In brief
- Where · Stubičke Toplice, in the Croatian Zagorje, 30 km from Zagreb.
- Opening · August 2026.
- Capacity · 36 rooms and 2 suites, representing around 70 beds, and a 100-seat restaurant.
- Investment · 17.4 million euros, 94% funded by non-repayable European grants.
- Signature · a hotel physically linked to a rehabilitation hospital, a rare occurrence in Europe.
The Thermal Hotel Wrello has just opened its doors in the heart of the magnificent green region of Zagorje, Croatia. This inauguration marks a historic turning point for high-end health tourism in Central Europe, brilliantly combining the rigor of medical rehabilitation with the refined comfort of a four-star establishment.
A new era for Croatian health tourism
The Zagorje region, famous for its verdant hills and age-old thermal springs, is taking a major qualitative step forward in its tourism development. The recent inauguration of the Thermal Hotel Wrello is part of a global strategy aimed at positioning the country as a premier destination for international medical wellness.
By uniting existing clinical infrastructure with a brand-new high-end hotel, this major project redefines the standards of therapeutic hospitality. Discerning travelers will find a perfect synergy here between clinical care and contemporary hotel comfort.
Thermal Hotel Wrello
This four-star hotel features 36 rooms and 2 suites, equating to around 70 beds, and a 100-seat restaurant. It is complemented by an indoor pool area and new wellness facilities. Designed to offer optimal comfort for both patients and travelers seeking rejuvenation, it offers a particularly refined residential experience where every detail promotes recovery.
A historic investment of 17.6 million euros
The total cost of the operation amounts to 17,426,263 euros. This massive investment reflects the determination of local stakeholders to sustainably transform the thermal landscape, elevating the establishment to the level of Europe’s most prestigious thermal spas.
Significant European funding
The project benefited from exceptional support from the European Union through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan. Out of this amount, 16,452,978 euros were secured as non-repayable grants, representing 94% of the total cost.
In other words, the establishment was built almost entirely on European public funds. This is a key factor to keep in mind when evaluating the business model: the hotel does not need to amortize its real estate in the way a private operator would.
The Stubičke Toplice Special Hospital for Medical Rehabilitation
Under the direction of Zorica Capar, the establishment is embarking on an unprecedented chapter in its centuries-old history. Renowned for centuries for its healing thermal water springs, the institution now combines this rich tradition with the strictest standards of modern medicine.
An intimate and upscale guest capacity
The hotel offers exclusive accommodation capacity, spread across its first and second floors, comprising 37 elegantly appointed rooms and two spacious apartments featuring private loggias. This intimate configuration guarantees highly personalized service and an atmosphere conducive to rest.
A one-hundred-seat gastronomic offering
On the ground floor, the establishment features a modern 100-seat restaurant equipped with a state-of-the-art professional kitchen. Guests can enjoy healthy, balanced gastronomy specially designed to accompany the rehabilitation process.
A direct and strategic connecting corridor
To ensure the comfort and safety of patients, an interior communication corridor has been built to directly connect the hotel with the existing hospital services. This walkway allows residents to move in complete privacy between their rooms and the care areas.
A 6,500-square-meter wellness complex
The works included roofing over the existing pool complex and creating an ultramodern wellness center covering a total surface area of 6,500 square meters. This space is now accessible year-round, helping to extend the tourism season.
A cutting-edge physiotherapy department
The first floor of the establishment houses a brand-new physiotherapy department. Equipped with the latest rehabilitation technologies, this center enables therapists to deliver highly effective, tailored care programs.
A panoramic rooftop terrace on the third floor
The third and top floor of the hotel features a superb rooftop terrace as well as a social area. Offering spectacular views of the surrounding countryside, this relaxation spot is ideal for unwinding after a treatment session.
A major economic impact and 34 jobs created
The opening of the hotel has led to the direct recruitment of 34 professionals from Krapina-Zagorje County. This investment thus strengthens the local economic fabric by creating sustainable career opportunities in health hospitality.
Exclusive aquatic rehabilitation equipment
The indoor pool has been fitted with state-of-the-art equipment designed for active rehabilitation. Patients have access to specific aqua bikes and submerged treadmills, elevating medical recreation to a new level.
A gourmet corner dedicated to local produce
To showcase the region’s culinary heritage, a specific dining area has been set up within the complex. In partnership with local family farms, this corner offers high-quality, authentic seasonal produce.
The project’s genesis launched in May 2021
This inauguration marks the culmination of a rigorous development process initiated in May 2021 with the opening of the outdoor pool, representing a first phase costing 3.5 million euros. Hotel construction work began in September 2024 and lasted 23 months.
A global municipal dynamic worth 23 million euros
The mayor of Stubičke Toplice, Josip Beljak, described this event as a historic moment for the municipality. This project is part of a broader 23-million-euro investment plan over two years, which also encompasses the extension of the local primary school and the construction of a new sports gymnasium.
The upcoming renovation of the Antonina structure
The development momentum does not stop there. The county prefect, Željko Kolar, has announced major new investments between now and 2030. Next spring, renovation work on Antonina will begin, with an estimated cost of 6 million euros fully funded by the county.
Energy transition of the former historic hotel
At the same time, an energy renovation project for the Special Hospital’s former hotel has been submitted amounting to 5 million euros. These successive initiatives will bring total investment in the thermal spa resort to nearly an additional 10 million euros in the coming years.
Our perspective
With the inauguration of the Thermal Hotel Wrello, Croatia demonstrates its ability to structure a high-end medical tourism offering capable of competing with major Central European destinations such as Austria or Hungary. By combining recognized medical expertise with international-standard hotel infrastructure, the establishment meets the growing demand from discerning clients seeking holistic health stays.
This achievement proves that modern luxury increasingly lies in the preservation of health capital, set within preserved and authentic destinations. Zagorje is now establishing itself as a new eldorado for thermal wellness in Europe.
Practical information about Thermal Hotel Wrello
- Address: Stubičke Toplice, Krapina-Zagorje County, Croatia
