After years perfecting his talents at a range of European hotels from France to Norway, Yann Berger is making his debut as head chef at Villa Nai 3.3, the architectural gem set in a haven of harmony on the island of Dugi Otok, off the coast of Croatia.

New head chef Yann Berger – who speaks English, French, Spanish, and German – is looking forward to creating new and exciting recipes using some of the world’s finest olive oil from the 500-year-old groves around Villa Nai 3.3. This new venture will draw on the wealth of talent he has developed from working in a diverse range of European hotels.

Currently head chef at a hotel in the stunning Camargues area, Chef Berger honed his skills using locally sourced products after working in some of the remotest areas of Europe. From Finland and Sweden, and then to Svalbard in Norway, where he took up a post as a relief chef and consultant during the Christmas season, he devised many different local dishes.

Previously in Austria at an award-winning 100 per cent vegetarian and vegan boutique hotel in the Tyrol, he explored the great variety of vegetarian dishes and gained enormous experience in the arts of organic and sustainable cuisine, sourcing the best local farms and suppliers.

From fine dining and rapidly changing menus, Chef Berger has developed wide-ranging culinary techniques that enhance and encapsulate the best that any region has to offer.

The two restaurants at Villa Nai 3.3 serve only selected ingredients sourced from local farms or the sea and make extensive use of its world-renowned and award-winning olive oil. Born in nature and made in nature, Villa Nai 3.3, a member of Leading Hotels of the World, is set in the breathtakingly beautiful Kornati National Park overlooking the glistening waters of the Adriatic Sea.

“I am still driven by the same passions and dedication that I have had for the past 26 years in the catering industry,” commented Chef Berger. “I don’t put on any fake attitudes and have tried to stay humble in the face of each new challenge that arises. I love to explore new ingredients in different places and learn more about the type of cuisine that embraces the truest characteristics of each region.”

“I am thrilled to be joining the team at Villa Nai 3.3 and hope to show new ways to bring its precious olive oil into the mix of dishes on offer. I am looking forward to delighting the guests and sharing my cuisine with them.”

With its unique style and its seamless fusion into the landscape, with eight rooms and suites, sea views or verdant olive groves glimpsed from private outdoor terraces, the ultra-luxury Villa Nai 3.3 is rooted in its Dalmatian heritage, embraced by beaches and cliffs, and an open gateway to the great outdoors.

Villa Nai 3.3 – Where and how?

Villa Nai 3.3 opened in the Summer of 2021 and was designed by renowned Croatian architect Nikola Bašic who drew inspiration from luxurious yachts to create a truly unique concept hotel which blends seamlessly into the outstanding natural beauty of Croatia’s historic Dugi Otok Island. The exclusive hotel has just eight deluxe rooms and suites for the ultimate comfort and private experience.

Villa Nai 3.3 is situated amongst 500-year-old olive groves from which they source the olives used in their multi-award-winning olive oil 3.3. The “liquid gold” is used as a basis in their soothing spa products and treatments and in each of the delectable dishes at their 3.3 Restaurant and Grotta 11000 Restaurant, which contain the very best of local produce from surrounding farms, orchards, and waters. Equidistant between Venice and Dubrovnik, guests can expect an experiential, culinary, and wellness journey at Villa Nai 3.3.

Getting there
Many airlines, including Easy Jet, RyanAir, Eurowings, and Wizz Air, fly from numerous regional and London airports direct to Zadar. The flight time is approximately two hours and 30 minutes. From Zadar Airport, transfer by catamaran takes approximately 45 minutes.

Room Rates
Prices start from €721.00 per night for an Olive Grove View Deluxe Room, based on two adults sharing, including breakfast. For more information, visit the hotel website https://villanai.com.

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