Credit: Under A Tree

It will be a wellbeing lifestyle resort, where the exclusively developed wellness concept flows effortlessly through every touchpoint every day, enriching the experience for resort guests, residence owners, captains and crew alike
– Amy McDonald, founder and CEO of Under a Tree Consulting

A €285 million (US$316 million, £242 million) next-generation luxury yachting destination, Marina Resort Cavtat, is being developed on the Dubrovnik Riviera with wellness and regenerative programming by Under a Tree Consulting.

The property, which is scheduled to open in 2029, will have a 151-berth marina, two five-star hotels, luxury villas, branded apartments, a wellness retreat, a performance hub, yacht club and a retail/dining village called Lungomare.

The location was chosen because it represents the first nautical marina gateway upon entry to the Croatian Adriatic Sea from the south, making it a starting point for yachting itineraries.

The resort is set within an unspoiled hillside amphitheatre that offers sea views and a panoramic funicular, allowing guests to move up and down the landscape.

Companies involved

Marina Cavtat and Resort is owned by developers Dalmi Resorts International. The resort will be operated by Dalmi Resorts, in partnership with global real estate and infrastructure advisory company 360 Pacifica.

Under a Tree Consulting has provided the wellness concept that runs throughout the entire property.

The lead architect for the project is ATELIER 1 Toronto, with architecture and urban design support from Atellior Zagreb, interior design by Atellior London and landscape and waterfront design by Werft.

Blueprint Global is handling marketing and sales. Marine market and business planning is by Luxury Vanguard, a Monaco-based company.

The concept

Under a Tree Consulting is leading the full wellness strategy for Marina Resort Cavtat, from business due diligence, detailed revenue projections and concept development to pre-opening.

The company is developing the operational layout in collaboration with the architects and interior designers, curating the emotional and sensory flow of the guest experience across the resort.

Amy McDonald, founder and CEO of Under a Tree Consulting, described the concept for the resort to Spa Business: “The resort is a wellness-integrated coastal destination where marina life, regenerative living and slow luxury converge – offering a curated daily rhythm from hilltop arrival to the vibrant Lungomare promenade and the social heartbeat of the yacht club.

“It will be a wellbeing lifestyle resort, where the exclusively developed wellness concept flows effortlessly through every touchpoint every day, enriching the experience for resort guests, residence owners, captains and crew alike,” added McDonald.

The development

The project has been under active development for more than 17 years, progressing through multiple planning, design and permit approval cycles. Due to the scale of the development, it has received official recognition as a strategically important project of interest for the Republic of Croatia.

The project has already won the 2025 International Smart and Sustainable Marina Award due to its approach to sustainability. The property’s design features marine life protections, a minimal CO2 footprint, green construction principles, water conservation elements and green roofs. The property will also use clean energy and dining venues will feature farm-to-table organic food.

There will be two five-star hotels located in the north and the south of the estate. The northern hotel will have around 80 rooms and the southern hotel is still in the design phase.

The northern hotel will have a direct funicular connection to the Marina Lungomare. It will also offer access to the wellness retreat, which will provide spa treatments, a recovery lounge and hydrothermal experiences.

The Navitas Performance Hub is located near the hotel, with facilities including a gym, mindfulness studio, aquatic activities and rooftop for outdoor games.

There will be 10 seaside villas and approximately 131 hillside and waterfront residences.

The 5-anchor Marina Yacht Club will offer club members services and facilities, such as access to a social lounge and bar and fine dining experiences.

Target market

The hotel and resort are expected to attract 70-80 per cent of demand from leisure visitors, with business and event clients driving demand in the low seasons.

The UK and US are expected to be core markets for the resort, alongside core European markets Germany, France, Switzerland and the Nordic countries.

Current Dubrovnik 5-star competitor benchmarks have been determined by the developers’ consultants to show 48-70 per cent occupancy.

The residences have been designed for international second-home buyers from the UK, US and Western Europe – for those looking for a lifestyle that involves marina access and holistic wellbeing.