Published on
February 10, 2026
Stubičke Toplice, a historic spa town in Krapina-Zagorje County, Croatia, is embracing a future filled with growth and opportunity. With an investment of €17 million, the Special Hospital for Medical Rehabilitation has unveiled plans to build a state-of-the-art four-star hotel. This ambitious project is set to elevate the town’s status as a leading destination for health and wellness tourism in continental Croatia. The development aims to not only boost the local economy but also enhance the country’s health tourism offerings, drawing more visitors seeking both medical rehabilitation and leisure relaxation.
Project Scope: Transforming Stubičke Toplice
The new four-star hotel is designed to seamlessly integrate with Stubičke Toplice’s long-standing reputation as a top health resort. Once completed, the hotel will provide:
- 36 modern guest rooms and 2 spacious suites, ensuring luxury accommodation for all guests
- Wellness facilities designed to offer visitors rejuvenation and relaxation
- A swimming pool for year-round enjoyment, further enhancing the hotel’s appeal
- A new kitchen and full-service restaurant, providing healthy cuisine to complement the wellness experience
The addition of these modern amenities will increase accommodation capacity and offer greater service options for both medical and health-focused visitors, attracting an even wider range of wellness tourists from around the world.
A Strong Government Backing for Tourism Growth
This project is part of a broader effort by the Croatian government to diversify and strengthen its tourism sector, focusing not only on the summer beach destinations but also on health and wellness tourism. The Croatian Minister of Tourism, Tonči Glavina, has expressed strong support for the initiative. During a recent visit to the construction site, he emphasized that €350 million is being invested in tourism, focusing on enhancing inland tourism and promoting year-round attractions.
Željko Kolar, the Prefect of Krapina-Zagorje County, also acknowledged the importance of this development for the region. Kolar highlighted that this investment would create numerous job opportunities and strengthen the economic foundation of the area, which is already known for its healing thermal springs.
The addition of the four-star hotel and wellness facilities will be a game-changer, solidifying Stubičke Toplice’s role as a prime destination for health tourism, while also boosting the local economy. This initiative aligns perfectly with Croatia’s ongoing efforts to make health and wellness a year-round attraction for both international and domestic visitors.
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Timeline and Local Impact
The construction is already underway, with the €17 million project expected to be completed by June 2026. Zorica Capar, the director of the Special Hospital for Medical Rehabilitation Stubičke Toplice, highlighted that the expansion will result in 50 new jobs in the region. These positions will include roles in medical care as well as hospitality, further benefiting the local workforce.
Capar emphasized that the development would also enhance the quality of rehabilitative services and introduce cutting-edge wellness facilities. Visitors will not only benefit from medical rehabilitation but will also have the opportunity to enjoy luxury amenities designed for relaxation and rejuvenation.
The new hotel will significantly increase the region’s appeal to tourists seeking a peaceful yet effective health retreat. Stubičke Toplice, already known for its healing thermal springs, will offer an even higher level of comfort and service, attracting more tourists year-round.
How Health Tourism Is Shaping Croatia’s Future
The growth of health tourism is crucial to Croatia’s strategy to expand its tourism portfolio beyond the traditional summer beach season. Croatia’s investment in health and wellness is poised to provide a more diverse set of experiences for travelers. This, in turn, will drive both local and international tourism growth, promoting year-round visits to Croatia’s inland destinations.
The new hotel in Stubičke Toplice is the first of several upcoming investments that aim to position Croatia as a top destination for wellness tourism. By combining the country’s rich history of thermal springs with modern, luxury accommodations, Croatia can cater to an emerging market of health-conscious travelers seeking both relaxation and rehabilitation.
The new hotel and its wellness offerings will appeal to a wide range of visitors. From those seeking specialized medical rehabilitation to leisure tourists wanting to relax in a peaceful, therapeutic environment, Stubičke Toplice will have something for everyone. The expansion aligns perfectly with the global trends in tourism, where more and more travelers are looking for wellness experiences that help them unwind and rejuvenate.
A New Era for Health and Wellness in Croatia
Once the four-star hotel is completed, Stubičke Toplice will enter a new chapter in its long-standing tradition as a health and wellness destination. The new facilities will not only benefit visitors but will also significantly improve the town’s economy. This investment will create jobs, boost the hospitality sector, and bring a steady stream of health tourists to the area.
Zorica Capar proudly stated that the Special Hospital for Medical Rehabilitation, with its over 250 years of tradition, is now ushering in a new era. She believes the new four-star hotel and wellness facilities will greatly enhance the town’s reputation and bring a fresh wave of health-conscious tourists.
Strengthening Croatia’s Tourism Identity
The expansion of Stubičke Toplice with the new four-star hotel is more than just a development project — it’s a step forward in Croatia’s commitment to diversifying and strengthening its tourism offerings. As the world’s demand for health and wellness tourism grows, Croatia is strategically positioning itself to meet this need.
This new development will help attract a broader audience to Stubičke Toplice, enhancing the region’s economy and bringing global recognition to the town’s healing thermal springs. For health tourism in Croatia, this is just the beginning.
