Croatia’s Villa Korta Katarina dazzles not only with its accommodation on land and sea, but also with its stunning winery
In the late 1990s, American philanthropists and wine enthusiasts Lee and Penny Anderson became involved with a relief agency in Croatia, rebuilding war-damaged schools, churches and homes. When they visited the project, they fell in love with the country, its culture and cuisine. Today, that love affair is embodied in their stately villa and vineyard, Villa Korta Katarina & Winery, in Orebić on the Adriatic coast.
“Ever since our first visit, we’ve been captivated by the country and the wonderful people,” says Lee. “In 2002, we purchased our first vineyard, and over time our winery has grown in size and prominence.” Alongside this, the couple have been transforming the villa, which had previously been used as a barracks by Russian troops.
Villa Korta Katarina, which opened in 2018, is a member of the Relais & Châteaux association of independent luxury hotels, renowned globally for impeccable standards and strict membership criteria. The villa features eight sumptuous suites with discreetly integrated smart-room technology and mesmerising sea views. There’s also a lounge, bar, wine cellar, library, living room, VIP kitchen and dining room, as well as an outdoor infinity pool, terraced coastal gardens, and a wellness spa and fitness suite.
In addition, guests can charter the villa’s 201ft yacht, M/Y Katharine, which can accommodate 12 guests in six classically styled state rooms. The yacht also features an entertaining area, dining room, spa pool and sundecks. The cuisine aboard the yacht is an extension of the dining experience at the villa, where traditional and modern Croatian dishes, prepared with local ingredients, are paired with Korta Katarina’s award-winning wines. The vineyards are cultivated in harmony with nature and capture the Dalmatian coastal terroir in seven private labels, featuring a sparkling wine, full-bodied reds, a refreshing rosé and light summery whites.
“The villa is much more than a hotel,” says Penny. “It’s our home in Croatia, where guests are treated to the finest, personalised, home-from-home experience, with unobtrusive, round-the-clock, five-star service from a wonderful team. The restoration of the villa to an elegant mansion house has been a labour of love. We’ve filled it with antiques and artwork from our European excursions, with no expense spared, so guests feel completely at home and able to relax in the utmost comfort.”
www.kortakatarina.com