Heritage Reimagined

Inside the Glamorous Revival of Croatia’s Most Mysterious Boutique Hotel

 /CROPIX
Šime Vrsaljko and Kaja Vidmar blend luxury and history at Maškovića Han, an iconic Dalmatian landmark.

Former football ace Šime Vrsaljko and his partner, Slovenian designer and former model Kaja Vidmar, have plenty of reasons to celebrate these days. On Instagram, Kaja shared the first dazzling photos from the luxurious boutique hotel Maškovića Han, which recently became the property of the Vrsaljko family.

Namely, at the beginning of the year, Šime Vrsaljko and his cousin Andrej Vrsaljko won the tender announced by the Municipality of Pakoštane, thus securing the management of this historical and cultural gem.

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Šime Vrsaljko and his cousin Andrej Vrsaljko won the tender announced by the Municipality of Pakoštane at the start of the year, thus securing management of this historical and cultural gem

VLADO KOS/CROPIX

Maškovića Han, a monument of Turkish architecture in Croatia, a summer residence and former home of Turkish admiral Jusuf Mašković, located in a perfect spot near Lake Vrana, was offered for lease for ten years, with the possibility of extension for another five, and the Vrsaljko family recognized its potential.

Maškovića Han is not only a luxury boutique hotel, but also an important historical monument with deep roots in Dalmatian tradition. Built in 1644, the han originally served as a caravanserai, that is, a stopover for merchants and travelers journeying along the trade route between Zadar and Split.

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Today, this elegant complex radiates the spirit of times past, while at the same time offering top luxury surrounded by greenery. The hotel also features a museum dedicated to the history and tradition of the region.

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One of the main attractions of the hotel is the restaurant, which offers dishes prepared according to traditional Dalmatian recipes

IVANA NOBILO/CROPIX/CROPIX
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Maškovića Han, a monument of Turkish architecture in Croatia, a summer residence and former home of Turkish admiral Jusuf Mašković, located in a perfect spot near Lake Vrana,

JURE MISKOVIC/CROPIX/CROPIX

Unique Offer

Hotel Maškovića Han offers numerous amenities that allow for relaxation and enjoyment in an authentic Mediterranean setting. One of the hotel’s main attractions is its restaurant, which serves dishes prepared according to traditional Dalmatian recipes, all with a glass of top-quality Dalmatian wine.

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Jusuf Mašković‘s Han in Vrana was built in the 17th century and served civil purposes as an inn, rest stop and residence

JURE MISKOVIC/CROPIX/CROPIX
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Today the han has been renovated and turned into a hotel and restaurant

JURE MISKOVIC/CROPIX/CROPIX

For those who want an extra dose of relaxation, the hotel offers a wellness center where visitors can unwind with massages, saunas, and various treatments. Natural elements such as stone, wood, and plants have been used in the interior design to give guests a sense of connection with nature and tradition.

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In one of her rare interviews, Kaja openly spoke about how the public often forms an image of their relationship based on speculation and prejudice

ZVONIMIR FERINA/

Kaja Vidmar, an expert in design and aesthetics, worked meticulously to preserve the original charm of the hotel, while at the same time introducing contemporary elements and thus transforming this historical building into a luxurious destination.

Maškovića Han strives to be an example of sustainable tourism, using environmentally friendly technologies and methods to preserve the environment – the hotel is equipped with modern systems for energy saving, recycling, and conservation of natural resources.

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The hotel also features a museum dedicated to the history and tradition of the region

JURE MISKOVIC/CROPIX/CROPIX
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Maškovića Han strives to be an example of sustainable tourism, using environmentally friendly technologies and methods for the preservation of the environment – the hotel is equipped with modern systems for energy saving, recycling, and conservation of natural resources

/SHUTTERSTOCK

Private Life

Although they carefully guard their private life from the media, the relationship between Šime and Kaja became public at the end of June 2022, when they posted their first photo together, thus confirming to the public that they are a couple. Although both are public figures, their personal life is protected from media curiosity. What is known is that they have two children, a daughter, Viktorija, born in 2022, and just a year later a son arrived, whose name they have not yet decided to reveal. Šime has a son, Bruno, from his previous marriage with his ex-wife Matea.

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Maškovića Han is not only a luxury boutique hotel, but also an important historical monument with deep roots in Dalmatian tradition

JURE MISKOVIC/CROPIX/CROPIX
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Maškovića Han, a monument of Turkish architecture in Croatia, a summer residence and former home of Turkish admiral Jusuf Mašković, located in a perfect spot near Lake Vrana,

/CROPIX

In one of her rare interviews, Kaja openly spoke about how the public often forms an image of their relationship based on speculation and prejudice.

"The public doesn’t know the truth, the public doesn’t know our life witnesses, love, family. The public created an image of our relationship so the story would sell well, but our story is completely different. This story is ours, this life is ours, we cherish and love it," she said in an interview for Story magazine.

In the same interview, she also revealed details about how she met Šime.

"I didn’t believe in love at first sight until I met Šime. I say it was destiny," Kaja concluded.

21. kolovoz 2025 23:04