Things to do
Incredibly well set up for relaxed days, the hotel is immersed in nature and greenery, originally tended by Mr Meneghetti the farmer who grew vines and olive trees from his 18th century farmhouse. Today the olives and vines still thrive, and the on-site winery is a great place to sample the hotel’s wines. Guests are also encouraged to grab bikes and cycle down to the private beach club to swim in the Adriatic’s clear-as-glass waters. Back at the hotel, head to the spa for soothing massages and time in the sauna or indoor pool. There are also two pools and plenty of scenic spots to sit for a glass of the hotel’s own fizzy rosé wine. In less than half an hour you can explore Pula and Rovinj, both gorgeous examples of Istrian coastal towns. Pula has a well-preserved Roman amphitheatre whereas romantic Rovinj has a tangle of cobbled streets leading up to the hilltop church of Saint Euphemia.
Sleeping
The nice thing about this hotel is that there is quite a variety of rooms to suit the needs of each traveller. If you’re an active type who will be out and about every day exploring Istria, then you might like to choose one of the rooms or suites in the main hotel. However, the luxurious villas and residences, built in typical Istrian architecture with shuttered windows and decorated in a modern, pared-back style are hard to resist and are ideal for families travelling with grandparents or nannies and can even be interconnecting for larger groups. The one- and two-bedroom residences have their own dining room and well-stocked bar. Outside in the garden are shaded terraces, padded sunloungers and a private pool. Honeymooners or couples on an anniversary trip will love the privacy and luxe spaciousness of the one-bedroom villas which have their own kitchen, large dining and living area plus a garden with private pool.
Food & Drink
Food is a highlight here at Meneghetti. Just a mile from the coast and immersed in vines, orchards and olive groves, it’s unsurprising that the menu features heavily from the locale, showcasing the region’s many delicacies, exceptionally presented, such as their ‘liquid gold’ olive oil, seafood, fish, homemade pasta and freshly found Istrian truffles. You might also find yourself dining in unusual locations like under the 200-year-old oak tree, below a dark night sky dotted with stars. As the hotel has its own vineyard, wine has a strong focus here whether that’s in the cool winery cum slick wine bar or discussing your requirements with the sommelier at dinner. Nearby Rovinj has a host of restaurants to suit the gourmand including Michelin-starred eateries and family-run trattorias. Breakfast is also exceptional: staff bring fruit, meat, cheese and pastries to the table, followed by a dazzling array of prepared-to-order options such as eggs royale, French toast and chia pudding.
What Stands Out
In our experience, it’s unusual to find a hotel this secluded with all the trappings of rural life yet so close to the coast. With just one mile to the beach, it’s possible to enjoy both country and coast at Meneghetti. It’s also rare to find a hotel that lets you explore so much of its local culture without having to tour the country. This is the perfect standalone break where you could stay easily for a week and never tire of the peaceful atmosphere, romantic towns, picturesque beaches and island escapades around the nearby Brijuni archipelago.
Best For
Are you an oenophile, foodie, peace-seeker, naturalist, beach lover or history buff? Or do you simply appreciate a chic and stylish stay with uncompromising service? If the answer is yes to any or all of these, then Meneghetti Wine Hotel is for you. It’s also to be noted that although much is made of the tranquil atmosphere, the hotel is also very welcoming to families and the competent staff do whatever they can to make life as easy as possible for you.
