The Kvarner Riviera, one of the cradles of Croatian tourism, will soon be enriched by a new gem of luxury offerings that will redefine the standards of hospitality on the Adriatic. Namely, the Opatija Marriott Resort & Spa, whose opening is eagerly awaited in the spring of 2026, has announced a key appointment that signals the great ambitions of this project. At the helm of the first resort in Croatia to be directly managed by the renowned global brand Marriott, is Jan Thore Albers, an experienced expert with more than two decades of experience in managing the most prestigious hotels around the world.

This move marks the beginning of a new era for tourism in Opatija and the neighboring Ičići, where the resort is located. Albers's appointment is not just a business decision, but also a story of returning to roots, which gives the entire project a deeper, more personal dimension and a strong connection with the local community.

A leader with proven success and an international career

Jan Thore Albers brings an impressive resume and a proven ability to achieve outstanding business results to Croatia. His career, which spans more than twenty years, is marked by work in the luxury hospitality segment, where he has managed some of the most famous hotel properties in Europe and the Middle East. His name has become synonymous with strategic leadership, innovation, and a flawless user experience.

Prior to taking on this important role, Albers served as the general manager of The Chedi Luštica Bay hotel in Montenegro. Under his leadership, this hotel became the first in the country to join the prestigious Leading Hotels of the World association. The results he achieved there speak for themselves: he achieved an incredible increase in the average daily room rate (ADR) of as much as 200%, successfully transformed the business from a loss to profitability, and secured numerous international recognitions and awards for the hotel. His expertise in revenue optimization and positioning luxury brands in competitive markets will be crucial for the success of the Opatija Marriott Resort & Spa.

His rich international experience also includes managing prestigious resorts such as The Cove Rotana Resort in the United Arab Emirates and Tara’s Lodge in Croatia, on the island of Korčula. During his tenure with the Radisson Hotel Group, Albers was responsible for overseeing operations and strategic initiatives in Germany, Switzerland, and Croatia, further honing his skills in managing complex hotel systems. It is precisely this combination of a global perspective and local experience that makes him the ideal leader for a project that aims to combine world standards with the authentic spirit of Kvarner.

A personal connection as the foundation of future success

What makes the appointment of Jan Thore Albers truly special is his deep personal connection to the Opatija region. For him, this is not just a new business challenge, but also a return to a place that holds important family memories. The land on which the modern resort now stands was once in the immediate vicinity of the hospital where his grandfather worked. Additionally, the building where his mother grew up is just a few steps away. This unique link between the past and the present gives his new role additional weight and emotional charge.

This close connection with the destination guarantees that Albers will approach the integration of the resort into the local community with special care. His dedication goes beyond professional frameworks; it is driven by a desire to honor the heritage of the local community and at the same time actively participate in shaping its future. In his statement, Albers emphasized: "I am honored to return to a place that holds such deep meaning for me. Opatija is more than a beautiful destination – it is part of my family's story. I look forward to building strong ties with the community in Ičići and Opatija, creating unforgettable experiences for guests, and positioning the Opatija Marriott Resort & Spa as a beacon of luxury and connection on the Adriatic."

A vision for a new era of luxury in Kvarner

As general manager, Jan Thore Albers will be responsible for all aspects of the resort's operations, starting from the key pre-opening phase. His tasks include strategic market positioning, defining marketing strategies, and assembling a top-tier executive team that will share his vision. His leadership will be crucial in establishing the resort as a world-class destination in the heart of the Adriatic.

Pankaj Birla, Area Vice President for Eastern Europe at Marriott International, expressed great satisfaction with this appointment. "We are thrilled to welcome Jan to the Opatija Marriott family. His proven excellence in pre-opening strategies, commercial leadership, and user experience, combined with his personal heritage in this region, will help shape a unique and meaningful experience that will connect both global travelers and the local community," said Birla. This partnership emphasizes Marriott's commitment to creating authentic experiences that respect the local identity.

The resort will operate under the Marriott Hotels brand, which is part of the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio of more than 30 hotel brands. The opening of the Opatija Marriott Resort & Spa represents a significant step for Croatian tourism, attracting a new clientele and raising the bar of quality. With Albers at the helm, the resort promises a new standard of excellence and a sincere dedication to the community it calls home, making it an ideal place for a stay in Opatija.

What does the Opatija Marriott Resort & Spa bring?

Located in the picturesque Ičići, on the site of a former hospital, on a plot of 22,000 square meters, the Opatija Marriott Resort & Spa will be the largest hotel complex on the Opatija Riviera. This ambitious project, worth around 100 million euros, promises to raise the entire region's offer to a higher level. It has been carefully designed to blend harmoniously into the coastal environment, celebrating the natural beauty of the Adriatic and the rich heritage of Opatija.

The complex will have a total of 182 accommodation units. The main hotel building will offer elegantly designed rooms and suites of various sizes, while a special touch of exclusivity will be provided by six luxury villas, each with its own private pool. Guests will be able to enjoy two outdoor and one indoor pool, a modern fitness and spa center, and as many as five restaurants and bars, whose gastronomic offer will reflect the richness of Adriatic cuisine with locally inspired menus.

The resort will also have direct access to the sea and the famous Lungomare promenade, which stretches from Volosko to Lovran, providing guests with a unique opportunity to enjoy spectacular views of the Kvarner Gulf. In addition to all of the above, the complex will also enrich the destination's congress offer with two halls with a capacity of up to 320 seats, with which Opatija further strengthens its position as a leading MICE destination. All spaces are designed with an emphasis on open terraces and panoramic sea views, creating an atmosphere made for relaxation and enjoying the unique blend of modern luxury and timeless charm.