Grand Park Hotel Rovinj

Tucked into the lush western coast of Istria, Rovinj is a Croatian gem that continues to shine ever brighter. Once known primarily for its romantic cobbled alleys, baroque facades, and picture-perfect views of the Adriatic, this historical city has, in recent years, established itself as a destination of gastronomic excellence. And nowhere is this transformation more elegantly embodied than in Grand Park Hotel Rovinj, a luxurious landmark and home to Cap Aureo, the restaurant that recently earned its first Michelin star – a fourth one for Rovinj that now is the only city in Croatia with so many stars.

As the flagship of the Maistra Collection and a proud member of The Leading Hotels of the World, Grand Park Hotel Rovinj is more than just a hotel—it is an architectural and experiential marvel. Designed by the celebrated Italian architect Piero Lissoni, the cascading structure seamlessly blends with the pine-fringed hillside facing Rovinj’s historic Old Town. From every level—be it the suites, the spa, or the rooftop restaurants—the views sweep across the glittering marina to St. Euphemia’s Church and the tiny island of Katarina.

The hotel’s beating heart, however, lies in its Albaro Wellness & Spa, a sprawling 3,800 square-metre sanctuary devoted to Istrian wellness traditions. Spread over two floors and featuring indoor and outdoor pools (including a 50-metre top-floor pool with panoramic views), the spa’s true magic lies in its treatments. Therapies begin with a sip of local rakija, a nod to Istria’s folk medicine, followed by signature rituals like the Batana bodywork therapy or the immersive herbal treatments based on native plants and spirits.

While the upper floors cater to the hotel’s guests, the Lungomare Plaza at the base of Grand Park is a lively, public-facing promenade lined with upscale boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. Here, locals and visitors mingle against the backdrop of Rovinj’s timeless charm. The Park Concept Store, an exclusive retail space inspired by the likes of Colette in Paris or Liberty in London, adds an international flair to the city’s fashionable coastal life.

And yet, among all of Grand Park’s offerings, the most captivating stories are told not on its walls, but on its plates—particularly those at Cap Aureo.

Suspended on the fifth floor of Grand Park Hotel, with floor-to-ceiling glass framing the sea, Cap Aureo offers more than just a view—it delivers a new narrative for Mediterranean fine dining. Led by Chef Jeffrey J. Vella, Cap Aureo has just earned its first Michelin star, placing Rovinj firmly on the global culinary map and adding fresh energy to Croatia’s evolving gastronomic identity.

Calling itself a “vegetable-loving space”, Cap Aureo doesn’t just cater to current trends—it redefines them. The tasting menu, comprising approximately 20 meticulously crafted courses, is a masterclass in locality, sustainability, and creativity. What sets the restaurant apart is not just its produce-driven approach, but how it embraces micro-seasonality. Menus change monthly, with certain elements shifting every few weeks in response to the nuanced rhythms of Istria’s climate and fields.

“We evaluated global trends but wanted to bring something personal to the table,” says Vella. “It’s not only about sustainability or wellness—though those are important—but about showcasing how much can be done with vegetables and local ingredients. It’s a challenge, but also an opportunity to tell stories that resonate.”

Photograph for the book ” Flavours of Istria “
Photo Mario Kučera

Those stories begin with the ingredients. Cap Aureo collaborates closely with local farmers, fishermen, and foragers, many of whom have become regular contributors to its menu. Think wild carrots handpicked for a pigeon dish, or locally caught mackerel served with kohlrabi leaves and potato peels—dishes that honor traditional Istrian practices while transforming them into high art. Even the wine list has been thoughtfully curated. With a strong presence of Croatian wines and sparkling labels—including rare vintage champagnes—it is a celebration of terroir in every glass.

Cap Aureo’s format is equally innovative. The open kitchen offers guests a front-row seat to the culinary ballet, while the chef’s table experience allows a more intimate, behind-the-scenes encounter with Vella and his team. Guests are even invited to participate in the narrative: each menu is presented as a notebook, where diners can jot down their impressions alongside those of past visitors—a living archive of memories, reactions, and tastes. Design-wise, Cap Aureo is in harmony with Grand Park’s overall philosophy: minimal, elegant, and immersive. The atmosphere is refined yet relaxed, with the warm hospitality of the team grounding the elevated cuisine.

Receiving a Michelin star is not just a personal achievement for Cap Aureo—it’s a milestone for Rovinj and a testament to what thoughtful, rooted, and bold cooking can achieve. It reinforces Istria’s place not only as a haven for food lovers but also as an innovator on the global culinary stage. The Michelin team first turned its eye toward Rovinj with the first Michelin star over 10 years ago, last year with the award to Agli Amici Rovinj, a two-star restaurant also part of Grand Park and operated in collaboration with the Scarello family of Italy. With Cap Aureo’s new Michelin star, Rovinj becomes the only Croatian town with multiple Michelin stars, a distinction that few small cities in Europe can claim.

As visitors meander through the charming lanes of the Old Town or sail along the sparkling Adriatic coast, they can now look forward to experiences that are as rich in taste as they are in beauty. Whether it’s an herbal steam at Albaro Spa, a sunset over dinner at Cap Aureo, or a story scribbled in a leather-bound notebook, Grand Park Hotel Rovinj and Cap Aureo invite every guest to become part of a living, evolving story—one filled with luxury, authenticity, and unforgettable flavor.

www.maistra.com

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