Luxury hotel in Istria

There are places you visit. And there are places that make you quieten down. The Meneghetti Wine Hotel & Winery 5* in Bale, nestled amongst rolling vineyards, shimmering olive groves and the nearby Adriatic Sea, clearly belongs to the latter category. A retreat that does not loudly boast of luxury, but cultivates it: in stone walls, in glasses, in gardens, in sunsets.

As a member of Relais & Châteaux, Meneghetti combines Istrian authenticity with international grandeur. The estate’s history dates back to the Austro-Hungarian era, when wine, olive oil and food were produced here for the nearby naval base. Today, it has become one of Croatia’s finest hideaways: a place for connoisseurs, those seeking peace and quiet, wine lovers and anyone who wants to not just visit Istria, but savour it.

Accommodation ranges from stylish rooms and suites to spacious residences, villas with private pools and the exclusive Estate House. Everything feels as though it has been curated from a beautiful Mediterranean dream: natural stone, warm colours, understated elegance, plenty of space and that distinctive Istrian serenity.

A highlight is the Meneghetti Winery. The estate produces multi-award-winning wines, including elegant blends of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc. Tastings take place in the Wine Lounge, the barrique room or the private tasting room – ideal for anyone who wants to not only hear about terroir, but understand it in the glass. Added to this are the estate’s own olive oils, which impressively underline Istria’s reputation as a world-class region for extra virgin olive oil.

Meneghetti is also a destination in its own right when it comes to cuisine. The Michelin-recommended restaurant uses produce from its own organic garden, where over 120 varieties of fruit, vegetables and herbs are grown. What grows here not only finds its way into the restaurant kitchens fresh from the harvest, but also forms part of a concept that is as charming as it is thoughtfully conceived: During particularly bountiful periods, guests are invited to help themselves: ripe tomatoes, fragrant herbs and juicy fruit can be picked and taken away with ease. An elegant response to the issue of food waste, combining enjoyment with environmental awareness.

And even the gardens reflect this philosophy: When lavender, rosemary and flowers are in full bloom, guests are also welcome to help themselves here, cutting small bouquets to take a piece of this Mediterranean way of life home with them. It is precisely this blend of generosity, authenticity and experience that elevates Meneghetti’s cuisine to a level far beyond classic fine dining. ‘Garden-to-table’ is not just a buzzword here, but a way of life. In summer, the Oliveto Restaurant complements the offering with light Mediterranean cuisine.

Those seeking relaxation will find it at the new Meneghetti Spa: treatments featuring olive oil, grapes, lavender, rosemary and sage, indoor pools, a sauna, a steam room, a Tranquility Zone and a garden spa. Those who prefer to unwind through activity can choose from yoga, tennis, golf lessons, e-bikes, jogging trails or outdoor fitness.

And then there’s the sea: the renovated Meneghetti Beach Club, just two kilometres away, offers Adriatic joie de vivre in its purest form. Sun loungers, cabanas, a pebble beach, cocktails, a beach restaurant, DJ music and crystal-clear water – luxury hardly gets any more laid-back than this.

Meneghetti is therefore far more than just a hotel. It is an Istrian total work of art: wine, olive oil, architecture, nature, spa, beach and cuisine in perfect harmony. Highly recommended for anyone wishing to experience Croatia at its most sophisticated, sensual and perhaps most beautiful.

Location: Istria, near Bale (Valle), Croatia

Category: 5-star boutique hotel & winery (member of Relais & Châteaux)

Accommodation: 58 units in total

• Rooms & Suites (28–65 m²)
• Estate Residences (75–150 m², some with pool/garden)
• Villas (100–225 m², with private pool)
• Exclusive Estate House “Casa del Bosco”

Restaurants & Cuisine:

• Michelin-recommended fine dining restaurant
• “Oliveto” summer restaurant
• Beach Club Restaurant
• Focus: organic ingredients from our own garden & regional produce

Winery & Production:

• own vineyard with over 40,000 vines
• approx. 7 hectares of vineyards
• award-winning wines & extra virgin olive oil
• Tastings, wine lounge & guided tours

Spa & Wellness:

• Meneghetti Spa with indoor pools
• Adults-only Tranquility Zone (18+)
• Sauna, steam room, garden spa
• Treatments using our own natural products

Activities:

• Yoga, meditation, personal training
• Tennis court & golf driving range
• E-bikes, jogging & outdoor fitness
• Children’s area available

Beach Club:

• 2 km away
• Private access to the Adriatic Sea
• Restaurant, bar, lounges & cabanas

Event venues:

• Garden Pavilion (new, for weddings & business events)
• Restaurant & Oliveto
• Wine Lounge
• Beach Club (outdoor)

Special features:

• 12-hectare estate
• own organic garden (120+ plant species)
• multi-award-winning wines & olive oils
• sustainable, ‘garden-to-table’ concept

meneghetti.hr

Alexandra Gorsche is a food journalist, presenter, speaker, consultant and culinary expert with a clear focus on fine dining, hospitality and contemporary restaurant culture. She is editor-in-chief of Genusspunkt, oversees the culinary direction at stayinart, and writes for renowned publishers and media brands such as Callwey Verlag. In her work, she combines gastronomy, culture, design, travel and entrepreneurship, covering everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to the latest food trends, influential culinary figures and innovative hospitality concepts.