Boutique Hotel Alhambra & The Historic Villas Welcomes New General Manager Lovorka Struna and Introduces the 2025 Season

May 6^th, 2025 – Boutique Hotel Alhambra & The Historic Villas on Lošinj Island, Croatia, is proud to announce the appointment of Lovorka Struna as its new General Manager, marking the beginning of a fresh chapter for the 2025 season. A seasoned leader in luxury hospitality, Struna brings creativity, vision, and emotional intelligence to one of the Adriatic’s most exquisite hideaways. 

Struna's approach to luxury is deeply rooted in experience and emotion. “My first encounter with ‘luxury accommodation’ was a camping trip on Fratarski Island near Pula with no reception desk, just warm water in canisters, freshly caught fish for lunch, and dogs on pedal boats with us. Today, it would be called a barefoot luxury retreat, complete with a private fisherman and a water sommelier,” she recalls. “That contrast taught me that true luxury isn’t defined by form but by feeling. That belief has guided every project I’ve worked on since.” 

Her career spans the creation and development of standout luxury brands, including the award-winning Hotel Monte Mulini and the distinctive Hotel Lone in Rovinj. Struna has also spearheaded several trailblazing initiatives, most notably ‘Adriatic For Adriatic’, Croatia’s first plastic-free hospitality project, and ‘Love Is Lone’, a curated series of events combining music, gastronomy, sustainability, and feminine energy.  

“The most pivotal moments in my career have always come when I chose to do things differently, such as choosing creativity over routine, storytelling over imitation. I’ve learned most from challenges, and I’ve grown most when I’ve worked alongside a team, not above it,” she reflects.  

Struna’s leadership style combines inspiration and intention, and her philosophy is rooted in designing memorable experiences. “Luxury doesn’t happen by chance — it’s carefully designed. From the scent in the lobby to the signature breakfast to the emotion a guest feels when they depart, every element plays a role. I approach every brand as a living being, one that evolves, communicates, and leaves an impression,” she explains. 

Drawn to Lošinj’s natural beauty and Alhambra’s refined legacy, Struna says the decision to take the reins of this five-star hotel was simple. “Alhambra and the historic villas are truly a state of mind for those who seek more. The setting in Čikat Bay, one of the Mediterranean’s most captivating coves, and the team of passionate and talented professionals made it impossible to say no. My first steps were to listen and observe to build on what Alhambra already is while adding my own layer of personality and innovation.” 

As the 2025 season begins, Struna is introducing a vision of ‘refined simplicity’, where elegance lives in the details and quality is revealed, not announced. This philosophy will shape everything from the reimagined Spring Innovation Menu by chef Michael Gollenz at the Michelin-starred Alfred Keller to exclusive wine tastings featuring handpicked labels recognized by Wine Spectator and The World of Fine Wine. Mornings are redefined with the new Slow & Long Sunday brunch, while indulgent moments await in the library, where handcrafted pastries inspired by secret family recipes await guests. Outdoor experiences such as coastal hikes and the hotel’s Inhalation Bar promise to renew both body and spirit. 

“What excites me most are the quiet surprises, such as the moments when a guest experiences a ‘wow’ they didn’t expect. Whether it’s a deeply personal recommendation from our concierge or discovering a rare wine from our Taverna, these are the moments that stay with people. I’m equally inspired by watching the team grow, taking initiative, embracing passion, and sharing in creating something meaningful,” says Struna.  

Lovorka Struna’s appointment signals a new season of refined simplicity at Boutique Hotel Alhambra & The Historic Villas.