From Skopje to Mavrovo: A Story of Hospitality and Active Tourism

There are always great tourism stories to tell, especially when they come from the owners of private accommodations listed in the Kajak.mk database.

Our goal is to build a strong foundation of trust between tourists and accommodation owners. We aim to foster meaningful relationships and demonstrate that everyone can enjoy a memorable vacation wherever they choose to stay.

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Vlatko Tomovski, the owner of Villa Jana, located in Mavrovo.

Vlatko is someone who made the bold decision to retire early, leaving behind the bustling capital of Skopje to embrace a quieter life in Mavrovo. He shared with us that what drew him to this picturesque area were the vast mountains, the hidden natural beauties, the serene snowfall, and the overall tranquility of the surroundings.

Where an old cottage with two bedrooms once stood, built by his father, Vlatko has since expanded the property by adding six cozy studios. Initially, renting out the villa wasn’t part of his plan. However, as word of his hospitality spread, he began receiving phone calls from tourists eager to spend a few days in Mavrovo.

Today, Vlatko’s mission is to share the beauty of this region with others, just as he knows and loves it. While Mavrovo is widely known for its Ski Centre, Vlatko believes that the area is equally stunning in spring, summer, and autumn, each season offering its own unique charm.

To make this vision a reality, Vlatko is equipping his villa with bikes, kayaks, and SUP boards. He wants every guest to experience the region through active tourism, offering them the opportunity to try these activities for free at least once. For Vlatko, this is the best way for guests to truly connect with the beauty of Mavrovo.

Providing guests with a bike ride by the lake or a chance to enjoy kayaking or SUP is never a problem. What matters most is ensuring they have high-quality equipment and proper instructions to fully enjoy the experience.

Vlatko is an experienced kayaker, and he personally guides his guests on how to control the kayak and SUP board. He provides detailed explanations about the lake and shares insider tips on the best places to visit, ensuring that everyone has a memorable and safe experience on the water.

When it comes to cycling, Vlatko’s approach is to first assess the guests' experience level and then recommend trails that match their abilities, ensuring an enjoyable ride. Currently, he offers around 10 bikes, 5 kayaks, and 3 SUP boards, all equipped with vests. However, his plan is to continually expand and improve the available equipment to provide even more options for his guests.

Host Vlatko understands that every mountain has its risks and rewards. That’s why he offers his guests, as well as other visitors, a brief training and introduction to the potential challenges and benefits that come with active tourism.

Looking ahead, we’re excited for the upcoming spring and summer months filled with sunshine and lush greenery. Mavrovo is the perfect place to take your office outdoors and reconnect with nature.