From Ancient Olive Trees to Michelin Recognition, Croatian Producers Redefine Agritourism

The couple lives in Split, the largest city in Dalmatia, where they built successful careers in their respective professions. They drew particular attention when they started restoring a 400-year-old family olive grove on Goran’s ancestral land in the village of Žman on Dugi Otok, gradually expanding the property with new plantings. “We started 17 years ago,” the Morovićs recalled. They also introduced Coratina, which proved exceptionally successful. “Coratina oil is rich in polyphenols with beneficial properties,” Nives stated.

Under EU Regulation 432/2012, olive oils containing more than 250 milligrams per liter of polyphenols, including hydroxytyrosol, oleuropein. Oleocanthal, may carry a health claim stating that the product has beneficial properties. Goran observed that the Aristoil project collected olive oil samples for three consecutive years. Found that Croatian olive oils contained twice as many polyphenols as Italian oils and five percent more than Spanish oils.

Six years ago, laboratory analyses pointed to that the Morovićs’ Coratina oils contained as much as 1,648 milligrams of polyphenols per liter, the highest level recorded in Croatia. The Morovićs’ organic extra virgin olive oils , particularly those made from Coratina, are among the richest in polyphenols. Their Drobnica oil and blends of the two varieties as well match Coratina in quality.

The terroir, especially on the northern side of Žman, is well-suited to olive cultivation. As a result, they have received numerous awards at international competitions. “At the NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition, we have mostly won Gold Awards with our Coratina,” the Morovićs explained, adding that they plan to submit their oils again this year to the world’s largest olive oil quality assessment. “The best oil is always made by the hands of olive growers,” they told reporters.

Snowfall is rare on the island, averaging 3.3 days per year per to historical records, but producers believe harvests are better in years when snow falls. In the former Dalmatian Romance language, snow was called “Nai.” Combining this word with the average number of snowy days, the Morovićs named their name Nai 3.3 . The same name was later given to Villa Nai 3.3, an understated yet striking structure built on the estate.

Villa Nai 3.3 Stone excavated on site was used in construction, reinforcing the project’s sustainable character. Alongside the mill, the same roof shelters accommodation facilities built to the standards of The Leading Hotels of the World. All rooms feature interiors designed in harmony with nature and open onto spacious terraces overlooking the olive grove. “Guests are delighted to enjoy the silence and natural surroundings,” Goran explained.

Nives and Goran Morovic The estate in addition includes a wellness and spa area with treatments based on olive-derived products. Gardens on the estate produce a variety of fruits and vegetables throughout the year.

The property received international recognition on October 8, when Villa Nai 3.3 was awarded three Michelin Keys in Paris. “This is the highest recognition Croatian hospitality has received so far,” Goran stated. Going to While the top prize went to Atlantis Royal in Dubai, the Morovićs, only 143 hotels worldwide at present hold three Michelin Keys.

The couple plans to move permanently from Split to Žman on Dugi Otok, where they have combined olive growing, architecture and agritourism , continuing a family tradition that spans centuries.