Luxury hotel brand Brionj has signed a management agreement for Venari Lodges, a boutique resort in Janja Gora, Croatia, marking an expansion of its portfolio in a region known for its forests, waterfalls and proximity to the Plitvice Lakes National Park.
Grand Metropolitan Hotels, which operates Brionj, said the development will open in 2027 and form part of a private hunting reserve that already holds an active concession. The site is near Croatia’s oldest and largest national park and is promoted as appealing to both hunters and visitors seeking hiking routes and local wildlife.
The resort will feature about 60 lodges alongside dining areas and a wellness space. The company said the design aims to emphasise sustainability and a “nature-to-table” approach, with services geared toward guests looking for seclusion and access to guided wilderness tours.
The site sits in a landscape of rivers, lakes and dense woodland inhabited by species including deer, wild boar, bears and lynx. Licensed rangers are expected to lead tours for guests once the resort opens.
The Janja Gora project broadens Brionj’s presence in Central Europe, with the group citing its experience in operating high-end hospitality ventures as it targets travellers seeking remote, nature-based stays.
Valter Kiš, owner and developer of Venari Lodges, said: “In Janja Gora, we are not simply building a resort – we are realising a vision: nature in its purest form, luxury without excess, and an encounter with wilderness that both inspires and protects.”
Martin R Smura, chairman and founder of Grand Metropolitan Hotels, added: “We are thrilled to create a setting where adventure and tranquillity, exclusivity and sustainability go hand in hand.”
