August the 20th, 2025 – Valamar, the country’s largest tourism company, is set to bring the prestigious ESPA wellness and skin care brand to Croatia.
As Sinisa Malus/Poslovni Dnevnik writes, Valamar has announced an exclusive partnership with the globally renowned ESPA wellness and skin care brand, as well as the arrival of the first and only ESPA-branded spa centre in Croatia. The new wellness centre will open in early 2026 as part of the much anticipated Pical Resort in Poreč.
With this breakthrough, Valamar claims to be setting yet more new standards for wellness tourism on the Adriatic coastline, bringing a holistic spa concept that combines global expertise with an authentic Istrian experience.
ESPA is otherwise a globally recognised spa and skin care brand whose expertise and innovative, holistic approach have shaped the global wellness industry for more than three decades now. Present exclusively in selected luxury hotels around the world, ESPA combines the development and management of high end spa centres with all sorts of effective, naturally formulated treatments and products. The new centre will bring wellness experiences designed for all generations, from personalised treatments to programmes for families, children and teenagers, to Croatia.
“At Valamar, we have a strong focus on creating experiences that are elevated, yet rooted in the local context. By bringing the ESPA brand to the Pical Resort, we’ll be bringing a wellness concept that meets global standards, while also embodying the spirit of the gorgeous Istrian peninsula. This new partnership reflects our commitment to a thoughtful tourism offering that combines comfort, nature and local culture,” said Adriana Barlafa Kruhonja, Director of Wellbeing, Health & Spa at Valamar.
“We’re proud to be the one to open the first ESPA centre in Croatia with Valamar, which represents a significant step in expanding our wellness philosophy to this inspiring destination. ESPA’s design and consulting team worked closely with Valamar to create an extraordinary wellness retreat that combines the spirit of the Mediterranean lifestyle with our signature expertise. Valamar is a natural partner whose values of authenticity, quality and attentive service to the guest are shared, and together we’ve created a space where guests can truly connect with the rhythm of the Adriatic coast through a luxurious, immersive spa experience that renews both the body and the mind,” revealed Daniel Golby, ESPA Managing Director.
Valamar bringing this ESPA wellness and skin care centre to Croatia marks a significant step forward. At the future ESPA at the Pical complex, guests will be able to experience signature rituals inspired by the stunning nature of Istria and the story of Parenzana. The treatments use the luxurious ESPA product line that combines herbal extracts, marine ingredients and essential oils with advanced, science-based skin care. The centre will be open year-round and will provide a complete wellness experience for all generations.
