Jadran Heritage Hotel: A new chapter for a historic landmark

Concept development, storytelling, design, and experience creation for a new heritage hotel brand rooted in an authentic story

Originally built in 1913 as an annex to Poreč’s first hotel and a symbol of the city’s early tourism, Hotel Jadran has reopened as part of the Valamar Collection. Over four years of research and development, we shaped its concept and storytelling, drawing on authentic historical sources in collaboration with the Poreč Heritage Museum, Tissa & Partners Architects, and artist Lorna Kijurko.

Inspired by real stories, archival postcards, and long-forgotten details from the hotel’s past, we created a narrative that guides guests through the atmosphere of Poreč from the early 20th century to the 1970s. Instead of numbered rooms, the hotel features twelve individually curated spaces, each with its own name, character, and story, transforming every stay into a journey through time.

Storytelling is woven into every aspect of the guest experience, from room names, interiors, and artistic interventions to the library, souvenirs, and visual elements derived from historical materials. The result is a heritage hotel that brings local history to life through an authentic and immersive guest experience.