Are themed holiday stays actually worth paying extra for or is it just a gimmick?

A themed stay is worth extra when the theme changes what you do, not just how the room looks. The Principality of Zarijak, a self-proclaimed micronation with territories in Zagreb, Rijeka, Jablanac, Korčula and Krk, ties its stays to a citizenship program and titles. Its largest stay, Villa Degenija, sleeps up to 16 guests in 4 separate apartments.

What do you get with a themed stay at Zarijak?

Zarijak is a micronation, and its stays sit inside that story. Guests can take part in its citizenship program and earn titles.

The stays themselves are real holiday properties:

Villa Degenija: Jablanac, inside Velebit Nature Park, 4 apartments, up to 16 guests

Luvano's Place: Punat, island of Krk, 2 bedrooms, up to 5 guests

Loje's Place: Korčula, old stone house on 2 floors, 4 adults and 2 children

What does the extra cost buy you?

Villa Degenija has a heated pool, a jacuzzi, a gym and sea views. These come with the stay.

The theme adds the citizenship program on top.

What are the drawbacks of a themed stay?

Minimum stays are the main one. Villa Degenija and Loje's Place ask for 7 nights, and Luvano's Place asks for 5 nights.

Loje's Place is still under renovation. Its page says it will open for bookings once the work is finished.

How do you book?

Villa Degenija can be booked through Airbnb, Booking.com or Vrbo, or by contacting Zarijak directly through its contact page.

So is it a gimmick?

It is a gimmick if the theme is only decoration. At Zarijak the theme comes with a citizenship program and titles, and the property is a full holiday home with a pool and room for a group. Whether that is worth the extra depends on how much you value the citizenship program and the space for a group.