Cavtat's Hidden Gem: Apartment Viva la Vita - Book Your Dream Stay Now!
Cavtat's Hidden Gem: Apartment Viva la Vita - Book Your Dream Stay Now!
Cavtat's Secret Unveiled: Apartment Viva la Vita - My Dubrovnik Dream Come True (Maybe?)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups and bookworms, because I'm about to spill the (very strong) Croatian kava on my stay at Apartment Viva la Vita in Cavtat. Finding this place felt like stumbling upon a buried treasure, or, you know, a really swanky apartment complex with a killer view. Let's dive in, shall we? Because honestly, after the journey to get there, I need a drink.
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First of all, let's be real. Finding good accommodations is a stress. You scroll endlessly, comparing prices, reading reviews (which are usually either wildly over-the-top or hilariously scathing), and praying you don’t end up in a place that resembles a damp dungeon. So, when I stumbled upon Viva la Vita, the photos… well, they sucked me in. Sunshine, sparkling pool, balconies overlooking the Adriatic. My inner sun-worshiper started doing the happy dance.
Accessibility - The Good, The Bad, and the Staircase of Doom (Just Kidding…Sort of)
Now, I’m not going to pretend I'm a mobility expert, but the initial impression was good. They say they have facilities for disabled guests. The website mentioned accessibility, which is always a plus. The "elevator" (which was probably more of a "lift" - Croatian buildings can be charmingly…vintage) was small, but functional. HOWEVER… the surrounding Cavtat landscape, with its charming, cobbled streets, is definitely NOT your friend if you're using a wheelchair. This wasn't the fault of the apartment, mind you, just a general Cavtat heads-up. But hey, accessibility is important, and they tried.
Internet – The Great Wi-Fi Conspiracy
Okay, the Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! declaration was music to my ears. And for the most part, it delivered. I'm a digital nomad, so reliable internet is crucial. I needed it for work, for video calls with my mom (who gets worried about my well-being if I'm out of contact for more than five minutes), and to upload all those Instagrammable holiday snaps. The Wi-Fi itself was generally solid, especially helpful to me when I was attempting to use my laptop workspace available in every room.
Cleanliness and Safety - Sanitized to Within an Inch of its Life?
Okay, the post-pandemic world is a thing. Viva la Vita clearly got the memo. They were all about the Daily disinfection in common areas, Room sanitization between stays, the works! Hand sanitizer dispensers were everywhere. Frankly, I've never seen so much "Anti-viral cleaning products" being wielded. I felt like I could eat off the (extremely tidy) floors! It was reassuring, to be honest, but maybe a tad overzealous. Did I judge them? Yes. Did I feel safer because of it? Also, yes.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Food, Glorious Food (Mostly)
The biggest selling point was definitely the Poolside bar. It was divine. Sipping a cold beverage while gazing out at the glittering Adriatic? Literal heaven. They served up a nice selection of Coffee/tea in restaurant. The bar staff were friendly, the atmosphere relaxed. I could easily have spent my entire holiday right there.
They also had a restaurant, which featured A la carte in restaurant and various other delights, which was actually fantastic. It wasn’t just the location that wowed me. The food was yummy. They had Desserts in restaurant that were pretty hard to ignore, and plenty of Vegetarian restaurant options. (I'm not, but it's always a plus, right?). The real coup de grâce was the Breakfast [buffet] - a stunning spread of international and local delicacies. Eggs, bacon, pastries, fresh fruit… I wanted to sneak some back to my room. (I didn't. Totally behaved myself.)
Services and Conveniences – The Perks That Make a Difference
The attention to detail was impressive. They offered a decent selection of amenities that you'd expect from a top-tier hotel, including, but not limited to: Air conditioning in public area, Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Elevator, Laundry service, Luggage storage. The Check-in/out [express] was handy, of course, and the staff were always helpful.
Things to do, ways to relax…Did Someone Say Spa?
This is where Viva la Vita really shone. The Spa/sauna area was a highlight. The Pool with view was stunning, naturally. I opted for the Massage, and, let me tell you, it was transformative. The therapist worked out all the knots I'd accumulated from lugging around my suitcase (and, let's be honest, from the general stresses of life.) I did a few rounds in the Sauna, too, which was just what my poor, travel-weary body needed. There was also a Fitness center, though I may or may not have actually used it (shhh!).
For the Kids – Babysitting Service? Seriously?
I don't have kids. But I did see a few families there, and they seemed pretty happy with the Kids facilities. The apartment also offered a potential Babysitting service.
Available in all rooms – The "Essentials" Check
They got all the basics just right: Air conditioning, Coffee/tea maker for my morning caffeine fix. Free bottled water, which is a godsend in the Croatian heat. Hair dryer, even if I did spend most of my time with my hair in a messy bun. And yes, the all-important Wi-Fi [free].
