Villa Principe, Porec, Istria

Surrounded by the sweeping Istrian countryside, it’ll be hard to tear yourself away from Villa Principe. Nesting on a verdant slope, you’re wreathed by lush vineyards, olive groves, and pine woodlands, all backed by a soaring hilly landscape. Relaxation is at the top of the itinerary at Villa Principe, set within the sleepy Medieval town of Pertici, where you can unwind and soak up the laid-back way of life. Head to the centre to delve into its pretty art galleries, old-world restaurants and gaudy bars. If you can be tempted to leave this secluded oasis, a thirty-minute drive away is the traditional fishing village of Novigrad. Here the restaurants all put their own spin on the freshly-caught fish, all crowded around the harbour bobbing with fishermen.

Villa Principe is a beautiful mix of old and new, with a delicate beige Istrian stone architecture paired with modern sliding doors and windows that flood the interiors with natural light. The interiors are a breath of fresh air, shining with a crisp modern and contemporary design, while the open-plan layout allows plenty of sunshine to steam in. The living area is chic and avant-garde, with swish wall art, antique furniture, plump leather sofas, vintage décor, and stylish lighting fixtures. We’re in awe of the kitchen, a modern masterpiece with stainless steel appliances fixed with rustic wooden cabinets and a counter island built with stunning exposed brick. In front of the kitchen lies a vogue dining table, white and sleek, with chairs for six people to dine together. Built across one floor, there’s one double and one twin bedroom decorated in a quirky style with vivid-coloured furniture. The final bedroom offers a delightful four-poster double bed, with direct access to the terrace for instant countryside views.

The outside terrace provides a picture-perfect vantage point over the far-reaching countryside panoramas. Take a dip in the sparkling infinity pool, where you can gaze out and admire distant views of the medieval fortification of Motovun. Tucked in the corner is your own summer kitchen, equipped with a stone barbecue and a dining table for serving dinner in the warm, crisp rural air. With two shaded pergolas hosting comfy outdoor seating, get snug on a hazy afternoon and sip a cocktail whilst looking out over the scenery. Any terrace wouldn’t be complete without a few sun loungers, positioned poolside so you can hop out and dry off in the sunshine.