Island Hotel Istra

Island Hotel Istra is located on a small, secluded island in a quiet, natural setting with panoramic sea views and an exclusive atmosphere. The remains of a sixth-century Benedictine monastery and a ninth-century church are the only buildings on the island apart from the hotel complex, and now house the hotel's Lanterna restaurant. From the ferry dock, it's a short walk to the hotel's front steps that lead up to the contemporary-style lobby. The reception area is bright and light-filled thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows and white walls. Yellow, pink, and black accent walls add colorful accents, as do the contemporary artworks decorating the walls. Several seating areas of black and white leather sofas and armchairs add to the modern, understated look. The hotel attracts a wide range of guests, with many families staying here because of the child-friendly facilities, as well as couples on package tours. The hotel can get very busy during the peak summer season, and may not be ideal at this time for couples looking for a quiet vacation. 

Island Hotel Istra is located on Crveni Otok (Red Island), which is made up of two small connected islands: Sveti Andrija (St. Andrew) where the hotel complex is located, and the smaller Maskin, which is linked to the main island by a man-made causeway. The island itself has no residents, and there are no local shops or businesses here. The only restaurants around are those run by the hotel. The Island is linked to the city of Rovinj on the mainland by a ferry service that runs once every hour. From the ferry dock in Rovinj, many of the city's attractions are within easy walking distance: It's a one-minute walk to the Batana Museum, a one-minute walk to the Rovinj Heritage Museum, and a five-minute walk to the Church of St. Euphemia. There's ferry service to Venice -- a trip that takes three hours.

The well-maintained guest rooms and suites at Island Hotel Istra are bright and filled with sunlight thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows and colorful contemporary decor. The hardwood floors and white walls give a clean backdrop, while the cheery yellow or lime-green bedspreads and contemporary artwork provide splashes of color. Adding to the chic, uncluttered decor are simple, streamlined white furniture and white lamps providing mood lighting. Bathrooms are spotless, but some have sleek white tiles, while others have dated, pale-pink tile-work. Bathrooms are fitted with either small showers in the Standard Rooms, or shower/tub combos in the Superior Rooms. All rooms and suites have balconies with scenic views over the sea, gardens, or pools. In-room amenities include air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, safes, and minibars. The bathrooms are equipped with magnifying mirrors, hairdryers, and free toiletries. Family Rooms consist of two connecting rooms, sleeping up to four guests.

The Suites located in a separate building of the hotel feature bedrooms and separate living rooms, each with its own balcony. These upper-category rooms are equipped with a few notable extras: 42” flat-screen TVs, Nespresso machines, electric kettles, and sofa beds. Also, bathrooms have separate showers and bathtubs (both with rainfall showerheads), Malin + Goetz luxury toiletries, slippers, and robes. Guests staying in the Suites also receive a welcome drink, free drinking water, dried fruits and nuts, and turndown service. The two Deluxe Suites are spacious and can sleep up to five guests, with two bedrooms that have attached bathrooms, two living rooms, a balcony, and a veranda. 

This hotel offers a wealth of facilities and activities, including two outdoor pools and a kids' pool, as well as an indoor pool and a large hot tub. Guests can also relax on one of the island's beaches, which are covered in pebbles or sand and offer sunbeds and umbrellas for guest use. Past guests have complained that it can be a challenge to find a free sunbed, however.

Guests can choose from four on-site restaurants. The main restaurant serves buffet-style meals for breakfast (included in rates) and dinner. The elegant Lanterna restaurant has an exceptional setting in a historical building that was once a monastery. The menu is a la carte and features seafood and fish specialties. Captains Club serves drinks and light meals, while Pizzeria Birikin has over 15 different types of pizza on its menu, and Lavender Grill offers various grilled items like burgers and steaks. Room service is available throughout the day, and the lobby bar has an outdoor terrace. All-inclusive plans are available, as well as half-board options (for guests staying in the rooms located in the main building) that includes a buffet dinner -- but it gets mixed reviews from past guests. More popular are the free drinks on offer during dinner, which include local wines and beers, juice, and water.

Use of the on-site wellness center is free for guests and features Finnish, Turkish, and infrared saunas, indoor and outdoor whirlpools, massage showers, a relaxation area with heated beds and water beds, and a large and well-equipped fitness room. A variety of massage and beauty treatments are available for an extra fee.

Free sports activities include beach volleyball, archery, tennis, basketball, boules, table tennis, bike rentals, pedal boat and kayak rentals, and diving and windsurfing lessons, among others. Free supervised children's activities are available for kids of all ages, as well as evening entertainment. Other child-friendly features include large indoor and outdoor play areas, a game room, and sea water park.

The hotel's on-site meeting facilities include a conference hall for 250 guests, and several multipurpose meeting rooms. The buildings of the former church and monastery on the island are popular wedding venues. Wi-Fi is free in all areas of the hotel, and there are also two computers available for guest use in the lobby area.