On the Croatian tourist scene, the island of Cres has recently been enriched by an exceptional hotel facility that pushes the boundaries of luxury and personalized service. It is the boutique hotel The Isolano, inaugurated a few months ago, which proudly bears the prestigious Autograph Collection by Marriott label. This acquisition not only represents the first hotel under the auspices of Marriott International on one of the many Croatian islands, but it is also a pioneering Autograph Collection hotel in Croatia conceived as a refuge exclusively for adults, more precisely, for guests older than 12 years. Situated in an idyllic setting, this hotel offers a blend of contemporary design, indigenous elements, and impeccable service, targeting a refined clientele seeking peace, exclusivity, and a unique experience. An investment worth 17 million euros resulted in a facility with 49 meticulously designed rooms and suites, two outdoor heated pools, a wellness and spa center of 500 square meters, and several gastronomic points, all just a ten-minute walk along the coast from the historic core of the town of Cres. The location within a dense pine forest, overlooking the crystal-clear Adriatic Sea, further emphasizes the feeling of isolation and tranquility, despite the proximity to city amenities. The hotel's architecture, designed by Kristina Zanić, skillfully combines modern geometric lines with Mediterranean vegetation, paying homage to local tradition and the natural environment, using stone from the island of Brač. For all those seeking a peaceful holiday on Cres, this place offers a unique opportunity.

Irresistible May Offer: Half Price Stays for Rainy Days

At the beginning of May 2025, the management of The Isolano hotel launched news that sparked significant interest, especially among domestic travel enthusiasts who perceive the pre-season period, and particularly May, as the perfect time for an escape to the coast. The hotel has, in fact, introduced an innovative and attractive promotional campaign that will last throughout May: all guests who experience a rainy day during their stay will be refunded as much as 50% of the accommodation price. This bold initiative, a kind of "good weather guarantee," is designed to attract guests even in case of less than ideal weather conditions, and to emphasize the hotel's confidence in the charms that the island of Cres offers even outside the main season.

Mario Ivić, the general manager of The Isolano hotel, explained this unique marketing campaign in more detail. "The decision to launch this campaign was motivated by several aspects," Ivić began. "As a relatively new hotel on the market, it is extremely important for us to gain the trust and affinity of domestic guests, in addition to international clientele, especially in the pre-season period. The island of Cres, with its proximity to continental Croatia – for example, only about an hour and a half drive from Zagreb to the ferry port – represents an ideal destination for shorter holidays. Recently, we have also noted an increase in interest from guests from Dalmatia, who are increasingly discovering the natural beauties and hidden corners of this magical Kvarner island." The search for quality accommodation on Cres now has this additional benefit.

"The second incentive for this campaign arose from media announcements about a possible changeable weather forecast for May. We decided to respond to this in a charming and, we believe, unprecedented way in our market. We are deeply convinced that everyone who visits our sunny island will truly enjoy it, regardless of an occasional cloud, and we are prepared to financially guarantee this belief," Ivić continued. "The third, and perhaps most exciting reason, is an exclusive gastronomic event that we are organizing for the upcoming weekend – a spectacular nine-course dinner with a Michelin signature. We see this as a perfect opportunity for a weekend trip to Cres, where guests can fully indulge in hedonism, both through top-notch gastronomy and through other facilities and services our hotel offers." Ivić also pointed out that the hotel has great ambitions for its cuisine, aiming to position itself among the leading gastronomic destinations in Croatia, using as much as 95% of ingredients from the island of Cres.

Campaign Conditions and Details of the "Rain Guarantee"

Manager Ivić also clarified the key conditions of this tempting offer. The 50% accommodation price refund campaign applies to all reservations made for stays in the period from May 1st to May 31st, 2025. The prerequisite for availing the benefit is a minimum stay of two nights. "We will refund our guests half the amount of the accommodation price, and this benefit can be applied to a maximum of two nights during one stay. To exercise the right to a refund, guests are obliged to inform the hotel reception by 10:00 PM on the same day they believe meets the 'rainy day' criteria," Ivić elaborated. The definition of a "rainy day" will probably be specified in the hotel's internal rules, but the gesture itself indicates a high level of focus on guest satisfaction.

Culmination of the Gastronomic Offer: "Four Hands Dinner" with Michelin Sparkle

The aforementioned exclusive dinner, called "Four Hands Dinner," is a culinary project by Aleksandar Kerekeš, the chef of The Isolano hotel's kitchen. Chef Kerekeš, who gained his rich experience, among other places, at the renowned Tokyo restaurant MAZ with two Michelin stars, will host chef Marko Đerić. Chef Đerić is known for his work in the Belgrade restaurant Langouste, which also boasts Michelin recognition, and he honed his experience in other prestigious European restaurants such as Bros' in Lecce, Tosca in Geneva, and the three-star Piazza Duomo di Alba. Joining forces, these two culinary masters will prepare a sophisticated fine dining dinner in nine meticulously designed courses. This event will undoubtedly attract true gourmets and further enrich the tourist offer of the island of Cres, confirming its growing status on Croatia's gastronomic map.

Island of Cres: Undiscovered Jewel of the Adriatic

The island of Cres, Croatia's second-largest island, has long been somewhat overshadowed by more famous Adriatic destinations. However, its authenticity, untouched nature, and rich cultural heritage are increasingly coming to the fore. From picturesque coves and hidden beaches, through the dense Tramuntana forests in the north of the island which are home to griffon vultures – the only population in the world that nests on cliffs above the sea – to historic towns like Cres, Osor, and Lubenice, the island offers a plethora of content for exploration. Finding ideal accommodation on Cres allows you to immerse yourself in this unique world. The island's gastronomy is based on fresh, local ingredients – Cres lamb, olive oil, wild asparagus, fresh fish and seafood, and aromatic herbs form the basis of traditional dishes. There are also numerous hiking and cycling trails that lead through olive groves, pine forests, and stone landscapes, offering unforgettable views.

The arrival of hotels like The Isolano, which belongs to a renowned international chain such as Marriott, signals a new era in the tourist development of Cres. Such facilities not only raise the quality of accommodation on offer, but also attract a new structure of guests and encourage the development of the entire destination. The "adults only" concept (in this case "adults friendly" for those over 12 years old) is increasingly popular among travelers seeking a peaceful holiday, relaxation, and personalized service, far from the hustle and bustle of family resorts. The Isolano, with its focus on luxury, wellness, top-notch gastronomy, and now, the innovative "rain guarantee," will undoubtedly stand out as one of the most desirable addresses on the Adriatic, especially for those who appreciate discretion and refinement. This initiative also demonstrates a willingness to adapt to market conditions and creatively approach challenges, such as unpredictable spring weather, turning a potential drawback into a marketing advantage.

Investing in the local community, employing local residents, and using local ingredients, as emphasized by manager Ivić, are additional positive aspects that contribute to the sustainable development of tourism on the island. Promoting Cres as a destination that is accessible and attractive even outside the main summer season is key to extending the tourist year and ensuring a more stable income for the local economy. The May campaign of The Isolano hotel, combined with a top-tier gastronomic event, is precisely a step in that direction, inviting guests to discover all the charms of Cres in the spring, with the added assurance that even occasional rain will not spoil their experience – at least not financially.