If you suspected that ‘Meneghetti’ has an Italian ring to it, you’re right. The name stems from the property’s original owner, a farmer named Meneghetti, who once cultivated the land to feed Austro-Hungarian soldiers stationed in Istria during the empire’s reign from 1867 to 1918.
Decades later, in search of a tranquil country home, retired lawyer Miroslav Plišo and his wife, Romana Kajfe, discovered the crumbling estate of which all that remained was a weathered courtyard wall and the ruins of the original house. Yet, the spirit of Meneghetti’s labour still lingered and was immensely felt by the family and guests of the couple, prompting them to expand their humble holiday abode into an epochnymous boutique hotel in 2011, so that locals and travellers alike could come and experience the timeless beauty and bounty of the land that Meneghetti once tended.
As you drive through the guarded gates of Meneghetti, you’re immediately greeted by a sweeping amphitheatre of vineyards that encircle the property and a sun-drenched restaurant terrace that leads to a rustic limestone Reception building. This architecture is typical for the Istria region and is prominent throughout the hotel alongside clay-tiled roofs and wooden doors.
As well as this natural and architectural charm, you’ll also spot clusters of antique trinkets that lie both in and out of the property. From old clay vases that line the pebbled paths to vintage gas lamps with ornate bases and weighty irons, these displays reflect Miroslav’s passion for antiques and his commitment to breathing new life into forgotten treasures.
Stay
At the residences, these antique elements are thoughtfully paired with modern furnishings and contemporary art, creating a capsule of time that’s unique to Meneghetti. A standout expression of this modernity is in the artwork of Saša Šekoranja, whose pieces enliven both the public spaces and private suites. As both a florist and an artist, Šekoranja blends the natural with the abstract; his art features printed black twigs, fractured branches, and whimsical floral forms that work to infuse Meneghetti’s interiors with tepid playfulness and an added layer of nature and imagination.
Of all the residences, we especially recommend the Colossal Pool Residence for couples and parties under four. This two-bedroom retreat offers supreme privacy while maintaining a spacious penthouse feel. The minimalist living area on the ground floor opens onto a private patio and pool, while upstairs, a king-size bed sits beside a sleek main bathroom featuring dual sinks and a freestanding shower.
For families or larger groups of up to six, the II Capo Pool Villa provides the same refined comforts, with the addition of a third bedroom for extra space and convenience.
While you’re free to explore your residence and grounds at your own pace, the hotel also offers complimentary guided tours twice daily – an opportunity to delve deeper into Meneghetti’s winery, its rich history, and the story behind its conception.
Dine
Located at the entrance of the hotel, beside the elegantly restored ruins of the original house, the Meneghetti Restaurant is arguably the most enchanting of the estate’s public spaces. Cushioned wrought-iron chairs and sturdy wooden tables are adorned with kumquat trees and sprigs of olive branches, setting a rustic yet refined tone. This restaurant is the gastronomical centre of the hotel, which, headed up by Chef Ante Miletić, serves a modern interpretation of Istrian cuisine including a selection of delicate risottos – my personal favourites from the weekly-changing menu.
During the summer months, guests can also enjoy lunch at Oliveto, a seasonal poolside restaurant neighbouring Arne Quinze’s towering outdoor sculpture. Here, fresh salads and light dishes are served in a relaxed al fresco setting and, from next year, will also feature a dedicated vegan menu complemented by an interactive experience where guests can visit the hotel’s zero-waste biogarden to hand-pick vegetables, which are then prepared for their meal.
Sustainability is a core ambition for Meneghetti. The biogarden is currently being expanded to support a fully self-sufficient food supply, and by 2026, a new chicken coop will provide the hotel with its own supply of fresh eggs.
In addition to its hospitality offering, Meneghetti is also a working winery, producing a distinguished selection of Croatian wines that are thoughtfully paired with meals. The estate also crafts four varieties of olive oil, which are served with fresh bread at every sitting.
In line with its sustainability ethos, all wine and oil bottles are recycled, and filtered still and sparkling water is served exclusively in glass bottles to reduce plastic waste across the property.
Relax
If you’re planning to spend most of your time at Meneghetti, you’ll find no shortage of on-site activities to keep you engaged. Start your day with morning stretching at 10:15 am (held daily, except on Sundays), then perhaps visit the serene spa, practice your swing at the hotel’s driving range, take complimentary wine tastings, enjoy tennis lessons on the clay court, or borrow a hotel bike to explore the surrounding nature trails. From June 15th, guests can also hop on a complimentary shuttle to the Meneghetti Beach Club, which is located a little over a mile away, where the crystal-clear waters and white pebble beaches of the Istrian coast await.
Explore
For those eager to explore beyond the estate, the hotel can arrange day trips to nearby towns such as Motovun and Rovinj – nicknamed “the city of fresh air.” These picturesque destinations offer a mix of historic architecture, scenic harbours, and elevated Istrian cuisine, including meals at local favourites like Konoba Mondo or the Michelin-starred Monte.
Of all the experiences I tried, however, truffle hunting was undoubtedly the highlight. At your request, Meneghetti’s staff can organise an unforgettable outing to Karlić Tartufi – Croatia’s top-rated truffle hunting tour – where you’ll join an expert truffle hunter and his dogs as they guide you through the forest in search of these earthy treasures. The tour finishes with a deliciously indulgent truffle-themed brunch, featuring truffle oils, butters, spreads, and even truffle-infused chocolate nestled inside traditional fritule (fried doughnuts).
The Istria region is famously abundant in truffles, making the experience a must. In fact, did you know the world’s largest white truffle, weighing 1.31kg, was found in Istria by Giancarlo Zigante on November 2, 1999? It even made it into the Guinness Book of Records.
A sweeping amphitheatre of vineyards encircles the property and its sun-drenched restaurant terrace, leading to the rustic limestone Reception building. This architecture is typical for the Istria region and is prominent throughout the hotel alongside clay-tiled roofs and wooden doors.
The Colossal Pool Residence is ideal for couples and parties of four. This two-bedroom retreat offers supreme privacy while maintaining a spacious penthouse feel, with a minimalist living area on the ground floor that opens onto a private patio and pool.
For families or larger groups of up to six, the II Capo Pool Villa provides the same refined comforts, with the addition of a third bedroom for extra space and convenience.
If you’re planning to spend most of your time at Meneghetti, you’ll find no shortage of on-site activities to keep you engaged: with every day (except Sundays) starting with morning stretching at 10:15 am.
The Colossal Pool Residence is available from €977 (approx. $1,115) per night in low season and €1970 ($2,250) in peak season. Contact: reservations@meneghetti.hr, phone number: +385 52 528 800, website: meneghetti.hr/en
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