Meneghetti & Rovinj, Croatia

I’ve recently returned from a magical stay at Meneghetti hotel in Croatia and simply had to share with you how smitten I am! Nestled in the Istrian countryside among centuries-old cypress trees, vineyards and olive groves you’ll find this unique Relais & Chateaux property. Offering a mix of hotel rooms, residences and villas, many with private pools, there are accommodation options to suit everyone from solos, couples, families and larger groups.

The restaurant here is Michelin recommended and offers a modern interpretation of traditional Mediterranean cuisine using fresh local ingredients, many of which are sourced from the hotel’s own gardens. Locally sourced olives and truffles are a speciality. I’d go back here for the food alone, but there’s so much more besides. The hotel has two outdoor and one indoor swimming pools, but if you’d prefer a dip in the sea it is less than 2km from Croatia’s turquoise coast. There’s a beach shuttle service or you can walk/cycle if preferred. A boho beach club complete with bar and sunloungers on the water’s edge awaits.

The winery on site produces over 100,000 bottles of wine every year and there is ample opportunity for wine tasting (I can confirm it is divine!), tours of the vineyards and wine making process. The olive oil produced on site is also recognised as among the world’s finest and is utterly delicious.

I can’t imagine a better place for celebrating a special occasion, and the site can host a range of events such as birthday or anniversary celebrations, weddings and even corporate meetings.

It's impossible to convey adequately in words all the things that make this hotel so special, it pleases all senses. The area smells blissfully of herbs, pine trees and olives and the soft light bathes everything in a glorious warm glow. The staff are genuinely friendly and welcoming, and the service is exemplary and discreet.

As an idea of cost, a three night weekend break at Meneghetti on Fri 05 July 2024 from Gatwick is from £1,125 per person based on two sharing a Vintage Room, B&B (at time of writing, Oct 2023). I stayed at Meneghetti on a short weekend break and twinned it with a stay in charming Rovinj town nearby on the coast. It also lends itself well to a twin centre with nearby Venice, or incorporated into a longer itinerary exploring more of Croatia, Italy or Slovenia.

In Rovinj I stayed at adult only Monte Mulini hotel, which is a short walk from the narrow cobbled streets of Rovinj old town and perfect for exploring the local area. Monte Mulini has a gorgeous beach area and a host of pools. Rovinj is known as the ‘pearl’ of the Istrian peninsula. Its Venetian old town contains a treasure trove of artisan workshops, eateries and boutiques. Fine dining restaurants are tucked away next to chic lounge bars and gelato shops lining the waterfront. The backdrop is one of dense pine trees, interspersed with pristine coves for swimming.