Just imagine stepping into a peaceful forest, where the city’s noise disappears, and the only sounds you hear are birds singing and leaves rustling in the breeze. Tucked away deep in the woods, just 30 minutes from the bustling streets of Zagreb, lies a magical hideaway—Mala Vila. This enchanting forest retreat is home to four stunning glass cottages, designed to bring you closer to nature while offering a serene and luxurious escape.

Glass Cubes Designed to Absorb Nature

The cottages—Aria, Ignis, Aqua, and Terra—are like gleaming glass cubes, seamlessly blending into their natural surroundings. The entire concept behind these houses is simple yet profound: to immerse you in nature without compromising comfort. With walls made almost entirely of glass, you’ll wake up each morning with breathtaking views of the surrounding forest, watching the trees sway, and perhaps catching glimpses of wildlife as your nearest neighbors. The reflective glass not only allows you to take in the beauty of the forest but also mirrors it, creating a perfect harmony between the cottages and the wilderness around them.

Four Unique Cottages in a Magical Setting

Located in the tiny village of Stari Glog, within Zagreb County, these cabins are much more than just a place to stay—they are a carefully crafted experience. The area is known for its dense forests, meadows, and organic farms, providing the perfect backdrop for relaxation. Each cottage represents one of the four elements—air, fire, water, and earth—and is carefully tucked between the trees, covering only a small portion of the landscape, allowing the forest ecosystem to thrive around them.

What makes Mala Vila special is not just the setting, but the values behind it. The inspiration for Mala Vila came from the owner’s deep love of nature and a desire to create a space where people can truly escape from their busy lives.

Sustainability and environmental responsibility are at the heart of this retreat. From the very beginning, the owners have made conscious efforts to preserve the natural beauty of the forest. Forest cleaning is done carefully, waste is minimized through daily recycling, and sustainable practices like composting and the use of local, organic produce are at the core of Mala Vila’s operations. Every morning, guests can enjoy a breakfast basket filled with homemade products from the family farm or nearby family businesses. Mama Mira (the owner’s mother) tends to the hens for organic eggs, keeps beehives for honey, and makes jams, pastries, breads, cottage cheese, and cream—all prepared for guests to savor.

Even the smallest details, like using refillable bottles and avoiding single-use plastics, show the dedication to keeping this slice of paradise pristine for generations to come.

Unwind and Reconnect with Nature

Whether you’re looking to spend your days walking along forest trails, foraging for mushrooms, cycling through the countryside, or simply sitting on your private terrace with a book, Mala Vila has something to offer. For those in search of ultimate relaxation, the wood-fired hot tub nestled under the trees offer the perfect way to unwind while soaking up the forest’s tranquility. Nearby, the Kalnik mountain offers hiking opportunities with sweeping views over the surrounding villages, ideal for the more adventurous souls.

A Haven for Two

Every glass cottage is designed with comfort in mind. Meant for two people, each comes with a private terrace, a fully equipped kitchen, and a minibar, ensuring that you have everything you need right at your fingertips. After a long week filled with stress, what could be better than retreating to this sanctuary in the woods, where time seems to slow down, and your only responsibility is to relax and reconnect with yourself and nature?

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At Mala Vila, you’re not just booking a place to stay; you’re immersing yourself in a philosophy of mindful living, sustainability, and self-care. So if you're looking to recharge, unplug, and truly relax, these glass cottages in the heart of the forest are waiting for you.