HOTEL INSIDER: A Stay at Villa Borgo, Motovun
Set within the hilltop town of Motovun sits Villa Borgo, a ten-room B&B overlooking olive groves and cypress-laden fields of green. Arguably the best located property in the whole of Istria, the three-star B&B is the perfect location for those wanting to behold Istria’s biggest draws: food and wine, plus views galore.
DESTINATION: ISTRIA ??
Istria has become a hot destination for the foodie lot. One of the world’s truffle capitals, it’s home to black truffles along with the more elusive white variety, and every restaurant or tavern (‘konoba’) in town is serving up dishes with the region’s high value export. Wine, while not my favorite, complements the food scene with locally produced Teran and Malvasia dominating the landscape. The region feels a bit like undiscovered Italy, at a value that’s unbeatable.
Villa Borgo is unostentatious, a B&B that’s more focused on experiencing the region than it is about the property, and the lovely staff is available to help guide you as you set out to explore the hilltop towns of Istria. Motovun is the defacto capital of Central Istria, the largest hilltop town of the lot, which isn’t saying much considering its tiny size. We stayed in a room overlooking the property’s terrace and the vineyards below. Speaking of the terrace, there’s hardly a better view in Motovun than this prized space. Grab a bottle of wine and snuggle up for sunset.
Staying true to its B&B status, breakfast is included at Villa Borgo, with a selection of baked goods, yogurts and continental-style offerings. Eggs, cooked to order, are the highlight for many because they include – take a guess! – truffles. Even if you’re not an egg person, there’s hardly a better way to start your day. That’s where dining ends at the hotel though, and rightly so. With a handful of lovely restaurants nearby, having a truffle-laden dinner, like the one served at famous Konoba Menego, is practically a rite of passage.
Planning your getaway to Istria? Here’s some inspiration for your trip:
- Motovun + Grozjnan: Exploring Istria’s Hilltop Towns
- Truffle Hunting in Istria with Karlic Tartufi
- 5 Must-Take Photos in Rovinj
- 8 Weeklong Itineraries for Central Europe
- A Travel Guide to Istria (Frank About Croatia)