The scent of pines, lavender and thyme intermingles in the soft breeze blowing in from the sea. The pale blue of the pool, the cloudless radiant sky and the intense shimmering of the sea lapping at my feet harmonise to create a perfect triad. This exceptional 'box seat at the theatre' on the Croatian Adriatic Sea is new – detached luxury villas with private pool and Mediterranean garden, in the front row behind the Croatian coastline that enchants visitors with its wild, romantic jagged cliffs, idyllic coves and crystal clear water. It is a location where one longs for time to stand still, in order to savour the moment. Remain so forever. Or become so. With Falkensteiner.
At the Luxury Villas Punta Skala, the successful tourism company Falkensteiner has created a holiday experience filled with superlatives – thereby advancing its foray into the luxury segment. The five newly built luxury villas supplement the two existing five star hotels at the furthermost shore of the Dalmatian peninsular, which stretch into the Adriatic Sea like a green oasis only 12 km or so away from the port of Zadar. At 200 m2, each villa offers spacious and exclusive comfort for up to seven guests – two storeys, three bedrooms and an open-plan living/dining area with a fully equipped kitchen. The modern, trendy architecture matches the aesthetics of the interiors, where zeitgeist and comfort are united to create a high-quality, inviting ambience. Floor-to-ceiling sliding doors allow a seamless transition from the living to the outdoor spaces, where the 40 m2 private pool and a well-kept garden await you. Eating, reading, sunbathing or simply gazing out to sea – everyone will find their favourite spot on the spacious terraces surrounding the house and pool, some of them sheltered by the elegant pergola, offering the perfect combination of air, light and shade. Wake up and dream: from the bedrooms on the upper floor – or from the balcony – a magnificent panoramic view of the sea and the offshore island archipelago opens up. The garden of the villa is bordered by dense green banks, which largely protect from prying eyes and promise plenty of privacy. The narrow shore path runs directly behind, leading to secluded bathing spots, private coves or further along to the Falkensteiner hotel complexes, whose facilities can be used by villa guests. Train in the gym at the Fortis Club or relax in the 6,000 m2 large Acquapura SPA – you are guaranteed a richly varied timeout. Or you can leave the tranquillity and the pounding of the waves to discover historical heritage and modern art: Zadar is well worth a visit, and not only for its famous sea organ, which creates music through the movement of the waves.
FALKENSTEINER – RESORT PUNTA SKALA – ZADAR – NORTHERN DALMATIA
In the Luxury Villas, you can naturally expect first-class service, including a villa host; many other indulgent treats can be booked as extras. The fact that 'TIAN am Meer', a pop-up offshoot of the famous vegetarian TIAN Restaurant in Vienna, is open for the summer will certainly delight many foodies. Paul Ivic’s concept is refined, uncompromisingly sustainable and has been awarded one Michelin star and four Gault Millau toques. So Falkensteiner provides the best places for the perfect getaway – in Croatia by the sea and at other premium destinations: The Falkensteiner Hotel Montafon in Austria, which opened in 2022, is the only 5-star family hotel in Europe to be ranked among the Leading Hotels of The World. Another exciting new project designed by 'starchitect' Matteo Thun is about to get underway in northern Italy: on last lakefront plot of land on the western shores of Lake Garda, a luxury resort with a 5-star hotel and elegant private residences for sale is being built: the Falkensteiner Resort Lake Garda Salò. Heavenly views are guaranteed.
Falkensteiner Michaeler Tourism Group
What began in 1957 as a small guesthouse in South Tyrol's Pustertal Valley is now a byword for expertise, success and growth as a renowned tourism brand throughout Europe – currently with a portfolio of 30 hotels, apartments and residences in six countries. Andreas and Erich Falkensteiner, sons of the founding couple, and Otmar Michaeler are at the helm implementing the 360° tourism of FMTG together with around 2.000 employees. In doing so, the company remains committed to its family roots and entrepreneurial values. The future looks very rosy, too: the company is continuing its expansion strategy. Its new projects focus clearly on the requirements of the guests, incorporate sustainability criteria and break new ground – also with in-house investment concepts.
