For over sixty years Relais & Châteaux guide guests along the Routes du Bonheur, charming itineraries to discover the unique combination of high gastronomy and hospitality that makes the Mansions that are encountered along the way the most authentic expression of the Art de Vivre and passion for their territory. Since the creation of the first Route du Bonheur, in 1950, along the corridor road between Paris, Lyon and Marseille, 113 “Streets of Happiness” were born in the five continents. Here is the new proposal through the natural beauty, history and culture of Slovenia and Croatia, to be enjoyed by staying in the unique character of R & C.
World charm
In the ancient village of Spodnja Idrija you can breathe the history and culture of the region. At the Hotel Kendov Dvorec, a manor house with origins dating back to 1377, you can experience the charm of the Slovenian tradition. Carved wood and lace make this house an expression of the history of this area, a haven of peace and tranquility in which to visit the wineries, stroll on horseback or meet the sommelier to discover the secrets of the wine culture.
On the banks of the river Krka
On a lush island in the emerald river Krka there is the Hotel Grad Otočec, a castle of the ‘700 plunged in a natural oasis that preserves all its medieval charm. It’s impossible not to relax in the thermal pools that surround the house, walking in the nature or dedicating himself to golf in one of the best courses in Europe. The refined cuisine of Dejan Pavlič chef combines creativity and use of high quality fresh products.
Olive trees and vineyards in Croatia
A cellar by the charm of the past is ready to surprise with its tasting room: we are at the Wine Hotel & Restaurant Meneghetti, a resort surrounded by olive trees and vineyards that produce 9 labels. New and fine flavors are combined with a cuisine inspired by the history and culture of the territory, proposed by the two chefs Danijela Pifar and Bojan Vuković, who skillfully combine creativity and Istrian culinary tradition.
Discovering the personalities of the past
You can enjoy an unforgettable view of the blue sea from the Hotel Bevanda in Opatija, a house fully facing the Adriatic and characterized by a modern architecture almost entirely in glass. Here you can discover some of the celebrities who have visited the city: Gustave Mahler, Isadora Duncan, James Joyce and Albert Einstein, who give names to each of the rooms. The tradition also draws the gastronomic experience of the chef Andrej Barbieri, offering traditional Istrian dishes with a modern twist.
Zara, the pearl of the Adriatic coast
Along the south coast, the imposing walls of Zara, crossed by typical narrow cobbled streets of the cities belonging to the Venetian Republic and full of masterpieces dating back to medieval times, there is the Hotel Bastion Zadar, one of the finest and evocative residences of the region. Its Spa glimpse of the ancient walls of the fortress while you let yourself be pampered by treatments such as color therapy and steam baths.
On the trail of the Silk Road
La Route du Bonhuer arrives at its last stop bringing travelers to the island of Korcula, in the lower Adriatic, on the trail of Marco Polo. Just where, according to tradition, the Silk Road was starting there is the tabernacle the Lešić Dimitri Palace, hidden among the medieval walls of the city next to the birthplace of the great traveler. Built during the seventeenth century, this house retains its historic character and goes through the 5 stages of the journey of Marco Polo in China through its 5 unique rooms. The Spa uses only herbs, flowers and roots organically grown and each treatment is the result of the encounter between different cultures and techniques, from the West to the Indian ones to the ones of the far Thailand.
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