This Croatian retreat is all about slowing down – good healthy food, complementary therapies and a peaceful location leave guests feeling distinctly less hurried than when they arrive.
Features
- Swimming
- Cycling
- Wine making
- Village excursions
- Canoeing
| Transition Lifestyle Retreat - Diklic’I, Istria, Croatia | |
Sustainability Scorecard
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From £50 GBP per Double per night including beakfast
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Good For You
‘Transition’ is a traditional old Croatian stone house that has been renovated and restored in a project worthy of a feature in a design magazine. Over two hundred years old, this ancient building was a crumbling wreck before being rescued by a British couple.
Today the building’s original chunky stone walls stand on proud display – both inside and out – and many of the original wooden roof beams remain. The interiors have been rebuilt to a high standard with a traditional Istrian fireplace taking centre stage in the lounge and dining room, and a grand oak staircase leads the way to the four cheerful double bedrooms upstairs.
This Croatian retreat is all about slowing down – good healthy food, complementary therapies and a peaceful location leave guests feeling distinctly less hurried than when they arrive. The charming local village and the numerous outdoor activities are equally enjoyable.
Good For Croatia
This building has been restored in a culturally sensitive way and the original stone walls and roof beams have been brought back to life. The traditional Istrian fireplace is also authentic.
Local builders and craftsmen were employed to rebuild this traditional stone house and the ongoing building work - of garden walls and wrought iron gates – ensures that most of the retreat’s revenue remains in the local community. Moreover, almost everything is purchased locally. ‘Transition’ is a member of a new Croatian organization called Ekosense which promotes sustainable agriculture and ecological building in Croatia.
There are plans to develop another ruin on site and, if possible, employ wind and/or solar power for this new building.
HighsThe wellbeing feeling: Even if you don’t indulge in the complementary therapies on offer you will come away from this peaceful retreat feeling like a million dollars. The house: This traditional home has been carefully restored and retains the original feel and character. The area: The unspoilt countryside is a dream to explore. |
LowsThe child policy: Children under 16 are not allowed at ‘Transition’ The quietness: Perfect if you’re looking to get away from it all, less ideal if you’re looking for restaurants, bars and clubs. |
Rooms
There are four double ensuite bedrooms with plenty of character and charm. Exposed wooden beams and stone walls blend seamlessly with contemporary furniture and modern fixtures and fittings.
Standard Twin/Double Rooms: ‘Parsley' and 'Thyme':
These two twin/double rooms have twin double beds, a separate WC, a walk-in shower/wet room, wardrobe and chest of drawers and tea and coffee making facilities.
Delux Twin/Double Rooms: 'Sage' and 'Rosemary':
These two deluxe twin/double bedrooms have twin double beds, a double sofa bed, , a separate WC, a walk-in shower/wet room, wardrobe and chest of drawers and tea and coffee making facilities. They are also larger.
Food
Breakfasts are included in the room price and include fresh fruits, yoghurts, fresh homemade breads and rolls, fruit juice and tea or coffee. Guests can also choose cooked breakfasts of bacon and eggs or pancakes.
Lunch and dinner are available (as extras) and are consist of fresh, wholesome meals using food of the region. For lunch salads and sandwiches are the norm and for dinner dishes such as BBQ sea bass with salad and potatoes or meat ball carbonara are common. Dessert is usually fairly indulgent and includes a mouth-water banoffee sundae and fresh fruit meringue nests. Local organic wine is served.
Features & Facilities
- Swimming pool
- Garden with BBQ
- Library with games and books
- Therapy area
- Lounge
- iDining area
See Local Info & Activities for more
Local Info & Activities
Diklic'i, (pronounced Dick - li – chee), is a small rural village set amongst vineyards, woodland and farming land. It has a population of approximately 50 people and is a mixture of traditional Istrian stone houses and a few more modern buildings, built in the old style - the perfect place for a holiday retreat.
Exploring the area
Many of the locals still live off the land, growing vegetables and raising livestock for the table, the market and guests. Diklic'i is surrounded by the vineyards used to make local wine. The people are very friendly and hospitable and it’s not uncommon for guests to be invited into a local 'konoba' (wine cellar), to enjoy a glass of home-made wine and a platter of Prsut (local Prosicutto dry cured ham) and cheese while on holiday in Istria.
There are many pleasant walks and cycling routes through the surrounding countryside - every one offering an adventure in itself, not to mention fine views and matchless rural peace across the Istrian valleys. Bicycles are available to guests.
In the surrounding area
Diklic'i, is 17kms (about a 20 minute drive) from the main tourist town of Istria, Porec' which is on the coast and has some lovely pebble beaches and clear blue coastal waters.
