Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide has launched its Le Méridien resort hotel and spa in Split, Croatia.

The Le Méridien Lav opened on 11 December in the resort of Podstrana, near Split.

Boasting views over the Adriatic coast, the resort’s Diocletian Spa – named after the former Roman Emperor Diocletian who built his own spa in Split 1700 years ago – has eight treatment rooms and covers 32,300sq ft (3,000sq m).

Using Décleor and Thalgo brands, other facilities at the Diocletian include a 2,580sq ft (240sq m) indoor, fresh water swimming pool, a 2,476sq ft (230sq m) outdoor heated fresh water swimming pool, separate male and female saunas and steam baths, a laconium, caldarium and tepidarium, a hot whirlpool, aroma grotto and a gym.

A wide range of therapies will include aromasoul and ayurveda massages and specialised facial and body programmes.

Other resort facilities include tennis courts, a water sports centre, a casino and a private marina with berthing facilities for 60 yachts, due to open in March 2007.

There are currently more than 120 properties worldwide in 52 different countries operating under the Le Méridien brand. Starwood has more than 850 properties in total in more than 95 countries. Details: www.starwoodhotels.com