A dozen luxury hotels poised to open in Croatia in 2026

1. Pical Resort, Valamar Collection – Poreč
Investment: €200 million
Status: opening in 2026

Pical Resort in Poreč represents the largest single hotel investment in Istria in recent years and a key strategic project for Valamar and its partners. The new resort, located by the sea within the Parenzana Beachfront Park, is designed as three complementary units: Pical Suites, Pical Family Hotel, and Pical Hotel, offering a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury suites to family rooms.

The family offer includes more than 3,000 m² of facilities, the largest indoor play centre in the region, and themed outdoor parks. The resort’s culinary scene features 11 restaurants and 10 bars, led by Harry’s Piccolo, a fine dining concept created in collaboration with two-Michelin-star chefs.

A special highlight is the 1,300 m² ESPA spa centre, the first of its kind in Croatia. The resort also integrates a strong artistic component through works by Istrian and Croatian artists. Pical Resort sets new standards of luxury based not on opulence, but on experience, architecture, and a deep connection to its surroundings.

2. San Canzian Club Villas & Residences – Buje
Investment: €38 million
Status: Under construction, set to open in 2026

San Canzian is expanding its successful boutique hotel into one of the most ambitious luxury projects in Istria – a new Istrian “village” that combines authentic architecture with contemporary luxury. The €38 million investment includes 14 club villas and 20 residences, each with a private heated pool and personalised five-star service. The architecture reinterprets Istrian tradition – stone houses, narrow car-free streets, olive groves, and vineyards create the ambience of an authentic village with modern comfort.

A key feature is the exclusive Club House, a members’ club with a restaurant, wine and cigar bar, private rooms, and a gallery. In cooperation with Camelot, Croatia’s first “cigar bank” is being developed. The project will also host artist residencies, making San Canzian a platform for contemporary art. Zero-energy houses, rainwater systems, and sustainable construction position the project among the most advanced in the region. San Canzian defines a new type of luxury – discreet, personalised, and deeply connected to the identity of Istria.

3. Marriott Hotel Ičići
Investment: €100 million
Status: Under construction, opening 2026

Marriott Hotel Ičići is one of the largest hotel investments in Kvarner and the first Marriott luxury resort of this profile on the Croatian coast. The €100 million project is being developed on a 22,000 m² site in the centre of Ičići, where a hotel with approximately 180 rooms and 12 villas will be built.

The concept includes a wellness centre, conference facilities, pools, and restaurants, directly connected with the coastal area via a newly constructed pedestrian bridge. The investment also includes improvements to public spaces – squares, access roads, and green areas – enhancing the urban development of the destination rather than creating an isolated resort.

The arrival of the global Marriott brand significantly elevates the tourism landscape of the Opatija riviera, particularly in the luxury and business travel segments. Despite the complexity of the project, construction is progressing, and the hotel is expected to open in 2026, positioning Ičići as a new regional hub for luxury hospitality.

4. Hotel Jadran – Rijeka (Tribute Portfolio)
Investment: €5.5 million
Status: Open

Hotel Jadran, one of Rijeka’s most recognisable hotels, is undergoing the most significant renovation in its history. The €5.5 million investment brings a complete transformation of the property, which will become part of the Marriott Tribute Portfolio collection, giving Rijeka its first hotel under a global lifestyle brand.

The works include a full redesign of the interiors, modernisation of all 70 rooms, an enhanced culinary concept, and an upgrade of service standards to an international level. The new Jadran emphasises the fusion of modern elegance and coastal identity, targeting guests seeking a contemporary, design-driven hotel with an authentic atmosphere.

The hotel’s unique value remains its position directly on the waterfront, with direct beach access and views stretching across the entire Kvarner Bay. The renovation aligns with Rijeka’s broader efforts to elevate its tourism offering, and the arrival of a Marriott brand signals a new phase in the city’s development as an urban and business destination.

5. Hotel Marjan – Split
Investment: €100+ million
Status: Opening in 2026

Hotel Marjan, one of Split’s most iconic architectural landmarks, is undergoing the largest reconstruction in its history. The investment, exceeding €100 million, fully transforms the city’s western waterfront and restores Marjan as a leading luxury hotel. The project, designed by Studio 3LHD with interiors by Italian architect Piero Lissoni, combines contemporary minimalism with Mediterranean aesthetics, preserving the recognisable silhouette of the original tower.

The new Marjan will offer 285 premium rooms and suites, a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views, a 1,700 m² wellness centre, indoor and outdoor pools, and conference facilities that Split currently lacks. The culinary programme is expected to position itself as a new fine dining destination for the city.

An underground garage with 285 spaces resolves long-standing infrastructure challenges in this part of Split. The project has a substantial impact on year-round tourism, the events segment, and Split’s positioning as a destination of urban luxury. Opening is planned for 2026, establishing Marjan as a new symbol of modern Split.

6. Mövenpick Hotel Žnjan – Split
Investment: €25 million
Status: Opening in 2026

Mövenpick Hotel Žnjan, the first Mövenpick in Croatia, is a key element in the transformation of Split’s coastline and the largest new hotel project in Žnjan. The €25 million investment includes 156 modern rooms, all with sea views, a rooftop infinity pool, spa centre, conference halls, and two restaurants. The design, by Pulsar Arhitektura and international designer Kristina Zanić, reflects a contemporary Mediterranean style and the warmth of local materials.

