March the 7th, 2026 – Split is set to be the home of Croatia’s very first Design Hotel. Here’s a look at what this 15 million euro glamour injection will look like for Dalmatia’s biggest city.
As Poslovni Dnevnik writes, Westgate Group, the Split-based investor behind Dalmatia Tower and AC Hotel by Marriott, is soon opening the boutique hotel Venturo in Bačvice. This is a 15 million euro investment that will further expand the company’s already enviable portfolio. Venturo will thus become the only hotel in all of Croatia that operates within the prestigious and truly global Design Hotels collection.
Design Hotels otherwise operates within the wider portfolio of Marriott International, the largest and most prestigious hotel group in the world. It brings together very carefully selected boutique hotels that stand out with a strong authorial concept, architecture inspired by local culture and a highly individual approach to guests. The Venturo project is also the second project of the Westgate Group developed in partnership with Marriott International.
split’s new design hotel will open at the end of april
As things currently stand, the plan is for Split’s brand new Design Hotel to open by the end of April. Thanks to the global distribution network and Marriott Bonvoy loyalty programme, the very first reservations for the upcoming season are already coming from various international markets.
Hotel Venturo is located just a few minutes’ walk from the amazing Diocletian’s Palace, the famous waterfront (riva), and the ferry port. This prime location positions the hotel in the very heart of Split’s bustling tourist and urban life, in the immediate vicinity of one of the city’s most famous beaches.
The future hotel boasts a total of 24 accommodation units ranging from 25 to 85 square metres, and the interiors are designed as contemporary Mediterranean spaces that combine minimalist design, natural materials and elements of local cultural heritage.
adults only, and pets are welcome
Venturo will operate as an adults-only hotel, and in addition to accommodation, guests will have access to a restaurant inspired by modern Mediterranean cuisine, a cocktail bar designed as the hotel’s social centre, a garden terrace area for relaxed gatherings, and a wellness and spa area. The hotel also will also be home to a dedicated fitness area.
Particular value has been given to this hotel because of the rooftop terrace spanning about 100 square metres with a swimming pool and panoramic views of the city centre. It’s important to note that the future hotel also has its own garage, and guests can come and bring with their pets as the entire complex is pet friendly.
The hotel will be led by Mario Ivić, a Split local who is also a former professional basketball player and a long-time hotel professional with almost two decades of international experience in leading hotel companies. These include Starwood Hotels and Resorts, TUI Group and Marriott International. In his previous role, he led the opening of The Isolano on the island of Cres, the first Autograph Collection hotel in all of Croatia.
a mix of authenticity and contemporary design
“The Venturo project was conceived as a blend of contemporary design and authentic Dalmatian identity. Natural materials like Brač stone were used in the exterior, while decorative motifs in the interior have been inspired by traditional Drniš embroidery and have been reinterpreted through a contemporary design language. Each room and public space is further enriched by original artwork by academic painter Vera Mekinić inspired by the Dalmatian landscape and Mediterranean lighting,” explained Ventura’s director.
Ivić added that he is honoured to lead Venturo and join the Westgate Group in creating projects that offer guests authentic experiences and the new energy of contemporary Adriatic hospitality.
“I see Venturo as a hotel that allows guests to experience Split from the inside, through culture, gastronomy, art and the daily rhythm of the city,” stated Ivić, adding that the hotel’s name also carries strong symbolism. The name Venturo comes from the expression tempo venturo, which means the time that is coming or the future in Latin. The name is also associated with the word ventus, which means wind and symbolises movement, arrival and change.
split is set for more projects going forward
The Westgate Groups Josip Komar noted the fact that Venturo marks an overture for projects still to come.
“Our goal was to create a hotel that wouldn’t only be a place to stay for guests, but a space that conveys the authentic spirit of Split, its warmth, Mediterranean character and its unique way of life. Venturo was conceived as an intimate boutique hotel that combines contemporary design, local art and culture and allows guests to experience Split in an authentic and personal way. At the same time, this project represents an important milestone for us in the development of the Westgate Group.
Venturo is a kind of overture to much larger projects that we’ll soon launch across Split. These are investments that will significantly contribute to the transformation of the city’s entire tourist offer and additionally position Split on the map of the best Mediterranean destinations. Our goal is to continue to develop projects that not only raise the standard of the hotel offer, but also create new energy in the destination and redefine the way tourism is experienced on the Adriatic”, concluded Josip Komar.
