Trogir Dream: Your Garden Apartment Awaits!
Trogir Dream: My Garden Apartment Awaits! (Or Does It?) - A Whirlwind Review
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from "Trogir Dream: Your Garden Apartment Awaits!" and let me tell you, it was… an experience. Forget polished travel blogs; this is real life, folks. My thoughts are a tangled mess, just like my suitcase after unpacking. But hey, that’s the fun of travel, right? Let's dive in, shall we?
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The Big Picture: Garden Apartment… Emphasis on Garden.
They sell you a dream, don't they? "Garden Apartment." Ooh, sounds idyllic! Picture it: me, sipping something fruity, surrounded by vibrant blooms. Reality? Well, let's just say I spent a lot of time swatting away mosquitos. The "garden" was… generous, in that it was a collection of plants. Some were thriving. Others looked like they were contemplating their demise. But, the apartment itself…well, that's where the true adventure began.
Accessibility: The Uneven Pavement of Expectations.
Okay, let's get the elephant in the room (or, in this case, the uneven cobblestones on the way to the lobby) addressed. Accessibility is a mixed bag. Wheelchair accessible? Technically, yes, sort of. The apartment itself seemed fine, wide doorways, etc. But getting to the apartment? That's where things got dicey. The pathways were… well, let's call them "rustic." Imagine an obstacle course designed by a mischievous elf. I saw some ramps here and there, but honestly, it felt like they were more for show than function. Sigh. Elevator? Yes! Bless the heavens, because dragging luggage up a multi-story building would have been a nightmare.
Internet Access: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (Thank goodness!)
Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas, Wi-Fi for special events: Praise be to consistent wireless! Even after navigating those tricky paths the internet worked, which is a huge bonus.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Sanitizing Symphony.
This is where Trogir Dream really shines, especially given the world we live in. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment… You get the picture! They’re ON IT. It was reassuring to see. I even (and this is a big deal for me) felt comfortable enough to skip the whole room sanitization opt-out and just lean into the experience.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Feast for the Senses? (Maybe…)
A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: So many options! Honestly, a bit too many. The Breakfast [buffet] was… okay. Standard stuff. But the Poolside bar? That was a delight. Sipping a cocktail, gazing at the Pool with a view… pure bliss. The Happy hour was a lifesaver after a day of exploring, and the Room service [24-hour] came in handy when I was too lazy to leave my room. The Restaurants are nice too, but I would recommend stepping outside.
Speaking of the pool…
Pool with View: My Solitary Sunset Soak.
Alright, hands down, the best part of the whole damn experience? The pool. The Swimming pool [outdoor] was everything. And the Pool with a view? Forget about it! It was stunning. I'm not even much of a pool person, but the way the sun hit the water at sunset, and reflecting that on the old city -- chef's kiss. It was a moment, folks. A proper, "Wow, I'm on vacation!" moment. And I swear, I had the pool almost entirely to myself for a good chunk of the trip. Pure, unadulterated, quiet relaxation. This is the stuff that makes me consider retirement.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Spa-tastic or a Tourist Trap?
(Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom) Okay, the Spa/sauna situation was… a bit confusing. They have a spa. They offer services. But the actual execution? Well, let’s just say my Massage experience was a bit rough. I went for a Swedish, they called it. It felt more like a deep tissue interrogation, I swear I left with more bruises than stress relief. The Gym/fitness center? Perfectly serviceable, nothing to write home about.
Services and Conveniences: The Helpful and the Head-Scratching.
Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center: The staff were lovely, generally helpful. Daily housekeeping was a godsend. The Concierge helped me book tours (which was great, but they need a better map of the city's accessibility pitfalls). The Convenience store was handy for late-night snacks. The Currency exchange was a lifesaver.
One hilarious incident - I tried to use the Dry cleaning service, and let's just say, my favorite silk shirt went missing for a day. They found it eventually (whew!), but it was a reminder to always double-check.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly or Family-Tolerant?
Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: I didn't travel with kids myself, but the Family/child friendly vibe was definitely present. I saw a lot of families. The Kids meal options seemed… plentiful.
Getting Around: The Pavement of Pain (and Beauty).
Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking: Getting around Trogir is a mixed bag. The Airport transfer was a breeze, thank goodness. The Car park [on-site] was free, which is always a win. But navigating the town itself? Well, let's just say a sturdy pair of shoes and an adventurous spirit are essential. The cobblestone streets are gorgeous but murder on the feet.
