Latest news with #Istrian
Los Angeles Times
27-05-2025
- Los Angeles Times
Once A Medieval Village, Now a Rustic Wedding Hideaway in the Istrian Hills of Croatia
Tucked into the hills of olive trees near Buje, San Canzian Village & Hotel offers a secluded yet sophisticated setting for destination weddings in the Istria region of Croatia. The property occupies the site of a once-abandoned medieval village, now thoughtfully restored into a design-forward retreat that honors its rural heritage. Located near the Slovenian border, the region is steeped in a rich blend of Roman, Venetian, and Austro-Hungarian influences, which lend the area its layered character and slow, sun-warmed rhythm. San Canzian accommodates celebrations both small and large, with full buyout options of the full estate. Across 24 rooms, suites, and villas, guests are invited to stay in understated luxury, surrounded by vineyard views and modern interiors rooted in local craftsmanship. Ceremonies and receptions can be held in a choice of serene garden courtyards, stone-lined terraces, or a cozy indoor setting. San Canzian's fine-dining restaurant can handle catering needs. They offer a world-class culinary experience showcasing the best of Istrian cuisine, a Mediterranean-influenced tradition known for its use of truffles, olive oil, seafood, and locally grown produce. Couples can tailor the food selection to reflect personal preferences and dietary requirements. Pre-wedding gatherings or farewell brunches can also be arranged, making the property well-suited to multi-day celebrations. Croatia is fast becoming one of the most popular countries for destination weddings. With on-site coordination available and an elevated setting that also feels immersive in the surrounding culture, San Canzian quietly delivers the hallmarks of a romantic European wedding: beauty, privacy, and an authentic connection to the land. Istria, Croatia's heart-shaped peninsula, blends Mediterranean romance with old-world charm. Rolling vineyards, hilltop villages, and a dramatic Adriatic coastline create a naturally cinematic setting for weddings and honeymoons. With its fusion of Italian and Croatian influences, couples are drawn to Istria for its relaxed pace, stunning views, and culinary excellence—from truffle-rich pastas to fresh-caught seafood under the stars.
Forbes
03-04-2025
- Forbes
The Istrian Peninsula's Most Luxurious Hotel
The Grand Hotel Brioni. Vacationers to Croatia tend to hit the Dalmatian Coast for seaside escapes, with the city of Dubrovnik being on top of their lists. Occasionally, Hvar, an island in the Adriatic Sea, may figure in. But put these overly touristy destinations aside, and let me tell you about the country's hidden gem worthy of a trip in and of itself: the Istrian Peninsula in the northern Adriatic, a treasure trove waiting to be unearthed. The region is incredibly scenic and full of miles of beaches, cultural and historical attractions, wineries and olive oil estates, and so much more. Come here to relax on the sand, hike along gorgeous coastline, visit ancient sites, hunt truffles, and the list goes on. Whatever you do, there's only one place to stay on your Istrian getaway: Grand Hotel Brioni Pula, part of the Radisson Collection. Forget that the property is luxurious- a stay here is a memorable experience in every way, from the seaside setting to the on-the-mark service and the cuisine, plus the spa. I had a full itinerary to explore Istria when I was there last summer, but I was remiss in leaving this retreat within a retreat. Grand Hotel Brioni has a storied history dating back more than 50 years and was the stomping ground for many celebrities and political figures, including Sophia Loren and members of the bands Boney M. and ABBA. Grand Hotel Brioni outdoors. Over time, the property lost its luster and became run down. Enter executives from Radisson Collection, who saw its potential and collaborated with the owners, Arena Hospitality Group, to bring it back to its glory days. Arena invested over $45 million to renovate Grand Hotel Brioni and closed it down in 2020 for the redo. The reopening in 2022, its 50th anniversary, marked a new era for a long-established name. My stay was short but exceptional. Dario, the in-house trainer, took me on an early morning trek through the stunning coast where I gawked at every turn, and the massage therapist from Indonesia in the spa worked out my tight muscles afterwards. Even if you're not a hiker, you need to visit the spa—it's a wellness sanctuary with three saunas, a salt wall, and an 'ice fountain,' which offers four showers at different temperatures. I ate meals in two of the four restaurants, and the seafood—the whole grilled freshly caught seabass, most of all—was beyond fresh and flavorful. The expansive breakfast spread is also a 'wow," as is the collection of art by local artists on display throughout the property, including outside. The hotel's elegant lobby. Grand Hotel Brioni has 227 rooms, all bright and light, that evoke the sea with their blue and white aesthetic. The property also has a manicured park and two swimming pools, one indoors and the other outdoors. The word 'hotel' is a misnomer because Grand Hotel Brioni is a full-on resort. As for the area itself, rather than me, the general manager and Istria local, Alex Zivkovic, shares his favorite places and things to do and see in his beloved home. Zivkovic's advice, in his own words, follows. Pula's Roman arena, a UNESCO world heritage site. Istria: A Way of Life Istria is more than just a destination - it's a way of life, an experience that leaves an unforgettable mark on anyone who visits. As someone who has been connected to this region my whole life, I can honestly say that, aside from my dedication to the hotel and its guests, my love for Istria is something I live every day. When I'm not at the hotel, I take every opportunity to enjoy what this region has to offer. Sailing Through the Beauty of Istria The boat tour towards the southern tip of Istria is