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As previously announced, Odien Group, an international company headquartered in Prague, plans to build a new hotel on the site of the former Zenica resort in Kaštel Stari. It has now been revealed that through this project, they are bringing Sofitel, one of the world's most recognizable brands in the luxury hospitality segment, to the Croatian market. The hotel franchise agreement with Accor, one of the world's leading hotel groups whose portfolio includes the Sofitel brand, was ceremoniously signed at the Renaissance Vitturi Castle in Kaštel Lukšić.
Sofitel Kaštela is planned to open in 2029 and will be managed by Odien Hotels, the hotel division of Odien Group. The hotel will feature 137 rooms and suites, including spacious junior suites and higher-category accommodation units with private balconies or terraces overlooking the sea. Guests will have access to several restaurants and bars, a spa centre, indoor and outdoor pools, a beach club, as well as space for business meetings and various events. Designed as a contemporary luxury sanctuary, Sofitel Kaštela will combine the brand's signature French elegance with local features and the Mediterranean lifestyle.
Mike Saran: "We are not just developing hotels, we are building a destination"
This represents an important milestone for Croatian tourism, especially for Kaštela, which is positioning itself on the international map of luxury hospitality through this project. For Odien Group, Sofitel represents much more than a new hotel project. It is an important part of the group's long-term investment strategy aimed at developing Kaštela into an internationally recognized tourist destination. "Our ambitions go beyond simply building luxury hotel facilities. We want to contribute to creating a destination with a strong international identity, recognized for quality, authenticity and the experiences it offers. Kaštela has exceptional potential: a rich history, valuable architectural heritage, an authentic Mediterranean character and an ideal location between Split and Trogir. The combination of these values and Sofitel's recognition and quality will certainly open a new chapter in the city's tourism development," stated Mike Saran, owner of Odien Group.
Maud Bailly: "French elegance meets the spirit of the Adriatic"
"Croatia has become one of the most attractive European tourist destinations, recognized for its unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness and authenticity. We are proud to bring Sofitel, the first international luxury hotel brand, to Croatia through this exceptional project with Odien Group. Sofitel Kaštela will embody the elegance of French luxury while embracing the spirit, heritage and lifestyle of the Adriatic coast, creating a unique destination for travelers from all over the world," stated Maud Bailly, CEO of the Sofitel, Sofitel Legend, MGallery and Emblems brands.
Investment program worth over 100 million euros
The arrival of this prestigious hotel brand is part of Odien Group's long-term development strategy and commitment to Kaštela. As part of this strategy, the group will invest more than 100 million euros over the next five years through its companies Odien Hotels and Odien Real Estate. In addition to the new Sofitel Kaštela hotel project, the company also purchased the historic Štafileo Castle in Kaštel Štafilić this year, which it plans to renovate and convert into a luxury heritage hotel.
These two projects bring two different yet harmoniously connected hotel concepts: an internationally recognized luxury hotel brand and an intimate heritage hotel located in a historic Renaissance building, which will offer guests an authentic experience of local heritage. Together with the group's existing hotel operations in Croatia, these projects are part of its long-term vision of creating new tourism content and value in Kaštela and across Dalmatia.
Mayor of Kaštela: Positioning Kaštela as an international tourist destination
With these projects, the City of Kaštela gains an opportunity to make a stronger step forward in the international luxury tourism segment. The city's existing recognition in tourism, its cultural and historic heritage, and its geographical location form a strong foundation for developing an offering that goes beyond traditional seasonal tourism, said the Mayor of Kaštela, Denis Ivanović. "This is an exceptionally important moment for Kaštela. The arrival of an international luxury hotel brand and Odien Group's investments in our area confirm that Kaštela has the potential to become a recognized high-end tourist destination. It is particularly important that this is not just a single hotel project, but a series of investments that can contribute to the city's development, the creation of new jobs, the strengthening of the local economy and the extension of the tourist season. It is extremely important to us that this development takes place while preserving Kaštela's identity and in cooperation with the local community," added the mayor.
For Odien Group, bringing the Sofitel brand to Croatia is also confirmation of its long-term commitment to the Croatian market. The group has been present in Croatia since 2015, when it acquired the Le Méridien Lav Split resort in Podstrana. With its latest projects in Kaštela, it is further expanding its hotel portfolio and investment activities along the Dalmatian coast.
