As high-net-worth travelers increasingly shift away from traditional five-star hotels in favor of private, experience-driven stays, the European luxury travel market is undergoing a quiet transformation. Nowhere is this more evident than in Croatia, a destination that has rapidly evolved from a summer hotspot into one of the continent’s most desirable high-end travel markets.
At the center of this shift is Excelsior Villas, a boutique luxury villa brand positioning itself at the intersection of hospitality, vacation rentals, and experiential travel. Rather than competing on volume, the company focuses on a highly selective portfolio of properties designed to feel less like rentals and more like privately owned estates.
One of the most emblematic examples of this approach is Villa Don Giordano, a Tuscan-inspired hilltop residence in the heart of Istria’s wine country.
A Private Estate Designed for the Ultra-Discerning
Set above the vineyards of Vižinada, Villa Don Giordano commands panoramic views across one of Croatia’s most refined regions. The property was conceived as a lifestyle asset rather than a holiday home, combining architectural character, privacy, and scale in a way rarely found in the European short-term rental market.
Spanning more than 550 square meters, the villa offers expansive spaces, private leisure rooms, and four en-suite bedroom suites, each with its own terrace overlooking the countryside. The design language is deliberately restrained yet cinematic, blending Istrian tradition with modern luxury in a way that feels timeless rather than trend-driven.
Outdoors, a striking black-and-blue tiled swimming pool anchors the terraces, while gardens and lounge areas provide multiple spaces for social and private use. The estate functions as a self-contained retreat, equally suited for intimate escapes, executive off-sites, or private celebrations.
Where Hospitality Meets Brand Strategy
Villa Don Giordano is part of a wider vision shared by Excelsior Villas and Algor Verus, founded by Karlo Gale and Gordana Mohorović. Together, they operate a growing portfolio of elite properties across Istria, each managed as a standalone luxury brand rather than a generic rental listing.
Their philosophy is rooted in the belief that modern luxury travelers are no longer buying accommodation alone. They are investing in privacy, storytelling, service, and emotional experience. Every villa is positioned, maintained, and serviced to meet the expectations of a global, high-net-worth clientele accustomed to bespoke hospitality.
Karlo and Gordana operate as a unified leadership team, overseeing everything from property curation and brand positioning to on-site experience standards and guest relations. Their approach blends operational discipline with a strong aesthetic vision, ensuring that each villa feels rare, cinematic, and meticulously executed.
The Rise of Experiential Villa Travel
Croatia’s growing appeal among affluent travelers lies in its diversity. From historic cities such as Dubrovnik and Split to the rolling hills of Istria and the islands of the Adriatic, the country offers a combination of culture, nature, and gastronomy that rivals Europe’s most established luxury destinations.
Excelsior Villas capitalizes on this momentum by offering more than real estate. Guests staying at Villa Don Giordano can access a fully tailored lifestyle experience, from private chefs and curated wine tastings to wellness services and bespoke local itineraries. The villa becomes both a residence and a gateway into the region’s finest offerings.
A New Benchmark for Private Luxury
In a market increasingly driven by exclusivity and personalization, Villa Don Giordano Excelsior represents a new category of luxury accommodation in Croatia. It is not positioned as a place to stay, but as a private destination curated with the same attention to detail found in the world’s most refined hospitality brands.
Through Excelsior Villas, properties like Don Giordano are setting a benchmark for what private luxury travel in Europe can look like when design, service, and strategic vision align.
