it a truly world-class destination?

A. Villa Nai 3.3 embodies a unique blend of cutting-edge design, sustainability, and exclusivity. The hotel’s architecture merges seamlessly with the island’s natural landscape, offering an experience that is both futuristic and environmentally friendly.

Our attention to detail extends beyond aesthetics. We have curated an atmosphere of unparalleled luxury with high-end furnishings, top-tier bathroom fittings, and a dedicated team of hospitality professionals, many of whom have been with us for several seasons.

One of our greatest advantages is our ability to provide discretion and privacy. Unlike many mainstream luxury destinations, Dugi Otok offers a secluded retreat where even high-profile guests can enjoy their stay away from the public eye.

Q. Gastronomy plays a significant role in luxury hospitality. Can you tell us more about the culinary philosophy at Villa Nai 3.3 and how it showcases local flavours and ingredients?

A. Our cuisine revolves around two key principles: local and homemade. Not only do we cultivate our own vegetables, but we even have 50 free-range hens, ensuring guests can enjoy farmfresh eggs every morning - something rarely offered by luxury hotels.

Olive oil is at the heart of our culinary experience. Every dish is elevated by our award-winning Nai 3.3 olive oil, which enhances

both the flavour and authenticity of our Mediterranean-inspired menu.

We offer two distinct dining experiences:

• Grotta 11.000, an upscale à la carte restaurant specializing in exquisite grilled dishes, some of which are prepared tableside.

• Restaurant 3.3, a fine dining venue featuring a curated seven-course tasting menu that takes guests on a culinary journey through Mediterranean flavours.

Beyond the food, we take great pride in our exceptional wine selection, featuring the best Croatian, French, Italian, Spanish, and American wines. After dinner, guests can indulge in a selection of premium cognacs, whiskeys, and spirits or retreat to our cigar lounge for a refined and relaxing end to the evening.

At Villa Nai 3.3, luxury is not just about rooms, cuisine, or location—it’s about crafting a holistic and unforgettable experience.

For more information visit villanai.com, email us at contact@villanai.com or call +385913030461