one of my most special experiences. Sailing on the Adriatic, soaking up the sun, surrounded by stunning landscapes - in that moment, you truly feel a sense of freedom and relaxation. I especially enjoy sharing this tour with friends and family because those moments always bring us closer and create lasting memories. The ancient city of Motovun in Istria. Istrian Gastronomy But Istria isn't just about the sea and the scenery. It's deeply rooted in tradition, culture, and gastronomy. For me, enjoying the authentic Istrian delicacies, whether it's truffles, fresh fish, meats, or olive oils – is the true taste of this region. Truffle hunting is an experience I would never miss. Visiting olive groves and tasting premium olive oils is a real delight, as every drop of olive oil tells its own story, its own tradition. Istria is also a paradise for wine lovers. The Istrian wine road offers incredible experiences, and visiting each winery is an opportunity to discover exceptional wines that speak volumes about this region. Discovering the Beauty of Pula The culture and history of Pula are deeply woven into the fabric of my Istrian life. The Pula Arena, a magnificent Roman amphitheater, is truly awe-inspiring – it never fails to take your breath away. Being in this space, feeling the history that spans thousands of years, is an incredible experience. These monumental columns, the hollow stone that bears witness to millennia of history - speaks louder than words. All these landmarks tell stories of times gone by, and every corner of this city inspires awe. Yet, Pula is more than just the Arena. The city exudes history and culture at every turn – from its charming old town center to its beautiful beaches, lively concerts, and vibrant atmosphere. Pula is not only a city of the past, but a thriving, dynamic place that truly captures the spirit of both history and modern life. Nature and Tranquility in Brijuni and Beyond Brijuni National Park, with its untouched natural beauty and rich history, is also one of my favorite places. Visiting Brijuni means immersing yourself in peace, exploring the cultural heritage of this archipelago, and enjoying its incredible biodiversity. I have shared many moments here with family and friends, exploring hidden beaches and walking paths that tell stories of past times. These peaceful moments stay with me and remind me of how important it is to take time for yourself, to be in nature, to relax, and recharge. I've always believed that the true experience of Istria lies in the simple things – in peace, food, wine, nature, family, and friends. That's the magic of Istria that I want to share with everyone.
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Croatia's Badel 1862 acquires Agrolaguna, Vinarija Novigrad from Fortenova
Croatian alcoholic drinks group Badel 1862, has struck a deal to acquire 100% of shares in local wine, cheese and olive oil maker Agrolaguna and winery Vinarija Novigrad from Fortenova Group. Financial details of the transaction were undisclosed. In a statement, Fortenova said acquiring ownership of Agrolaguna would "strengthen [Badel 1862's ] leadership position in the production of quality and premium wines on the Croatian market'. The transaction is the next step in the business's strategy of developing and extending its operations in the premium alcoholic section, added the Zagreb-based food business. Darko Knez, president of the management board of Badel 1862 said: 'Badel 1862 is the leading Croatian company in the production of spirits and wines, that's why the acquisition of Agrolaguna is a logical step in materialising our development plans and a strong incentive for the additional strengthening of the domestic production. "Having recognised the valuable achievements of Agrolaguna in the past, the high quality of its products as well as the knowledge and commitment of its employees, we believe that together we can open up a new chapter in the development of both companies.' Badel 1862 already owns vineyards and premium wine brands in the Dalmatia region of the country and in continental Croatia. Fortenova said, the step makes Badel the only company in Croatia 'with a portfolio covering all the key wine regions'. The deal also bolsters the business's market position, it said, and adds new opportunities to grow its wine production. Following the deal, Badel will be the 'largest producer of wine grape varieties [in Croatia] with a total of 800 hectares of vineyards and increases its wine production volumes from 2.5m to 6.5m litres.' Fortenova said the move to divest Agrolaguna was part of its strategy to focus on retail and food processing. The subsidiary, it added, is engaged in "agricultural activities", which Fortenova no longer has ties with, following the sale of its agricultural division to Podravka announced last July. Commenting on the latest deal with Badel, Fabris Peruško, CEO of Fortenova said: 'Badel 1862 is a partner that, given their experience in the industry, can secure the further development of Agrolaguna, the strengthening of its market positions and values and the preservation of jobs.' 'Agrolaguna comes with a strong portfolio of brands that preserve the Istrian heritage and traditions, and their global quality has been acknowledged by numerous international and local awards. We believe that this transaction will provide for the development of new products that will additionally promote Croatian brands on the global scene.' Fortenova said that Agrolaguna accounts for less than 1% of the company's operating profits. Following Badel 1862's acquisition of Croatian wine businesses Vinopod Dalmacijavino, in 2024, the business completed a capital increase at the Zagbreb-based Duh u boci (Spirit in a Bottle) distillery. "Croatia's Badel 1862 acquires Agrolaguna, Vinarija Novigrad from Fortenova" was originally created and published by Just Drinks, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
The Independent
22-03-2025
- The Independent
What's a quiet destination for a grown-up family?
