The first thing that grabbed us was the private swim platform straight into the sparkling Adriatic Sea at this Brač villa. Spend days slipping into the crystal clear water, perfect for swimming in the protected bay, and dry out on a lounger on the stone terrace. Or perhaps take out one of the kayaks or paddle-boards. There's also a private mooring spot for boats and a swimming pool to boot. Dine on private terraces and balconies shaded by fragrant pine trees. Or, perhaps head into the quiet harbour town of Sumartin, a six-minute drive away, where the ferry runs to Makarska on the mainland.

The home itself is a vision of boho-chic with artefacts from across the globe adorning raw wood shelves, cacti and straw lampshades. We can’t decide if our favourite piece is the hand-carved wooden dining table that feels as though it was acquired in a Balinese market, or the azulejo tiles in the master bathroom. The original stone features of the home have been restored too, like the rope-lined staircase and balustraded balconies. The only difficult choice here is which beautifully decorated bedroom you want to bag for your own.

Home truths:
*The private mooring spot is suitable for boats up to 15 metres
*Housekeeping is included and linen is changed twice a week and fresh towels provided every two days
*Having a car is recommended and there is private outdoor parking with this villa
*The bedrooms are spread across the first and second floors so this place may not be suitable for those with limited mobility
*Your host can provide a cot for infants, just ask