|Places| the hillside |Places| the hillside opposite the main town, with panoramic views to match. Grand Park is more than its elevated perspective, not least its signature restaurant, Cap Aureo, where Maltese chef Jeffrey Vella produces an array of artistically presented dishes – mostly, but not exclusively, made from locally sourced vegetables – paired perfectly with wines by a sommelier with an unsurpassable knowledge of Croatian vintages. The well-equipped spa also has a local twist, with a popular treatment known as “batana bodywork”, a signature massage (warning: the batana is the name of the local fishing boat and an oar is used – it’s invigorating). In the same complex, Hotel Monte Mulini is an adults-only property which provides a gastronomic guide to Croatia in its sumptuous Wine Vault. Across the harbour, Hotel Adriatic was constructed on the seafront, reputedly with parts of the historic defensive wall incorporated into the structure. Inside, it is a tribute to modern Croatian art, with works by local painters and sculptors adorning every wall and space. With hotels in Zagreb and Dubrovnik, Maistra has spread its wings, but Rovinj, with its narrow streets and winding path up to the glorious Church of St Euphemia, is truly its spiritual home – and a Croatian gem that remains relatively undiscovered. Hotel Ikador, set along the picturesque Opatija Riviera Out of Town There is plenty to explore around Opatija and Rovinj – on both land and sea OPATIJA Sail the Coast Exploring the islands, dolphin watching or simply trying to spot the exclusive villas in the tree-covered hillsides, there are plenty of opportunities to glimpse the Opatija Riviera from the comfort of a yacht. Ikador Hotel Boating is an option at this charming boutique hotel in the small fishing village of Ika, 4.5 kilometres from Opatija, thanks to its own Riva Aquariva Super. Alternatively, just enjoy the view from the Riva Lounge pool bar, or the other amenities of this elegant 16-key property. ikador.com Konoba Zijavica Glorious seafood isn’t hard to find in Croatia, but go that extra mile – in this case to the quaint village of Mošcenicka ´ ˇ Draga – and great rewards can be found. Here, chef Stiven Vunic ´ conjures inventive versions of Croatian specialities, served as close to the sea as you can get. konoba-zijavica.com ROVINJ Prodan Tartufi The acclaimed Istrian truffle is much in demand, so why not find it at the source? The Prodan family offer a truffle-hunting guide on their private grounds 60 kilometres northeast of Rovinj, plus a chance to sample the precious spore in rustic-chic surrounds. prodantartufi.hr Roxanich In the beautiful medieval town of Motovun, avant-garde winemaker Mladen Rožanic ´ and his family produce very distinctive wines, and have now turned their hands to hospitality with a colourful boutique hotel with 32 exquisite rooms and a finedining restaurant. roxanich.com PHOTO © HOTEL IKADOR 24 CENTURION-MAGAZINE.COM
Venice, Italy - Photo by Steve McCurry how do you keep a memory? OVER 900 DESTINATIONS TO EXPLORE. Contact your travel advisor, call 888.978.4070 or visit silversea.com/curious TO THE CURIOUS