Available in all rooms: The Essentials and the Extras.
Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens: The room itself was… fine. Not exactly luxurious, but clean and functional. Having Free bottled water was a nice touch, and the Air conditioning was a lifesaver. The Blackout curtains helped me sleep off the jet lag, and I definitely appreciated the Slippers.
The Big Questions…
- Would I recommend Trogir Dream? Hmm… it's complicated. Yes, if you're looking for a relaxing getaway with a great pool and a clean, safe environment. No, if you're expecting perfection, or if
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this Trogir trip is gonna be a ride. Forget that perfectly Instagram-filtered itinerary; this is the raw, unfiltered, sunburnt truth. We're going to Croatia, and it's probably going to involve a lot of rosé, questionable decisions at 3 AM, and me accidentally crying while looking at a particularly beautiful sunset. Let's do this.
Trogir Tumbleweed: My Croatia Itinerary (Probably)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Balcony Debacle
Morning (or whenever the hell my flight lands) - Landing in Split, Croatia: Right. Assuming I actually manage to find my gate this time (last time, I swear, I spent a solid 20 minutes convinced I was in the wrong airport, and then I tripped over someone's suitcase). The arrival is always a blur of passport control, the frantic search for the baggage carousel (praying my suitcase hasn't decided to vacation in Dubai), and the inevitable struggle to understand the local currency (hello, Kuna! I'm sure we'll be best friends…eventually).
Afternoon - The Garden Apartment, Oh God, the Garden: Okay, so remember how I booked that idyllic apartment with a garden? Yeah, it looked amazing in the pictures. Turns out, "garden" might mean "slightly overgrown patch of weeds and a rogue tomato plant." Don't get me wrong, it's charming in its own way. In a "rustic charm, prepare for mosquitos" kind of way. Finding the keys will probably involve a scavenger hunt with a local named something complicated, who will undoubtedly speak only Croatian (bless his heart).
Evening - Orientation Rosé and Balcony Panic: First things first: the rosé. Gotta christen the balcony, even if it's not exactly a manicured paradise. We're talking a bottle of something crisp, overlooking… well, whatever Trogir's got on offer. Probably some rooftops, the scent of grilling fish, and the distant sounds of someone playing an accordion.
- The Great Balcony Debacle: The first drink is consumed. Then, I'm probably going to try and arrange the patio furniture. I’ve already fallen in love with the idea of sun-drenched, dreamy afternoons. So, I’ll be damned if that table isn’t positioned perfectly, even if I end up wrestling with it for a good hour. I’ll attempt to hang the fairy lights I’ve packed (because, duh, ambiance). But most likely, I’ll drop the entire roll, resulting in tangled wires and a minor existential crisis. It'll probably take me two full bottles to achieve the perfect level of 'relaxed' to actually enjoy the balcony.
- Dinner out, slightly less disaster: I'll be aiming for a restaurant with a view… or at least a place that looks promisingly authentic and not too touristy. Fish stew, obviously. And a side of trying to translate the entire menu myself while looking at the scenery, which might lead to ordering something I completely didn't intend to. Hopefully, I’ll avoid the bread basket like the plague.
Day 2: Island Hops and Sea Sickness Shenanigans
- Morning - Island Adventure: The official plan is to hop on a boat to the nearby island of Hvar or Brač. Sounds glamorous, right? Probably involves a scenic ferry ride, crystal-clear waters, and me attempting to look effortlessly chic in a ridiculously oversized sun hat.
- Afternoon: Sea Sickness and the Pursuit of Relaxation: Reality check: I get seasick. I'm pretty sure the sight of the water is sometimes enough to trigger it. This might involve me clinging to the side of the boat for dear life, muttering prayers to the porcelain gods, and attempting to appear unfazed. In my mind, I'll be channeling Audrey Hepburn. In reality, I'll probably be a shade of green only nature can create.
- Attempted Beach Relaxation: Assuming I survive the boat trip, the goal is to actually relax on the beach. This entails: finding a spot with some shade (essential), applying sunscreen (also essential, because lobster-red is NEVER a good look), and reading a book. The problem is, I can't ever seem to actually do it. I'll get restless, start people-watching, feel the urge to wander, and inevitably end up covered in sand.