A 10-minute drive away is the Baredine Caves, a series of limestone caverns at Nova Vas. Guided tours will lead you through five exquisite chambers of dangling stalactites and limestone curtains and tour guides will regale you with local legends.
Outdoor Activities
If it’s canoeing, white-water rafting, cycling or sailing you’re after then you’ve come to the right place. Transition can organise all of the above as well as scuba diving and horseriding.
Wellbeing
Aromatherapy, reflexology and reiki are on offer and there’s a swimming pool and sun terrace where guests can relax and unwind. Therapies will be carried out in a secluded, private part of the garden under the terrace overlooking the Istrian vineyards. In the cooler seasons, therapies will be carried out in the guests' own rooms.
Sustainability
The Transition policy is to be as environmentally friendly as possible, which means recycling whatever is possible in Croatia. They buy uncertified organic produce from neighbours, grow their own produce and buy the rest from local shops who purchase seasonal produce locally.
Environment Policy
* They compost all fruit and vegetable waste and feed other food waste to local dogs, cats, pigs and chickens.
* They take their own shopping bags to avoid using plastic carrier bags.
* They have fitted oxygenated water taps and showers, the water is metered and guests are asked to be aware of water conservation.
* There are recycling bins for glass, plastic bottles and paper at the lodge.
* The lodge offers trips to ancient hill top towns and coastal resorts, also the Ucka Nature Park and Baredine Caves, all of which have been maintained for the tourist trade - Croatia’s main source of income.
Economic Policy Transition employ local staff and ensure that as much revenue as possible is going to the local economy. Most supplies are local and seasonal apart from goods that are not produced in Croatia. As much as possible is bought from local suppliers and much is grown on Transition’s own farm.
Getting There
Transition is located in a small village 20 minutes drive (17kms) from the main seaside tourist town of Porec.
By Air
Flights to Pula airport are the most convenient way to travel but these are only available from April to October at present. Transition offers transfer to and from Pula for £20 per person each way. The trip is about 50 minutes. Out of season flights are available to Trieste where you can catch a bus to Porec - this takes 2- 3 hours.
By Train
Trains are also available from Europe to the nearest station Pazin.
By Car
Access by car is very easy from Europe as the motorways are very good here. When leaving Pula airport, drive towards Pula. Take the exit towards Trieste onto the E751 and stay on motorway for about 30 minutes. Take exit to Visnjan, turn left at T junction towards Visnjan. At the high street turn left towards Motovun, follow the road for 5kms until you reach a crossroads, carry on straight towards Motovun. Drive for another 2kms until the Diklici sign post turn right, take right hand fork and carry on to the centre of the village ‘Transition’ is in front of you.
Visit our Transport section for flights, hybrid car rentals and train bookings.
Rates & Bookings
All prices are in UK Pound Sterling (£) and are night inclusive of breakfast.
Standard twin/double
January 1st to April 30th & November 1st to December 12th:
Single: £35
Double: £50
May 1st to June 30th & September 1st to October 31st: Single: £50
Double: £65
July 1st to August 31st & Easter
Single: £60
Double: £75
Deluxe twin/double
January 1st to April 30th & November 1st to December 12th:
Single: £40
Double: £55
May 1st to June 30th & September 1st to October 31st:
Single: £55
Double: £70
July 1st to August 31st & Easter:
Single: £65
Double: £80
The deluxe room also has a double sofa bed and can sleep up to 4 persons. Add an extra £15 per person per night.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
* Rates are inclusive of accommodation and breakfast.
* Rates do not include insurance, flights and transfers. * Lunch and dinners incur an additional charge.
* Children over 16 years only allowed.
booking & cancellation policy
A 15% deposit is required within to confirm the reservation.
If the booking is made within ten weeks of departure it must be accompanied by the full holiday cost.
* The balance of monies due from the customer must be 10 weeks before departure date or upon receiving the final invoice if within 10 weeks, by credit or debit card.
* If the balance is not received Transition reserve the right to cancel the booking without further reference to the customer and any deposit paid shall be forfeited.
* The customer or any member of their party may cancel their holiday at any time providing that the person signing the booking form makes the cancellation in writing. As this incurs administration costs the deposit will be retained and in addition apply the following cancellation charges: 70 days or more - deposit only, 35 – 69 days - 50% of total costs, 0 – 34 days - 100% of total.
* In the event that Transition is unable to provide you with the holiday booked, or an alternative date, all monies paid to us by you will be returned.
* Guests are advised to take out holiday insurance, if you plan to do any activities offered please ensure that you are covered for hazardous activities, this is a strict condition of booking that every client is adequately insured.
Want to avoid cancellation fees? Visit our Insurance section for information on travel insurance.
