This month property developer, Maistra has opened Hotel Lone in the picturesque Istrian resort of Rovinj in Croatia. The 248-key hotel is situated in a unique location near the sea, surrounded by centuries-old Park Forest Zlatni Rt and only a few minutes’ walk to the town centre. Together with the five-star Hotel Monte Mulini (opened March 2009), and hotels Eden and Park, Hotel Lone will be part of the exclusive Monte Mulini zone.
Hotel Lone was designed as a contemporary expression of the classic Croatian resort of hotel from the 1970s, with sea-facing terraces and large lobbies, by the 3LHD architectural team from the Croatian Faculty of Architecture under the guidance of architect Silvije Novak. Interiors saw 3LHD working with Croatian designers Numen. In 2009, while still on the drawing board, Hotel Lone became the first Croatian member of exclusive lifestyle brand Design Hotels AG.
The hotel’s interiors are based on the theme of contrast, with fabric as the connecting element. This varies from a thin ‘veil’ in the restaurant separating operational and seating areas; rich to decorative murals in the lobby; and dynamic wall coverings in the rooms. The bright and open lobby area features white stone surfaces, fabrics in tones of beige and gold and furniture with oval lines, echoing the curve of the building’s exterior. Conceptual artist Ivana Franke created the large space sculpture for the lobby. Made of steel and measuring 8.7m, the sculpture’s solid elements entwine without actually touching, creating an impression of weightlessness and suspension.
Colours and materials in the 248 spacious guest rooms are more muted with warmer darker fabrics, wood including Slavonian oak, and terrazzo. All rooms, including the 11 suites and one presidential suite of 129 metres, have either sea views or views onto the Golden Cape Forest Park, and balconies and laminated mirrors are placed alternately on side walls to reflect light and an image of the surrounding vegetation. Bathrooms are separated from the room by glass walls, allowing penetration of natural light.
This blending of the hotel’s natural surroundings with its interiors continues into its spacious public areas, with interior planting and gardens creating smaller, more intimate areas some of which extend to expansive outside decked terraces. This hints at Hotel Lone’s status as the region’s first significant conference hotel, with 10 multi-purpose meeting rooms and an auditorium with a seating capacity of 600, all equipped with state-of-the-art technology. Together with its sister hotels in the Monte Mulini zone, Hotel Lone is capable of hosting major events with over 3,000 participants.
The restaurants and bars of Hotel Lone will uphold the gastronomic standards established by Hotel Monte Mulini, offering a mixture of traditional Croatian and Mediterranean fusian-style food with a wine list featuring many vintages from the surrounding region of Istria. The three restaurants include a Sushi and Seafood Bar – E; as well as an à la carte restaurant – L; and less formal dining experience – On. Guests can relax in several bars including the Lobby, Conference and Vital bars and the night club bar – Lone – which hosts live performances by acclaimed domestic and international jazz artists.
Finally, one of Hotel Lone’s main attractions is its spa. Covering an area of 1,700 square metres, it connects to the wellness centre of Hotel Monte Mulini, creating an impressive total of 2,500 square metres. The wellness offer at Lone is focused on facial and body treatments, including massages and a scented steam sauna, Finnish sauna and infrared sauna; gym, relaxation room, indoor fresh-water pool with special hydro-massage effects; and two connected “sunken” rooms, offering the opportunity to float and relax on hydro massage beds and chairs. There are eight multi-function treatment rooms using Bioline and Comfort Zone products, some of which have glass walls with views of the surrounding national park.
A short stroll along the marina from Hotel Lone is picture-postcard perfect Rovinj, a reminder of how the Mediterranean used to be. A central square is edged with lively cafés and restaurants spreading out on to a charming harbour, from which spread narrow cobbled streets crowded with Venetian-roofed houses. There are endless opportunities for idle browsing in the many colourful galleries and shops filled with local arts and crafts. Pride of Rovinj, and dominating the skyline, is the 18th century church of St Euphemia. The view of Rovinj’s wooded islands from the bell tower is worth the climb!
Rovinj is easily reached from the UK by flying to Pula (served by Ryanair) or Trieste.
Hotel Lone
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