Located right on the Adriatic coast at the Verudela Peninsula on the edge of Pula, this refined and elegant new three-storey Radisson Collection Hotel offers a huge wellness centre, an imaginative art collection, three waterside restaurants and multiple bars, direct beach access and a long infinity pool. It’s à la mode, yet rooted in Croatian culture old and new, with the latest tech and supreme levels of comfort. Read on to discover more about our recent stay at this beautiful new property in Istria.

Background & Concept

While the Grand Hotel first opened in the 1970s (in what was then Yugoslavia), it recently reopened in May 2022 after a full multimillion Euro 21st-century refurbishment. In the Brioni’s heyday, it hosted many a VIP and celebrity, a heritage that’s set to continue as it enters a second golden era, half a century later. The exterior retains its original facade, but guests who have previously stayed will discover entirely reworked and incredibly luxurious interiors and facilities, catering to a discerning, sophisticated and on-trend clientele.

Raddison Collection

The property is part of The Radisson Collection, a group of unique, luxurious hotels around the world that each has its own individual character and style. The modern design of these hotels is elegant and functional, making them the perfect choice for those who want to experience a luxurious hotel experience. Discover the full collection here.

Location

Found in the outskirts of Pula’s cultural and historical centre, the hotel is flanked by dense pine forest on one side and the open sea on the other – it takes its name from the Brijuni National Park and the Brijuni Islands, over which the property enjoys fine views. A rugged coastline creates a natural, rural feel, and a sense of seclusion, while its clear waters provide magical bathing and snorkelling opportunities on the doorstep.

Pula

Pula itself dates back to the 10th century BC and offers many fascinating landmarks, most notably its Roman amphitheatre and its short 15-minute taxi journey from the hotel to the centre of Pula.

Brijuni Islands

Discover more about the political history of Croatia and the former Yugoslavia with a visit to the Brijuni Islands which can be accessed by ferry from the incredibly pretty tourist town of Fažana. Make a day of it by exploring the islands and head back to Fažana for lunch.

Getting to Pula from the UK

Great flight connections depart from across the UK into Pula airport – which is just seven and a half miles from the Grand Hotel Brioni – so getting here is swift and easy.  

The View and Sunset

The hotel’s positioning means that a nightly spectacular sunset is guaranteed, which you can enjoy from all of the hotel’s bars, restaurants and sea view facing rooms and suites.

Rooms & Suites

227 bedrooms and suites have been completely reimagined with modern grey and blue hues and warm wooden finishes. Previously rooms used to have a balcony which were removed during the hotel’s remodelling, increasing the overall floor bedroom space. Indigenous artworks, materials and colours feature in each, especially authentic Italian and Croatian stone. Now smart digital technology is a mainstay of the hotel, with access to many of its services and in-room functions available via your devices.

Rooms and suites are all equipped with robes, slippers, ILLY espresso machines and mini-fridges while suites come with separate living and sleeping areas and private balconies.

There is a nightly turndown service and pillow menu should you want a different type of pillow to sleep with, while bottles of water are replenished daily and some room types also include a complimentary basket of welcome fruit.

Bathrooms are top-to-toe marble with a large powerful rain shower, while amenities are by Acqua Di Parma and also replenished daily.

Our Room

All rooms in the hotel are the same layout, the only difference is some face the sea while others face the forest.

Bedroom

Bathroom

View

Bedroom windows are floor to ceiling with a glass Juliet balcony which allows the maximum amount of light to flow into the room.

Suite

There are 16 suites in the hotel that occupy the corners of each of the wings. Floors space is over 52m square depending on your suite. Suites offer a spacious living room with a lounge area and sofa bed, a bedroom with king-size bed, two bathrooms with a walk-in shower, and a separate toilet and luxurious bath amenities.

Living Area

Bedroom

Bathrooms

Balcony

Butler’s Corner

Every floor has its own premium butler corner – a fusion of shop and minibar – with in-room dining options, drinks, personal care items and gifts. Purchases are charged to the guest’s individual room making the process of getting what you need, effortless and around the clock.

Food & Drink

Like so many areas of the hotel, the Grand’s eateries take full advantage of the incredible coastal backdrop with settings conducive to an alfresco sun-soaked lunch, or romantic evening meal. Its main restaurant, Brioni Forum, serves a fusion of international cuisine and Istrian dishes. The beach restaurant Brioni Lungo Mare is the place to indulge in Mediterranean fare and fresh seafood, while Restaurant Sofia, open solely in the evenings, delights carnivores with its incredible steak cuts. 

