Hilton is set to make a fresh splash on Croatia’s Adriatic coast with the Hilton Lopud Beach Resort & Spa, a new upscale beachfront property expected to open in 2027.

The global hotel group has signed an agreement with Anker Grupa d.o.o., marking Hilton’s first-ever property on Lopud Island, just a short boat ride from Dubrovnik.

A Landmark Project for the Quiet Island of Lopud

Before welcoming guests, the existing structure will undergo a complete renovation to meet Hilton Hotels & Resorts’ standards. The resort will feature 111 rooms and suites, each with a private balcony or terrace, plus seven apartment-style units designed for longer stays.

Set between pine groves and the Adriatic shoreline, the property will offer a calm, natural retreat while staying connected to Dubrovnik’s energy and heritage. The design, according to early plans, will balance modern comfort with Mediterranean authenticity, a combination Hilton has increasingly leaned into for its resort strategy in Southern Europe.

What to Expect

Guests can look forward to three restaurants, two bars, and a full-service spa and wellness center. An infinity pool, tennis courts, gym, and biking trails are all in the works, alongside a private pier offering direct boat transfers to Dubrovnik’s Old Town and airport.

For corporate travelers and incentive groups, Hilton Lopud Beach Resort & Spa will feature four meeting rooms and a ballroom, a setup that signals confidence in Croatia’s growing reputation as a bleisure (business + leisure) destination.

“A Step Forward for Hilton in Croatia”

Alan Mantin, Hilton’s Vice President of Development for Southern Europe, said the signing “represents an exciting step for Hilton in Croatia,” highlighting the brand’s goal to bring its flagship experience to “one of the country’s most beautiful and tranquil islands.”

Anker Grupa’s board member Alessandra Severi called it a “landmark project for Lopud,” emphasizing the shared vision to merge sustainability, heritage, and high-end hospitality.

Why Hilton’s Move Matters

Lopud Island, part of the Elaphiti archipelago, is already known among seasoned travelers for its sandy beaches and laid-back charm — but until now, it’s lacked a major international hotel brand. This move puts the island on the radar of global travelers who prefer trusted names and seamless loyalty programs.

It also aligns with a broader pattern: major hospitality brands expanding beyond Croatia’s traditional hot spots like Split and Dubrovnik. Marriott recently announced plans to grow its Autograph Collection presence in the Adriatic, and IHG has increased investments through its Vignette Collection and Hotel Indigo portfolio in coastal cities.

The Bigger Picture

Hilton’s expansion in Croatia — now at 13 properties open or in development, including Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik and Hilton Rijeka Costabella Beach Resort & Spa — mirrors the country’s shift toward premium tourism.

According to Horwath HTL’s 2024 European Hotel Investment Report, Croatia continues to attract international operators due to rising ADRs (average daily rates) and strong post-pandemic demand for resort-style properties. Luxury resort occupancy across the Adriatic grew nearly 15% year-on-year in 2023, and investor sentiment remains high.

Lopud’s transformation under Hilton could serve as a blueprint for smaller Adriatic islands seeking to elevate their tourism offer without sacrificing environmental integrity — a balance that’s becoming central to the new wave of Mediterranean hospitality.

Conclusion: A Smart Bet on the “Next Dubrovnik Effect”

Hilton’s move to Lopud isn’t just another signing — it’s a calculated step into sustainable island luxury, bridging the gap between rustic Adriatic authenticity and five-star standards.

Unlike the crowded mainland resorts, Lopud offers the “space to breathe” that affluent travelers increasingly seek. With Hilton’s backing, the island joins the ranks of exclusive Mediterranean enclaves — much like Marriott’s ventures in Montenegro’s Budva or Hyatt’s growing Greek island presence.

If Hilton executes the balance between local character and global comfort, Lopud could easily become the Adriatic’s next boutique-luxury success story — and a model for how international brands can integrate into fragile island ecosystems responsibly.