Health & Safety Policy

An enjoyable and safe villa holiday

We have taken every reasonable measure to ensure your holiday with Hvar Away is both enjoyable and safe. Please be aware, however, that safety standards and regulations in Croatia may differ from those in the UK or your home country.

Hvar Away maintains its own standards, and the safety of all our properties is evaluated accordingly. We collaborate closely with villa owners and their teams to uphold these safety levels. Where possible, potential hazards are eliminated or minimised, and any remaining risks are clearly communicated to guests. We encourage you to review the “Important notes” section for each villa on our website, which provides property-specific details.

We strongly advise all guests to take sensible precautions for their own safety and that of their family and companions, particularly children, individuals with disabilities, and the elderly.

If you have any specific health and safety questions about our properties, please don’t hesitate to get in touch – our team has personally inspected every villa and will be delighted to assist you.

Annual property audits

Every year, prior to the season, all our villas are subject to a Health & Safety audit conducted by Hvar Away's local team who have undergone specialised H&S training delivered by an independent, qualified expert. Below are some key aspects of our Health & Safety policy, intended to provide you with complete reassurance:

  • Electrical wiring, gas appliances, and air-conditioning systems in all our villas are certified as compliant with relevant Croatian regulations and are regularly inspected by qualified, accredited professionals.
  • Every villa is equipped with fire extinguishers and smoke detectors.
  • Swimming pools: each pool includes a life ring or reach pole for emergencies. Clear pool signage is displayed, indicating depths, “no diving” rules, and other important safety guidelines.
  • Emergency contacts and information: every villa is provided with a sheet of emergency contact details and details for Hvar Away's local support team, available 24/7.

Villa guidebooks

Prior to your departure for the holiday, we will send you the guidebook for your chosen villa. Each villa guidebook is specific to each property, and is intended to help you make the most of your accommodation and the surrounding area. It contains all the essential contacts you might need during your stay, along with details of any property-specific health and safety information. We recommend reading it thoroughly both before you travel and throughout your stay.

Highlighted safety recommendations

General safety

As a general guideline, please apply the same level of care and caution that you would in your own home. Upon arriving at your villa, take a moment to explore all areas thoroughly. In particular:

  • During daylight hours, carefully inspect the villa's garden to become familiar with any low walls, drop-offs, or steep slopes.
  • Keep in mind that children may not be as cautious as adults in unfamiliar environments, so please exercise extra vigilance with children on balconies, stairs, and near water at all times, especially on the first day when everything is new. Nothing can replace close parental supervision.

Fire safety

  • Upon arrival, please take time to familiarise yourself with any emergency exit routes, where applicable.
  • Review all provided safety information specific to your villa.
  • Familiarise yourself with the locations of the nearest exits and the procedure for raising the alarm in case of fire.
  • Smoking is not allowed inside any of our properties. If smoking outside, please ensure cigarettes or cigars are completely extinguished.
  • If your villa features a fireplace, never leave a fire burning when leaving the property or retiring for the night.
  • Always extinguish candles fully before going to bed or departing the villa.
  • In the event of a fire, evacuate the villa or room without delay.
  • Do not delay to collect belongings or pack.
  • Remain calm and do not panic.
  • Leave the building as swiftly as possible, closing doors behind you.

Electricity, gas and AC

  • All gas and electrical appliances, along with air-conditioning systems, have been inspected to confirm compliance with applicable safety standards.
  • Please handle gas and electricity with the same caution as you would at home, and adhere to any provided instructions.
  • Ensure all gas and electrical devices are switched off when leaving the villa or before going to bed.
  • Do not attempt to adjust or interfere with any fixtures or fittings; report any issues or faults to our local team without delay.

Balcony safety

Please exercise extra caution on balconies and terraces. Ensure that shutters, doors, and windows are securely closed when these areas are not in use. Children must always be supervised on balconies or terraces and should never be permitted to:

  • Climb on furniture;
  • climb on railings; or
  • sit on or lean over balconies or railings.

Glass doors

Where large glass doors are present, please exercise extra caution, particularly in bright sunlight when it may not be clear if they are open or closed. Serious injuries can result if sufficient care is not taken.