Brioni Forum

Discover incredible dining at the Brioni Forum, served buffet style, there is a wealth of choice on offer to suit meat eaters, vegetarians and vegans. You’ll find a variety of traditional and innovative dishes that will tantalise your taste buds. Chefs use fresh, local ingredients, including Istrian classics like olive oil and truffles, to create a culinary experience that is truly heavenly. Restaurant seating is both indoors and outside.

Brioni Lungo Mare

Situated at the hotel’s lowest point, right above the beach and surrounded by the greenery of Mediterranean vegetation, Brioni Lungo Mare provides an unforgettable experience for all the senses. You can refresh yourself with local craft beer and wines, enjoy special risotto with a light salad during hot summer days, and in the evenings, dine on the best fresh fish while watching that incredible sunset.

Restaurant Sofia

Restaurant Sophia is the perfect place for meat lovers, with a focus on the best quality matured pieces of beef cuts, from classic American to indigenous Istrian cattle called Boskarin. The subdued lighting and darker colour scheme create a mood that invites guests to lower their guard and simply let the restaurant’s specialities sweep them away. The atmosphere of this steak restaurant quickly puts a spell on its guests and the restaurant’s wine cellar is one of the best in the area. An incredible night of not to be forgotten dining is guaranteed here.

Brioni Lobby Bar

Have pre or post-dinner drinks in the lobby bar, choosing between classic and new signature cocktails, top-quality gins, whisky and champagne, or have a light bite in the afternoon with a glass of wine. Note the outdoor area also has live music on in the evening too. 

Brioni Gardina Bar

Connecting with the infinity pool, and overlooking the sparkling blue sea, enjoy a morning coffee, cocktail or glass of champagne or indulge in their bar food selection of truly tempting desserts and ice cream.

Breakfast

Breakfast is a grand affair taking place buffet style in the Forum restaurant, there is everything you could want or desire to start the day off. Eggs are cooked to order at the pass, and your waiter will serve you hot drinks. And if you like to start the day off with bubbles, then help yourself to a glass of champagne or two!

Lounge by the Pool, Swim in the Sea

A long seawater-filled infinity pool runs along the side of the hotel, basking in the spectacular views afforded by the location. Here, guests can take a dip, or walk down to the cliffside and swim in the sea. Plush white loungers and daybeds for two have bolster cushions for the ultimate in comfort, as you soak in the glittering panorama and order one of their fabulous cocktails.

Pool

Sea

Gemma di Brioni

The hotel’s Wellness Centre is a real treat. Gemma di Brioni has 1,300 square metres of first-class facilities and daily treatments using Gemology products (made with precious stones) renowned for their scientifically proven results, as well as Thalgo rituals which have been inspired by Pula’s ancient Roman influence. Choose from 11 facial and 10 body treatments, and unwind in the Zen Spa Zone and three saunas (Finnish, Bio Sauna, and a Soul Steam room). Experience the spa’s multisensory Water Paradise journey with its hydro pool and experience showers and a Relax Room with a Himalayan Salt Wall. 

Treatment Area & Rooms

Spa and Relaxation Area

Gym

If you are feeling energetic the hotel has a state-of-the-art gym with the latest Technogym equipment (and we do mean latest as we have never seen this version of the equipment before). The gym offers that fabulous sea view, but you can also watch YouTube, Netflix or your favourite motivational movie to get your digital fix whilst you workout. And if you like, a personal trainer session can be organised during your stay for you.

Local Community

Medea Winery is a young, and exciting wine maker based in the medieval town of Vodnjan, close to Pula. It supplies the hotel’s cellars, with products made from Malvazija, Chardonnay, Rose, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Teran and Malvazija Istarska grape varieties grown in fertile Istrian soil. The name Medea stands for quality, genuine and accessible wines, all of which can be sampled while staying at Brioni Pula.

OPG Chiavalon, also in Vodnjan, supplies the hotel with extra virgin olive oil pressed from olives grown in the red soil of a high-altitude, family-run eco-farm. Having produced this liquid gold for two decades, Chiavalon has won many international awards and accolades. It follows a tradition of olive oil production in the area that stems back to Roman times.

Final Thoughts

If you are looking for luxury, style, fabulous dining and service, within easy reach of the UK and some guaranteed summer sunshine the new Gran Hotel Brioni, is the place to go. We loved it! This property has been included in our guide to the best hotels in Pula.

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