The Adriatic’s luxury hotel scene has received a prestigious boost this autumn as the MICHELIN Guide revealed its first global MICHELIN Key awards recently.
Properties in Croatia, Slovenia, and Montenegro are among those recognised for exceptional design, service and authenticity — confirming the region’s growing prominence on the world’s luxury travel map.
What Is the MICHELIN Key?
Launched in 2024 and expanded globally this year, the MICHELIN Key is to hotels what the Michelin Stars are to restaurants — a trusted hallmark of excellence.
Each property is assessed anonymously by Michelin inspectors on five core pillars:
- Architecture & Interior Design
- Quality and Consistency of Service
- Character and Individuality
- Value for Money
- Contribution to the Local Environment and Community
The aim is to help travellers identify hotels offering an exceptional stay experience — not just luxury, but authenticity, atmosphere and a true sense of place.
Croatia: Ten Hotels Honoured
Croatia emerged as one of the Adriatic’s strongest performers, with ten properties recognised in the inaugural list.
Highlights for luxury travel operators:
| Hotel | MICHELIN Key Level | Distinctive Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Villa Nai 3.3 – Dugi Otok | ⭐⭐⭐ | Built into an olive grove with its own award-winning olive oil; ideal for culinary and wellness-focused clients. |
| Palace Elisabeth – Hvar | ⭐⭐ | A restored seafront palace at the heart of Hvar’s main square — perfect for yachting itineraries. |
| Maslina Resort – Stari Grad, Hvar | ⭐ | Quiet bay setting near UNESCO-listed Stari Grad, great for multigenerational luxury stays. |
| Villa Korta Katarina & Winery – Orebić | ⭐ | Boutique winery estate offering tastings and gourmet pairing dinners. |
| Hotel Villa Dubrovnik – Dubrovnik | ⭐ | Coastal terraces overlooking the Old Town; private yet central for elite city stays. |
| Hotel Supetar – Brac | ⭐ | Refined island hideaway suited for small incentive or private-group bookings. |
| Esplanade Zagreb Hotel – Zagreb | ⭐ | Iconic 1920s landmark, once part of the Orient Express route — superb for heritage-luxury travellers. |
| San Canzian Hotel & Residences – Istria | ⭐ | Modern design meets village authenticity; excellent stop on an Istrian food & wine route. |
| Meneghetti Wine Hotel & Winery – Bale | ⭐ | Estate-produced wines and olive oils enrich its sustainable-luxury narrative. |
| Grand Park Hotel Rovinj – Rovinj | ⭐ | Marina views and refined service; flagship resort for Istrian coast itineraries. |
Slovenia: Six Boutique Gems
Slovenia’s six key-winning hotels reflect the country’s balance of design, nature and hospitality.
- Chalet Sofija (2 Keys) – exclusive alpine retreat for wellness and outdoor luxury.
- Peterc Vineyard Estate (1 Key) – family-run wine estate with private villa lodging.
- Otocec Castle (1 Key) – fairy-tale island castle perfect for weddings and incentives.
- AS Boutique Hotel (1 Key) – Ljubljana’s modern city luxury.
- Zlata Ladjica (1 Key) – riverside historic inn combining heritage and gastronomy.
- Nebesa Chalets (1 Key) – eco-chic mountain chalets with spectacular Soča Valley views.
Montenegro: First Keys for the Bay of Kotor
For the first time, Montenegro entered the MICHELIN Key fold, confirming its rise as a premium Adriatic destination.
- One&Only Portonovi (Two Keys) – Europe’s first One&Only resort on Boka Bay with a Chenot Espace wellness centre and exclusive yacht access.
- The Chedi Lustica Bay (One Key) – 111 rooms in a purpose-built marina village offering a Far-East inspired spa, private beach and sea-view balconies.
- Regent Porto Montenegro (One Key) – located at the heart of Porto Montenegro with direct marina berths, luxury retail and concierge services ideal for yacht-based groups.
- Dukley Hotel & Resort (One Key) – modern hillside resort cascading to private beaches with residences and penthouses perfect for families and incentive groups.
- Lazure Hotel & Marina (One Key) – a restored historic property offering boutique marina-side luxury, an intimate spa and stylish heritage design.
- Palazzo Radomiri Hotel (One Key) – a ten-room 18th-century sea-captain’s palace in Kotor delivering ultra-personalised service and panoramic Bay of Kotor views.
What It Means for Luxury Operators
- Instant credibility: The MICHELIN name is a globally recognised benchmark — ideal for promoting premium itineraries.
- Story-driven experiences: Key-winning hotels weave local culture, gastronomy, and design into their stays.
- Regional consistency: With Keys across Croatia, Slovenia and Montenegro, operators can build multi-country Adriatic journeys with uniform quality.
Ready to Create Your Next MICHELIN-Key Journey?
Adriatic DMC offers creative itinerary design, bespoke ground services and luxury transfers across the Adriatic. Contact us to craft your next Michelin-Key inspired travel experience.
