The Adriatic coast of Croatia will soon be enriched by a new jewel of luxury tourism. Marriott Hotels, a distinctive brand within the global Marriott Bonvoy portfolio which encompasses over 30 hotel brands, has announced the opening of Opatija Marriott Resort & Spa. This anticipated resort plans to open its doors in the spring, specifically in April 2026, bringing a new dimension of sophistication and premium service to the Kvarner Riviera. Located in picturesque Ičići, not far from the center of Opatija which offers diverse accommodation, the resort promises a harmonious blend of contemporary comfort and the timeless charm of a region known for its rich history and exceptional natural beauty.

The project represents a significant investment in Croatian tourism, estimated at around 100 million euros, backed by Hungarian entrepreneur Lőrinc Mészáros and his Mészáros Group, in collaboration with the development company DDG Group. The construction of the complex is taking place on a spacious plot of approximately 22,000 square meters, on the site of a former hospital in Ičići, which will undergo a complete transformation through this project.

Opatija: The Cradle of Croatian Tourism with Imperial Splendor

Opatija, often called the "Old Dame" of Croatian tourism or the "Pearl of the Adriatic", is the place where tourism in Croatia began its journey. Its story as a tourist destination dates back to the mid-19th century, specifically 1844, when the Rijeka patrician Iginio Scarpa built Villa Angiolina as a summer residence for his wife. Surrounded by a lavish park with plants from all over the world, the villa soon became a gathering place for the elite, attracting distinguished guests from the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy and beyond.

Recognizing the potential of the location and the mild climate, the Southern Railway Company bought the villa and built the first luxury hotel on the Adriatic, Hotel Kvarner (then Quarnero), opened in 1884. This was followed by the construction of the Hotel Kronprinzessin Stephanie (today Imperial). A key moment occurred on March 4, 1889, when Opatija was officially declared a climatic health resort (Kurort) by an imperial decree of Franz Joseph I. This spurred further development, the construction of numerous villas, boarding houses, sanatoriums, and the arrangement of parks and the famous coastal promenade.

Opatija became a fashionable winter resort and health spa for European aristocracy, royal families, artists, and scientists. Its charm, Belle Époque architecture, manicured parks like Angiolina Park and St. Jacob's Park, and unique microclimate secured its status as a prestigious destination comparable to Nice in France. Today's Croatian Museum of Tourism, housed precisely in Villa Angiolina and the nearby Juraj Šporer Art Pavilion, preserves testimonies of this rich past.

Lungomare: The Iconic Seaside Promenade

An inseparable part of the Opatija Riviera's identity is the Franz Joseph I Coastal Promenade, better known as Lungomare. This picturesque promenade, stretching approximately 10 to 12 kilometers, connects the quaint Volosko in the north, through Opatija where you can find ideal accommodation, Ičići, and Ika, all the way to Lovran in the south. Its construction began parallel to Opatija being declared a health resort; the first section, from Volosko to Opatija, was completed in 1889, while the southern part towards Lovran was finished in 1911.

Lungomare is not just a pedestrian path; it is the lifeblood of the riviera, a place for meeting, recreation, and enjoying the unique blend of the sea, lavish architecture, and lush vegetation. Walking along Lungomare, one passes some of the most beautiful beaches, hidden coves, centuries-old trees like pubescent oaks, laurels, and pines, and imposing Austro-Hungarian villas that testify to Opatija's golden age. The promenade offers unobstructed access to the sea and spectacular views of the Kvarner Gulf. The future Opatija Marriott Resort & Spa will have a privileged position right next to this legendary promenade, providing guests with direct access to its charms and beauty.

Opatija Marriott Resort & Spa: Details of the Future Luxury Haven

The new resort is carefully designed to harmoniously blend into its seaside environment, celebrating the natural beauty of the Adriatic and the rich heritage of Opatija, while providing the signature Marriott hospitality and premium standards.

Accommodation Units and Architecture

The complex will feature 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 luxurious Serenity Villas, each with its own private pool, offering guests a sense of complete privacy and peace. The architectural design, the work of the Zagreb studio Arhitektri and executed by the company Degrad, emphasizes the connection with nature through open terraces, abundant natural light, and panoramic sea views. The spaces will reflect the maritime influences of the region, creating an atmosphere designed for relaxation.

Facilities for Relaxation and Recreation

Guests will enjoy direct access to the beach and a range of facilities characteristic of a top-tier resort. At the heart of the offering will be a comprehensive wellness and spa center, designed with a holistic approach to regenerating body and mind. Visitors will have access to indoor and outdoor pools, a modernly equipped fitness center, and carefully designed spaces for relaxation and personalized treatments. Whether it's relaxing by the pool, working out with a sea view, or surrendering to the expert hands of therapists, the resort will offer a sanctuary for complete revitalization.

Gastronomic Offer and Socializing

The resort's culinary offer will celebrate the richness of Adriatic flavors and local ingredients. As many as five different restaurants and bars are planned, each with a unique concept and atmosphere. The menus will be locally inspired, offering guests an authentic gastronomic experience of Kvarner. The hotel lobby is envisioned as a dynamic social hub, a meeting place for both hotel guests and locals, encouraging interaction and connection. Details about specific F&B concepts will be revealed closer to the opening date.

Event Spaces

For business meetings, celebrations, and special events, the Opatija Marriott Resort will feature versatile spaces that combine indoor and outdoor settings. From elegant halls to terraces with sea views, the resort will offer ideal conditions for organizing conferences, business meetings, weddings, and cultural events, supported by impeccable service and modern technology. This further strengthens the position of the Opatija Riviera as an attractive MICE destination.

Strengthening Kvarner's Tourism Offer with a Global Brand

The arrival of the Marriott Hotels brand, the flagship of the Marriott International group, in Ičići represents a significant step forward for tourism not only for the Opatija Riviera but for the entire Kvarner region. Marriott International, with a portfolio that includes brands such as The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, W Hotels, Sheraton, Le Méridien, and Westin (some of which are already present in Croatia – e.g., Le Méridien Lav in Split, Sheraton Riviera in Dubrovnik, Westin in Zagreb, Autograph Collection on Cres), brings global recognition, high service standards, and access to a broad base of loyal travelers through the award-winning loyalty program Marriott Bonvoy.

Marriott Bonvoy members will be able to earn and redeem points for stays at the new resort, which will further attract international guests. This five-star hotel will raise the bar for accommodation quality and services in the region, attracting higher-spending guests and contributing to Kvarner's reputation as an exclusive destination offering a blend of natural beauty, rich history, top-notch gastronomy, and wellness offerings. The Kvarner region, known for its islands Krk, Cres, and Lošinj, and the city of Rijeka as a cultural and transport hub, gains another strong asset in its tourism offer.

The resort will also generate new jobs and boost the local economy. It is expected to become one of the most sought-after destinations on the Adriatic, easily accessible thanks to the proximity of Rijeka International Airport (on the island of Krk) and good transport connections to major European centers.

As anticipation builds ahead of the opening planned for April 2026, the Opatija Marriott Resort & Spa is ready to write a new chapter in the success story of Croatian tourism, offering an unforgettable experience on one of the most beautiful coasts of the Mediterranean. Look for your ideal accommodation in Opatija and be among the first to experience this new gem.