Villa RoseMari is a striking four-storey seafront retreat on the Adriatic island of Vis, Croatia’s most remote inhabited island and one of the Mediterranean’s best-kept secrets. Designed for London-based clients, this luxury holiday home combines the charm of traditional Croatian stone architecture with a contemporary interior.
The property occupies a prime location in Kut, the most sought-after part of Vis town, just steps from a small pebble beach and its own private jetty. From here, uninterrupted sea views stretch across a tranquil bay dotted with luxury yachts, framed by the island’s lush hills of pine, carob, and wild rosemary.
Design Brief & Challenges
Our clients approached Zulufish to create a warm, modern, and tactile interior scheme that would complement the villa’s stone façade while maximising the relaxed, indoor-outdoor lifestyle of island living. The build began just before the pandemic, which meant our design process was handled remotely, collaborating with both local and international architects without ever setting foot on site.
This made the summer 2025 visit particularly special — our first time walking through the Moroccan-inspired courtyard, seeing the light shift across the polished concrete floors, and adding finishing touches we had only visualised on screen.
Architectural Details
While the interior is contemporary, the exterior draws inspiration from centuries-old island houses. The façade is clad in reclaimed Croatian stone, sourced from a derelict mainland building and painstakingly cut before being shipped to Vis. This approach allows the villa to sit in perfect harmony with its historic surroundings while concealing a thoroughly modern layout within.
The home’s vertical design maximises the narrow seafront plot, with a monochromatic master suite occupying the top floor, three further en-suite bedrooms on the first floor, and entertainment spaces, including a colourful cinema and games room in the semi-basement.
Ground Floor Living – Light, Texture & Flow
The open-plan split-level ground floor captures the essence of Mediterranean living. From the entrance, the layout flows into a kitchen and dining area designed for social cooking and long family meals. Polished concrete flooring runs throughout, complemented by rustic plank cabinetry, sleek marble worktops, and an oversized rattan pendant. The dining space features Hans Wegner wishbone chairs and biophilic accents, enhanced by colourful ceramics and abstract artwork that bring a sense of playfulness to the minimalist shell.
Flowing from the main living spaces, a shaded Moroccan-inspired courtyard provides a cool retreat on summer afternoons. With raw plaster walls, rattan armchairs, and an earthy woven rug, it introduces texture and calm, creating a serene balance to the light-filled social spaces.
Living Room Snug – Relaxed Coastal Comfort
Positioned to capture the golden hour light, the snug area pairs Ibiza-style low sofas with Scandi armchairs, graphic cushions, and a Bolivian kilim rug. Earthy artwork and potted plants maintain a connection to the surrounding landscape, while a beaded pendant light adds a handcrafted touch.
The guest bedroom embraces a vibrant blue-and-pink palette, creating a playful yet refined retreat. A simple Scandi-style bed is paired with ultramarine resin bedside tables and pink silk ikat lamps, while a bold Bolivian striped rug and colourful artwork add bursts of personality. Textural details such as a woven striped pendant and organic striped cushions complete the look, giving the space a crafted and inviting character.
Outdoor living is integral to Villa RoseMari’s appeal. The elevated terrace above the beach is the perfect sunset dining spot, dressed with colourful graphic cushions and looking straight out over the jetty and bay. With paddleboards provided for guests, mornings often start with a dip in the crystal-clear water.
Material & Styling Highlights
Throughout the villa, the interiors balance rustic Croatian craftsmanship with modern European design:
- Flooring: Seamless polished concrete for a contemporary coastal feel.
- Furniture: A mix of rattan, oak, and Scandinavian classics.
- Textiles: Hand-woven Moroccan rugs, graphic cushions, organic linens.
- Lighting: Oversized pendants in rattan and beaded finishes for warmth and scale.
- Accessories: Sculptural olive wood bowls, rustic ceramics, biophilic accents.
The Finished Home
Villa RoseMari is not only a holiday villa but also a decade-long vision realised. The combination of location, architecture, and interior detailing creates a retreat that feels both timeless and effortlessly modern.
Inspired by this project?
Whether you’re transforming a London townhouse or creating an overseas retreat, Zulufish brings the same attention to detail and design-led approach. Contact us to discuss your own project.
Villa RoseMari is available to rent — experience this luxury Croatian escape for yourself at VisVillas.com.
