Everyone knows of the “San Rocco” as locals call this hotel. It has been run by the same family for many years, for five consecutive years, it has been declared the best small family heritage hotel in Croatia.
Situated less than 10 miles from the seaside, it is something of an oasis, set within endless vineyards and olive groves. In the north of the Istria region, near the western coast, Brtonigla is known as the “small place of great discoveries” and locals will say that visitors are always surprised at the diversity of the surrounding areas.
Everyone knows of the “San Rocco” as locals call this hotel. It has been run by the same family for many years, for five consecutive years, it has been declared the best small family heritage hotel in Croatia.
Situated less than 10 miles from the seaside, it is something of an oasis, set within endless vineyards and olive groves. In the north of the Istria region, near the western coast, Brtonigla is known as the “small place of great discoveries” and locals will say that visitors are always surprised at the diversity of the surrounding areas.
The original small town was erected on a scenic hill on the top of the remains of a former castle. Today, the village attracts people for the scenery, the authentic Istrian cuisine and locally made wine and olive oil. The white wine here is called Malvasia, the red is Teran.
Hotel San Rocco is a heritage hotel in a historic building which offers a very warm welcome. Until around seven years ago, most people would stay for two-three nights as part of the tour. Now, the average stay is six nights. Peace, serenity, great food and relaxation are clearly a winning formula.
Use of stone and wood throughout the building make this look more like a home than a hotel. The indoor restaurant is cosy, although most guests choose to have breakfast and other meals outside on the beautiful garden terrace during summer . The a la carte menu is extensive with a number of tasting and pairing menus. There is a lift.
A courtyard leads to the open air dining terrace and beyond into the terraced gardens where there are sunbeds and free towels both in the grounds and at the beautiful outside pool. Around the gardens there are pretty patios with seating areas.
The spa has a small indoor pool which is perfect for low season, there is a sauna and the hotel is open all year (apart from a few weeks in January). A range of massage treatments is available with booking usually one day in advance at reception. Bicycles are for hire free of charge with good maps of the excellent trails.
San Rocco makes its own wine and olive oil and guests can have wine tastings in the cellar.
The village has several bars and restaurants and the family’s Konoba Primizia offers a discount for diners who are resident at San Rocco.
The hotel is perfect for couples or groups of friends interested in authentic, local cuisine, wine and outdoor pursuits including hiking, biking and horse-riding (stables around 20 minutes away)
Accommodation
- There are 13 stylishly and rustically furnished rooms and suites with use of local wood, stone and ironwork.
- All rooms have coffee making machine, robes and slippers and special pool bag containing pool towels
Due to the heritage nature of the building there are no balconies
Amenities/Features
- Indoor lounge and outdoor terrace leading to pretty, spacious gardens
- Lobby bar-lounge
- Restaurant serving breakfast and a la carte menu with renowned chef and outside seating
- Large outdoor pool with terrace surround and sunbeds
- Small indoor pool and spa with sauna and massage service options
- Free WiFi throughout the hotel
- Lift
- Free bike hire (subject to availability)
- Special events catered for
- Konoba Primizia restaurant in the village is owned by San Rocco and offers discounts on meals to hotel residents
- Local, experienced reception staff happy to arrange excursions
- Car parking (currently free of charge)