A villa in Croatia in winter, perhaps even over New Year's Eve, with a steaming hot tub under the open sky – every year this idea reaches us in plenty of enquiries. Part of it works well here in Kaštel Stari; another part doesn't quite work the way you might expect. So that you don't book with the wrong picture in mind, here's an upfront and open explanation of how winter works at our villas.
First things first: how we rent in winter
From November to April we rent our villas by the month – the minimum stay is one month. A classic short break of three or four nights over New Year's Eve generally can't be booked.
What that means for New Year:
- New Year's Eve as part of a monthly stay: if you spend December or January with us, for example, you'll naturally see in the New Year at the villa.
- Shorter periods on request only: sometimes a gap comes up. We can't promise it – just ask us on WhatsApp whether anything is possible for your dates.
We say this so clearly because we'd rather send an honest no than welcome a disappointed group on 30 December.
Pool, hot tub, heating – what runs in winter
- Hot tub: heated all year round, including December and January. Sitting in the warm water in the evening while the air is cool – that's everyone's favourite spot in winter.
- Large pool: resting from November to March. On request it can be heated, for a surcharge equal to the electricity costs.
- Heating in every room: all bedrooms and living areas have air-conditioning units that also heat.
- Underfloor heating in the bathrooms: at Villa Just be Alive and Villa Just be Light.
This matters especially on longer stays: many Dalmatian houses are built for the heat, not for January. Ours are designed for both.
What winter in Kaštel Stari feels like
Honestly: it's not a beach holiday. There are mild, sunny days when you can sit outside out of the wind at midday, but there are also rainy spells and days with the bura, the cold katabatic wind. Some beach restaurants and seasonal cafés are closed, and excursion boats barely run. Supermarkets, bakeries, pharmacies and a few year-round konobas stay open.
In return, you get an empty promenade, Trogir and Split without the crowds, peace and quiet to work or read, and a whole house to yourselves. What a winter here looks like in detail – climate, wind, what's open – is covered in our guide Long Stays in Dalmatia.
Who a winter with us suits
- Remote workers and workations: Starlink Wi-Fi, little or no time difference from much of Europe, room for several workspaces – more under Workation Villa in Croatia.
- Families on parental leave or a sabbatical who want to live by the sea for a month.
- Couples and friends who want to spend Christmas or New Year quietly, without a hotel buffet – as part of a monthly stay.
It's less of a fit if you're looking for nightlife, winter sports or guaranteed sunshine.
What a winter month costs
Actual prices depend on the villa and the month; many discounts for longer stays are already automatically included in the price. The overview is under Long Stays & Discounts. The final price includes final cleaning, tourist tax, hot tub heating, electricity, water, linen, Wi-Fi and parking – only heating the large pool in winter, if you want it, is charged at the cost of the electricity.
Which villa suits you?
- Villa Just be Alive – sea views, gym, underfloor heating in the bathrooms
- Villa Just be Light – separately heated hot tub, workspace with monitor, underfloor heating in the bathrooms
- Villa Just be Happy – sea views over the bay, pool with integrated hot tub
Frequently asked questions
Can I book just for New Year's Eve?
Generally not, because from November to April we rent by the month. New Year's Eve is possible as part of a monthly stay; shorter periods on request only.
Is the pool heated in winter?
No, from November to March only the hot tub is heated. We can heat the large pool on request, for a surcharge equal to the electricity costs.
Does the villa get properly warm in winter?
Yes. Every room has heating, and Just be Alive and Just be Light also have underfloor heating in the bathrooms.
Are dogs welcome in winter too?
Yes, at all three villas. The fee is €79 per dog per stay – more under Holidays with a Dog.
Tell us which month you have in mind via WhatsApp or through our contact page – we'll tell you straight away what's possible and what isn't.