Child safety

  • Cots supplied in our villas may be portable travel cots.
  • Please take extra care, as children will be sleeping in unfamiliar surroundings.
  • High chairs may not be equipped with a harness. Always ensure the child is securely seated and never leave a child unattended in a high chair.

Sunbathing

Please avoid direct sun exposure during the peak hours of the day and seek out shade whenever possible. Always apply a high-factor sunscreen appropriate for your skin type, and reapply it frequently, particularly after swimming.

  • Children should always wear a hat and keep their shoulders covered.
  • Babies under six months of age should not be exposed to direct sunlight.

Swimming pool safety

  • Diving is prohibited unless suitable caution is taken in regard to water depth, and is never permitted from balconies or terraces.
  • Always walk, do not run around the pool area.
  • Please check the pool depths, which are clearly indicated on the signage by the pool or in the villa information.
  • Swimming after dark is not advised. If you do choose to swim at night, exercise extreme caution.
  • Avoid eating or drinking while swimming.
  • No glass items, such as drinking glasses or bottles, are permitted around the pool area.
  • Indoor furniture must remain inside the villa and should not be brought to the pool.
  • Do not remove or lift pool filter covers, or attempt to adjust chlorine levels or pH balance.

Pool safety for children

  • Children must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times when in or around the pool area.
  • Exercise particular caution during the initial hours after arriving at the villa, especially when children are entering the pool for the first time.
  • Floatation devices such as armbands, rubber rings, or other buoyancy aids are not a replacement for constant adult supervision.
  • Always check the depths of the main pool and any separate children's pool, and note any sudden changes in depth.
  • Keep your children safe by ensuring they are always within sight, particularly young children and those who are not strong swimmers.
  • The rules prohibiting diving and running around the pool apply to children just as they do to adults.

Infinity pools

Infinity pools have become very popular thanks to the stunning views they provide from the water and the surrounding area. However, because of their unique design, some feature steep drops at the far edge. Please remain mindful of these potential hazards, especially around children, and strictly follow the precautions outlined above. Inflatable items, such as lilos, are not permitted in infinity pools.

Hot tubs and saunas

Please do not use these facilities if:

  • You have heart disease, circulatory issues, an infectious skin condition, or open sores/wounds.
  • You are taking any medication, unless you have first confirmed with a medical professional that it is safe to do so.
  • You suffer from a condition that prevents normal perspiration.
  • You have consumed a heavy meal and/or alcohol within the last 1½ hours.
  • You are feeling unwell in any way.
  • You have recently engaged in exercise, please wait until your body temperature has returned to normal.

How to use these facilities safely:

  • These facilities can reach high temperatures, so always check and adjust to a comfortable level before entering.
  • Remove contact lenses, glasses, make-up, jewellery, watches, and any metal items before use.
  • Limit each session to no more than 10 minutes.
  • Take a cool shower between sessions.
  • Prolonged use may cause nausea, dizziness, or fainting.
  • If you are pregnant, consult a medical professional before using these facilities.
  • Avoid jumping in or any horseplay.
  • Familiarise yourself with the location of the controls, especially any emergency shut-off buttons.
  • If you notice any faults or damage, do not attempt repairs yourself, report them immediately to our local team, who will arrange professional assistance.
  • Children under 12 are not permitted to use these facilities.
  • Rehydrate after each session by drinking plenty of non-alcoholic fluids to replace lost body water.

Animals

  • Please do not feed, pet, or interact with any wild or domesticated animals.
  • Ensure children do not play near wild or domesticated animals.
  • Always use the provided litter bins and securely replace any lids to help prevent attracting wasps and vermin.

Personal safety

  • Please keep your personal belongings secure, use any available safe deposit facilities and avoid leaving valuables visible in cars.
  • Keep in mind that in Croatia, vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road.
  • Do not attempt to repair anything yourself. If you notice any breakages or damage, please report them promptly to our local team.

Beach safety

  • Even the calmest and safest beaches can become hazardous under certain weather conditions.
  • Always be mindful of water depths, tides, and currents.
  • Consult local advice and heed any warnings about strong currents.
  • Swim parallel to the shore rather than venturing out to sea.
  • Never swim alone or at night, and ensure children are always supervised when in the water.
  • Exercise extreme caution when using inflatable boats or lilos in open water.