Off-Season Istria: Seaside Hotels, Glamping, and Authentic Places to Discover

Good morning, dear friends,

Here I am again—pen in hand, eyes on the screen—trying to put into words some fragments of summer I want to hold on to. I see a blank screen in front of me, but I wish it were the “white sheep” of Istria’s waves, the fragrant pine forests, the fiery sunsets.Even though summer is over and it’s early September, those colors shouldn't be lost. In fact, as always, I feel the need to fix these memories in place before they fade.Even if summer feels like a thing of the past, September and October are perfect months for one last dip in Istria: the days are still warm, the water remains crystal clear, and the crowds are nothing but a distant echo… and, let’s be honest, the prices are more gentle than in August.So I thought I’d share what’s “just around the corner”—starting from Trieste, which is only an hour and a half away. That “backyard” that always has a surprise in store.Here’s a little “did you know?”:
During the Yugoslav era, tourist cities were full of state-run resorts. In the 1990s, after the war and the breakup of the country, these facilities were given new life by private groups.

Among them is Arena Hospitality Group, based in Pula:
A company that reinvented its future, becoming an international and dynamic hospitality group now managing 29 properties—hotels, resorts, campsites, glamping sites, and apartments—across Croatia, Austria, Hungary, Germany, and Serbia.That’s around 10,000 accommodation units, offering style and variety, from sea to mountain. Big numbers, yes—but what’s beautiful is that, despite growing, they still invest in genuine hospitality.

For me, this isn’t just a corporate stat. It’s the foundation of a connection I’ve nurtured over the past three years—and since then, I’ve had the chance to stay in the very places I’m now telling you about.As you know, I’ve explored every kind of experience:
From the elegant 5-star Brioni Hotel, to Glamping 99 One, where I slept under a luxury tent, to the cozy camping homes of Stoja and Stupice.And then, a bit further afield: Arena has expanded to Zagreb (perfect for Christmas markets) and Belgrade, and many more destinations I’ll discover with you in the future. But let’s go back to this summer—a mix of nature, understated luxury, and authentic peace.

Grand Hotel Brioni – Verudela

A gem set in a pine forest, overlooking the sea, just minutes from the city center.
A sea-view room is practically a must—waking up to that view gives you an instant smile.The hotel is historic but updated with modern details and refined materials. The original staircase and handrail remain, while inside you'll find a complete spa, indoor and outdoor pool, sauna, Turkish bath, relaxation area, and hair salon.The cuisine? Outstanding—varied, high quality, and attentive to vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free diets. There’s also a gourmet restaurant for those seeking an extra touch.

Park Plaza Histria – Just a short walk away.

A 4-star superior hotel, thoughtfully renovated, perfect for families, groups, or work retreats. A dreamy spa with a heated seawater indoor pool, outdoor pool, saunas, beauty treatments, gym, and conference rooms.And the buffet? Let’s just say, resisting is a challenge!
Perfect for a rejuvenating weekend—meetings, slow breakfasts, and stunning sunsets, just steps away.

Verudela – A Magical Corner

Beaches, tennis courts, a golf driving range, the famous Croatian Aquarium (I took you there this summer—it’s the largest in Croatia!), and the spectacular Hawaii Beach, where sirocco waves can reach 4 meters!From pine forest walks, cliff diving, transparent-bottom kayak rides, windsurfing, and SUP... it really has it all.There are even apartments in the pine forest, some right on the sea. These include access to a heated seawater pool, nearby restaurants, a shopping street, a marina, and even a dedicated excursion agency—all part of Arena Group.

Stupice Campsite – “HippieChic” Style.

Near Kamenjak Nature Park, it’s half wild, half equipped.This year, some pitches have been expanded, and there are mobile homes right by the sea. Think wild nature, magical sunrises, and the power of the bora wind.Try quads, bikes, windsurfing, SUP, boat rentals, basketball and beach volleyball courts, and even jet skis, which I used to explore nearby islets and the Pula lighthouse.There’s also a simple but authentic seafood restaurant, and a little village nearby for your bread, fruit, or breakfast stop.

Glamping 99 One – Pomer

A village of glam tents, a Luxury Lodge with private jacuzzi, pedestrian-only access, and complete silence.You’ll find bikes to explore the coast, boat trips (so magical I didn’t want to return), a surf school, and a Wellness Spa with hot tubs, sauna, and treatments. Children grow up in a fairy tale here, eyes wide with wonder—and the little pebble beach is ideal for their swims. Also perfect for a romantic, alternative getaway.

Kažela Campsite – Medulin

The largest property, ideal for families. Pools, slides, inflatables, entertainment—and I stayed in a home with a private pool, in the quieter area, where peace reigned even when the campsite came alive at sunset.

Stoja Campsite – Open All Year

Arguably the most beautiful of all: cabins in a pine forest overlooking the rocky beach, crystal-clear lagoon-like sea, silence between forest and water, and a scuba diving experience I’ll never forget.You can even try wakeboarding or waterskiing at Wake Park Pula—a cable system that’s both thrilling and safe.

Bonus for Mountain Lovers – Franz Ferdinand Hotel, Nassfeld (Austria)

Steps from the ski lift (you get a free SUMMER lift card with your booking), you can hit the slopes straight from the hotel garage.Smart rooms with private entry for your bike or skis and heated boot storage. Wellness area, pools, gym, indoor climbing, evening games like foosball, ping-pong, and billiards.A young and practical hotel, built for youth and transformed for sporty families.
Excellent food, Italian chefs, and a mixed staff = hospitality that truly matters.

None of these experiences come from a brochure—they’re made of shared walks, breathtaking silences, and heart-first discoveries. I’m here to give you real, unfiltered advice—as if we were having coffee together. These are my personal stops, the places I’ve truly experienced.
There are many more on Arena’s website: something for every taste, group, or couple.

And Until the End of 2025…

Use the promo code “MISSCLAIRE” on the Arena site before completing your booking for a special rate, just for my readers.

I’m already dreaming of Zagreb’s Christmas markets, and I’ll take you with me, step by step.

Let me leave you with this thought:
Travel isn’t just about destinations on a map, but emotions to treasure, stories to tell, and memories to love.

Every story becomes a shared journal. And every journal, an invitation to set off.

With my suitcase packed and my heart light,
a warm hug — MissClaire