Minor Hotels Announces Expansion in the Adriatic with Debuts in Croatia and Slovenia
- EDITOR
- 2 hours ago
- 5 min read
Minor Hotels, a leading global hotel owner and operator, has announced the signing of a management agreement with MK Group for two new additions to its portfolio on Europe’s Adriatic coast. From 12 February 2026, the two properties will be operated by Minor Hotels and will reopen for the 2026 season in late March. Following extensive refurbishment programmes, the resorts will relaunch under group’s luxury Anantara and Minor Reserve Collection flags in Q1 2027. The hotels add two new countries to Minor Hotels’ global portfolio and represent the group’s debuts in both Croatia and Slovenia.
The signings further the group’s European growth agenda, expanding its focus beyond city hotels to strengthen Minor’s presence in priority resort destinations across the Mediterranean. Slovenia is recognised for its leadership in sustainable tourism and deep-rooted wellness traditions, while Croatia continues to attract international travellers with its dramatic coastline and Mediterranean lifestyle. Istria, in particular, has emerged as Croatia’s leading region for tourism arrivals, combining natural beauty with a strong culinary identity and a culture of outdoor living.
Debuting in the Slovenian resort town of Portorož, Hotel Palace Portorož is designed for guests seeking privacy and highly personalised experiences. The 183‑key resort blends contemporary luxury with the area’s longstanding wellness heritage and refined gastronomy across three restaurants and three bars, a spa, and both indoor and outdoor pools. With beach access and a dedicated MICE area, the resort delivers a balanced experience for both leisure and business guests. Following the refurbishment, the property will relaunch in Q1 2027 as Hotel Palace Portoroz, Minor Reserve Collection Slovenia.
Located less than a 30-minute drive from Portorož, Adriatic Istria Resort will mark Minor Hotels’ entry into Croatia. Set in Savudrija on the prestigious Istrian peninsula, the 186‑key property features a varied culinary offering across three restaurants and four bars and a dedicated MICE area supporting the growing demand for high‑end corporate retreats, events, and weddings in the region. Health hedonists will be able to enjoy an impressive full-service spa and wellness centre, indoor and outdoor pools, and direct beach access. The resort is also home to the premier golf course of the Adriatic, with the picturesque 18-hole, par 72 Golf Adriatic PGA National Croatia course running from the hotel alongside the coastline.
The property will undergo an extensive refurbishment and will relaunch as Anantara Adriatic Istria Resort in early 2027. At that time, the full suite of Anantara hallmarks and experiences will be introduced, showcasing Anantara’s signature blend of heartfelt hospitality and experiential luxury, offering cultural journeys into Istrian heritage and nature‑led activities.
The hotels are owned by MK Group, a company that has held a leading position in the economy of the Adriatic region for more than four decades, with businesses across tourism, real estate, renewable energy, agriculture, and the food industry. MK Group operates in the markets of Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, and Montenegro.
“The decision to accelerate our presence in Central and Southeastern Europe is driven by strong tourism growth and rising demand for distinctive luxury hospitality experiences,” said Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotels. “We are delighted to be partnering with MK Group on this unique opportunity to enter the Adriatic, and I am confident that the synergy between our teams will bring about a distinctive and enhanced experience at these two outstanding properties.”
“The introduction of these brands represents the biggest step forward on the regional tourism scene and ushers in an entirely new level of luxury. This is a concept developed in response to the growing global demand for sophisticated, authentic, and truly exclusive experiences, with a particular focus on a distinctive spa and wellness offering. Such a move by MK Group will enable the positioning of the entire region on the map of the world’s most desirable destinations in the premium tourism segment,” said Mihailo Jankovic, CEO of MK Group.
Both properties benefit from excellent accessibility, with convenient links to Trieste Airport in Italy, Portorož Airport in Slovenia, and Pula and Rijeka Airports in Croatia.
Currently, with a strong development pipeline globally, Minor Hotels is looking to grow its luxury footprint in Europe and beyond with brands including Anantara and Minor Reserve Collection, its new luxury soft brand. Designed for travellers seeking extraordinary stays that celebrate personal expression and refined distinction, Minor Reserve Collection brings together independent luxury hotels with a strong sense of identity and place. Europe’s rich landscape of characterful luxury properties and independent owners seeking to retain individuality while benefitting from global marketing, sales, and distribution reach makes the region a key focus for growth, with this Portorož property representing a natural fit for the collection..... Read more here
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