Grand Hotel Brioni Pula

Checking in at Grand Hotel Brioni Pula: a luxury destination for your Croatia bucket list

Team YLBB

 

July 19, 2023

Less than a two-hour flight from Amsterdam or Rotterdam, you'll find beautiful Istria in Croatia, with the coastal town of Pula as its jewel. This ancient city is known for its olive oil, mild climate, and the amphitheater where gladiators fought for a thousand years. Team Yourlbb spent three nights here at the magnificent Grand Hotel Brioni, and wow; take it from us, this is a true bucket-list destination. The 5-star resort is situated on a rocky outcrop just outside the city center. Every day, you wake up to a sea view and the sound of the infinity pool gently cascading over the water, a spectacle that makes for truly stunning pictures. Later in this article, we'll tell you all about this special place and delve a little deeper into Pula and the surrounding area. We can already reveal: we returned from this magical experience fully refreshed and full of food!

After reading this blog, we are sure that you too Croatia Putting destinations at the top of your bucket list is a perfect destination if you want to do absolutely nothing and simply bask in luxury, with the occasional little excursion. For this trip to the luxurious Grand Hotel Brioni, we explored Pula and its surroundings and thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful hotel and everything it had to offer. Want to join us?

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𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 🫕 Thinking back of amazing days in the snow, I'm in the mood for cheese fondue! I call it comfort food at its finest, and I also love making fresh cheese fondue at home this winter (sometimes even better than eating out ✌🏼☺️). 𝗠𝘆 𝗳𝗮𝘃𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗲 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺: 📍 @badhuis.amsterdam (East) Every Thursday is fondue night. For €26 pp you dig into a pot of cheese fondue with unlimited sourdough bread, crudités and vegetables. Good vibes included! 📍 @smelt.amsterdam (City Centre) Always a good idea. The cheeses come from De Kaaskamer, so yes: this is next level. Perfect if you love to mix & match. 📍 @cafe_bern (City Centre) Here they serve the best Classic Gruyère cheese fondue. No fuss, just great flavour. This is cheese fondue exactly how it's meant to be. 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁-𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗻𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻: 📍 @fromagerie_kef (City Centre, North & East) Amsterdam's go-to cheese specialist. From fondue cheeses to perfect wine pairings — and yes, tasting is encouraged. 📍 @fromagerielamuse (South) Cheese fondue kits for at home plus several recipes to make yourself. Which one will you try first? 📍 @dekaaskameramsterdam (City Centre) Swiss fondue, Dutch cheese fondue or ready-made options — you'll always leave with everything you need for the ultimate cozy night in. On 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸.𝗺𝗲 you'll find the complete guide with 12+ cheese fondue spots in Amsterdam. Let's make a list like this for the rest of The Netherlands too! What's your favorite spot? 🧀 ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck Follow @yourlbb & @yourlbb.amsterdam for more Amsterdam restaurant guides, travel guides & the best things to do on the weekends. #cheesefondue #amsterdam #winter
Do you still have a permanent job? This TRAVEL TIP is for everyone who wants to travel a lot in 2026 despite having a permanent job. Save these tips, put them next to your calendar and send them to your travel bestie! And then ask for time off as soon as possible, before your colleagues see these tips too ;-). Happy travels 😘 𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗘 𝗩𝗔𝗞𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗘𝗦 𝗚𝗼𝗲𝗱𝗲 𝗩𝗿𝗶𝗷𝗱𝗮𝗴 & 𝗣𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗻 ⟶ Take vacation days: March 30 - April 2 & April 7 - 10 ⟶ Number of vacation days required: 8 ツ Total free period: March 28 - April 12 (16 days) Holidays & Vacation ⟶ Take vacation days: April 28 - May 1, May 4 & May 6 - 8 ⟶ Number of vacation days required: 8 days ツ Total free: April 25 - May 10 (16 days) Holidays ⟶ Take vacation days: December 21 - 24 & December 28 - 31 ⟶ Number of vacation days required: 8 ツ Total free: December 21 - January 3, 2027 (16 days) **Vacation Schedule & Holidays** ⟶ Take vacation days: Monday, March 30 - Thursday, April 2 ⟶ Vacation days needed: 4 - Total free: March 28 - April 6 (10 days) **Vacation Schedule** ⟶ Take vacation days: May 15 ⟶ Number of vacation days needed: 1 ツ Total free: May 14-17 (4 days) 𝗣𝗶𝗻𝗸𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻 ⟶ Take vacation days: May 22 or 26 ⟶ Number of vacation days needed: 1 ツ Total free: May 22-25 or May 23-26 (4 days) Follow @yourlbb for more Travel Tips. And the extensive article about vacation days can now be found on 𝘄𝘄𝘄.𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸.𝗺𝗲 ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck #vakantiedagen2026 #traveltips
