THE STORY OF LORA APARTMENTS
The beginning of our story isn’t written in concrete or facades, but in love – true, family love. It all started in the late 1960s, when Jozo and Mila Čagalj – he a construction technician from Zagvozd, she a primary school teacher – decided to build a home between the mountain and the sea. When Mila got a job in Gradac, Jozo, the romantic he was, said he’d rather commute daily to Ploče than have her travel far. And so, because of love, Gradac became their home and life’s choice.
In those early years, they began renting out rooms, as was the custom back then – simply, warmly and sincerely, with a welcoming smile. In the mid-70s, they built their family house, and in 2000, construction of two new floors and modern apartments began.
As the town grew and tourism became stronger, the idea of hosting guests came naturally. Two floors rose on the family home, and a tall, lush palm tree grew beneath the windows. In 2001, Apartments Palma were born – along with a family tradition. Jozo, always ahead of his time, was known as the first person in Gradac to own a fax machine and one of the first private cars. His curiosity and openness to new things remained part of him until his last day. That same innovative spirit is woven into every detail of the apartments.
After his passing, his granddaughter Sara took over the apartments. Out of love for her grandfather and with a vision for a new era, in 2025 she began the renovation – honoring the past while looking to the future. The name changed – now they are Lora Apartments, named after her daughter Lora, Jozo’s first great-grandchild. The five apartments symbolically bear the names of family members – Sara, Ana Maria, Dora, Lora, and Niko – like five branches of one family tree growing in the heart of Gradac.
The new visual identity also tells the story: the palm from the garden, the Biokovo mountain standing behind us, the sun and sea that define our every day – and symbolize life itself. This is our Gradac – small, but irreplaceable.
In a short time, the first phase of renovation was launched – with fresh colours, new details, and a new energy. But what makes Lora Apartments special is the attention given to every corner. Each apartment is carefully equipped to meet the needs of the modern guest. You’ll find elegant smart TVs with HBO Max and over 150 regional channels, a safe in the wardrobe, a scale in the bathroom, an iron, a steam iron, and an ironing board. Kitchens offer all the essentials, plus extra comforts like a capsule coffee machine, kettle, toaster, microwave, and induction hob. Beside each bed is a multifunctional lamp with warm light, built-in Bluetooth speaker, clock, and charger. On each terrace, there’s a rechargeable romantic lamp perfect for evening relaxation. A cordless vacuum helps you tidy up easily while cooking, and there’s a full-featured hair dryer – ideal for getting ready for a sunset walk by the sea. We’ve also added many other thoughtful details for a carefree and comfortable stay. To ensure the best internet connection in the area, we installed Starlink – the fastest available option in Gradac.
For exploring the surroundings, we’ve prepared two comfortable bicycles and, for the full sea experience, two stand-up paddle boards (SUPs). And this is just the beginning.
After this season, the next phase is planned – complete replacement of doors, windows, bathrooms, kitchens, and all furniture. Our goal is for Lora Apartments to become not just technically modern, but also aesthetically truly welcoming – a fusion of past, present, and future.
This is more than accommodation. This is a story we write together.
Welcome to Lora Apartments.