- Rambling thoughts of all the things I'll do here: "Maybe I will dive off the cliffs, walk to that hidden cove, eat a whole lot of ice cream. See if I can find a cat. Meditate? Perhaps. No, probably not."
- Evening - Sunset Soirée and Possibly a Meltdown: Trogir is known for its sunsets. That means, tonight, I'll find the best spot possible, grab a drink, and watch the sky explode in a kaleidoscope of colors (cue the tears I mentioned earlier). Someone should probably stand guard, just in case. There'll be some more wine, and some more stories. And then, the big question: Do I go to bed early to prepare for a new day? Or do I find a bar and make a whole bunch of regrettable life choices?
Day 3: Trogir Town Troubles and Hidden Treasures
- Morning - Trogir Town Exploration: Finally, I'll actually take the time to wander through the old town of Trogir. This means getting hopelessly lost in the narrow streets, admiring the medieval architecture, and probably stumbling upon a hidden gem of a cafe.
- Afternoon - Souvenir Shopping (and Bargaining, Oh God, the Bargaining): I'm notoriously terrible at sales and negotiations, but I'm going to attempt to buy some souvenirs. I'll probably end up paying twice the price for something, but hey, it's a story. Oh, there will be all sorts of tiny, unnecessary little trinkets.
- Evening - The Great Dinner Search: I'm determined to find a truly authentic Croatian restaurant. One with no English menus and waiters who give you the suspicious side-eye if you try to order something too "safe." This could either be a total culinary triumph or a complete disaster involving something I cannot pronounce and maybe end up disliking.
Day 4: The Double Down Day! (or when things get truly silly)
- Morning: THE MARKET: I'm heading back to that little market I saw yesterday to buy all of the things. Tomatoes, figs, bread, the local cheese, olive oil. It's not just about the food, it's that moment of connection. It's the chaotic symphony of bartering, the vibrant colours, the smells. It's the feeling of being a local, for at least one hour. And I'm getting enough ingredients to make a feast - even if my cooking skills are dubious.
- Afternoon: The Cookery Attempt and the Tomato Incident: Back at the "garden" apartment, I'll attempt to cook this feast. There will be spills, there will be burns, there will be probably a lot of laughter. It is all for the experience, isn't it? No, that's not true. I have to have good food. This will be the perfect moment to make the most of the garden view and the evening sun.
- The Tomato Incident: I'll inevitably butcher the tomatoes, but at least I'll try.
- Evening - That Dinner, and the Wine That Flows:
- The Dinner: One last time, I’ll enjoy the meal. Maybe I will watch the sunset from the balcony. Perhaps start again that book, or contemplate life. The wine will flow. I'll either be incredibly proud, ridiculously full, or the meal will descend into hilarious chaos. Either way, I'll be happy.
Day 5: Departure and Goodbye (for Now)
- Morning - Last-Minute Rambles and Regrets (Maybe): A final stroll through Trogir, maybe one last coffee at that cafe with the grumpy but charming owner. I'll probably be having all sorts of regrets. "Should have gone to THIS spot! Should have done THAT! Oh, god, I forgot to buy that weird Croatian spoon!"
- Afternoon - Farewell to the Airport and the Sun: Goodbye, Croatia! I'll hit the airport, and the flight home. And, who knows? Maybe I'll start planning my next adventure before the plane even takes off.
Disclaimer: This itinerary is subject to change based on the whims of my chaotic personality, the availability of rosé, and the potential for spontaneous adventures. Expect the unexpected, embrace the imperfections, and prepare for a trip that's more about the journey than the destination. And good luck to anyone who tries to keep up! I'm going to need it.
Escape to Paradise: Charming Schin op Geul Apartment with Terrace!
Okay, spill it! What's "Trogir Dream" REALLY like? It's all sunshine and roses, right?
Hah! Sunshine and roses? Well, mostly! Look, Trogir itself? Magical. The apartment? It's... well, let's just say it's got *character*. Think charming, a little bit wonky in places, and utterly, utterly ours. We honestly had to wrestle with that 'wonky' bit... you know? I mean, one tiny little thing that was a struggle? The shower head. Seriously. First, there was NO water pressure! Then, when we finally got that sorted, it was like standing under a tiny, lukewarm waterfall. But hey… it made for some amazing stories, right? You'll probably laugh more than you'll grimace.
