Some places have a way of staying with you long after you’ve left. Hvar is one of them — a sun-kissed island where the scent of lavender lingers in the air, the sea hums ancient lullabies and time slows just enough for you to savour every golden moment. It is here that Majda and Dalibor, the passionate duo behind Villas Hvar, have woven their story of vision, dedication and a deep-rooted love for this extraordinary island.
A dream born from the sea and stone
Their journey began long before Villas Hvar was born. Between 2002 and 2008, Majda and Dalibor worked together in tourism; Majda was in sales, Dalibor worked as a concierge. They saw opportunity where others didn’t, decided to take a leap of faith and started their own business together, determined to carve out a new space in an increasingly competitive industry. But their venture wasn’t just about renting villas; they saw a chance to do something different — something more refined, more personal and more connected to the island.
"At that time, large platforms like Booking.com were taking over the market, but I noticed there was no agency in Croatia truly specialising in high-end luxury," Majda recalls. "I wanted to create a space where storytelling met luxury, where guests wouldn’t just stay in a villa but also experience Hvar’s history, food and soul."
How Villas Hvar came to life
And so Villas Hvar was born in 2011. But not just as any villa agency — as the first luxury villa specialists on Hvar. "Over the past 14 years, we’ve worked tirelessly to ensure that when people think of private villas on Hvar, they think of Villas Hvar first," says Majda. "It’s a great honour when guests place their trust in you for the most precious time of the year — their holidays. When guests return, send their family and friends our way or when villa owners recommend us to others, we know we’ve done something right."
Villas Hvar is the first and only luxury accommodations agency on the island, founded and run by passionate Hvar natives with deep roots, whose own DNA is interwoven with the island for many generations. Majda was born and raised on Hvar. Dalibor’s parents moved to Germany but he has spent his childhood holidays on Hvar with a single vision – one day he’d go back and never leave. And that he did. Their shared knowledge, network and local expertise are unparalleled, making them the go-to team for luxury villa rentals on the island.
A friendship built on trust (and a little humour)
Partners in business, but never in romance. This is a fact that Majda and Dalibor often find themselves clarifying. "People assume we’re married all the time," Majda laughs. “But no, no, he is not my husband. And no, I am not his wife. But Villas Hvar is our baby.”
Their 20-year partnership is built on deep mutual respect, a shared vision and just the right amount of contrast. Dalibor knows how to put people at ease, bringing a relaxed charm to the business. “He has German punctuality yet a very Dalmatian sense of time,” Majda jokes, “which means he’s great at helping guests unwind — but when it comes to the details, that’s where I come in.”
Majda, on the other hand, is a true perfectionist. "I have an almost obsessive attention to detail," she admits. "Our clients can be sure that I am taking care of things they wouldn’t even think to notice."
Then there’s the occasional misunderstanding in a traditionally patriarchal society. "People often assume Dalibor is my boss," Majda says amused, "I find it funny."
Looking to the horizon
In the ever-shifting world of luxury travel, Villas Hvar doesn’t just keep up — it leads with intention, instinct and an unshakable passion for what’s next.
"We have always taken a highly personal approach to every guest," says Dalibor. "We are not just another booking agent. We’re storytellers and curators of experience. Bespoke and intimate. Our next challenge is simple but vital: to share that message with more people — genuinely, clearly and in a way that truly resonates.”
Majda, the dreamer with stars in her eyes and the sea in her soul, is already thinking five steps ahead. "What is a person without a plan?" she asks with a smile. " I have so many, I just hope I live long enough to make them all happen."
What’s truly exciting is the road ahead. Their passion, devotion to their guests and love for Hvar continue to shape Villas Hvar into something unique, original and special, where every stay is a love letter to the island itself.
"For me," Majda says, "the goal has never just been about business. It’s about making people fall in love with Hvar and with life itself. With the fragrance of pine trees, the sound of waves and the 500 shades of blue and green that make up our island’s palette. That’s what moves me. That’s what matters."
As they like to say: Hvar is more than just a destination. It’s an experience. It’s a feeling. And it’s home.
Be our guest.
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photos by Vedran Janić
