Render of the future hotel (Image: Odien Group)
Kaštela is set to receive the largest tourism investment in its history, with construction officially underway on a new luxury hotel development in Kaštel Stari.
The €50 million project will transform the former Zenica seaside resort into a high-end hotel, with completion scheduled for the end of 2028.
The investment is being led by the Odien Group, a Prague-based international investment company with a growing presence in Croatia.
Odien Group owner Michael Saran visited the construction site this week, emphasising the strategic importance of Croatia within the company’s future investment plans.
“In the coming years, our priority will be further investment in Croatia, and I see Kaštela as an exceptionally promising destination,” Saran said. “Kaštela stands out for its long coastline and beaches, authentic Mediterranean character, rich architectural heritage and, most importantly, its dynamic local community, qualities that are becoming increasingly rare across the Mediterranean.”
Mayor of Kaštela Denis Ivanović and Odien Group owner Michael Saran (Photo credit: Mario Alajbeg)
He noted that the development represents the first major hotel investment and the first luxury hotel in Kaštela, adding that Odien’s focus will be on integrating the project into the local environment and building strong partnerships with the community.
“Our goal is to create long-term value, meaningful opportunities and sustainable cooperation that will contribute to the continued development of Kaštela,” Saran said.
The hotel will feature approximately 150 luxury-category rooms, multiple swimming pools, a wellness and spa centre, conference facilities and panoramic sea views.
The hotel is planned to operate year-round and host conferences and events, supporting the extension of the tourist season.
Mayor of Kaštela Denis Ivanović described the project as a major catalyst for the city’s future development.
“This investment is a strong signal that Kaštela can attract reputable international investors who contribute to strengthening our tourism offer and overall economic growth,” Ivanović said.
(Photo credit: Mario Alajbeg)
“It is essential that projects of this scale align with our strategic development plans and deliver tangible benefits to the local community.”
Highlighting Kaštela’s historical heritage and current investment momentum, the mayor expressed confidence that the new hotel will enhance the city’s competitiveness in the highly dynamic tourism market and help establish Kaštela as one of Dalmatia’s most attractive destinations.
Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Prague, Odien operates across real estate, hospitality, infrastructure and energy through its subsidiaries Odien Real Estate, Odien Hotels and Avia Energo.
The group’s largest project to date, Avia City in Prague, spans 66 hectares and is one of the Czech Republic’s most ambitious urban regeneration developments.
The project is transforming a former industrial zone into a sustainable, integrated urban district with more than 7,000 apartments, schools, kindergartens, public transport infrastructure, sports facilities and extensive green spaces.
In Croatia, Odien owns and manages the Le Méridien Lav Split luxury resort, along with hospitality and wellness facilities in Prague. Through its Sport2Life foundation, the group also actively supports youth sport and education.
Duje Božiković (Member of the Board of Grand Hotel Lav), Michael Saran (Founder and Director of Odien Group), Ömer Müftüler (Partner of Odien Group) and Dijana Vujević (Member of the Board of Grand Hotel Lav) (Photo: Mario Alajbeg)
Speaking at the Kaštela site, Saran said he looks to the future with optimism, announcing further team growth and describing the year ahead as “anything but ordinary”.