Hotel Terra Novalja - Spring embraced by the islands of Cheese and Lace

The family-run Hotel Terra is located in Novalja on the island of Pag, not far from the city center and close to famous tourist attractions, the Lun Olive Gardens, the ornithological reserve Rogoza Blato and the ancient aqueduct Talijanova Buža. Small 4-stars family hotel with the capacity of 14 modern rooms and 1 hotel suite, all accompanied by a hotel restaurant with terrace, indoor hall, and aperitive bar.

Foto: TZ Novalja

For our spring visitors, we have prepared a package that includes bed and breakfast, as well as cheese tasting of the best traditional Pag cheeses, and all with a taste of the top Croatian wines.

Choose one of the overnight options and spend an unforgettable experience of a spring vacation in the family Hotel Terra in Novalja. The following options are available:

1. 3 days/2 nights for two people; Bed and breakfast, Early check-in/Late check-out + Tasting of homemade cheeses and premium wines = 1.350,00 HRK
- surcharge for a third party is 390,00 HRK

2. 4 days/3 nights for two people; Bed and breakfast, Early check-in/Late check-out + Tasting of homemade cheeses and premium wines = 1.990,00 HRK
- surcharge for a third party is 590,00 HRK

The rooms are equipped with a smart card system, telephone, air conditioning, plasma/satellite TV, internet connection, mini-bar, bathroom with shower/toilet, and balcony. Parking is also provided for all hotel guests.

OFFER INCLUDES:
• Bed and breakfast
• Tasting of the best types of Pag cheese
• Tasting of top Croatian wines
• Early check-in and late check-out (subject to availability, max. up to 2 hours from standard dates)
• Free Wi-Fi
• Free parking

Foto: Oldiefan, Pixabay.com

Novalja, 06.05.2021.

CHECK-OUT INTERVIEW - MIRJAM JUKIĆ
“Outdoor activities on the island of Pag are top product with a bright future.”

At the beginning of April, in our family hotel Terra in Novalja, we had the honor of hosting Mrs. Mirjam Jukić and Mr. Goran Rihelj, well-known Croatian journalists and editors of the tourist websites Turistickeprice.hr and HrTurizam.hr. We took this opportunity to briefly talk to Mrs. Jukić just before checking out of the hotel and find out their vision of our destination, hotel, and potential for the upcoming and future seasons.

Foto: Dubravka Petric/PIXSELL (Vecernji list)

1. What attracted you to our island and does the public perception of the island differ from your personal experience?

I fell in love with the island of Pag at first sight while crossing the bridge to the island. I have to admit I had a completely different perception of the island until I came and saw it. I had a great team led by Mrs. Marina Šćiran Rizner from the Novalja Tourist Board, and thanks to them I got to know all the charming secrets of the island as they directed me to interesting content, which I probably wouldn't have discovered by myself. We have told numerous tourist stories about Pag on our website and I must admit that the content is extremely popular, which is proof that Pag is an interesting destination. These posts are also read on the German, Italian, and Eastern European markets, so Pag is obviously as interesting to tourists as it is to me. I did not expect so many experiences to find on Pag, so it pleasantly surprised me. I will never forget the kayaking adventure from Ručica Bay. It’s a great route that I recommend to everyone. After hiking through the Life on Mars trail and touring the Pag Triangle, I have to admit that these trails are some of the most interesting I’ve been on, and I’ve walked the Camino and join hiking activities on a regular basis. Life on Mars is a special experience because you’ll find so many different landscapes in so few miles. A superb experience. In general, I consider outdoor activities on Pag a top product that has a bright future.

2. What potentials of the island would you list as under-emphasized?

I would say that the island of Pag has arranged its potentials perfectly. Through an excellent outdoor project, the local authority used all their potentials which are the basis for extending the season and positioning Pag as a destination for active tourism throughout the year. The new 4-star hotels elevate the entire destination in terms of accommodation quality, and the gastronomic story is growing and perfectly complementing all of the above. It is important to take advantage of this indigenous and traditional story that this island has and to communicate this richness of diversity to the outside public as a symbol of Pag.

Foto: Alan Crljenko/Turistickeprice.hr

3. Do you think that the island of Pag and the town of Novalja can achieve a compromise between family and party tourism?

Well, during the pandemic period they already proved that they have a basis for that. Party tourism is a great story that should not be avoided, it should just be controlled and subtly shaped. Novalja is not represented just as a party beach destination, and that has been proven right now. The return of family tourism, and especially active vacation through outdoor activities, is proof that Novalja is not dependent exclusively on festivals. It is now a primary goal to make all content work together and not to be mutually exclusive. I think that this is being worked on intensively and that the solutions are good according to what I read from the media and the plans of the City of Novalja. Young people will be able to enjoy entertainment during the night and join the active content during the day. It is important that the content is well-shaped and directed, and this can be a good combination and a win-win situation for everyone.

4. In the summer season of 2020, Novalja, given the global epidemiological situation, once again became a predominantly family destination. What does this tell us about tourism flexibility?

