Kempinski has announced that it is to manage a second hotel on the Istrian peninsula in Croatia. The Kempinski Hotel Porto Mariccio, opening in 2009, will be situated on the west coast of Istria, opposite the Brioni Islands.
Istria’s popularity as both a holiday and a business destination has been growing steadily, and the region is well served, with five airports all under two hours drive away: Venice and Trieste in Italy, Ljubljana in Slovenia and Pula and Rijeka (during the high season) in Croatia.
The hotel is sure to delight both golf enthusiasts and leisure travellers with its ease of access and variety of activities available, including day trips to one of the Brioni Islands, which are Istria’s national park.
The heart of the resort is a five star luxury hotel, which will feature 250 elegantly appointed rooms and suites. The residences will comprise approximately 300 apartments and 90 villas. The hotel, residences and villas are being designed by Wimberly Allison Tong & Goo (WAT&G) to respect both the Istrian architectural heritage and the local environment.
Set in an impressive 128 hectares of gently sloping landscaped gardens, the resort includes an 18-hole signature golf course by the world-renowned Jack Nicklaus, with club house and attendant golf academy, ensuring guests and residents benefit from the best tee-times, as well as a 3,000 square metre spa within the hotel. The luxurious seaside resort faces south-west and will enjoy a Mediterranean climate, ideal for the lush vegetation planned for the property’s parks and gardens. Crystal clear seas invite both bathing and sailing, and the resort’s marina will have some 350 berths available as well as its own club house.
Seven millennia of history have left their mark on Istria, named for the Illyrian tribe of the Histri living there before the advent of the Romans. Three European civilisations have influenced this region: Roman, Slavic and Germanic. The buildings these civilisations have left behind are the setting for some unique cultural events. Visitors can enjoy operas in the 1st century Roman amphitheatre in nearby Pula, classical music concerts in early Christian churches, or visits to Byzantine mosaics and dozens of museums on the peninsula.
Kempinski’s prestigious portfolio comprises luxurious properties in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, South America and Asia. Each offers superior standards of service combined with a distinctive style reflecting the individuality of the property and its location.
Kempinski Hotels is a founding member of the Global Hotel Alliance, along with Omni Hotels, Pan Pacific Hotels & Resorts and Rydges Hotels & Resorts.
The Global Hotel Alliance offers customers an extensive choice of upscale and luxury accommodation, with over 150 hotels in 22 countries.