Villa Ghetaldi 1516 on Šipan Island, Croatia – a lovingly restored, former summer palace of Dubrovnik nobility, with Renaissance terraced Gardens
Take a deep breath, exhale and now relax. You have arrived at your destination. Welcome to Villa Ghetaldi 1516 on the enchanting Elaphite island of Šipan, Croatia.
Our lovingly restored Villa can be reached in just 15 minutes by boat from the mainland, welcoming you to an idyllic paradise with a rare blend of old-world charm and elevated, modern comfort.
Once a haven for the crème de la crème noble elite of Dubrovnik society, the gloriously restored Villa Ghetaldi 1516, opens its doors once more to the extra-ordinary guest. To those seeking respite from the ordinary, within a harmonious space of soothing radiance built to align with the sun and stars.
Villa Ghetaldi is not just a place to stay; it’s a place of Renaissance, of re-birth, and it’s the next chapter of your own story waiting to unfold.
During your stay, our timeless Villa will reveal to you its rich heritage and its modern soul. Discover private sanctuaries offering rejuvenation and renewal, clean modern lines and minimalistic designs that highlight the noble materials used to create this serene space.
Let your journey of renewal begin here.
About Our Villa
The Villa, set in early Renaissance style Gardens, was once the grand summer residence of Dubrovnik’s nobility. It was constructed during the Republic’s Golden Age, when owning a country property was ‘de rigeur’ to escape the crowds of the city.
During this time, Villa Ghetaldi was built by the noble Ghetaldi family, as a place to gather and socialise with friends, engage in business, partake in creative pursuits, cultivate the land and be at one with nature. It has recently been lovingly restored by the owners to its former glory, retaining many original features combined with modern interiors, and it is the oldest dated summer residence remaining in the Dubrovnik region.
The Villa, a majestic structure crafted in local limestone, is in perfect alignment with the sun and stars, built in accordance with Golden Ratio proportions. It boasts views of the private, early Renaissance gardens, the island and the Adriatic Sea, presenting an idyllic retreat for couples or groups seeking seclusion and those hosting a romantic wedding or a long-awaited family reunion.
Ground Floor Salon
Ease into the elevated comfort of the ground floor “saloca” (salon) – an expansive space infused with pure lines, clear designs and a modern, minimalistic aesthetic, evoking a sense of harmony and well-being.
Relax with a cup of freshly brewed coffee on organic sofas, amid wooden beams and signature artwork.
Allow a personal chef to prepare gourmet dishes made with fresh seasonal ingredients, in the Villa’s state-of-the-art fully equipped kitchen, and following a day of sightseeing, unwind with parlour games and movies in this enchanting room.
Upper Salon 1st Floor
Ascend to the first floor - a tranquil escape where past and present moments converge. Decorated in neutral tones throughout, and with open windows to allow in the cool sea air, the spacious salon invites you to immerse yourself in a space where nobility once gathered to celebrate and host events. Channel your inner poet, listen to music or enjoy a nightcap as the lights of the village flicker below.
Guest Accommodations
Our guest bedrooms embody comfort and refinement, with a contemporary, minimalist design and décor inspired by the island landscapes.
Islands View Room and Garden Suite impress, infused with hues of the Adriatic Sea, while Terrace Room displays heritage artwork in warm, earth tones. Upon the top floor, our Loft rooms with sloping wooden eaves, offer an ideal respite for those seeking solitude, or for awakened souls wishing to embrace the spirit of Renaissance creativity.
The seven guest bedrooms (sleeping 14+2) all feature modern ensuite facilities and shuttered windows which can be opened to allow in natural light and a gentle sea breeze. The rooms, which range in size between 24m2 and 40m2, are dressed in natural linens with signature furnishings.
All rooms feature air conditioning, an in-room safe (5 rooms), a hairdryer and complimentary amenities and each benefit from views of either verdant gardens, the terrace, the island or the sea.
Outdoor Spaces
Soak up the ambience of Villa Ghetaldi’s tiered gardens – built in the early Renaissance style of Tuscan palatial gardens. Enjoy romantic strolls along terraces connected by loggias and pergolas as time slows down.
Inhale the fragrant island air as you sit beneath the fruit trees, feeling an intimate sense of balance and well-being – as you connect with nature and the cosmos, just as the builder intended.
1st Floor Terrace
Enjoy stargazing, intimate dinners or lavish, banquet-style gatherings for family and friends on the upper terrace. Take in views of the Church of the Holy Spirit and the small town of Suđurad, while listening to the sounds of cicadas echoing across the hillside.
Guest Amenities
Our panoramic swimming pool provides a refreshing interlude following a day of island exploration. Stay in shape with a work out in the fitness room or lounge on luxurious sun beds with a favourite novel.
A personalised, curated stay is all yours at Villa Ghetaldi 1516. We can advise on explorations of the smaller, yet equally as enchanting Elaphite Islands and southern Dalmatian coastline with trips aligned to suit your personal interests.
Enjoy a few hours kayaking admiring the dramatic coastline, swimming in the sea or picnicking on a secluded island beach. Take a gentle hike through the lush olive groves for which Šipan is famous, or cycle along narrow roads, immersing yourself in the island’s natural beauty before stopping at a quaint taverna for lunch.
We can organise your passage from the port of Brsećina to the island. The pleasant, scenic journey takes less than one hour/three quarters of an hour from the airport and just 15 minutes to cross by boat. From the boat dock, you can walk to the Villa, while your luggage is transported to begin your memorable Croatia experience.
Guests wishing to combine an island and city getaway can book a two-centre stay at Villa Ghetaldi 1516 and Villa Orti (link), located just outside the walled city of Dubrovnik’s Old Town.