Q We are looking to go on holiday in early July with our children, who are in their 20s. We ideally want no more than a 2h 30m flight, near a beach and pretty village or town. Also not too busy or touristy. A tall order? Caroline H A A tall order indeed, because all the places within 150 minutes' flying time of the UK are in peak summer mode by then. I have raced through the possibilities; Rovinj on the Istrian peninsula of Croatia; Grado, a beautiful Italian town at the very top of the Adriatic; on the other side of Italy, La Spezia, a fine city with much of interest along the Ligurian coast. But I have ended up on the Mediterranean coast of southwest France. Yes, half of Paris may be there (the other half will arrive in August), but somehow the stretch from Montpellier to the Spanish border remains charming and welcoming, without the monstrous traffic jams that afflict the Cote d'Azur further east. Fly to Beziers or Perpignan – the former has better links from both Stansted and Manchester. Both are about five miles inland from the sea. Each is a beautiful city with deep history. They are excellent locations for wider exploration. Northwest of Beziers, the ancient town of Agde (10 minutes by train) offers the amazing Chateau Laurens: an Art Nouveau mansion created at the end of the 19th century by a collector captivated by Egyptomania and Orientalism. The grounds are beautiful, too. Heading southwest, Gruissan, on the coast close to Narbonne, combines beautifully the roles of fishing village and seaside resort – and also boasts the pink salt flat known as Le Salin. South of Perpignan, meanwhile, you can explore the resorts along the Cote Vermeille – or take a train into the foothills of the Pyrenees. Q I am taking my two grown-up sons to Lisbon for the first time next week. I've never been there and I just wondered whether you'd suggest any must-sees? Emily H A Your timing is perfect. Late March in a year when Easter is late is ideal for visiting the Portuguese capital. The past month has been lousy, with lots of rain, but you can expect warm weather with plenty of spring sunshine. Starting with practicalities: Lisbon airport is close to the city centre. Ubers are reliable and cheap – perhaps €7 (£6) for the three of you. Lisbon is a three-dimensional mosaic of distinct quarters. More than most European capitals, walking is the ideal way to see the city: through streets straight and winding, up and down endless flights of steps, past walls enlivened with azulejos (blue Portuguese tiles). Baixa is the low-lying heart of the city. Visit the old ferry port, Terreiro do Paco: a beautiful art deco terminal now reinvented as a hub for tourist boats. There's a free exhibition about how the Tagus has shaped Lisbon. A recent addition to the main square, Praca do Comercio, is the Cod Museum tucked into the southeast corner: lots of social history as well as seafood. To the east, Alfama and the castle of St George is worth a wander. I prefer, though, Bairro Alto, the hill rising steeply to the west, which has the best architecture and the finest views. Controversially (given the presence of the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum and various other strong contenders), I think the one don't-miss cultural attraction is the Museu Nacional do Azulejo. The setting is glorious, in the Baroque 16th-century Madre de Deus convent. The building dates from the time when Portugal first adopted tiles, and has ceramic art on a spectacular scale including some striking modern creations. My favourite place to drink is the pocket-sized triangular park, Jardim Fialho de Almeida. The Black Sheep bar is fun, but even more rewarding is to find a perch beside the kiosk in the park, which dispenses beer and wine to outdoor drinkers. Eating out? It's hard to go wrong, as long as you bypass the huddles of tourist restaurants where waiters solicit passing tourists. But for a final meal, I recommend the Belmiro – slightly off-centre at Paco da Rainha 66. It's on the posh side, but (like everywhere else in Lisbon) well worth the money. Q I am looking to book a return flight from London Gatwick to Bordeaux