The Oddball Bits – The Quirks and the Details
- They had Smoke alarms and Fire extinguisher - because safety first!
- They also had some pretty Room decorations… in a classic "hotel room" style.
- There was a Shrine on site, even though I'm not religious in the slightest.
- They offered Cash withdrawal which was helpful.
- I love the desk, so I could pretend to work.
The "Meh" Moments (Because Let's Be Real)
The "meh" was that the Breakfast Takeaway Service wasn't really a thing. But honestly, that’s a minor quibble, and mostly for being too lazy to get out of bed in the morning. Also, I could swear the elevator was haunted. Kidding! Mostly.
The Verdict: Viva la Vita – Still a Dream?
Absolutely. Is it perfect? No. Is anything? But Viva la Vita had charm, comfort, and the kind of attention to detail that makes a vacation truly special. The stunning views, the lovely spa, the attentive staff… it all added up to an unforgettable experience. My stay was fantastic, and I am absolutely recommending it to everyone. So, if you're looking for a slice of Croatian paradise, look no further. Apartment Viva la Vita - Book Your Dream Stay Now! You won't regret it. (Unless you hate sunshine, good food, and relaxation. In which case, maybe Cavtat isn't for you.)
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into my Cavtat adventure at Apartment Viva la Vita. Forget those boring, perfectly-structured travel plans, this is gonna be a REAL trip – complete with sunburns, questionable food choices, and a healthy dose of existential pondering. Consider this your chaotic, slightly-tipsy guide:
Day 1: Arrival, Adriatic Antics, and the Great Olive Oil Crisis of 2024
Morning (ish): So, the flight was a DISASTER, naturally. Delayed, cramped, and the guy behind me kept trying to "accidentally" touch my shoulder. (Note to self: invest in a tactical arm-rest barrier). Finally, after what felt like a trans-Atlantic voyage, we landed in Dubrovnik. The airport was… well, an airport. Immigration was a breeze, thankfully. Picked up the rental car – a tiny, temperamental FIAT that I promptly named "The Sardine."
Afternoon: Finding Apartment Viva la Vita. Okay, the directions were… optimistic. Let's just say The Sardine and I spent a good forty minutes circling Cavtat, engaging in a very heated debate about the merits of Google Maps versus blind faith. Finally, triumph! The apartment is… gorgeous. Seriously, the view from the balcony? To die for. That Adriatic Sea? Sapphire blue, sparkling, beckoning me to jump right in. (Which, spoiler alert, I did later).
Afternoon (continued): Unpacked. Briefly. More importantly, located the fridge and the wine. A glorious bottle of Croatian white, perfect for… well everything. Then, adventure time calls! A quick dip in the sea, followed by a walk along the Cavtat promenade. The town is charming, all pastel buildings and bustling cafes. I could feel the stress melting away… mostly.
Evening: Dinner at a konoba, "Konoba Lanterna". I ordered the grilled fish. Delicious! But here's where things get interesting. I was attempting to sample the local olive oil, I pour a liberal amount of olive oil onto my plate, and I take a glorious bite. I was expecting a burst of flavor. Fresh herbs, a bit of pepper maybe? Nope! Just a bitter, acrid taste that made me shudder. This set off my "Great Olive Oil Crisis of 2024". I sat there, staring at the oil, wondering what the hell I did wrong. I'd ask the waiter but my Croatian is nonexistent and he's very busy. I decided that it was all my fault. I didn't pay attention in art school. I was clearly missing some sort of olive oil connoisseur gene. I went to bed that night still wondering why the Croatian olive oil didn't explode with vibrant flavor.
Day 2: Island Hopping, Sunstroke (Minor), and the Case of the Missing Sunglasses
Morning: Ferry to Lokrum Island. Omg, this place is magical! Apparently, George R.R. Martin filmed a bunch of Game of Thrones stuff here, which, I mean, okay. But the real stars? The peacocks wandering around, strutting their stuff like they own the place (and they probably do.) Spent hours wandering, soaking up the sun, and resisting the urge to steal a peacock feather.
Afternoon: Lokrum, Round 2! I went snorkeling and it was the most exhilaratingly terrifying experience of my life. The water was so clear. The fish! The sea floor! It's unbelievably beautiful but I can barely see and I'm convinced some monstrous sea creature is going to drag me down to the depths. Also, I think I should probably put some sun screen on.
Afternoon (continued): The sun, unfortunately, was NOT a fan of my pale, English complexion. Slightly red. This is my first travel sin of the trip, my second sin: Forgetting my sunglasses. Gone. Poof! I definitely left them somewhere between the ferry, the island, and the bar. (I’m blaming The Sardine. It's always The Sardine's fault).
