You know the level of quality you’re going to get within seconds of arriving at one of the most luxurious hotels in Croatia. Floor to ceiling windows greet you as you step into the mezzanine lobby, wowing you with breathtaking views of the crystal blue Adriatic Sea and offering a tantalizing taste of what is in store for your break to the Monte Mulini.
Located in Ruvinj, just 30 minutes from Pula airport, this unspoilt spot of rugged coastline makes for an idyllic spot for a long weekend of rest and relaxation. The hotel is situated among a protected nature reserve, and all 113 rooms and suites have balconies that boast views of the sparkling azure waters.
Only opened in 2008, everything about the Monte Mulini oozes class and sophistication. With boutique appeal and a modern, contemporary style, attention to detail is paramount, from the excellent levels of service to the beautiful Murano glass chandeliers. Rooms are spacious and well appointed, a favourite feature being the wardrobes that are accessible from both the bedroom and the bathroom.
Four free-form swimming pools ensure you are never far from a lounger or a dip, with comfortable sun-beds offering the maximum in ultra relaxation. Beach lovers will struggle to find a sandy oasis in this region but a 50m walk will take you directly onto the rocky shores of the shimmering sea.
For those who enjoy a little more activity on their holiday, the hotel offers bike rentals giving you the opportunity to explore the surrounding areas, including the nearby picturesque fishing village of Rovinj Old Town and whilst dining at the hotel is excellent, there are a number of fine eateries in the town for those who want to get out and explore some of the local hotspots.
The Monte Mulini Art Wellness centre manages to create the feeling of an intimate space, despite being spread over three floors and being 2400sq metres in size. From the moment you step inside, you cannot help but feel a sense of inner peace and tranquility wash over you. The concept is based on three elements; Beauty, Activity and Spa, with an aim to embody the art of wellbeing and healthy living.
An expert team will talk you through the treatments and services on offer. As well as the more traditional treatments that you might expect to find, they also offer a number of signature therapies including the ‘Golden Treasure’, a skin treatment made with 24-carat gold (800KN for 75 minutes), the ‘Vinotherapy Tonification’, a treatment made with Muscat grapes (670KN for 75 minutes) and the ‘Caviar Lifting and Hydration’ treatment (520KN for 60 minutes).
If you prefer something a little more conventional then you cannot go wrong with the Deep Tissue Massage, a great stress-buster which will really work those knots out (350KN for 30 minutes) or the Gentleman’s Choice; a skincare and massage specially formulated for men (460KN for 60 minutes). In addition to individual treatments, the spa also offers a range of packages such as their ‘5 Treatments for 2’ (3600KN for 300 minutes).
The spa plays host to a Mediterranean inspired garden where guests can relax and enjoy fresh fruit plates or specially formulated juices from the Vitality Bar, perfect for the time you have in between appointments or for taking a break between the saunas and hydrotherapy pools.
As the day ends and the sunsets over the panoramic vista, relax on your balcony with a glass of champagne before heading to one of the onsite restaurants for some dinner.
There are two restaurants on site; Wine Vault and Mediterraneo. Wine Vault is their high-end offering with an extensive menu and a wine list to boot. They boast 1500 vintages with prices up to £2000 per bottle. Mediterraneo offers a slightly less complex menu for both food and wine but produce is still top class and the selection of seafood dishes are perfectly complimented by the Croatian wines on offer. Chef Tomislav Gretic who is somewhat a local celebrity oversees both restaurants, he is currently a judge on the Croatian version of Masterchef and prides himself on the fresh, seasonal and local produce on offer.
If you’re looking for an unspoilt hidden gem, then northern Croatia is an ideal destination for recharging the batteries with the Hotel Monte Mulini providing the perfect base to re-energise.
