Hotel Monte Mulini

Monte Mulini is Rovinj's luxury address, a stylish hotel set among pines above the small bay of Mulini, a ten to fifteen minute walk from the old town. The Maistra Collection property is designed for adults, which gives it a quiet, refined atmosphere. Architecture blends warm stone, glass and wood with contemporary interiors, and the lobby opens to terraces that look toward the sea and the old town's skyline. Rooms and suites are spacious, with soft neutral colours, balconies or terraces and luxurious bathrooms, and several categories have views of the water. The hotel is known for its spa, which includes pools, saunas, treatment rooms and a relaxation area, and for its restaurants, which put emphasis on Istrian produce and seafood, with a fine dining option for special evenings.

Days at Monte Mulini can be unhurried. Mornings start with a generous breakfast, followed by time at the pool or on the sun terrace, where staff bring drinks and snacks. The shoreline below the hotel includes a small beach and platforms for swimming, and the path into town passes cafes and viewpoints.

Evenings might begin with an aperitif on the terrace as the lights come on in the old town, followed by dinner in the restaurant or a stroll to the harbour. Service is attentive and professional, in keeping with the hotel's luxury category, and staff can arrange boat charters, wine tours and truffle outings.

The location is the main advantage. You enjoy a peaceful setting yet can walk to the old town in a quarter of an hour, which means you avoid the summer crowds but remain close enough for easy dinners and evening strolls. The adults-only policy appeals to couples and honeymooners, and it also suits friends or solo travellers who want a calm base. Families with children should look at the Maistra family hotels instead.

Rates are highest in July and August, with shoulder seasons offering better value and softer weather. Consider a package that includes half board or spa credit, and book well ahead for summer weekends. If you want a splurge in Istria, this is the classic choice, and the combination of spa, sea and old town makes it a sound base for a longer stay.

To get the best from a stay, think about the pace you want. Some guests treat the hotel as a retreat and barely leave the terrace, while others use it as a base for sailing trips, cycling in the Golden Cape forest park, cooking classes or visits to wineries in the interior.

The concierge can arrange all of these, as well as private transfers to the airports at Pula and Trieste. Dress in the evening is smart casual, and booking the restaurant early is wise on weekends in high season. Honeymooners and anniversary guests often ask for a sea view room and a celebration touch.