Credit: Valamar

The launch of Pical reflects Valamar’s ambition to further develop in the high-end hospitality segment, creating a resort that delivers a complete, experience-led stay where gastronomy, wellbeing and destination are seamlessly connected
– Dražen Mofardin, GM at Pical Resort

The €200m (US$221.3 million, £169.7 million) Pical Resort, Valamar Collection has opened in Croatia with the country’s first ESPA spa.

Valamar Riviera, a Croatian tourism company and hotel operator has revealed the 514-key property in Poreč, Istria. The development of the Pical Resort represents Valamar’s largest investment to date.

The accommodation is split into the following options: the Pical Hotel, the luxury all-inclusive Pical Family Hotel, the exclusive Pical Suites and a Pical Beach House.

Dražen Mofardin, GM at Pical Resort told Spa Business: “The launch of Pical reflects Valamar’s ambition to further develop in the high-end hospitality segment, creating a resort that delivers a complete, experience-led stay where gastronomy, wellbeing and destination are seamlessly connected.

"The addition of the ESPA spa plays a central role in that vision," Mofardin added. "As a globally recognised wellness brand, ESPA brings a high level of expertise, personalisation and consistency, allowing us to position wellbeing as a key part of the overall guest experience.

"We also see the spa as an important draw beyond hotel guests," he continued. "With its distinctive features, such as the multisensory design and the Alchemy Bar experience, it has the potential to become a wellness destination in its own right, appealing both to international visitors and to a growing local audience seeking premium, experience-led wellbeing.”

ESPA Spa

The new ESPA-branded spa, which measures 1,300sq m, has been created by ESPA’s design consultancy. The concept is inspired by the 123km Parenzana Trail – a historic rail route that once connected Croatia, Slovenia and Italy, which is now used for walking and biking.

The wellness centre merges natural healing traditions with modern therapies with themed relaxation zones and sensory rituals that echo the natural environment.

The facility has five single treatment rooms, one of which has a head spa treatment bed. There is also a private spa suite designed for couples or families with its own treatment room, steamroom, hot tub, rasul and relaxation room.

In the main thermal area of the spa there are six themed saunas, such as salt, Mediterranean, Finnish, herbal and a milder child-friendly family sauna. There are also two steamrooms. 

Outdoors, an Aufguss event sauna hosts expert-led rituals.

The spa has extensive indoor and terraced relaxation lounge space, in addition to four main relaxation zones, including:

• A lavender and rosemary-scented Herbal Lounge that has Istrian music playing in the background

• An Aqua Sensory Room for meditation, featuring mint and fennel aromas as well as sounds made by water.

• A Quiet Room with black-out curtains and dimmed lighting for a noise-free experience

• A Community Zone, which is a social space.

There is also an Alchemy Bar for creating custom scrubs.

Throughout the spa, there are sunbeds and loungers for up to 58 people.

A dedicated wellness concierge, highlighting curated sleep, detox and recovery programmes complete the wellness offering.

Other facilities at the resort

The property also offers access to three beaches, 11 indoor and outdoor pools and a wide range of sporting activities. These include 15 tennis courts, beach volleyball, water sports, a bike centre and direct access to the green space of the Parenzana Trail.

There is a 3,000sq m family-friendly entertainment zone, with indoor play centres and a trampoline park. 

Guests also have five signature restaurants to choose from, including Michelin-starred dining experiences led by chefs from Croatia, Slovenia and Italy. Detox and wellness menus are available, curated with anti-inflammatory ingredients. There are 10 bars on the property.

A Dine Around programme allows guests staying at the resort on half-board and all-inclusive packages to sample meals at up to 11 restaurants in the Parenzana region.