Rovinj, Croatia’s “Blue Pearl of the Adriatic”, Joins the Five-star Club

The exclusive boutique five-star Monte Mulini Hotel in the Croatian resort of Rovinj is the new realization of developer Maistra Inc, one of Croatia’s leading hotel companies, ambition to position Rovinj as the elite destination on the Mediterranean coast.

Ground has been broken in more ways than one for the 212-key property, designed by leading architects and interior designers WATG, which opened in March 2009. The dramatic, contemporary building is set into the hillside of the Golden Cape overlooking a small bay and surrounded by a protected nature reserve, will be to be open all year-round.

The architecture of the hotel makes the most of its glorious location, with a dramatic glass wall over three levels greeting guests as they check-in with undisturbed views of the sea. The remaining public areas are similarly designed to maximize natural light and all guest rooms benefit from balconies offering fantastic views of the chic pool area, the crystal-clear sea and the surrounding nature reserve.

Timelessly classic interiors with big feature fireplaces in the entrance hall and central atrium ensure that Hotel Monte Mulini will be a comfortable getaway in winter as well as in summer. Guest rooms and suites are spacious and contemporary, with sensual fabrics and textures, bespoke furniture and original Croatian artwork especially commission for the hotel. A regal colour palette with shades of burnished gold and creamy white, enhanced by rich purples and shades of aubergine is used throughout the hotel – creating an ambience of warm, soothing luxury.

Gourmets are well catered for at Hotel Monte Mulini. Executive chef Tomislav Gretic – who opened Dubai’s Asia de Cuba and perfected his craft at Zurich’s Dolder Grand – aims to make the two gourmet restaurants the best in the area.

Mediterraneo à la carte restaurant has 54 seats in a spacious terraced area for alfresco dining and relaxation on warmer days. While guests sample delicious Mediterranean fusion cuisine they can enjoy fine views of the pool area, the bay and romantic sunsets. On cooler evenings a further 118 covers are available inside, but guests still benefit from the views.

The traditional Croatian Wine Vault restaurant on the lowest level is a fine dining restaurant with 60 seats serving French delicacies. Diners enter through a wrought iron gate into a cellar restaurant with vaulted ceilings, terracotta brickwork and unique candlelit candelabras. Stone floors enhance the cellar feel but are counterbalanced by the warmth of the exposed brickwork and the soft furnishings, and the dining area extends out onto a further spacious terrace with romantic views of the sea.

Alongside its world-class chef, ’s sommelier Emil Perdec presides over the Wine Vault, which features an extensive wine cellar with an impressive selection of 550 superior Croatian and international wines. A private wine tasting room can be hired for wine tasting events.

One of the star attractions at Hotel Monte Mulini is its spa. Set over two levels with reception and treatment rooms on the upper level, above the pool and sauna area, the Monte Mulini Wellness Centre includes a VIP Salon with ‘zones’ which can be booked by individuals, couples (or friends) for individually designed treatments which last for up to four hours. The luxury interiors are predominantly gold and white and feature materials inspired from Hotel Monte Mulini’s Mediterranean surroundings, with stylized rock with Swarovski crystal ‘water’ drops and natural stone complimenting the Esensa Mediterana cosmetics.

A short stroll along the marina from Monte Mulini is Rovinj, one of the most picturesque towns in the Mediterranean. The old town is perched on a narrow peninsula high up on a hill, crowded with Venetian terracotta-roofed houses and crowned by the 18th century Church of St Euphemia, whose bell tower dominates Rovinj’s skyline. Atmospheric cobbled alleys invite visitors to wander around and explore colourful galleries and shops, filled with local arts and crafts. A central square is edged with lively cafés and restaurants spreading out on to a charming harbour crammed with sailing and fishing boats – perfect to watch the world go by.

In high summer, days in Rovinj are spent on the pine-backed, pebbly beaches minutes from the hotel. But there is more to Rovinj than beachfront chic and those wanting to explore the delights of the region will find that Rovinj is an excellent base all the year round.