Sofitel and Odien Group signed an agreement on November 12, 2026, to develop Sofitel Kaštela, a luxury beachfront resort on Croatia’s Adriatic coast. Located in the coastal town of Kaštela between Split International Airport and the UNESCO-listed city of Split, this resort will be Croatia’s first internationally branded luxury hotel.
Resort Features and 2029 Opening Timeline
Sofitel Kaštela is scheduled to open in 2029 with 137 guestrooms and suites, including junior suites and upscale accommodations featuring private balconies or terraces overlooking the Adriatic Sea. The resort will include several restaurants and bars, a destination spa, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a beach club, and meeting and
event facilities.
Odien Group’s Role and Regional Operations
The Odien Group, headquartered in Prague with €890 million in assets under management, will lead the development alongside Sofitel. Odien owns Le Méridien Lav Split resort and is advancing three other luxury hotel projects in Croatia totaling more than 270 rooms. Their development portfolio covers approximately 1.2 million m² of developable gross floor area focused on high-end hospitality and real estate across Central and Eastern Europe.
Brand and Destination Ambitions
Sofitel, a French luxury hospitality brand founded in 1964 and part of Accor Group with over 5,800 properties in more than 110 countries, will bring French luxury standards to Croatia. Sofitel operates
over 120 hotels worldwide, including flagship locations in Paris, London, Dubai, and other global cities. The resort’s location between Split and Trogir leverages Kaštela’s historic architecture, Mediterranean character, and position to create a destination with strong international identity.
Official Statements
Maud Bailly, CEO of Sofitel, Sofitel Legend, MGallery and Emblems, said, “Croatia has become one of Europe’s most compelling travel destinations, celebrated for its unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness and authenticity. We are proud to introduce Sofitel as the country’s first international luxury hotel brand 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 distinctive destination for travellers from around the world.”
An Odien Group representative stated, “Our ambition goes beyond building luxury hotel accommodations. We want to help create a destination with a strong international identity, recognized for its quality, authenticity, and the experiences it offers. Kaštela has extraordinary potential: a rich history, valuable architectural heritage, an authentic Mediterranean character, and an ideal location between Split and Trogir. The combination of these qualities, together with Sofitel’s international recognition and reputation for quality, will undoubtedly open a new chapter in
the city’s tourism development.”
Market Context
Croatia’s coastline, cultural heritage, culinary scene, and year-round appeal have created growing demand for upscale tourism. Sofitel Kaštela will provide leisure and business travelers elevated Adriatic luxury experiences with access to exclusive dining, wellness, and social opportunities through Accor’s ALL loyalty program. The project supports Croatia’s emergence as a leading Mediterranean luxury destination and complements Sofitel’s global expansion strategy in premier resort locations.
