Food and drink
There are two dining options at Villa Nai 3.3. Grotto 11,000 is the al-fresco dining space in the secluded courtyard, which is remarkable. The numeric in the name refers to the year ancient remains found on the island. It’s equipped with a pizza oven and a vertical grill chiselled into the limestone paying homage to homo-sapiens who once roamed the island of Dugi Otok.
The inside restaurant seats over 20 guests while the terrace dining area on the other side of the glass patio provides a great way to kick start the day with a hearty breakfast polished with an organic coffee served from 8 am to 11 am.
Food as can expected from a joint like this is nothing short of incredible. Organic vegetables including courgettes, tomatoes, and cucumber are grown just yards away atop the hotel. There are also 50 strong chickens clucking away in the fresh air producing freshly laid eggs daily.
Being so close to the sea, locally sourced fish is a menu staple as is sourcing local produce such as goat’s cheese and honey. Although there is no set menu, South African chef Steve tailors food to suit guests’ needs. Whether they are vegan, vegetarian or have food intolerances makes no odds. The food is guaranteed to be fresh and satisfy the fussiest of clientele. And the service is next to none. A multicultural team are always on hand to provide a warm welcoming, highly professional and discreet service.
The hotel is strict on its zero-food waste policy—the on-site desalination plant processes salt water which is used to water crops and for consumption. Meanwhile, food waste is utilised as fertiliser for the garden. Furthermore, products used in bedrooms and communal areas are free from harsh harmful chemicals.
It would be a sin not to mention the bakery offerings, made lovingly by pastry whiz Alauddin. Springy freshly baked bread from the oven is available at all meals not least to soak up Villa Nai 3.3’s unequalled olive oil while carefully curated desserts help round off meals perfectly. The night cream we had was so divine I drifted off to sleep dreaming of it.
