Croatia's Villa Nai 3.3 Nominated for Inaugural MICHELIN Architecture and Design Award: A Testament to Luxury and Sustainability
By Croatia Week
August 13, 2025
In a groundbreaking development for the hospitality and architectural sectors, the MICHELIN Guide has unveiled a prestigious award for architectural excellence and design innovation, spotlighting exceptional properties across the globe. In its inaugural year, this new MICHELIN Architecture and Design Award recognizes hotels that exemplify the harmonious integration of form and function, elevating the travel experience through extraordinary design. Among the contenders, Croatia’s esteemed Villa Nai 3.3 has been selected as one of the five nominees, marking an important milestone for the nation’s burgeoning luxury tourism landscape.
Nestled on the serene island of Dugi Otok, Villa Nai 3.3 stands as a paragon of contemporary design, skillfully incorporating natural elements to create a unique living environment. The hotel comprises just eight bespoke accommodation units, each intricately fashioned from local stone sourced directly from the hillsides that envelop the property. This thoughtful construction philosophy not only minimizes the building’s carbon footprint but also fosters a profound connection between the architecture and its breathtaking coastal backdrop.
The design of Villa Nai 3.3 pays homage to traditional Dalmatian dry stone wall techniques, demonstrating a deep respect for the region’s architectural heritage. By following the contours of the natural terrain, the hotel achieves an organic synergy with its surroundings, presenting an elegant façade that seems to emerge rather than intrude upon the landscape. Inside, guests are met with interiors adorned with Italian marble, rich wooden accents, and calming neutral tones that embody an atmosphere of understated luxury and sophistication while reinforcing the establishment’s commitment to sustainability.
Beyond its exquisite design, Villa Nai 3.3 is celebrated for its culinary offerings, most notably its award-winning olive oil, which serves as a hallmark of the hotel’s gourmet experience. Guests are invited to savor local produce thoughtfully curated from the island’s rich agricultural tradition, further enhancing the thematic connection between the property and its cultural roots. Each dish is a testament to the flavors of Dugi Otok, allowing visitors to indulge in gastronomic delights that combine both authenticity and innovation.
The competition for the inaugural MICHELIN Architecture and Design Award is formidable, with Villa Nai 3.3 in esteemed company alongside other illustrious nominees, including:
1. Atlantis The Royal, Dubai
2. Shebara Resort, Saudi Arabia
3. Rosewood São Paulo, Brazil
4. Benesse House, Japan
The selection of these distinguished hotels illustrates a global trend towards architectural and design excellence, reflecting a collective aspiration to redefine hospitality through aesthetic and experiential profundity. Each of these properties stands as a testament to local culture and ingenuity, demonstrating how architecture can act as a cultural ambassador.
The decisions made by the MICHELIN judging panel hold significant implications not only for those in the hospitality industry but also for tourism at large. By recognizing properties that prioritize sustainable design and ecological integrity, the guide encourages a new standard that could reshape consumer expectations and industry practices.
The announcement of the winners on October 8 will undoubtedly generate significant buzz within the global travel community, as the recognition by a publication with the prestige of MICHELIN can considerably elevate a destination’s profile. For Croatia, a country rich in natural beauty and cultural history, such accolades represent not merely a validation of its offerings but also an opportunity to further promote the nation as a prime destination for discerning travelers seeking both luxury and authenticity.
As the world moves towards a more conscientious approach to travel, Villa Nai 3.3 stands as a pioneering model in making sustainability fashionable and desirable, proving that luxury need not come at the expense of environmental stewardship.
In conclusion, the 2025 MICHELIN Architecture and Design Award is set to become a benchmark for future aspirants aiming to marry exceptional design with sustainable practices in the hospitality industry. Villa Nai 3.3’s nomination is a proud moment for Croatia, representing the country’s commitment to excellence in the realms of design, architecture, and culinary art.
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