Our story

Studio Apartments & Rooms Lela are located in a charming stone house in the heart of Šipanska Luka, a peaceful village on the northwestern side of Šipan Island, just an hour by ferry from Dubrovnik. The house, originally built in the 19th century, was completely reconstructed in 2015 to combine traditional character with modern comfort.

Our property features three studio apartments (two Superior Studios and one Studio Deluxe) and three Deluxe Rooms, which can be booked individually or in a Connecting option (Superior Studio with a Deluxe Room). All guests are welcome to enjoy the shared terrace with outdoor seating—perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring.

Just around the corner, you’ll find our family’s gift shop, a lovely spot to pick up souvenirs and local treasures. Restaurants, bars, and a grocery store are only about 80 meters away, making it easy to enjoy the village atmosphere.

Studio Apartments & Rooms Lela are open during the summer season, usually from the beginning of April until mid-November. We look forward to welcoming you and providing a comfortable base for your stay on Šipan—an ideal getaway for rest, relaxation, and authentic island life.

🕒  Check-in: from 3:00 PM

🕙  Check-out: until 10:00 AM

📶  Wi-Fi: free

🧳  Baggage storage: free of charge

🛏️  Baby cot: available on request in studio apartments

🚙  Parking: free local parking (reservation not possible)

🌐  Languages: Croatian, English, Italian

💳  Payment: cash or via Booking.com / Airbnb

Your host

My name is Jelena, and I come from a big family living on the beautiful island of Šipan, the largest of the Elaphiti Islands near Dubrovnik. I’m one of five siblings, all grown up and following our own paths, but always connected by our love for the island and our family.

My personal journey has always been tied to tourism—it’s something I’ve been passionate about since an early age. I attended high school for Tourism and Hospitality, which laid the foundation for my career. During summer breaks, I worked as a waitress in local bars and restaurants on Šipan, gaining hands-on experience and learning how to provide great service. In 2015, I started working at the reception of a small hotel. It didn’t take long before I was promoted to Reception Manager—a role I held for nearly five summer seasons. During the winter breaks, I continued my education at the University of Dubrovnik, studying Hotel Industry, Restaurant Industry, and Gastronomy.

In 2020, due to changes in the tourism market and the global situation, I began exploring new possibilities. That’s when I decided it was time to focus on something of my own. My attention turned to our family’s studio apartments and rooms, which had previously been managed by an adventure travel agency. By the beginning of the 2021 season, I had taken over management, given the spaces a thorough makeover, and started building our brand—Studio Apartments & Rooms Lela. Since then, I’ve been personally welcoming guests, handling reservations, taking care of the studio apartments and rooms with great attention to detail, and promoting our accommodation online. I want to offer more than just a place to stay—I aim to combine the warmth of private accommodation with the quality and service of a hotel.

In 2022, I earned my Master’s degree in Hotel Industry at the University of Dubrovnik, further strengthening my knowledge and passion for hospitality. While I manage most things myself, my family is always by my side. My dad is the one who designed all the rooms and studio apartments and supervised the house’s reconstruction. My mum is a warm and welcoming lady who runs our souvenir and gift shop just around the corner. Actually, my mum’s nickname is Lela, and that's how our studio apartments and rooms got their name in the first place.

I truly enjoy what I do and always strive to provide each guest with a memorable and relaxing stay. If you need anything, feel free to reach out—I’m here to make your stay on Šipan special.