GM of the Hotel Adriatic is German, Michael Sorgenfrey. Interestingly, he did not start out in management but as a cook in two Hamburg Kempinski hotels, then in the Marriott, Zurich, and Raffles Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten in Hamburg. After that he began to branch out as Assistant F&B Controller in the Steigenberger Hamburg hotel. From there he held several positions over five years, eventually becoming Director of Convention and Sales.

From there he went to Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin as Banquet Manager and then F&B Manager, involved in opening and positioning the new hotel (97-99). Thailand was his next stop, as Director of F&B, then Executive Assistant Manager at the legendary Oriental, Bangkok. He was there for three years before the Hotel Adlon asked him to return to Germany in 2002, as Hotel manager. Facing the Brandenburg Gate, the hotel has an impressive site. Whilst there he was responsible for many high-profile visits, including that of Queen Elizabeth.

He opened the Courthouse Hotel in London and became GM of the Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay in Bodrum. After three years he went on his travels around the world, finally to come to the Hotel Adriatic. What an interesting fellow!

The hotel, sited on cliffs, can be reached by the double carriageway from north to south, so can be accessed from Trieste airport (85 kms), northern Italy; Venice across the Adriatic via ferry (2 hours), or Pula, Istria�s only airport, about 45 minutes away. Rijeka and Zagreb also have airports, but these are farther away� though travel through beautiful countryside may be worth it.

Hotel Adriatic has 165 rooms and 21 suites, all new-build with a modern feel and top architectural features. Rooms have balconies or terraces, either facing the sea, or the gardens and golf course. Rooms have high speed internet, wireless LAN, touch screen IP �phones, and top quality TV and HiFi equipment.  On-site security is round the clock.

There are two presidential suites on the top floor with unrivalled views over the sea, and the promise of a view of Venice on clear days. They are large in capacity with dining room, living room, study, and private terrace with Jacuzzi.

Three restaurants offer varied international menus, plus regional specialties: Dijana serves à la carte Mediterranean, Kanova serves Istrian (I can vouch for authentic Istria foods, which are all natural and untouched by chemicals, pesticides, etc) on its terraces overlooking the sea, and Slice has grills, healthy snacks and salads. And four bars are conveniently sited near each.

Designed from scratch to cater to all requirements, the Hotel has a state-of-the-art business centre, two board rooms, a ballroom, and conference centre for up to 300 attendees. There is even a modern chapel set in lovely gardens, which also has great views over the sea and golf course, with an opportunity to conduct marriages.

The private beach has water sports, and there is an 18-hole championship golf course. As far as I know, this is the only one presently in Istria. The Carolea Spa, in Greco-Roman style, covers an area of 3000 sqm and has an indoor pool, Jacuzzi and two heated outdoor pools. Added to that are 16 treatment rooms, floating tank, ice cabin, Kneipp bench, relaxing areas, steam bath and a variety of saunas. Of course, there is a fully-equipped gym with personal trainer, weights, and four tennis courts. Other hotels in the Umag area have similar facilities, but they are restricted by comparison. The Adriatic is, however, one of a kind and the only five star in the northern part of Istria. There are also children�s programs with both outdoor and indoor facilities and pool.

Another part of the resort provides 20 luxury apartments and 22 villas for sale, in four different designs.

Note: The town of Umag hosts the ATP Studena Croatia Open in its specially built tennis courts. The 20th Open will be held this year, 27th July to 2nd August. (See www.atpworldtour.com)

Opening rates start from E175 (approx $240) single, E200 (approx $280) double.

© Barry Napier

Barry Napier
[email protected]
Barry Napier
Hotel/Travel Journalist
& Tourism Consultant

Kempinski hotel Adriatic
Alberi 300 A
52475 Savudrija
Istria
Croatia
Email: [email protected]
www.kempinski-adriatic.com
 

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