The pandemic has changed tourism and the habits of all of us. We’ll just see what “new normal” actually means. Last year Novalja got great tourism results which, I would dare say, only a few expected. And I believe that the return of local guests and families is something that will not disappear with the return of the festival seasons to Zrće Beach. Outdoor tourism has literally experienced a boom right here on Pag at this time of the pandemic, so these are changes that are positive and they should not disappear if they are being developed and worked on intensively. That is the beauty of tourism, you can always shape it up in your own way if you know what you are doing and if you offer quality choices and plan for the long term. I am convinced that the island of Pag is a destination that can offer quality content to families, young people looking for fun, and fans of active tourism. This is the biggest advantage of your destination because it does not depend on only one type of tourism, which was proven last year.

Foto: TZ Novalja

5. What would you list as the biggest advantage of Hotel Terra as a family hotel in our destination?

It’s small family hotels that have the greatest advantage at this time of pandemics. They have limited capacity and tourists are more inclined to book them because they feel safer. Unfortunately, small family hotels are unfairly neglected and I think that some legal solutions do not work for them. It is necessary to discuss these problems and solutions work with the local authority and government. Hotel Terra is a hotel where you feel like you are part of the family, at least that's how I experienced it. In small family hotels, the staff knows each guest by their name and very quickly adopts their need and habits. This is the real beauty of these hotels. When you get your coffee the first day, and the next day the hotel staff already knows your choices, what kind of coffee you drink, and what you like to consume. This creates that feeling of closeness that is remembered by the guests who will gladly return to you. I'm coming back to hotel Terra for sure next time I’ll be visiting Novalja.

6. Finally, probably the most common question during last year. What are your predictions for the upcoming tourist season and which factor should be the most emphasized?

It is a question of all questions that no one knows the answer to, because it depends on many factors that no one can influence. If last season was partially successful, then this one can and should be even better. You have the trust of guests who, during the worst times of insecurity, were not disappointed by you. They entrusted their families to you, which is the most valuable thing they have, and if you proved to be a safe destination then they will come back. Sure, the recovery of tourism will take several years and now it is clear to everyone that the turnover that everyone wants will not return overnight, but I believe that this year will be better than last. I think this year will have an interesting post-season period during September and October when the vaccination rate will be higher. The summer season will be extremely challenging for everyone, and the last-minute business model will be crucial due to the free cancellation of reservations. Whoever does best using the tools of quick promotion through the last-minute activities will benefit the most. Security will be a key factor for tourism in the next few years, that’s for sure. We have the strategic advantage of being a small country and now is the opportunity to raise the quality of products and services, but also the quality of destinations in general.

Novalja, 21.04.2021.

"The island of Pag as a recognized film destination."

The event industry, more precisely the party tourism, has long been an integral part of the offer of the island of Pag and the beach Zrce. However, another industry has become an inevitable part of our island, and a backdrop for numerous shootings and projects. It is an industry that managed to cross the record revenues of over 100 billion dollars in 2019 - and that is the film industry.

Foto: Rimac Automobili Promo

For more than a decade, numerous production companies have recognized the unique landscape and scenery of the island of Pag as an unforgettable backdrop for filming commercials, editorials, TV shows, and film blockbusters. How strong and important this industry is for Pag as a destination is shown by the fact that Netflix plans to invest 17 billion dollars in the production of original content in 2021. Given that Netflix has a positive experience of filming on the island of Pag, we certainly hope that part of these funds will be spent on projects on our island. Each of these and similar projects are of immense importance for the promotion of the destination as they bring an invaluable video postcard to homes around the world.

We are witnessing an increased interest of the world public in our destination after each project, photo shooting, or filming. The number of young visitors to our county and the island of Pag is constantly increasing because they are the biggest consumers of content on TV channels and streaming services in Europe and the world. For this reason, we hope that the commercial exploitation of such opportunities and the conversion of audiences into travelers will be one of the major focuses in developing long-term strategy and marketing planning.

Foto: Ambasada film, production of the TV show “The Terror”

Some of the projects that include feature films and series that were shot on the island of Pag are the following:

1. Tutto il mio folle amore, feature film, (2018.), Ita

2. Ibiza, feature film, (2018.), USA

3. The Islander/The Islander 2, feature film, (2018./2020.), USA/Cro

4. Branka, feature film, (2019.), Cro

5. The Terror, TV series, (2018.), USA

In addition to the aforementioned film projects, numerous photo shootings of car dealerships and fashion editorials are also of great importance.

Thus, one of the top Croatian photographers, Jakov Baričić, shot a series of works in Novalja, a work published in one of the editions of Vogue Latin America. This project was further spurred by the success of the photo shots already taken in similar locations for the Ukrainian-Russian edition of Vogue. Shortly afterward, Elle magazine chose the island of Pag as a backdrop for filming the models for its own magazine edition.