in the last 10 days of June. Two carriers have direct flights: British Airways and easyJet. Of these, easyJet offer more flights at better times for under £200 return. BA offer worse timings and a fare of over £500 return. What on earth is the BA game plan? Bill McQ A I have looked at fares on both airlines departing on 20 June and returning on 30 June. On easyJet, the cheapest I can see is £198 return departing from London Gatwick and returning to Luton. British Airways is not currently as expensive as you found, with a fare on its Gatwick EuroFlyer subsidiary at £296 return. Even so, a discrepancy of almost £100 is significant. BA's short-haul offering and easyJet's service are directly comparable: both are excellent airlines with outstanding safety records, flying near-identical Airbus A320s from the Sussex airport. British Airways has a business class section. But this is the same as economy except with the middle seat in each row of three left empty – and at a substantial premium. Unlike Ryanair, both airlines will actively try to sit passengers on the same booking together even if they choose not to pay for the privilege; easyJet does this from one month out, while British Airways allows free seat selection 24 hours ahead. So why the big difference in fare? One reason is simply BA's extremely generous cabin baggage policy. As well as the small backpack that budget airlines allow, you can also take a hefty case with a capacity of 63 litres into the cabin free of charge. For exactly the same piece of hand luggage, easyJet wants an extra £58 for the return flight. By now, the difference between the two is down to £40. Evidently BA's departure times (evening outbound, morning inbound) can't put that many people off. I speculate that the premium British Airways commands could be down to its loyalty scheme. Anyone who flies frequently with BA on business and has Silver or Gold status can enjoy a range of benefits on leisure trips, such as lounge access and free seat selection – including in those prized emergency exit rows. Q My niece is due to fly from the US to the UK on Saturday for her grandad's funeral on Tuesday. We've secured a different flight which leaves before her original flight. If her original flight still leaves would we get a refund? Name supplied A My condolences for your family's loss. Yours is an example of why Friday's near-total shutdown of Heathrow caused so much distress to so many people. Around 300,000 passengers to and from the UK's busiest airport learnt in the early hours of Friday morning that their flights had been grounded due to a severe fire in an electricity substation. In terms of air passengers' rights rules, this is a tricky case. It is instructive (and possibly useful to any subsequent claim) to note the wording of Heathrow's initial statement: 'We have no choice but to close Heathrow until 23h59 on 21 March 2025. We expect significant disruption over the coming days and passengers should not travel to the airport under any circumstances until the airport reopens.' Given this pessimistic forecast, and the strong need for your niece to be able to travel, you bought another ticket. As we now know, Heathrow did not close until midnight on Friday; flights resumed around tea-time. And there is not significant disruption over the coming days. If both bookings are on the same airline, then you have a fair chance of cancelling the 'new' flight for a full refund. I imagine, though, they are on different carriers: British Airways and Virgin Atlantic were both highly vulnerable to continued disruption, and in your position I would have booked on a US carrier. I suggest you contact both airlines – if you can possibly speak to a human – and explain the circumstances. If that fails, then your last resort is travel insurance, if your niece has some. Although this is not a typical insurable risk, I hope a good insurer would recognise the understandable reasons for your financial loss and compensate accordingly.
New York Times
20-03-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
He Fell in Love With a Venetian Palazzo. But Why Did It Seem So Familiar?
