Grand Park Hotel Rovinj sits on the eastern shore of Rovinj in Istria, cascading over six floors into the Golden Cape forest park, with views across the water to the old town and the church of St Euphemia. Designed by the Milan studio of Piero Lissoni, it has 209 rooms and suites, all with terraces and some with private pools. Dining is a real strength, with the two-Michelin-starred Agli Amici Rovinj on the marina, the Michelin-starred Cap Aureo led by chef Jeffrey Vella, the all-day Laurel & Berry and several bars and delis. The Albaro Wellness & Spa runs to over 3,800 square metres, using local medicinal herbs, algae and pressed olives, with saunas, a thermal zone and a 24-hour gym. On the fifth floor, three pools include a 50-metre pool running from indoor to outdoor, and free boat transfers reach the pebble beach on St Catherine island. It suits couples and design and food-minded travellers who want a striking Istrian base with standout dining and a big spa.