Villa Maja - Something Special Near Dubrovnik

What a find! We've now stayed here two years running as we like it so much.
Firstly, don't worry about the negative review on here – during both our visits, we honestly have not encountered the problems mentioned in it.
Although the facilities in the house are quite basic, they really are more than adequate. The interior of the house is a little dated but there’s an abundance of charm, character and personal touches instead.
The surrounding gardens/grounds are simply idyllic with plenty room to explore and so many different places to lounge around and relax. The terrace makes for a great place for dining at any time of the day, with lovely views over to the mainland. There are plenty shaded areas too if you want to escape from the sun.
Having one's own access to the sea is wonderful. There are swimming pool style steps into the sea and paved steps too, so accessing the water for swimming is no problem.
We spent much of our time just lazing around the garden, on the jetty or in the sea.
I wouldn't recommend jumping off the wooden landing stage / platform into the sea as it's nowhere near deep enough! But it does make a wonderful 'on the sea terrace' for lounging/basking on, watching the sunset from, or even star gazing at midnight.
Thick rubber soled water shoes are definitely recommended as the sea bed has plenty sea urchins in places.
To confirm, as the description is a little misleading, there are two bedrooms (both equipped with a double bed). There are two basic sofa beds in the living room which potentially could sleep 4 additional people.
Although the building is split level, all the accommodation and the terrace are all on the one level, with a basement just for storage on the lower level.
There are tiled steps leading up to the terrace, on which you just need to exercise care if wet footed (common sense). In our opinion, these are not as treacherous as some reviews have stated.
It is warm in the house at night, but there are multiple fans available for use and we weren't troubled by it.
We've used Maja's boat on a couple of days for exploring the local waters and it does have an anchor if you wish to just stop and have a swim from it in the open water, although it is quite tricky climbing back on board – even with the rope ladder we found in the basement of the house.
It's definitely not a necessity to have the boat all the time though, as some people have mentioned here. The path from the property to where you can leave your car makes for a delightful 10 minute walk and is really no problem as long as you are fine with walking on uneven ground and don’t mind the dark in the evening of course. (It’s also quicker for getting back to your car than by boat)
I don't think the rental charge of 25euros per day for the boat is unreasonable at all. I think the normal rate for renting a boat for a day at a resort is 100euros or more.
When you first arrive the very welcoming Maja meets you at the village quayside and transports you and your luggage to the property via the boat. Don't worry about having too much luggage - there's plenty room in the boat. And I'd recommend stocking up on groceries before you arrive so that these can be transported too.
Likewise happens in reverse at the end of the stay.
There are a couple of small supermarkets in nearby Ston for groceries and numerous restaurants (heartily recommend Restaurant Stagnum).
There's plenty scope for exploring along the Peljesac peninsular. If you're into walking/hiking, Mount Sv. Ilija near Orebic is definitely worth checking out - amazing views from the top at 960m.
And we found the small beach at the village of Borak (near Potomje) a great spot for snorkelling - not too busy either.
We would most definitely recommend this place and are sure to return ourselves.
Finally, if you are not aware, it is a legal requirement in Croatia for accommodation hosts to register the details of their guests with the Croatian tourist board upon their arrival. So, don’t be alarmed if when you stay in Croatia, you are asked for your passport details on arrival. We weren’t aware of this rule on our first trip to Croatia and were taken aback a bit.

Beautiful and very silent place. I can recomend the place for families with children. However you definitely need a boat due to logistics. There was no dishwasher there. Therefore we used mother in law for that purpose )

Lovely place with a lot of charm and comfortable. Jellies essential as the only way into sea from Villa involves jumping off spikey rocks or picking your way through sea urchins of which there are masses. Fun to use the boat from time to time but no anchor or ladder for swimmers and very few places within reach where you could tie up. Maja very helpful. Great base and perfect if you are looking for somewhere very quiet. Teenagers had cabin fever by the end. Mouse in the house but visiting cat sorted that out. Real treat to see a tortoise seen on path through woods that takes you to the car.

Absolutely quiet and very private place. No need to go anywhere to get usual holiday benefits - your private piece of sea is just off your terrace, massive garden at your disposal. Most days we spent on the terrace enjoying fresh fruits, excellent local wine and just coffee when kids were on their own in the water for the whole day picking crabs, shells and sea horses. A lot of urchins as well though so make sure you have swimming shoes. A snorkelling mask is a must - abundance of life underwater mesmerises.

Maja is a very welcoming and helpful host. All queries and questions responded quickly. Figs from her tree that she regularly supplied us with and allowed to pick up ourselves are exquisite!

The boat is a very nice to have to go around the bay, also for shopping and dining in Mali Ston. The long rocky path to where car is to be kept is also beatiful, but make sure you have a torch if youre late.

Definitely want to come there again.

We had a wonderful holiday here in August 2011. The house lies in a secluded position, and ensures a very quiet stay, with direct access to the sea. The sea has crystal clear waters, and we enjoyed snorkeling and looking at the fish, octopus, urchins etc. The luggage has to be brought by boat, but there is also a fairly easy walking path through woods, taking you to the house in between 5 and 10 minutes from where the car can be parked. There is no airconditioning, but air from the sea in the evenings is cool, and there are fans in the sleeping rooms, so we had no problems with the summer heat. The gardens and terrace are wonderful, and we spent whole days lying and reading below a majestic palm tree.

I have to say that this place is really excellent for those who enjoy a pristine nature and a privacy. You are really detached, and that is the biggest value for people like me living in big bustling cities. Own access to the sea and a boat to linger in the bay and choose whatever place to swim. Moreover you have many wineries just a few kilometers away with a little bit expensive but exceptional wine and a fine spirit lozovaca. Our border collie enjoyed it as well. He could do whatever he wanted without our commands due to very safe location. And when you started to feel alone there was always the city of Ston not far away with delicious food in restaurants.