Published on
February 14, 2026
Minor Hotels, a renowned global hotel owner and operator, has entered into a management agreement with MK Group to introduce two new properties on Europe’s Adriatic coast. Set to open in late March 2026, these resorts will be operated by Minor Hotels and will undergo extensive refurbishments before relaunching in Q1 2027 under the company’s prestigious Anantara and Minor Reserve Collection brands. The properties mark Minor Hotels’ debut in both Croatia and Slovenia, adding two new countries to its portfolio.
This strategic expansion aligns with Minor Hotels’ ongoing European growth efforts, focusing on resort destinations to complement its presence in major cities. The new hotels will tap into the booming tourism sectors in Slovenia and Croatia, both known for their natural beauty and thriving hospitality industries. Slovenia has a strong reputation for sustainable tourism practices and wellness traditions, while Croatia continues to attract global visitors with its dramatic coastlines and Mediterranean charm. Istria, in particular, has become a tourism hotspot, offering a blend of outdoor activities, scenic landscapes, and a rich culinary heritage.
Hotel Palace Portorož: A Slovenian Gem with Personalized Luxury
Located in the resort town of Portorož, Slovenia, Hotel Palace Portorož is designed to offer guests an exclusive and highly personalized experience. This 183-room resort combines contemporary luxury with the area’s deep-rooted wellness traditions. Guests will enjoy three restaurants, three bars, an expansive spa, and both indoor and outdoor pools. The property will also cater to business and leisure travelers with a dedicated MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) area and beach access.
The hotel’s refurbishment, set for completion in early 2027, will see it reopen as Hotel Palace Portorož, Minor Reserve Collection Slovenia. It will offer an immersive experience that blends luxury with the region’s wellness-focused lifestyle.
Anantara Adriatic Istria Resort: Croatia’s Premier Luxury Destination
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Adriatic Istria Resort, Minor Hotels’ first property in Croatia, is located in Savudrija on the Istrian Peninsula. This 186-room resort boasts a variety of culinary offerings, including three restaurants and four bars. The resort will cater to both high-end leisure and corporate visitors with a dedicated MICE area and a state-of-the-art wellness center featuring indoor and outdoor pools. Guests will also have direct access to the beach.
One of the key highlights of the resort is the prestigious Golf Adriatic course, an 18-hole, par-72 PGA National course offering scenic views of the coastline. The resort will undergo an extensive refurbishment and relaunch as Anantara Adriatic Istria Resort in early 2027, incorporating Anantara’s signature hospitality and luxury experiences, including wellness-focused activities and cultural journeys into the Istrian heritage.
Strategic Partnership with MK Group
The properties are owned by MK Group, a leading player in the Adriatic region’s economy. MK Group has established itself across various sectors, including tourism, real estate, renewable energy, agriculture, and the food industry, and operates in Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, and Montenegro. The partnership with Minor Hotels will bring new luxury experiences to the region and solidify its position as a premier tourism destination.
“The decision to accelerate our presence in Central and Southeastern Europe is driven by strong tourism growth and rising demand for distinctive luxury hospitality experiences,” said Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotels. “We are delighted to be partnering with MK Group on this unique opportunity to enter the Adriatic, and I am confident that the synergy between our teams will bring about a distinctive and enhanced experience at these two outstanding properties.”
“The introduction of these brands represents the biggest step forward on the regional tourism scene and ushers in an entirely new level of luxury. This is a concept developed in response to the growing global demand for sophisticated, authentic, and truly exclusive experiences, with a particular focus on a distinctive spa and wellness offerings. Such a move by MK Group will enable the positioning of the entire region on the map of the world’s most desirable destinations in the premium tourism segment,” said Mihailo Jankovic, CEO of MK Group.
Accessibility and Future Growth
Both resorts benefit from excellent connectivity, with easy access to key airports such as Trieste Airport in Italy, Portorož Airport in Slovenia, and Pula and Rijeka Airports in Croatia. This strategic location makes the properties ideal for international travelers seeking a seamless luxury experience in the heart of the Adriatic.
Minor Hotels’ global expansion continues to thrive, with a growing pipeline of luxury properties across Europe and beyond. The group’s Anantara brand and the newly launched Minor Reserve Collection are key components of its growth strategy. Designed for travelers seeking extraordinary stays that highlight personal expression and refinement, the Minor Reserve Collection brings together independent luxury hotels with a unique sense of place, offering global reach and access to Minor Hotels’ extensive marketing, sales, and distribution networks.
The Hotel Palace Portorož and Anantara Adriatic Istria Resort will play pivotal roles in the company’s European portfolio, offering a luxurious, authentic experience while supporting the region’s rising demand for high-end, sustainable tourism options.
