It never ceases to amaze me the capacity that nature has to heal itself.

This gift is also within us, for we are creatures of nature, and just like nature, after a period of challenge or transformation, there is a re-wliding phase.

Whenever I am in need of healing, I go back to nature, back to basics, a simpler way of being, at a slower pace, and let my body do what it knows how to do – repair itself.

It’s what I did when I first came here, in the magical village of Molunat, and since then, I have observed how it has worked elsewhere, not just in people but in places where there has been adversity or trauma.

One of these places is Kupari, which is just south of Dubrovnik – once upon a time, it was the most prestigious resort in the country (Yugoslavia, as it was then). It was severely damaged during the Croatian War of Independence, in the early 90s, and has been abandoned since.

What is fascinating is how this vast area which once housed six large hotels has now started to rewind itself. Nature is adapting, all around the buildings, the land is is recovering and flourishing.

There is talk that it has been bought so it can be redeveloped, and I think this is a shame as it’s the perfect example of when we leave nature to take care of itself, it knows what to do, and does it.

I believe that it’s the same thing with us. We can benefit from re-wilding. We can learn from nature, but we can also learn from History, and I think it’s important for us to understand a little about the history of Croatia when we come here. When my guests learn about the past and see it for themselves in Kupari, 

If you want an example of overcoming adversity and how to be more resilient, take a look at Croatia. Then look to nature for lessons on how to heal.

Always the day after “the big hike”, there is a quieter energy. We take a gentle walk through  Mlini and go and hug my favourite tree, then we take a stop off at one of the beautiful bays where everyone goes straight into “starfish mode”. 

It doesn’t look like healing, but I know what it is – the body wants to rest so it can repair, and we allow this gently.

After visiting Kupari, I feel their strength coming back, and we take a swim and an ice cream, and then they are ready to meet the force of nature that is Edita.

It’s time to play, to rebalance the heavy energy with some lightness and play, and our Capoeira teacher is just the person for this. She is both tough and kind, the epitome of the Wild Warrior that I talk about – an open heart with with strong boundaries. Like the Croatian people are in general.

Capoeira is a martial arts form that is like a combination of dance and combat, and the guests love it. It brings out their wild side and playful spirit, and they forget all their inhibitions for the whole hour and just get immersed in it.

I know they’ve got it when the ferry goes past and it’s full of people watching us on the deck next to Gusar, and no one cares. 

My heart fills with joy as I realise they have understood and are taking on one of the most important words and philosophies of Croatian culture, the ultimate state of enlightenment:

“Jebiga”