Croatian Riviera

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Croatian Riviera 🇭🇷

Istria

Istria is a spectacular region in northern Croatia located on a giant peninsula and is about equal distance to the international airports of Venice and Zagreb. Istria is known more for its luscious rolling hills and verdant countryside, whereas the Dalmation region is known more for its rugged limestone mountains and island-studded archipelagos.

Opatija

Opatija is a charming seaside resort town nestled on the Istrian peninsula of Croatia, renowned for its elegant architecture, stunning coastal views, Austro-Hungarian architectural influence, and tranquil ambiance. The beautiful Lungomare promenade offers sunset views and stylish waterfront restaurants and art murals displaying iconic visitors like Einstein, Joyce, Isadora Duncan, and the Lumiere brothers on the Wall of Fame. There is a space for visitors to take photos next to the inscription ‘I was in Opatija too!’

Ikador Luxury Boutique Hotel & Spa / Nobilion Restaurant

We stayed at the Ikador Luxury Boutique Hotel & Spa, where guests can also arrive via their Riva Aquariva Super speedboat or Sennair Helicopter arriving from Venice, Munich, Salzburg, Vienna. The Ikador was a beautiful hotel where giant windows opened up to views of the sea with the curtains opening via a bedside button. There are both musical and nautical influences in the design of the hotel and also seen in the Nobilion Restaurant, ranked the 5th best-rated restaurant in 2023 by Gault Millau.

Truffle Hunting at Karlic Tartufi

Just a short hour long drive through green rolling hills is the family-run truffle business, Karlic Tartufi. We were welcomed with a glass of truffle flavored Grappe by a daughter of the family who shared with us the history of their business. We learned they train the dogs to hunt for truffles through toys sprayed with truffle oil or truffle treats. Pigs have been used in the past but dogs have become a preferred choice since there is less chance of the truffle being crushed. The dogs are happy and well-loved and treated like family pets. The day started with a truffle hunt where we took a short drive to the edge of their forest. The guide was friendly and happy to share the history of truffle hunting and how they train the dogs. The golden retriever Leila was after a scent within a few minutes and found the largest truffle of the day of the day, likely X grams and $. Most of the truffle hunting was taken care of by the dogs' noses as we followed along. The truffle hunt turned out to be a nice stroll through the edge of their forest and vineyards. It’s a good life to be truffle dog in Croatia.

After the truffle hunt, we were taken to a beautiful dining hall with floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall windows with sweeping views of rolling green hills that you would imagine seeing in Tuscany. The chef made truffle omelets and allowed guests to participate in the cooking demonstration. The portion of truffles was so generous that it seemed almost more truffle than egg. We were a group of 5 but saw a table for about 20 had also been set up. This dining hall could easily be a fantastic meeting or wedding venue.

San Canzian Hotel & Residences

Only 45 minutes away is the San Canzian Hotel & Residences featuring a Michelin restaurant and gorgeous spa. Located deep in the Istrian countryside, the expansive property seems like a secret retreat with its luxurious private villas . Our group stayed in a three story villa that had a waterfall pool and inviting interior with a kitchen, living room, and patio as common areas. The privacy of the Villa and amenities in the Villa made it seem like a luxury air BnB. The San Canzian Village would be a great alternative to those looking for the privacy of a home rental. Guests can enjoy the proximity to its Michelin restaurant and spa, as well as housekeeping services, making a stay at the San Canzian Village a truly luxury and exclusive getaway.

Rovinj

About an hour drive south is the picturesque coastal medieval city of Rovinj. You could spend hours wandering the narrow colorful and cobblestoned streets but our guide wanted to ensure we caught the sunset view from the Cathedral at the top of the hill. Rovinj was built on a hill that was originally an island but was connected to the mainland when the channel was filled in the 1700s. The sunset was more beautiful than promised and we then walked down the city perimeter lined with galleries, cafes, and restaurants next to the cliffs and coves where tourists and locals watched the beautiful sunset.

If you are staying in Rovinj, I recommend staying at one of the 5-star hotels below, both members of the Maestro hospitality group.

The Grand Park Hotel

had beautiful views of Rovinj and access to the old city via the Lungomare Plaza Seaside Promenade . A 20-minute stroll passes luxury yachts and high end shops, bars and restaurants. What was interesting to note about this 5-star luxury property was a conference meeting space with an infinity pool as well as a resident eagle guarding the guests and area from messy seabirds.

2. Hotel Monte Mulini

This adults-only 5-star hotel welcomes you with a view of a crystal blue water filling the entire window of the beautiful lobby. Hotel Monte Mulini is ideally located next to the Golden Cape Forest Park. The oak, pine groves and cypress trees give the impression of a lakefront forest but it’s actually a national peninsula park next the the Adriatic Sea. A unique feature of the hotel is the opportunity to book a Chef’s Table experience. This is the latest trend among the world’s finest restaurants. Gourmets and foodies have access to a special table within the kitchen and can also visit the secret Wine Vault for an up to 6-person engaging experience.