Market agenda and prices are rising steadily 👀 The market agenda may now be a little different Quieter, but luckily there’s still plenty planned for January & February, including a new gem (I predict)! Don’t miss these weekend markets: • 𝗡𝗶𝗲𝘂𝘄 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺: @cabinetamsterdam, a curated vintage design market under one roof, including snacks & coffee. • @sundaymarket • Museum Market • @rotterdamseoogst • @themakermarket The complete guide on Your Little Black Book lists 12 weekend markets in the Netherlands, including dates & locations for January & February. Send these tips to your market-wandering bestie! Follow @yourlbb for more tips on restaurants, travel, hotspots & the best things to do. ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck #weekendmarkets #netherlandstips #autumnouting #vintagemarket
**Rotterdam is a vibrant city: Rotterdam is a vibrant city** As a child I came there with my parents to shop, as a teenager and in my twenties to club. Now I love coming there for a weekend escape characterized by good food, nice wine bars and that typical Rotterdam down-to-earth attitude. Rotterdam is buzzing with creativity and has a real IT factor. In this mini-guide, I share my favorite hotspots that you'll really want to know. 📌𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝘇𝗲 𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲 for your next trip to Rotterdam. 𝗖𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗘𝗘 ⦁ @parqiet_parkcafe ⦁ @dunerotterdam ⦁ @wollyaandewaterkant ⦁ @nice.neighbourhood 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗬 ⦁ @morganandmees ⦁ @hotelame ⦁ @roommate_bruno ⦁ @thejameshotelrotterdam 𝗡𝗘𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗗𝗦 ⦁ Noord ⦁ Katendrecht ⦁ Dijkzigt (Museum Park) ⦁ Scheepvaartkwartier 𝗗𝗢 ⦁ Take the Watertaxi ⦁ @boijmans ⦁ Walk & unwind at de Kralingse Plas ⦁ @nlfotomuseum ⦁ Visit @stationbergweg 𝗘𝗔𝗧 ⦁ @tresrotterdam ⦁ @barbertarotterdam ⦁ @hinoki_rotterdam ⦁ @barbistroloevetdie ⦁ @oxrotterdam ⦁ @restaurant_rotonde ⦁ On my to-visit list, the new @lioncitybistro 𝗗𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗞𝗦 ⦁ @walsjerot_nl ⦁ @cafeverward ⦁ @spikizibar ⦁ @lenselinq 💌What's your favourite spot in Rotterdam? ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck
Maybe the last weekend with ice and snow ⛄️❄️ Are you cocooning indoors or preferring to go outside? In our Snowy Amsterdam Guide, I share my favorite winter tips for this weekend in the city. Save it – because snow days like this are rare 🥰 Do you have a nice winter tip for Amsterdam? I'm reading along 👀 ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck #snow #amsterdam #winter snow in amsterdam, things to do winter in amsterdam
I have always been part of the family and have always been proud of my work. NEW DATE AND EVENTS IN AMSTERDAM 🗝️👀 Mark your calendars! Because on January 17 & 18 Hotelnacht is back in Amsterdam with an edition full of health & wellness events and of course legendary parties that you will be talking about all year long. I got a sneak peek at The Art of Balance theme at the luxurious Anantara Krasnapolsky and arranged a similarly special experience for you as a YLBB follower. AND YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: • overnight stay for 2 people in a luxury room on January 17, 2026 • access to the spa & wellness (based on availability via the wellness desk) • pre-dinner cocktail at Bar The Tailor • fully catered chef's dinner • passe-partouts for the Hotelnacht parties • extensive breakfast in the Wintergarden • participation in the unique Ice Experience in the Summergarden of Krasnapolsky 𝗭𝗢 𝗠𝗔𝗔𝗞 𝗝𝗘 𝗞𝗔𝗡𝗦: • let us know who you would like to check in with at Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky during the Mastercard Hotelnacht • download the Mastercard Hotelnacht app where you can find the See the full program • and check out @hotelnacht and @anantarakrasnapolsky for the latest updates and to get the fun started! The winner will be notified on January 5th via a comment from @hotelnacht that I'll share in my stories. Fingers crossed for you! Love, Anne #hotelnacht #amsterdam #yourlbbcollab #winactie #giveaway