Evening: Back in Cavtat. Dinner at “Restaurant Bugenvila”. Ok, I'm gonna put it out there, this restaurant is my favorite. The food? Amazing. I had the black risotto, and it's the best risotto I've ever tasted. And the view? Even better. The staff are friendly, the atmosphere is romantic, the wine flows freely, and the sunset? I was ready to write poetry. And then I was thinking (again) about those sunglasses. Where could they be? Did someone find them? Was I just a simple fool who couldn't handle going to one island?
Day 3: Dubrovnik Day Trip, Walls and Whines (and Wows!), and the Search for the World's Best Ice Cream
Morning: The Sardine and I brave the drive to Dubrovnik. The scenery along the coast? Stunning, even when you are trying to make sure you don't drive into a cliff. Arrived in Dubrovnik. The Old Town is overwhelming. But, in the best possible way. First thing: walk the city walls. This is a must-do; I mean, the views are unbelievable. Up and down steps, dodging tourists, wishing I'd worn more sensible shoes. It's a physical trial as well as visual feast!
Afternoon: I got a bit lost inside the old town. Again. But it was the best kind of lost. Stumbled upon tiny alleyways, hidden churches, and markets overflowing with local crafts. I was searching for delicious food. Not just any food, mind you, but world-class ice cream. I had heard rumors or a shop that made ice cream that was so good that it was literally a life changing experience.
Afternoon (continued): I found the ice cream. “Peppino's Ice Cream”. It wasn't life-altering, unfortunately. But it was good. Really Good. I should probably stop over-hyping food experiences.
Evening: Back in Cavtat, exhausted but exhilarated. Dinner at "Restaurant Ivan", where I had a "Croatian Meat Platter". A mountain of meat that looked fantastic and tasted divine. I was feeling good. I was relaxing when it hit me. The sunglasses! They were definitely somewhere in Dubrovnik. I would have to go back, but I was already in love with Cavtat. I felt this was my new home.
Day 4: Boat Trip, Blue Caves, and the Moment I Fell in Love with the Adriatic
Morning: After a late start, I book a boat trip. I'm not a boat person. I get seasick. I get bored. This trip was different. The boat was small, the captain was a character. We sailed along the coast, stopping at hidden coves for swimming. The water was crystal clear, the sun was shining, and my mild hangover from last night's wine was quickly disappearing in the fresh sea air. The captain was a bit of a gossip, regaling us with tales of local secrets, but he also knew all the best spots.
Afternoon: The Blue Caves. The most beautiful thing I have ever seen. The sun streaming through the water, turning everything a shimmering, ethereal blue. It was as if the sea itself breathed light. For a moment, I forgot about the sunglasses and the "olive oil crisis." I was just… present. In that moment, I would've happily given up my soul to keep things the way they were.
Afternoon (continued): Lunch on a tiny island. Fresh seafood, cold beer, the sound of the waves. I felt like I was living a dream. This whole trip was like a dream, but I didn't care about being woken up.
Evening: Back at the apartment. Watching the sunset with a glass of wine, feeling that mix of contentment and melancholy that always comes at the end of a trip. I probably won't discover the meaning of life or find true love on this trip, but I will savor every last moment.
Later Evening: I looked up the reviews for more Croatian olive oil. I realize I might be making a mistake, writing such a harsh review for something that is generally well thought of. Maybe I was wrong about the Croatian oil. Maybe I was wrong about everything?
Day 5: Departure (and the Sunglasses Saga Finale?)
Morning: One last swim in the sea. A final walk along the promenade. Trying to memorize every detail of Cavtat. Packing. Ugh, packing.
Afternoon: Arrived at the airport. The Sardine is parked, waiting for its next adventure. (I probably should have cleaned out the car). And then, a miracle! In the lost and found! Of course! This has been a rollercoaster of emotions regarding the sunglasses. I grabbed those glasses like my life depended on it. I never felt so happy to see a pair of sunglasses in my life.
Evening: The flight home. Looking through the photos, remembering the Adriatic Sea and the boat, the blue caves, the olive oil, the ice cream, and all the things I didn't write down. Remembering the silly moments, the moments of awe, and the feeling of pure, unadulterated joy.
Until next time, Cavtat. You were messy. You were chaotic. And you were absolutely perfect.
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Apartment Viva la Vita: Your Cavtat Escape? (Get Ready for a Wild Ride!)
Okay, spill the tea. What *IS* this Viva la Vita place really like? Is it all sunshine and roses, or... ?
Alright, alright, buckle up buttercup. Viva la Vita. Picture this: you stumble out of the airport, brain still buzzing from the flight… and then BAM! You're in Cavtat, already gorgeous, and then you get to the apartment. Honestly? It *is* pretty darn gorgeous. The view from the balcony? Forget about it. Makes you want to chuck your phone off the side just to disconnect and actually *live*.
