July 4, 2023 – It is the craft beer king of Istria, now extending its offer far beyond its flavoursome brews – the San Servolo experience.
Ask in any fancy Croatian restaurant or hotel for a Croatian craft beer this summer, and the chances are that you will find a selection of San Servolo beers from just outside Buje. If you are closer to the brewery in Istria itself, you will find it available in pretty much every bar.
It is a stunning success story from a business which opened its doors only 10 years ago, and yet one more success story from inland Istria that I encountered on my visit to this wonderful peninsula a few weeks ago. You can read a more elaborate report in Inland Istria; Croatian Tourism’s Biggest Success Story.
I had visited San Servolo several years ago with a local friend who wanted me to experience not only the beers, but also the dining experience, which included a rather imaginative three-course meal to compliment the brews on offer – beer soup, beer goulash, and the extremely innovative beeramisu dessert. An unusual, but high-quality meal.
Fast forward perhaps 8 years, and here I was again, struggling to recognise the place I had visited before. Progress, diversification and expansion were plain to see.
A full hospitality offer, including boutique hotel, two restaurants, wellness centre, swimming pool, and full facilities for motor homes, as well as luxury mobile homes. A complex set away from the town and with no neighbours at all.
And so tranquil. It was hard to believe that there was a fully functioning brewery (which is apparently about to move to bigger premises close by) by the restaurant, from which I didn’t hear a sound all trip. For a place to come and enjoy nature away from the crowds, with access to a range of excellent services, this was pretty hard to beat.
And oddly, perhaps, it has been so well done that, although beer is the main reason for visits (and the day trip buses keep the tasting and sales room staff busy), it is a place that one can thoroughly enjoy even if you have no love of beer.
But if you do like beer…
San Servolo seems to have had a pioneering spirit since its inception a decade ago, while focusing on quality. Quality that has been consistently recognised over the years, most lately by winning Best Small Campsite and Top 3 Overall Campsites at the last Days of Croatian Tourism Awards.
I must confess that I had never come across a brewery that offered wellness before in Croatia, but I got even more intrigued when I found out how they combined the two – Croatia’s first beer spa. Now that is something I must try!
It is a very cool concept inside their excellent wellness spa, a room with two baths – one for the husband, filled with beer therapy, one for the wife with rose petals. As the only date I could arrange for the day was a hairy American, I had to make do with that. Between the loving couple, plates of cheese, grapes and other fruit, and two taps to serve as much San Servolo as you need for the 45-minute session. A wonderful experience (and those offended by carefully crafted beer bodies, look away now).
The campsite is a delightful addition to the San Servolo story. A little about the Wellness homes from the official website:
Wellness homes are located in a peaceful green oasis, a relaxed atmosphere imbued with elegance that pleases your senses all year round.
We combine pure nature with first-class comfort in a modern and charming environment, prioritizing your privacy. The homes are for relaxation, rest, and enjoyment of nature, with all the benefits of modern life.
All Wellness homes are equipped with air conditioners for cooling in summer and air conditioners and radiators for heating in winter. You can enjoy private whirlpools with sunset and sea views in most homes. From the modernly equipped wellness home in slippers and a bathrobe, head to one of our wellness facilities, whether it’s heated pools, whirlpools, saunas, massages, drinking tea, or just relaxing in one of our relaxation rooms.
A divine spot, and a perfect place to base yourself to explore the rest of the Istrian peninsula, as well as nearby Buje. A case of ‘come for the beer, stay for the idyllic nature.’ I will be back.
You can learn more about the San Servolo story and arrange your visit via the official website.
Paul Bradbury was a guest of the Istrian Tourist Board in May, 2023.
