Meneghetti, luxury in Croatia

A name I’m sure you’ve already heard. I was a guest in this wonderful place in September 2015 (here’s the story about my stay). I’m sure you’re wondering why I returned… because some things have changed since last time!

When I found out that Meneghetti had made some changes I immediately took the opportunity to find out all about them; a pleasant return to Croatia, a land I truly love, especially during the warm season. As the days lengthen and the sun gets warmer it’s a trip I can’t wait to take: I just can’t wait.

We’re in Valle (Bale in Croatian), a medieval town in Croatian Istria, about 75 minutes from Trieste; from here, travelling a few more kilometers through the local woods, you reach Meneghetti. The building is a typical stone structure, surrounded by vineyards and olive trees (this area is also well known for the production on excellent Leccino olive oil).

Meneghetti has a restaurant and have 24 rooms ( 15 residences and 9 rooms and suites )  which make it part of the Relais & Châteaux chain. A paradise surrounded by trees with the sounds of nature as a soundtrack: a lovely park with two outdoor swimming pools, a restaurant and an entire new section of the hotel, which is still under construction new villas !

My room was on two floors, a small apartment with a mini bar, living room, an extra bathroom and patio; on the first floor I had a king size bed covered in pillows and a bathroom with a very fascinating style: everything was made in natural materials. I treated myself to a lovely long bubble bath (the hotel’s curtesy kit includes full size soap a shampoo bottles).

I was welcomed by a bottle of young Merlot from 2017 (don’t forget Meneghetti also produces wine!).

But that’s not all. If the weather is still not warm enough to take a swim in the pools, you can try out their inside pool; a paradise, surrounded by large glass windows which will give you the feeling of being outside.

Sport enthusiasts will appreciate their well-equipped gym with a wellness area for massages and various treatments.

Meneghetti doesn’t look out onto the sea, but the beach is easily accessible: it’s a 25-minute walk along a trail (it will be quicker if you go by bike), or just a 5-minute drive. You have everything you need!

There’s one last thing. I’m sorry but I can’t reveal anything about the restaurant…I decided I’ll write an entire article about the food I had here. But I’ll tell you about their excellent breakfasts, packed with local and organic products.

The buffet, both sweet and savory, has anything imaginable: from fruit juice to home-made marmalade, from cheese to quinoa. But I shouldn’t forget the fresh fruit, cold cuts, fresh yogurt…anything your heart desires.

But you’ll have to wait a few days to find out what I had for lunch, I’m still working on the next article (my lunch with Fabio Vitale”… yes that’s right, Meneghetti’s chef is Italian!

That’s all for now, you’ll have to do with a few lovely images of Istria.

See you soon!

Ph. Paolo Cossich