May the 16th, 2025 – The long-since abandoned Kupari resort near Mlini close to Dubrovnik is a massive project now finally heading towards realisation after decades of sitting stagnant.
As Sinisa Malus/Poslovni Dnevnik writes, the abandoned Kupari resort should (if all goes to plan) bask in its former glory once again in four years. After three decades of delays and decay, this exclusive space a stone’s throw from Dubrovnik will finally be revamped.
The annex to the Agreement on the implementation of the preparatory phases in the project to build a tourist complex in Kupari was signed recently by the Minister of Physical Planning, Construction and State Property, Branko Bačić, and the Mayor of Župa dubrovačka (the Parish of Dubrovnik), Silvio Nardelli.
works on the abandoned kupari project will begin this year
The demolition of most of the old buildings that once made up the former glamorous Kupari project is expected to be carried out in a few days. The complex, which was destroyed during the Homeland War, has awaited reconstruction for over 30 years.
“We expect that by the end of the year, that is, by December the 4th, the building permit will be obtained. In the meantime, the buildings will have been removed, which will practically start the implementation of the rest. I’m convinced that in less than 48 months, an exceptionally high-quality, beautiful tourist complex will emerge on the Dubrovnik Riviera,” said Branko Bačić, Minister of Physical Planning, Construction and State Property. There are no longer any legal obstacles to the demolition of the devastated buildings once part of the Kupari complex.
“After the recently obtained location permit, the investor is allowed to enter the property in Kupari and, most importantly, begin the demolition of all the buildings that are scheduled to be removed,” said Silvio Nardelli, as reported by the municipality.
a company from singapore
The investor is the Singaporean company HPL, a leading global partner of the luxury hotel chain Four Seasons. They were granted a 99-year concession for the abandoned Kupari project.
An initiative to preserve the recognisable Pelegrin Hotel unfortunately failed to come to fruition, primarily due to the poor condition of the building. Architects have been working on the revitalisation project of Župa bay, which even includes relocating the bed of the underground Taranta stream, for over a decade now.
“Now, the hotels will have two wings, which will be located on the site of the Kupari and Pelegrin hotels. There will be smaller buildings on Goričan hill, all incorporated into the topography of the hill itself,” revealed Marko Dabrović of 3LHD.
stunning coastal backdrops and sea views
The abandoned Kupari reconstruction project will ensure that most of the existing buildings will boast gorgeous beach and sea views, as well as a coastal backdrop. Due to its location in a natural valley surrounded by dramatic slopes, which will remain untouched, the future resort will provide guests with privacy and a feeling of protection. The existing hotel structures at the foot of the slope on both sides of the plot will be renovated to a high standard, with a five-star hotel on one side and 32 apartments and four villas on the other.
Green roofs and large glass panels on the facades will allow the accommodation units to blend in completely with the natural environment. The centrally located Hotel Grand will be renovated as the central part of the complex with spa facilities, a special restaurant and a banquet hall. Service areas and “back of house” facilities will be located within existing buildings at the back of the plot, separate from the heart of the complex.
plenty of greenery
All guests will have access to the beach, as well as multiple swimming pools with sundecks, poolside cabanas, water sports areas and food and drink pavilions. The renovated sailing club/restaurant will be the focal point of the new marina defined by a new dock structure, constructed to protect and accommodate both large and small vessels.
A promenade along the coastline above beach level will provide guests with easy access to the complex’s amenities. Abundant mature greenery will provide a sense of permanence and connection to nature. Plans call for the preservation of existing trees and the creation of diverse gardens within the resort, according to the Studio 3LHD website. A quarter of the revenue from building rights on state-owned land, leases and, in part, concessions on the maritime domain will go to the municipal treasury, which is the first such case in Croatia.
A marina is planned, and the beaches, at least for the most part, will remain open to the public. “For a fifth of the total maritime domain, the investor has been given the option to close it off exclusively to guests of this hotel complex, but he doesn’t have to do that, and everything else will remain available to the public,” Nardelli explained.
Construction works on the abandoned Kupari project are expected to begin by the end of the year, with the luxury complex set to open in four years from now.
