Not that you would need more than 11 reasons to stay at Tara’s Lodge Hotel in Korcula, Croatia. You’ll be booking a stay at Tara’s Lodge before you even get to reason #3. And that’s a guarantee.
When describing one of my favorite stays in Croatia, I couldn’t stop counting the number of reasons Tara’s Lodge hotel located in Zrnovska Banja bay on the island of Korcula was on my list. There is a good feeling as soon as you step onto Tara’s Lodges property. The staff is sincere (the gardener offered to help us as soon as he saw us) and the interiors are a mixture of contemporary with classic cultural influences, layering textures and patterns, and high class and fun amenities that create a timeless design. Developed by Australian interior designer Jane Bell Bandack, Tara’s Lodge houses 17 rooms and is named after Jane’s daughter, Tara. As you will see from my list of 11 reasons to stay in Tara’s Lodge hotel in Korcula, nothing feels ordinary in this sparkling enclave.
My photography throughout this article is meant to feel like an immediate escape to Tara’s Lodge boutique hotel in Korcula. The photos represent the best of mine and Pat’s relaxed vacation and the simple, subtle pleasures of our stay: from the shadows the plants and trees cast on the orange stone walls and swimming pool’s deck, to the half-drunk wine, and laid back lounge areas. Tara’s Lodge is the epitome of the term lifestyle. The property has dozens of design-savvy touches, from the use of wood and rosemary throughout the property, to the consistent white and black motifs.
1. The Welcome
A memorable experience all begins with the arrival. Towering palm trees along a well-groomed stone path lead us down Mimi’s Bistro, Tara’s Lodge’s beach side bar and restaurant. We take a seat and take in the calm, stunning view and unbelievably clear water of Zrnovska Banja bay in front of us as the staff checks us in and records our passport information. We enjoy the balmy breeze and the way it rustles the palm tree and leaves surrounding us. A waiter comes over and serves us a fruit and seltzer welcome beverage garnished with a rosemary branch for an extra something. What better way to start off an unforgettable memory than with a complimentary welcome beverage? Tara’s Lodge truly knows how to welcome guests.
2. Room: Standard Sea View
After settling in with a quick drink, we are brought to our standard sea view room with a balcony. As soon as we open the doors, a small ‘kitchen area’ sported two paper bags with labels that read “Midnight Munchie Mix”– oh they anticipate their customers needs well!
The sun breaking through our balcony illuminates the off-white flooring and walls and the simply adorned king sized bed. The room had a wicker basket for towels or laundry and a small desk area with elegant cards detailing the hotels amenities. The bathroom came complete with L’Occitane shower products. Everything was polished and immaculately clean. Boy, were we going to get spoiled fast.
My favorite amenity: the plug-in repellent in each room. I am very allergic to mosquito bites. Pat likes to say that he’s never been bit because I attract all the mosquitoes from him, that’s probably true. When I get bit, my bites blow up triple the size of a normal persons and they look like hives. So when I found out that there were plug-in repellents in every room, I couldn’t help but sing hallelujah! Especially since we were located on top of the pool and were in the middle of nature. Prime mosquito location.
I step out onto our balcony that overlooks the pool below and offers an inspiring view of the Adriatic Sea. The balcony was furnished with modern outdoor furniture. Overcome by a languid, soft fatigue, Pat and I decide to slip into our bathing suits and head down to Tara’s Lodge beach for a dip in the sea and lunch at Mimi’s Bistro (after all, the waterfront bistro bar and secluded beach enclave are two of the main reasons we chose this hotel in Korcula).
3. The Beach
Although Zrnovska Banja bay is not private, it certainly feels like it is. Because most tourists stay in hotels in old town Korcula during their stay, they don’t make it out to these quieter, more local bays just a 5-10 minute cab ride from town. That’s a benefit to Pat and I who have the beach all to ourselves. The beach is lined with white beanbag chairs and decorative umbrellas overlooking the inviting and almost completely clear and untainted water of Zrnovska Banja bay. This secluded and local vibe is unique to a hotel in Korcula.
From the beach you have views of Croatia’s mainland coast and its stark white mountains in the background paired with the green, lush vegetation of Korcula. Zrnovska Banja bay feels like its own private little enclave of Korcula, the way it’s shaped makes it feel like it’s closed off from the rest of the world.
4. Mimi’s Bistro
The primary attraction of Zrnovska Banja bay is Tara’s Lodge’s Mimi’s Bistro. The few tourists and pedestrians who do make it to Zrnovska Banja bay immediately spot it’s simple, fun, yet eye-catching neon pick sign and its stunning design and waterfront location. Mimi’s Bistro is open to the public and uses locally sourced products to create its seasonal and ever-changing menu. This is also where breakfast is served for guests of Tara’s Lodge. Even if you aren’t staying here, book a reservation, promise me you won’t regret it.