A DECADE OR so ago, Nicholas Ward-Jackson woke up one morning determined to get out of Venice. After nearly five years, the English art dealer and his wife, Margherita, an Italian psychotherapist, had outgrown their small home and were tired of the tourists. But the day before their scheduled return to London, where they have another residence, Ward-Jackson, now in his 80s, received a call from a real estate agent cousin of Margherita's about a listing in Dorsoduro, a more intimate neighborhood separated from the crowded cafes of Piazza San Marco by the Grand Canal. Reluctantly, he agreed to tour the property: a 3,500-square-foot apartment on the piano nobile, or second floor, of a 17th-century palazzo. As he walked around the main hall — a 'very scruffy' space, he recalls, with three bedrooms on one side and a study and the kitchen on the other — he was struck by how familiar it felt. On his way out, he bumped into an older woman. 'Nicholas, how lovely to see you,' she said. 'Are you back to buy your old flat?' Ward-Jackson was surprised to realize that he'd spent time there as a teenager. His father, William, whose family owned part of a newspaper syndicate in South Africa, traveled regularly for work; during a few of his extended stays abroad, Ward-Jackson's mother, Catherine, had rented that very apartment for herself, her eldest son and his two brothers. Although Ward-Jackson didn't recognize the place, it must have left an impression: He had gone on to become a collector of works by 18th-century Veneto artists and, in the 1980s, he'd encouraged the English filmmaker Derek Jarman, who died in 1994, to direct 'Caravaggio,' a movie that Ward-Jackson co-wrote about the life of the early 17th-century Baroque painter. Being in that sunlit hall again reminded him of all that he loves about Venice: the bookstores and the operas; late nights by the water ('I can't really explain the quality of the darkness — it's as if you're being covered in velvet'). The couple decided to give Venice another chance. To restore their new home, they hired Mariangela Zanzotto, an Italian architect and art historian known for preserving churches and other public buildings in the area. Margherita, in her mid-50s, and Ward-Jackson haven't always shared the same ideas about design — she likes modern art and furniture; his taste skews more traditional — but they agreed on one important point: that the interiors should evoke the spirit of Venice without being too literal. 'There's always a temptation here to go for a really old look,' says Ward-Jackson on a blustery afternoon this past April. 'But Mariangela made it quite contemporary.' Zanzotto, who worked on the project for nearly two years, sourced local materials such as Istrian stone for the countertops and Marmorino plaster (a combination of limestone and powdered marble) for the walls. 'I don't like to do something in a fake style,' she says. Her goal, she adds, was to 'show the soul of Venice.' WARD-JACKSON IS sitting on a teal velvet sofa on the canal-facing side of the portego, a central reception area that runs the length of the building and is common in historic Venetian residences. On the wall above him, a pair of 18th-century paintings of regatta-winning Italian rowers — 'rather kitsch,' he says — hang alongside a landscape photograph by the German artist Thomas Struth. The first thing one notices about the place is how quiet it is. The second is Gilbert & George's 'Lick,' a 95-inch-tall photocollage from the English duo's 1977 series 'The Dirty Words Pictures,' which combines self-portraiture with bleak images of urban life. 'I'm not convinced it really works,' says Ward-Jackson about the placement of the piece, one of Margherita's acquisitions, which is near an intricate chandelier with Murano glass flowers and a nickel-plated brass floor lamp designed in 1962 by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni. 'We thought we could make the entire space here full of contemporary photographs, but the trouble is that it all begins to look like a travel agency.' Zanzotto shakes her head and laughs. To the left of the entrance, in the kitchen, a spiral staircase winds upward to a rooftop terrace with views of the backyard garden and the bell tower of St. Mark's Basilica in the distance. Although Zanzotto kept some of the original tile work above the stove, she added a crushed-brick-and-lime pastellone floor and updated the room with sage-colored fir cabinets, brightly hued beech chairs by Gio Ponti and a resin-coated pendant light from Flos. In the study, she painted the walls a bold shade of terra cotta and balanced some existing elements — dark wood-beam ceilings, a decorative stone fireplace — with a few modern interventions: a sculptural Isamu Noguchi paper lamp; a circular Willy Rizzo coffee table in red lacquer and brass; and a leather Jean Prouvé armchair in burgundy. 'I'd like to have it be a cozy space,' she says. 'I don't want it to be the kind of palace where you feel like, 'Oh, I'm in a palace.'' Ward-Jackson seems more interested in what's on the walls than in the furniture, almost as if the history of Italy comes alive in two thick impasto paintings, depicting a tempest and a battle, by the early 18th-century Veneto artist Antonio Maria Marini; or a portrait of a young man from the school of the Renaissance painter Paolo Veronese. A member of Ward-Jackson's staff emerges with some espresso, but he declines. 'I'm sorry to be a bit decrepit today,' he says. Except for his employees, one of whom resides in a separate part of the house, or the odd friend or family member visiting from England, he's often on his own; Margherita and their two teenage sons are now based in London. But Ward-Jackson can't imagine being anywhere else. 'To tell you the truth, I've gone rather mad,' he says with a wink. 'I've got a terrible feeling I might be trapped here.' Before excusing himself to go lie down, he lingers over an unattributed painting of an 18th-century German aristocrat who, he explains, fell in love with Venice and was almost adopted by the doge. 'There have been lots of foreigners,' says Ward-Jackson, 'but maybe no one quite as grand as him' — just another traveler who discovered himself in the city and decided to stay.
