Discovering and exploring the coastal enclaves of Europe is what truly drives our love for travel. We join Nicole, founder of Milc Boutique ~ one of our much-loved Australian retailers, as she shares more about the Villas she renovated and her favourite places to eat & drink in the quant Croatian town of Korčula.
Pack your suitcase (with the essentials) and plan your European summer with a dip in the ocean in this beautiful part of the world.
I am Nic and I live in the South West of WA, I am the owner of Milc. Boutique, @whalebone.quindalup airbnb and my sister and I have @franaandfrankiivilas in Prizba, on the island of Korcula, Croatia. I love fashion and houses, for me they are the same in many ways. They both have the ability to make us feel a certain way and allow us to express our own individuality and creativity. I have always been curious about how people live in their homes and the spaces that they create, and of course fashion is so individual and the ultimate way that we can express ourselves.
Tell us more about Frana & Franki Villas, why did you choose Croatia & what makes the villas unique?
My sister and I had both just finished renovating our holiday homes in the South West of Australia (@whalebone.quindalup and @storytellersrest) and her husband thought we might like to try something further afield. Croatia, and specifically Korcula, has strong family ties for us, as my Dad is Croatian and this is the island his family are from so whilst on holidays they found the apartments, and we started what has become, one of my most favourite renovations yet. It was both challenging and rewarding, taking on the project in a foreign country in a foreign language, with what many considered an unrealistic timeline, but we did it. The villas have been beautifully renovated, Frankii is dark and stormy, with beautiful linen and vintage art that we collected and carried from Australia, Frana is light filled and airy, a tribute to the sea that surrounds us.
Where do we go for a good coffee?
My favourite coffee spots are just down the path with seaside views, at Porat Cafe or Ratak Beach Bar. If we venture out of our little village we have our coffee at Angels cafe in Blato or Do-bar in Vela Luka.
When I travel I love to have my favourite vintage silk dresses to wear to the beach and then onto the bar for a drink or dinner. My current favourites are by Elissa Coleman and Zimmermann, paired back with a strappy sandal or my havaianas. I have loved having my LAND Essential silk sarong to wrap as a skirt with a white tank, effortlessly casually. I usually pack a lightweight knit by World of Nomads or Friends of Frank for the cooler evenings, and of course denim shorts but Agolde and Bassike tees.
Best lunch spot?
My favourite lunch spot would have to be Pupnatska Luka, a view and lunch to remember. The beach here is divine.
Cocktail bar or drink spot of choice?
My favourite Bar is Ratak Beach Bar and 200 bar in the next village. The little Villages that surround us are super low key, but have the best food and locations.
Must-try dinner, with a view?
Dinner with a view is just a 3 minute walk from our Villas, Cerin restaurant, magnificent views out over the islands and sea and the fresh seafood on the menu.
My non negotiable are being able to walk, run and swim everyday, wake up early and enjoy my surroundings while everyone else is still asleep. And of course I love being able to have the LAND Essentials Marine Coconut (Hydration) powder to travel with and start my day.
Stay at Frana & Franki Villas here.
Shop LAND sarongs & other beautiful Australian brands with Milc here.
Images by @pennyvoir & via Pinterest.