Check the chalkboard or call in advance when booking a reservation at Mimi’s Bistro. They have some fun and unique dinner activities that are worth trying including beach bbqs, live music, pasta workshops, and more.
5. Lunch
When staying at hotels, “I don’t just stay here, I eat here.” Sure I chose Tara’s Lodge for the untainted and jaw-dropping views and unparalleled interior design, but I need to stay fueled up for my adventures, so I like to know that my next good meal may be closer than I think. As of recently, I’ve come to uncover that hotel restaurants are getting their hands on some of the best epicurean innovators around–and Tara’s Lodge is no exception. Mimi’s Bistro takes dining way beyond fresh bread and coffee. During our stay, I ordered a fresh pesto mozzarella toast and Pat ordered the famous Mimi’s burger with their special sauce. For dessert, a lemon raspberry tart. Read more about our lunch experience at Mimi’s Bistro here.
6. Pool
The pool is at the heart of Tara’s Lodge and is set in what feels like a somewhat tropical garden. An outdoor shower is tucked away behind the pool for cleaning off the sand from the beach. The outdoor shower comes with a beautiful wooden box of L’Occitane productshidden among the palm trees. Surrounded by flowering tropical plants, you’ll feel like you got caught in a warm rainfall.
7. Amenities: Rental Bikes
Biking or strolling the pedestrian-friendly streets of the town of Korcula, its neighboring areas, and seaside towns is a worthy pastime. Luckily, Tara’s Lodge has everything you need to get from point A to point B, including high quality mountain bikes for rent. Now, biking around Korcula is not something I would recommend for the faint of heart. It’s definitely a tough endeavor, but a beautiful one at that. Some noteworthy main attractions Pat and I took on by bike when in Korcula included a bike ride through the wine country of Lumbarda, a visit to Pavja Luka, and a trip and lunch in Racisce before heading down to Vaja beach for a dip.
8. Amenities: Snorkeling Gear + Sunsets
By the time we got back to Tara’s Lodge, the early-evening light was casting a warm, pink hue onto the islands and water at Zrnovska Banja bay. Sundown was fast approaching so we skipped down to the beach for a last minute dip in the Adriatic Sea. Just like everything else at Tara’s Lodge and in Korcula, the sky’s art show is breathtakingly beautiful, as if commissioned just for us. Subtle shades of cotton candy pink and grape purple flare into vermilion, with dreamy swirls of white clouds placed just for effect.
9. Private Boat Hire
Getting to the old town of Korcula from Tara’s Lodge can be done two ways. One is by cab and takes about 10 minutes, the other is by boat hire. The boat hire picks you up directly in front of Tara’s Lodge. The ride is just a few dollars more than the cab and of course is a lot more scenic, especially during sunset. That evening Pat and I got picked up by boat from Tara’s Lodge and dropped off in the center of old town Korcula. We meandered the pedestrian-friendly streets for a while, uncovering its quaint streets and stores before settling on a place for dinner.
10. Breakfast
My favorite meal of the day…breakfasts at Tara’s Lodge include a buffet with a wide selection of fresh pastries, fruits, and locally sourced ingredients. To fuel up for the day of biking ahead Pat and I had a bit of everything from the freshly baked croissants to the yogurt and granola bowls with fruit, to the muesli pudding, bacon, sausage, eggs, and bread. The staff is there to make you coffee and eggs the way you like them on the spot. They even get artistic and put fun designs on the cappuccinos!
11. Amenities: Stand Up Paddle Board
The next morning we took advantage of more of the amenities at Tara’s Lodge. They have a selection of beautiful stand up paddle boards on the side for hourly rentals. I was a little more nervous than Pat when it came time to venture out on the sea on the SUPs. The bay was calm and quiet, so there was nothing to worry about. But there’s something about standing on a board over the deeper end of the sea where I can’t see the clear sand below me that freaks me out. We ended up paddling successfully around the bay, stopping every so often to drift and take in the beauty of the island.
By the end of second day at Tara’s Lodge, I asked Pat, “Do we have to go home?” I hadn’t taken advantage of all their unique culinary offerings. I didn’t get a chance to book one of the many local excursions or wine tasting tours they offer. How could I leave when I had just scratched the surface of what Tara’s Lodge had to offer, which was something for everyone? The answer, unfortunately, came the next morning. Pat and I enjoyed our last breakfast and bid farewell to the hotel in Korcula that has etched an indelible memory into my mind. On an exquisite stretch of beach with crystal clear water and gorgeous rocks, Tara’s Lodge is a getaway for those who want a boutique hotel experience unlike any other. Rooms start at $135 p/night in low season.
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