PHOTOS: Marriott’s first Croatian island hotel opens its doors

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On the Croatian island of Cres, the hotel “The Isolano” has officially opened its doors, branded under the Autograph Collection by Marriott.

This €17 million investment, initiated just over two years ago, is led by the company Valdarke d.o.o., owned by successful hotel manager and native of Cres, Nikola Avram.

With this project, Croatia now boasts its first Marriott International hotel on one of its islands.

The Autograph Collection represents a sub-brand of Marriott reserved for five-star boutique luxury hotels that highlight authentic local culture and pay homage to architectural, interior, and touristic artistry.

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The Autograph Collection alone includes over 300 hotels located in prime destinations across 50 countries worldwide. Now, Croatia has joined this exclusive list, aligning with efforts to attract significant tourism investments and transform the country’s tourism industry into a sustainable, structured, and luxurious sector.

The new resort, The Isolano Autograph Collection on Cres, features 49 spacious, elegantly designed rooms across five categories, two outdoor heated pools, a beach bar, an events hall, multiple dining venues, and a modern wellness and spa centre.

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Guests will be especially delighted with the exclusive beach access, just steps away from their rooms.

The design evokes authentic Adriatic charm, incorporating stone from the island of Brač, carefully integrated into the architecture and décor to give guests a sense of the history and tradition of the coastal region of Croatia from the moment they arrive.

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The interior design is signed off by the renowned designer Kristina Zanić.

The hotel’s exterior, according to Isolano, is surrounded by unspoilt landscapes and hidden beaches, offering direct access to the coastline and stunning views, all just a ten-minute walk from the town of Cres.

The entire property is a harmonious blend of modern design with subtle elements, while the interior draws inspiration from the relaxed and authentic atmosphere of old stone villages and the colourful houses along the Cres waterfront.

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Special attention has been paid to preserving the traditional appearance, reflecting the Venetian architectural influence that has remained on the island for centuries.

Investor Nikola Avram stated that the hotel opened its doors in mid-October, despite initially aiming for an August launch.

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“With large and complex investments like this, delays can occur, but due to logistics and the island location, we extended the process by two months to ensure everything was legally and functionally in place.

We also wanted to thoroughly train our staff—now numbering 65—under the mentorship of our general manager Mario Ivić. We will remain open for a few more weeks before preparing for the next season, reopening in March.

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We plan to host an official grand opening in the spring with a reception worthy of this investment. Additionally, next year marks 180 years of tourism on Cres, which we are excited to celebrate. We are immensely proud to further position Croatia as an ideal tourist destination open to growth and development in this key industry.

Moreover, this project has a unique island vibrancy that is yet to be seen along the Adriatic coast. We are thrilled, as we are already receiving numerous inquiries from across Europe, the USA, and other overseas markets. With the strength of the Marriott brand, I believe we will become a great advertisement for Croatia. The past two and a half years have been challenging, and I would like to thank my colleagues, partners, and the people of Cres, as well as the tourism and professional communities, for their support,” Avram said.

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General Manager Mario Ivić noted that Autograph Collection hotels are known for offering guests unique experiences, distinguishing them from standardised luxury hotels. They combine top-level comfort with local character, promoting the cultural heritage and authenticity of the destination they are in.

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“In addition to the aforementioned design and cultural features, the hotel also stands out for its energy efficiency, with a focus on sustainability. The use of natural materials, such as stone and wood, contributes to a calm and peaceful atmosphere, providing guests with a genuine experience in harmony with nature.

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This also underscores the importance of environmental conservation, in line with global sustainable tourism trends as well as the local values of Cres, one of the most preserved and beautiful islands in the Adriatic.

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Additionally, the hotel boasts high technological functionality, allowing guests to access their rooms via smartphones, eliminating the need for physical keys and providing added convenience and security.

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The rooms are also equipped with advanced technology, including smart TVs and automated lighting and temperature controls, enabling guests to personalise their space for maximum comfort,” Ivić added, noting that the hotel is adult-friendly.