A Perfect End-of-Summer Stay at Petram Resort, Croatia

There’s something special about those very last days of summer—the ones that slip through your fingers if you don’t hold onto them. This year, instead of rushing back to school and work with a sigh, we decided to stretch the season just a little further. A slow journey, close enough to reach by car, yet far enough to feel like an escape. And that’s how we found ourselves at Petram Resort & Residences in Istria.

First Impressions of Petram Resort

Petram is not just a name—it’s a promise. The resort sits on a beautifully maintained, secure estate (yes, complete with gates and friendly security staff), where every corner feels cared for. The gardens are lush and trimmed, the air is filled with Mediterranean scents, and the staff greet you with genuine warmth. Right from the moment we parked, it felt less like checking into a hotel and more like stepping into a temporary home.

That’s one of Petram’s strengths: it’s flexible. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, a family with small children, or—like us—bringing along both a teenager and a dog, there’s a space here that fits. From cozy rooms to spacious apartments and elegant villas, the accommodations feel private and home-like, without losing that “holiday sparkle.”

Traveling with a Shiba Inu

For us, choosing accommodation always depends on Hana, our Shiba Inu. She’s not a suitcase accessory—she’s part of the family, and that means space, safety, and dog-friendly rules are essential. Petram ticked all the boxes.

She loved the vast grassy areas where she could sniff and explore. Walks to the beach were easy—five minutes on foot or, for fun, a quick half-minute ride in the hotel’s quirky golf-cart taxi. The resort makes clear that while dogs are welcome, there are common-sense rules: no furry friends in the wellness area or the restaurant. Honestly, that balance worked perfectly for us. Hana got her adventures, and we got our peace.

For the Kids (and the Adults)

My daughter Lili felt just as spoiled. While she soaked up the wellness tailored to her age group, smaller kids dashed happily between the playground, indoor playroom, and animation programs. No “Mom, I’m bored” in sight.

And then there’s that rooftop infinity pool—an endless blue ribbon that blends sky and sea. Standing there, looking out over the Gulf of Trieste all the way to the Italian coastline, was one of those moments you want to bottle forever.

For the adults, Petram offers a wellness world of its own: multiple saunas, a steam bath, relaxation rooms, and spaces that invite you to just… pause. It’s indulgence without fuss.

Sea, Sun, and a Bit of Adventure

One detail I loved? The resort separates dog-friendly spaces from dog-free beaches, so everyone finds their comfort zone. My morning dip in the Adriatic became a ritual—five minutes of salty freshness that set the tone for the whole day.

Beyond the resort, small coastal towns begged for strolls, and we couldn’t resist adding a boat trip to our itinerary. Golf lovers will be happy too: there’s already a course nearby, and interestingly, I learned that the wild-looking landscape just across from the resort is also planned to be transformed into another golf course. When that happens, Petram will become an even more multifaceted, all-needs-covered destination.

Evenings at Petram

Evenings were their own kind of magic. After a day full of movement and saltwater, we’d sit down for a generous half-board dinner or choose from the à la carte menu. Fresh flavors, a glass of local wine, and that satisfied feeling of knowing tomorrow could be as relaxed or adventurous as we wished.

And when the plates were cleared and the laughter faded into yawns, our spacious apartment waited. Comfortable beds, the quiet hum of a place designed for rest—it all made drifting off effortless.

A Balanced View

No resort is perfect, and honesty is part of any true review. The only real drawback we noticed was in the outdoor parking area: without any cover, the cars heat up quickly under the sun. Some sleek pergolas or even a solar-panel-covered solution could add both comfort and sustainability here.

But honestly, that was a small note in an otherwise glowing stay.

Why We’ll Return

Petram Resort & Residences isn’t about flashy luxury—it’s about thoughtful details:

• Safe grounds with gates and guards.

• Lush, well-kept gardens.

• Spacious apartments that feel like home.

• A balance between pet-friendly freedom and respectful boundaries.

• Enough variety to keep kids, adults, and even dogs content.

• A rooftop infinity pool with one of the most beautiful views of the Trieszt Bay and even across to the Italian shore.

For us, it was the perfect way to let summer linger a little longer. And if there’s one lesson in slow travel, it’s this: sometimes the most precious journeys are not about going far, but about finding a place where every member of the family—two-legged and four-legged—feels at home.