But, listen, nobody's perfect. The road up is a bit of a climb. I'm not going to lie, after the second full day of exploring Cavtat, I wasn't exactly skipping up it with the grace of a gazelle. There were moments I was muttering under my breath about needing a sherpa. But the view... the view is *worth* the climb. Seriously. My friend, who's in much better shape than me, was whining too... so it's not just me!
What kind of amenities should I brace myself for? Dishwasher? Laundry? The essentials!
Essentials? They've got most of 'em! Dishwasher - bless, because holiday washing up is just NOT the vibe, am I right? Washing machine! Hallelujah! Packing light is an art form I've yet to MASTER. And the air con? Sweet baby Jesus, thank you for the air con!
Now, the *real* test? The coffee situation. Because listen, a vacation without caffeine is just a prolonged nap. They had a coffee machine, which was a good start. It took a little while to find the coffee, after checking ALL the cupboards, and then I found a half-opened bag - looked like the previous guest had gotten a head start. I just had to go buy some more, so a good start, could be better! But honestly, you're going to Cavtat! Who cares about coffee, you're getting the view! And that, my friends, makes up for the dodgy coffee.
Location, location, location! How far is it to the beach, the shops, the, ahem, *refreshment* establishments?
Okay, let's break it down, because this is important, especially after a few… *refreshments*. The beach? Down the hill, a manageable stroll. The shops, same deal. You're within easy reach of everything.
The *refreshment* establishments? THIS is where it gets interesting. There's a bar practically on the doorstep. And another, a few steps down the hill. And then another. And another. (I may, or may not, have developed a fondness for Aperol Spritz.) Let's just say you won't go thirsty. But pace yourself, my friends, pace yourselves. The climb back... remember the climb? Oh boy.
Tell me your *favorite* thing about the apartment. What was the absolute highlight?
Oh gosh, picking just *one* is cruel! Fine, let's talk about the balcony. Picture this: sun setting, the Adriatic Sea glistening, a glass of local wine in hand (or two... or three... who's counting?). That balcony… it’s pure magic.
One evening, and *this* is a memory I'll honestly cherish forever, I was sitting out there, totally transfixed by the sunset. This massive yacht sailed past, silhouetted against the fiery sky... and then a dolphin jumped from the water! I nearly choked on my wine! It was pure, unadulterated *joy*. Pure perfection. That balcony isn't just a balcony… it's a portal to paradise. This is the thing to remember. I want to be there right now! And I'm getting goosebumps just remembering it.
What if I'm traveling with a partner, or with friends? Is Viva la Vita…couple-friendly? Group-friendly?
Honestly? Both! The apartment is surprisingly spacious. The bedroom setup is ideal for a couple (romantic, even... if you're into that!). The living area is perfect for chilling with friends. (though if you actually *like* your friends, you might want to make sure you have more than one bathroom... things can get tense!)
I went with my best friends - let's just say, after a few days of relentless sunshine, Aperol Spritz, and shared stories on the balcony, we were closer than ever. It's the kind of place that fosters good times, you know? Even if you bicker about who gets the best seat on the bed (ahem). It's just that kind of place. And the proximity to the bars... well, that tends to solve any squabbles pretty quickly, I've found!
Any downsides? Be brutally honest! (Besides the climb, we've heard about that.)
Okay, okay, the brutal truth. No place is perfect. The Wi-Fi, while present, wasn't always the fastest. If you're glued to your phone, this could be your personal hell. Also, the building itself has a bit of that "old charm" feel. It's not a minimalist, modern apartment, so if that's your jam, maybe this isn’t.
Also - this happened with my friend, and I feel it's worth mentioning. The cleaning lady was extremely particular. Like, "are the cushions perfectly aligned on the sofa?" particular. So if you're a messy human (like me!), just be warned. Just be warned! Put things away before you leave (or, you know, be prepared to face her wrath... which is less wrath and more a gently placed, slightly judgmental, perfectly-aligned-cushion-on-the-sofa. It haunts me.) Oh, and the bin situation and the recycling... takes a bit of getting used to. But overall... I mean... it's worth it. TOTALLY WORTH IT.
Would you go back? And, more importantly, would *you* recommend it?
Would I go back? In a heartbeat! I'm already checking my calendar. I would, absolutely, 100% recommend Viva la Vita. The location is fantastic, the apartment is great, the memories… priceless.
Yes, the climb is a thing. Yes, maybe the WiFi is a little spotty. But honestly, those minor inconveniences fade into insignificance when you're sipping wine on that balcony, watching the sun sink into the Adriatic. It's the kind of place that makes you forget about the stresses of real life. It’s a little slice of heaven, with a killer view. Book it. Seriously, book it before I do again and snatch it all up!!
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