Even before the film and fashion industry, the first industry that Pag recognized as a fantastic destination for filming was the car industry. It all started with the spontaneous arrival of people from BMW to the island during the holidays. Shortly afterward, Mercedes also moved its shots to Pag where they became loyal clients and visitors, mostly due to well-maintained roads, good weather in autumn and winter, but also because the breathtaking moonlike landscape is something to be desired. The car dealers who filmed on the roads of the island include BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, Bentley, and ultimately, Rimac Automobiles. Thus, the island, which in summer is one of the most popular destinations for young people, during winter became a mecca for the world car industry, a real automotive Hollywood.

Foto: Dimitrisvetsikas1969, Pixabay.com

Since the doors of our Terra Hotel are open all year round, we have often had the privilege of hosting a number of various production teams at our hotel. We offer the following services to our film crews:

- full or partial lease of the capacity of our hotel,
- flexibility in organizing half or full board,
- adjusting services to recording dates and times,
- organization of transfers of staff and equipment,
- obtaining permits for recording at island locations,
- communication with all necessary institutions and local authorities,
- connecting with domestic productions and film workers,
- local guides for requested locations.

The collaboration that has been continuing for more than 10 years has resulted in recommendations within the industry and the trust we are building and perfecting day by day. Contact us with confidence, choose a trusted partner with experience, and become a part of our story.

Novalja, 29.04.2021.

Why do family guests in Novalja choose Hotel Terra?

When you think about a vacation and a destination where your family will spend a part of the summer months, Novalja may not be the first place that comes to mind. Given that it is better known for party tourism and groups of young people who come here from all over the world, many would be surprised that Novalja and its surroundings are actually a family destination, too.

Attractions such as the Lun Olive Gardens, the ornithological reserve Blato Rogoza, and the ancient aqueduct Talijanova Buža attract history buffs, as well as nature enthusiasts. Visitors who prefer sport activities can participate in the Life on Mars trekking competition, discover some of our marked or amateur bike trails, and try their skills at wakeboarding on Zrće Beach. Eno and gastronomic offer are extremely rich in specialties such as Pag lamb, numerous types of Pag cheese, homemade wines and spirits, olive oil, and fish specialties. For all who want to dive into the local culture while on their vacation, the local Tourist Board organizes numerous concerts of local klapa groups, folklore ensemble regularly enchants spectators with their performances, and every week a play is organized with famous actors from the Croatian theater scene on the summer stage near the hotel. Apart from the unique flora and fauna of the island, the lunar landscape, and beautiful beaches, these are just some of the reasons why families are frequent visitors of our beautiful island.

Novalja has enriched its offer with the accommodation facility Hotel Terra, which has completely adapted its business, service, and approach towards family guests. Our offer and its benefits have been recognized by many guests who return to our hotel every year, and just some of them include festival organizers, local and foreign journalists, film production companies, sports contestants, musicians, and many others. The reasons why many of them have become our regular guests and friends of the hotel are numerous, and here are just some of them:

Cooperation with local businesses

Cooperation with local businesses and companies for the supply of fresh products and groceries proved to be a complete success and our guests regularly recognized the quality of domestic products. In addition to local activities, Hotel Terra has equipped its rooms with premium class beds made in Croatia by the company Bernarda. Beds and mattresses are extremely comfortable, with dimensions of 200 * 200 cm, and ideal for your physical and mental rest.

Large selection of excursions and experiences

In order to provide our guests with an exciting experience outside the hotel, we have partnered with the best companies and individuals in our destination. From unforgettable trips on the island and outside the island, boat trips to hidden beaches and coves, training with private coaches, renting speed boats or quad vehicles for adventurers, to adrenaline bungee jumping and paintball activities ... it's up to you to choose the type of fun, and we'll do the rest.

The family atmosphere of the Palčić family

Professionalism and business approach are always present in our hotel. What we also wanted to incorporate as an unavoidable factor is our family warm approach to each guest. We want our guests to always feel free to approach us, ask for help or advice. You will often see our guests sipping their morning cup of coffee at the bar during a friendly chat with the staff and members of our family.

Many years of experience in various tourism segments

In many years of work, we have had numerous guests from various types of businesses and with various needs. Based on the positive experiences of guests and word of mouth, we have become the first choice of numerous production companies that often shoot commercials and/or movies on the island. Also, the organizers of numerous festivals on the beach Zrće choose our hotel as a place to stay during the festival, often renting the entire capacity of the hotel for their own needs, the needs of musicians, producers, and others. With our pet-friendly and bike-friendly labels, we have become the first choice for this segment of guests who are partially neglected in our area.

Loyalty programs and high value for money

With a loyalty reward program, we offer accommodation to our regular guests at lower prices than the regular, or additional service in the hotel and outside the hotel at promotional prices. Our goal is to let guests who regularly return to the hotel and choose our accommodation know that we think of them and appreciate their loyalty.

Our hotel doors are open to visitors starting from spring until the late autumn, and for any questions and inquiries, guests can contact us via the contact form or at the phone number in the header of the page. Visit us and become a part of our story.

Novalja, 16.04.2021.