Grand Hotel Brioni Pula

Grand Hotel Brioni in Pula stands for pure relaxation

Countries like Spain, Italy, Portugal, and France are standard when we're looking to book a sunny European destination, but if you mention Croatia for a well-deserved rest, you're often met with amazement. And yet, this destination is conveniently close, offers a wealth of nature and culture, and, thanks to its Italian influences, also boasts delicious food. From campsites to luxury resorts, you'll find it all in Istria.

Grand Hotel Brioni opened in 1972 and has undergone several renovations since then. The 227-room hotel is situated right on the waterfront, with the Istrian archipelago at its doorstep. As part of the Radisson Collection, no expense has been spared to make this the ultimate luxury getaway. Design is one of the hotel's pillars, and the moment you step inside, you'll immediately see that. Beautiful natural materials like Italian marble and wood dominate, with accents of blue to evoke Mediterranean life. Extensive collaboration with local designers and artists has ensured that the local community is deeply integrated into the experience. The Roman columns incorporated into the interior provide a subtle finishing touch!

 | TIP: This hotel can also be booked as a package holiday including flights. View the price directly here via The Holiday Discounter >> 

If you book a room at this beautiful hotel just outside the center of Pula, you can choose either a garden view or a sea view. Both are beautiful, but the sea view rooms are definitely the winner. The rooms themselves are spacious, with a king-size bed and a huge TV with Chromecast, so you can stream all your favorite shows. All rooms have a small desk, atmospheric LED lighting under the bed for "night mode," and a comfortable window seat to enjoy the view. They also include a closet full of bathrobes, slippers, beach sandals, and even your own beach bag to take home! After a long day at the beach and pool, we definitely recommend taking the elevator down in your freshly showered bathrobe for a spa treatment or a sauna session.

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ONE OF THE BEAUTIFUL TERRACES OF GRAND HOTEL BRIONI PULA

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swim in the infinity pool or in the clear blue sea

It's a tough choice: will you choose the pool or the azure sea? The large steps on the terrace lead down to the pool, where you can get a towel at the dedicated towel service desk. We loved starting the day in one of the cabanas on the rocky outcrop right by the sea. Tip: booking in advance is recommended! And then, after a few hours, move on to the comfortable loungers by the infinity pool. Choices, choices ;-)!

Discover the restaurants of Grand Hotel Brioni Pula

There's nothing quite like discovering restaurants near your hotel. But if you stay at Grand Hotel Brioni, you literally don't have to leave the house for the most delicious cuisine. And that's a real bonus! Especially if you've booked this location to completely unwind and relax. Put on a pretty dress after your day at the beach or pool, slip on some heels, and off you go!

