• July 21, 2025

Venue of the Week: The Isolano

Venue of the Week: The Isolano

Venue of the Week: The Isolano 1024 683 micebook.

Croatia has officially joined the Autograph Collection party, and it’s arrived with serious style. With the opening of The Isolano in March 2025, the island of Cres now boasts a design-forward, adults-only boutique hotel that delivers on every front. For incentive groups or executive retreats seeking something a little different, this may just be the Mediterranean gem you’ve been waiting for.

Part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, which is known for its distinctive, one-of-a-kind hotels across nearly 50 countries, The Isolano brings the brand’s signature individuality to Croatia for the first time. Tucked into a pine grove in Kvarner Bay and perched above the Adriatic, the property offers 49 rooms and suites, all with balconies, plus two heated outdoor pools, direct beach access, and an expansive wellness area that blends local traditions with modern luxury. For those who want that extra edge of exclusivity, the Infinity Rooms offer a private plunge pool and a villa-style feel, and the Isolano Suite boasts a separate living and dining area, and some impressive sea views.

The design, led by Kristina Zanic, draws directly from the island’s natural beauty. Interiors combine clean architecture with earthy textures and tones, featuring stone from the island of Brač, and a palette of navy, sand, white, and cognac to mirror the Croatian coastline. It’s elegant but unfussy, featuring soft lighting, sophisticated technology, and just the right touch of boutique charm.

Meanwhile, self-care is high on the agenda here. The spa uses native plant extracts, honey, and regional ingredients in its treatments, alongside multi-sensory rituals involving sound, scent, and touch. If a workout is what’s needed, you’ll find sculptural NOHrD fitness equipment in the hotel’s stylish gym space.

Culinary experiences are another standout. The Moise Restaurant, helmed by Executive Chef Aleksandar Kerekes, who trained in Michelin-starred kitchens under Martín Berasategui, serves a zero-waste, sustainability-driven menu showcasing island flavours like Cres lamb, sage, and fresh seafood. For more casual vibes, The Lubenice Restaurant delivers à la carte breakfasts with idyllic views of the sea and olive groves, while The Creski Beach Bar brings energy, music, and Mediterranean-Asian fusion to the shoreline with cocktails, fine wines, and all-day grazing.

Cres itself is a destination that is charmingly under the radar. It’s a ferry-accessible island with medieval streets, historic landmarks, and easy access to nature, making it ideal for small incentive groups. The area offers everything from scenic hikes and boat trips to local food tastings and cultural excursions. For the MICE crowd, it’s an inspired setting for groups who want to step away from the city, recharge, and reconnect in surroundings that balance sophistication with authenticity.

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