MERAKI NATURE STAY & workshops
A place to slow down, breathe deep and simply be
In the small village of Vodena Draga, surrounded by forests, rivers and hills, we’re building Meraki. As a young family and a non-profit association (udruga), our dream is simple: to live close to nature, to slow down, and to create a place where people can connect — with the land, with each other, and with themselves.
Here, you can experience wild Croatia, join a foraging walk, participate in of the workshops, or make something with your hands. Stay in a handmade cabin or glamping tent.
At Meraki, life slows down — and something meaningful begins.
You may have seen our story on the Dutch TV show Ik Vertrek. We left the city to create something more grounded. What started as a dream is now slowly coming to life—and we love to share it with you.
Ready to slow down? We’d love to welcome you. Click here to reserve your stay
In the small village of Vodena Draga, surrounded by forests, rivers and hills, we’re building Meraki. As a young family and a non-profit association (udruga), our dream is simple: to live close to nature, to slow down, and to create a place where people can connect — with the land, with each other, and with themselves.
Here, you can experience wild Croatia, join a foraging walk, participate in of the workshops, or make something with your hands. Stay in a handmade cabin or glamping tent.
At Meraki, life slows down — and something meaningful begins.
You may have seen our story on the Dutch TV show Ik Vertrek. We left the city to create something more grounded. What started as a dream is now slowly coming to life—and we love to share it with you.
Ready to slow down? We’d love to welcome you. Click here to reserve your stay
ABOUT US
From city life to the forest – our story
Hi, we’re Marit, Karl, Ante and Feja.
A Dutch-German family building a new kind of life, in a peaceful village where the forest begins. Not long ago, we lived in the city. Life was busy and fast.
But something inside us longed for more silence, more earth under our feet and a slower rhythm. We dreamed of a place where we could be closer to nature — and closer to ourselves. A place where our children have space to roam and play outside. We found a piece of overgrown land in the hills of central Croatia and began to bring it back to life. We’ve been digging, planting, and building — with our own hands and with the help of friends and volunteers. It has been beautiful, rewarding, and full of learning.
Out of this journey, Meraki was born. A space created with love and still being created. A place where others can come to breathe, reset and reconnect.
WELCOME TO MERAKI
Between rivers, hills and forest, there’s a quiet place we’re building together.
Meraki is not a resort and not a retreat. It’s a piece of nature, slowly shaped through our non profit organisation (udruga) — a community effort to create a place where peace, simplicity and connection come first.
Here you can rest, breathe, and simply be — alone, with loved ones, or with others who value nature as much as you do.
Our workshops grow from the seasons and the land.
Nothing is expected. Everything is an invitation.
WHAT MAKES MERAKI SPECIAL
Nature in every breath
Wake up to birdsong. Fall asleep under the stars. No rush, fewer screens, just fresh air and peaceful moments.
Simple experiences with soul
Pick wild herbs, dry your own teas, learn about edible plants, or shape locally sourced clay with your hands. Our workshops are part of daily life here, growing from the seasons and the land, and open to everyone who stays.
For families, couples & solo travellers
Children can play outside, build huts and explore. Adults can slow down and breathe deeply. There’s space to be on your own, and space to be together.
What guests say:
“It’s not just a place to stay, it’s an experience. The kids forgot all about screens and spent their days exploring,
picking herbs and learning new things. In the evenings we sat and watched falling stars, simple moments that felt special.”
“We made tea from herbs we picked ourselves. Such a simple thing, but it opened my eyes, something you could easily do at home as well.”
WHO IS MERAKI FOR?
For anyone who longs for something real. For families who want their kids to run free. For couples craving stillness. For solo travellers in need of space. For artists, dreamers, makers. For everyone who wants to feel closer to nature — even if just for a little while.
✨ BOOK YOUR STAY
Ready to unplug & create something real?
Book your stay – now taking reservations for 2026
Bring walking shoes, a notebook, and an open mind
HOW TO GET THERE
50 minutes from Zagreb Airport, 1 hour from the coast
Easy access via highway, Pickup possible from the train or FlixBus station nearby
Bring Meraki to life
We’re a young family building a small nature stay — with our own hands, hearts, and savings.
With your support, we can restore the land, create eco-friendly facilities, and open a place where people learn and reconnect with nature.
Every contribution, big or small, helps