Fine dining restaurant Sophia

Beach restaurant Lungo Mare

Fine dining steakhouse restaurant Sophia is a must-see if you're staying at Grand Hotel Brioni Pula. The high-quality beef served here is flown in from Japan and New Jersey, and they certainly know how to prepare meat here. They also have plenty for vegetarians! So don't let the restaurant's description deter you if you don't eat meat or eat very little. And a big tip: definitely try the homemade sea salt with Jack Daniels. Wow!

Beach restaurant Lungo Mare is the place to go for fresh fish or a good salad with bread. We chose the octopus carpaccio and the sea bass with local olive oil, and it was absolutely delicious.

Fine dining restaurant Sophia

Fine dining restaurant Sophia

taste the local olive oil that Istria is famous for

We understand it's difficult to leave this hotel for a few hours, but we definitely recommend planning a day trip and exploring the surrounding area. Istria is known for its award-winning olive oil, so a visit to Pula wouldn't be complete without an olive oil tasting at one of the area's many olive groves. The family-run Chiavalon welcomed us with open arms and shared not only their knowledge but also their favorite olive oil pairings with us. We'd never dipped cheese in olive oil before, but now we dream about it every day. What a unique experience learning about extra virgin olive oil, and the tasting was even more enjoyable than we could have imagined! You learn to appreciate and recognize the quality of all the oils like a true pro, and of course, we bought some delicious olive oil at the gift shops afterward as a souvenir to relive the flavors of this special region.

Visit the historic city of Pula in Istria

Then it was time to visit Pula's main attraction: the Pula Arena amphitheater, where real gladiators fought for a thousand years. It's fun to wander around on your own and soak up all the sights, but perhaps even more fun to book a tour guide. This way, you'll discover a little more about the history of this iconic place. We learned that Pula is three thousand years old and that there are still many Roman buildings and features to be found in this small town. Impressive!

OLIVE ORCHARD CHIAVALON

PULA THEATER

Take the ferry from Fazana for a day trip to Brioni Island

Less than a 20-minute drive from Grand Hotel Brioni Pula lies the charming coastal village of Fažana. This is the perfect place for a stroll through the old town, a leisurely lunch by the waterfront, and, as the icing on the cake, a visit to the unique Brioni Island National Park on the other side. A 10-minute ferry ride takes you to this historic island, teeming with nature, wildlife, and a wealth of history. There are two main islands (Mali Brijun and Veli Brijun) and about a dozen smaller islets, but only the largest, Veli Brijun, is accessible (unless you have your own boat). There are several options, including renting bicycles and golf carts, and taking the tourist train that takes you to various attractions.

Besides the live animals in the safari park, you can also admire the bizarre collection of stuffed animals in the Tito Museum on this island. This museum is largely dedicated to President Tito and the Croatian political era when Croatia was still part of Yugoslavia. On the west coast of Veliki Brijun, you'll pass Verige Bay, where many ancient ruins from the Roman era can still be seen. The foundations of a former Roman villa are still largely intact, so if history is your thing, you definitely won't want to miss this!

FAZANA

BRIONI ISLAND

Relax in the spa at Grand Hotel Brioni Pula

After all those day trips and days at the beach, are you ready for ultimate relaxation? Then Grand Hotel Brioni Pula has the perfect spot. Below the hotel, you can reach the incredible spa by elevator or stairs. Wow, what a surprise! From Ayurvedic massages to modern saunas and a "carwash" shower (which you walk through after your sauna session to cool off and simultaneously activate all your sensors), everything in this spa is wonderful and meticulously taken care of. From the indoor pool in the spa, you look out over the outdoor pool with the sea beyond. It doesn't get much more beautiful than this!

Would we return to the Grand Hotel Brioni Pula in Croatia? Absolutely! We still think about this wonderful place every day. Looking to relax in luxury and explore a side of Croatia you haven't yet seen? Then you'll definitely want to go here. Enjoy!

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