Mövenpick introduces a new level of lifestyle hospitality to Split – a blend of resort-style and urban hotel, strongly focused on gastronomy and experience-driven stays. The project is a central component of the broader redesign of Žnjan, transforming the area into a modern coastal district for both visitors and residents. Given its scale and concept, the hotel is poised to become one of Split’s most sought-after new destinations, particularly for guests seeking high-quality beachfront accommodation year-round.

7. Hotel Zagreb – Dubrovnik
Investment: Not disclosed
Status: Opening in 2026

Hotel Zagreb in Lapad, closed in recent years, is undergoing a thorough renovation and will reopen in summer 2026 as a high-category boutique heritage hotel. The new owners, the Rilović family from Dubrovnik, are preserving the original exterior, which holds architectural significance for Uvala Lapad, while the interior is being completely redesigned – elegant, contemporary, and functional, with an emphasis on authentic Dubrovnik elements.

The former 24 rooms will be transformed into 19 more spacious units to meet luxury standards. Special attention is given to gastronomy: the restaurant will focus on fish and local cuisine, aiming to create an intimate setting for both hotel guests and locals. Hotel Zagreb represents a key step forward for Dubrovnik’s small luxury hotel segment, particularly those combining tradition and contemporary design. Its reopening strengthens Lapad’s positioning as a prestigious and quieter tourist zone outside the historic centre.

8. Kupari Resort – Four Seasons (Župa dubrovačka)
Investment: €100+ million
Status: Demolition in 2025; construction scheduled for 2026–2030

The revitalisation of Kupari is one of the most ambitious luxury tourism investments in Croatia. The project, valued at more than €100 million, is led by Singapore’s HPL Group, with the global Four Seasons brand set as the operator. The complex is being built on the site of a former military resort, currently undergoing demolition. The only preserved structure, Hotel Grand, will be reconstructed with the restoration of historical elements, while the rest of the resort will be entirely new construction.

The project includes a luxury hotel, villas, spa centre, restaurants, lounge areas, pools, and a beach developed to Four Seasons standards. The focus is on privacy, sustainability, and integration with the natural landscape, one of the most attractive in the Dubrovnik area. Kupari is expected to become one of the most prestigious resorts on the Croatian coast, targeting the highest-end clientele. Construction will span several years, with completion anticipated around 2030.

9. Hotel Toplica – Topusko
Investment: €40.5 million
Status: Completion set for 2026

Hotel Toplica is the largest single investment in health tourism in continental Croatia. The €40.5 million project includes a comprehensive renovation of accommodation facilities, medical amenities, pools, and wellness zones. After reconstruction, the hotel will feature 175 modern units with 302 beds, a completely new restaurant, medical block, fitness area, indoor and outdoor pools, and a range of therapy spaces.

Funded through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NPOO), the project will transform Topusko from an outdated spa into a modern health-tourism centre capable of competing with leading regional destinations. The renovation significantly contributes to the local economy and job creation, with completion expected in 2026.

10. Hotel Royal – Osijek
Investment: €25 million
Status: Not defined

Hotel Royal in Osijek is undergoing complete reconstruction and expansion, transforming it into one of the region’s most luxurious hotels and potentially the first five-star property in eastern Croatia. The historicist façade from 1905 has been restored, while the interior is being redesigned with high-category rooms, a restaurant, spa, conference spaces, and a rooftop pool.

A new annexe is being built in the courtyard, featuring terraces, cafés, and a pedestrian passage connecting Kapucinska and Šamačka Streets, reshaping the city centre’s appearance. The project includes structural rehabilitation, installation of modern systems, and extensive interior works. The total investment is approximately €25 million, with construction progressing gradually and no official opening date announced.

11. Hotel Minerva – Varaždinske Toplice
Investment: €22.18 million
Status: Opening in March 2026

The reconstruction of Hotel Minerva is the largest investment in the history of Varaždinske Toplice. The €22.18 million project encompasses 35,000 m², including the modernisation of guest rooms, the reception area, restaurant, indoor and outdoor pools, therapy spaces, and the complete energy infrastructure.

Once completed, the hotel will hold a four-star rating and become the central facility for health tourism in northern Croatia. Renovated rooms and a new wellness concept will enhance the guest experience, while upgraded medical facilities will support an expanded range of services. Minerva will operate year-round and play a key role in the development of continental tourism.

12. New Hotel Stubičke Toplice
Investment: €17.6 million
Status: Construction between 2024 and 2026

A new hotel in Stubičke Toplice is being developed as part of a broader investment in the modernisation of the special hospital and regional health tourism offer. The €17.6 million investment includes 36 rooms, 2 suites, restaurants, a wellness centre, pools, and conference space.

The building will be connected to the wellness and medical facilities of the local spa, forming an integrated medical-wellness complex. The goal is to increase visitor numbers, extend the tourist season, and position Stubičke Toplice as a modern health-recreation centre.

Source: Jutranji.hr