My modelling career took me to some of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited and who knows I’d ever be visiting em if it weren’t for my job. And that would be such a pity. This time my job took me to my favourite Croatian region, my Istria. Not many times have I shot there, well at least not as much as I wanted to.

Just 14km from the, imo, most beautiful Croatian town, Rovinj, and 20km from Pula, in the midst of nature surrounded by the vineyards, there is a small piece of oasis to be found – Relais & Chateaux Meneghetti Wine Hotel and Winery.

Since I had a few hrs before shooting to relax and unwind, I took a walk around the estate to take a few photos. The first thing I noticed when I arrived here is probably something you’d cherish the most if you’re looking for this kind of vacation and that is the feeling of stillness and sound of calmness that prevails all around here. It is so peaceful and so quiet. The only thing you could actually hear are the birds tweeting and the wind blowing through the trees. Such a zen place.

Meneghetti Relais & Chateaux

Walking past the vineyards gets you to the pool which has an amazing view over the vineyards and sunset that it’s setting above them. I began to think this has to be a perfect scenery for weddings and stuff and later, the people that work here, showed me the photos of the wedding they organized here and that took place at the exact spot I was talking about earlier and wow, that really looked like magic. So if thinking about getting married here, I have to say this does look like a perfect location. I don’t have any photos but I guess you can Google it. It’s probably not cheap, well not at all, but I think it’s worth it.

Meneghetti Relais & Chateaux

After the pool and the vineyards, I get to know the winery and… well, the vino. Or plural of vino. Lots of vino. You know I like wine so don’t judge. Joking, it was just a small glass of wine. Just a taste. I don’t drink when I work but I had to taste some of their wine, especially the Meneghetti white one. After the tasting, it was a time for a photo-shooting. We shot across the estate; vineyards, winery, restaurant. Let me show you some of the photos from the set.

Meneghetti Relais & Chateaux Restaurant

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When shooting was done, I stayed for a dinner. Unfortunately, no sleep this time so there will be no rooms and breakfast pictures. But the dinner was awesome. Truffles and pljukanci, the traditional istrian dish and later, the chocolate dessert with olive oil. First time tried that, but it had such a cool taste. So different than all the desserts I’ve tried ever before. And you know when it comes to deserts, I’ m a pro.

Meneghetti Relais & Chateaux Restaurant

Anyways, dessert meant it was time to go. And it was hard saying goodbye to this wonderful place. Such an incredible peace of luxury and by luxury I mean stillness in the first place, just a few kilometres away from the sea and all the tourist buzz. I will definitely come back again, but next time just to enjoy; without the working part. :)

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