Is the garden as idyllic as it looks in the photos? Because Instagram, you know...
Okay, deep breaths. Yes, the garden *is* fantastic. It’s absolutely the heart and soul of the place. The photos are pretty, but they can’t capture the smell of the rosemary after a rain, the way the light filters through the fig tree at sunset, or the sheer, unabashed *joy* of eating your breakfast outside. But here's the REALITY. It's not always perfectly manicured. Sometimes, a rogue weed pops up (I swear, they multiply overnight!), or a little lizard scurries across your path. And yeah, the neighbors' cat? He's got a real thing for sunbathing on the cushions. Consider yourself warned! Frankly? It’s part of the charm… (Most of the time, at least!)
What’s the best thing about the apartment, in your opinion? Dish the dirt!
Oh, gosh, the BEST thing? That's tough… there are so many. The utter peace and quiet, the view from the balcony (stunning!), the fact that you could practically roll out of bed and into the Old Town… But, you know what? I think it's the feeling of *belonging*. Seriously. It’s not just a rental; it’s a little slice of heaven that feels like home. The worst, though? Hmm... Okay, I'll be honest, parking. Parking in Trogir is... a sport. It's a bit like competitive Tetris, but with cars. Be prepared to embrace the challenge and possibly walk a little further than you’d like. Also, don't judge the neighbor's cat!
Is it close to the beach? I need my fix of sun and sand! And how far is the center of town?
The beach? Closer than you think! A short walk, and you're there, ready to soak up the sun and saltwater. Bring your sunscreen! The Old Town… well, you can practically *smell* the history! Seriously. It's a very pleasant stroll – a leisurely 10-15 minutes. That’s perfect, right? You can enjoy a leisurely walk, soak up the atmosphere... and stop for ice cream on the way back! Trust me, you'll NEED that ice cream after a hot day.
I have to cook! Is the kitchen well-equipped?
The kitchen? Okay, here's the real deal. It *works*. It's not a Michelin-starred chef's dream, but it’s functional. It has the basics – pots, pans, utensils, a fridge, etc. We've made some AMAZING meals in that kitchen. I once burned an entire batch of garlic bread while trying to be fancy, but we still salvaged the dinner, just saying. Be prepared to embrace a bit of culinary improvisation. Buy lots of local produce, and have fun experimenting! And don't forget to try the local olive oil – it's GOLD.
Are there any shops or restaurants nearby? I don't want to spend my entire week walking!
Absolutely! There are shops and restaurants within easy walking distance. Convenience stores for supplies, bakeries with fresh bread (the smell! *swoon*), cafes for your morning coffee, and restaurants ranging from casual to quite elegant. You'll be spoiled for choice! And, yes, there's a fantastic little pizzeria just around the corner... I might have gone there... a lot.
What about Wi-Fi and air conditioning? Essentials in the 21st century!
Yes! We are thankfully not living in the stone age. Good Wi-Fi, and an air conditioner that actually works (mostly!). This is a huge relief in the summer, trust me. You WILL need it. The Croatian sun? It's unforgiving, and you'll LOVE the indoor cool-down. Honestly, the Wi-Fi is usually pretty reliable, but if it does decide to take a vacation, well... It can be a good excuse to disconnect and fully enjoy the beauty around you. Now, that's a plus, right?
Is it easy to get to from the airport? I'm not exactly a seasoned traveler.
Easy peasy! Split Airport (SPU) is super close – just a short taxi or Uber ride away. The ride is quick and painless, and the views are already incredible. However... Getting *back* to the Airport... well, that's where the real drama can begin. Once, we almost missed our flight! The taxi driver got lost, traffic was a nightmare... it was a complete comedy of errors. Thankfully, we made it, but pack some extra time (and maybe a stress ball!) for your departure day!
What if something goes wrong while we're there? Like, what if the toilet breaks? (panicked emoji)
Okay, deep breaths. We're here to help! We have local contacts who can assist with any issues – a plumber, an electrician, etc. We're not perfect, and things *can* go wrong... but we'll do everything we can to fix it quickly and painlessly. Don’t panic! We're not superhumans, but we are here to give you the best time! Seriously, we want you to have an amazing holiday, and let’s face it, even if the toilet does break, it's a story to tell when you get back, right?
What are the BEST things to do in Trogir and surrounding areas? Give me the inside scoop!
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