Who doesn’t like to receive good news, especially from an amazing destination like Croatia! Well, as it turns out, this Adriatic gem has had quite the season. While treating an ever-surging number of travelers to some of the most divine landscapes and immersive cultural experiences in Europe, Croatia has been busy raking in awards and making its wondrous lands more accessible than ever.
In light of these incredible developments, Croatia+ by Travelive has decided to provide you with exclusive coverage of its top stories. So, without further ado, let’s see what Croatia has been up to!
New United Airlines Route Brings Croatia Closer
Kicking off the highlights, we have some soaring news for those looking to discover Croatia in the most direct way possible.
This year saw United Airlines reveal a game-changing milestone: the first-ever direct flight between Split and the United States. Starting 30 April 2026, travelers will enjoy three weekly flights linking Newark (New York) and Split aboard a Boeing 767-300ER, making this the first wide-body jet to enter regular service at Split Airport.
This long-awaited route significantly boosts Croatia’s North American connectivity and injects fresh momentum into the country’s fast-growing luxury travel scene, making its treasures more convenient for your clients than ever!
Grand Park Hotel Rovinj Sets New Standard for Croatian Hospitality
Nestled on the sun-drenched coast of Istria, Rovinj has long been celebrated for its cobbled alleys, pastel façades and Adriatic charm. Now, that can also include luxury hospitality, with the Grand Park Hotel Rovinj making headlines in 2025 by becoming the first and only Croatian hotel to be included in the prestigious ‘The World’s 50 Best Hotels’ list; an accolade compiled from the votes of 800+ hospitality experts worldwide.
Part of the esteemed Maistra Hospitality Group, Grand Park bolsters Istria’s rising status as a global luxury destination, providing discerning travelers with refined design, exceptional service, and unrivaled Mediterranean views. Tomislav Popović, President of Maistra, says the award reflects “years of dedication to excellence and outstanding service”.
Istria Shines Again on the Global Stage
On a similar note, Istria continues its awards streak with another standout achievement, this time from the heart of its celebrated wine country.
Meneghetti Wine Hotel & Winery has been ranked 17th in the “Rest of Europe” category in the Condé Nast Traveller UK Readers’ Choice Awards 2025, making it the only Croatian property to earn a place on this year’s list. Scoring an impressive 95.05/100 from more than 182,500 UK voters, Meneghetti was praised for its quiet luxury, deeply rooted authenticity, and its enchanting setting among vineyards and olive groves.
The recognition underscores the hotel’s dedication to crafted, heartfelt hospitality, and further cements Istria’s growing prestige in Europe’s luxury travel landscape.
Villa Dubrovnik — An Adriatic Legend Reborn
In other hotel news, one of the Adriatic’s most iconic hideaways has reemerged in spectacular fashion. After a two-year, multi-million-euro transformation, Villa Dubrovnik has officially reopened, instantly reclaiming its place as one of Croatia’s most coveted boutique escapes.
Perched above the crystalline Dalmatian coast and a proud member of The Leading Hotels of the World, the property now showcases a striking redesign by Brazil’s acclaimed Studio Arthur Casas, inspired by Dubrovnik’s timeless landscape and stone-built heritage.
Featuring 56 rooms, suites, and residences, alongside the Michelin-recommended Restaurant Pjerin, the renewed Villa Dubrovnik has been hailed as one of the Adriatic’s most exciting hospitality moments of the year!
Dubrovnik Named the World’s Leading Sustainable Destination 2025
We’re closing out our report with some amazing news for those green at heart. Croatia’s crown-jewel city, Dubrovnik, has been officially named the World’s Leading Sustainable Destination 2025 at the prestigious World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards.
The honor, presented before global leaders in Dubai, recognizes destinations setting the standard for net-positive tourism. At the core of Dubrovnik’s achievement is its groundbreaking “Respect the City” initiative, a forward-thinking program that has reshaped how the city manages visitors, protects its UNESCO-listed Old Town, and enhances residents’ quality of life.
With sustainable travel on the rise, this recognition positions Croatia as a top choice for those eager to explore lavishly yet responsibly.
Signing Off from the Adriatic
From bold new openings to global accolades, the Adriatic has certainly given us plenty to talk about, and even more to anticipate.
As the country’s star continues to rise, so does the promise of extraordinary experiences awaiting discerning travelers. And whenever inspiration strikes, Croatia+ by Travelive will be ready to bring them to your clients through curated journeys that may just have them making a few travel headlines of their own.
This has been Croatia+ by Travelive, your window into the Adriatic’s finest moments. Until next time.
