After years of exploring the finest corners of the country and sharing curated travel experiences, Luxury Living Croatia has released its first book, The Essence of Croatia. A celebration of culture, nature, and lifestyle, the book is a visual journey through Croatia’s most captivating places and moments.

We sit down with our founder, Antoaneta Šimunović, to talk about the inspiration behind the project, the creative process, and how the idea of “essence” shaped every page, from the photography to the storytelling.

Q: Antoaneta, what inspired you to create The Essence of Croatia?

The idea grew out of everything we’ve been doing with Luxury Living Croatia — connecting people with authentic experiences, real beauty, and meaningful places. We often meet travelers, property owners, and creatives who share a deep love for Croatia but express it in different ways.

We wanted to create something tangible, a book that people could hold, feel, and return to. Not just another travel guide or coffee table accessory, but a visual and emotional journey that reflects Croatia’s true character: elegant yet grounded, diverse yet unified. The Essence of Croatia is our love letter to the country.

Q: The book is incredibly visual, with over 200 pages of photography. How did you approach capturing the “essence” through images?

Honestly, we started by asking ourselves what really makes Croatia feel like Croatia. It’s easy to focus on the stunning coastline or the postcard cities, but we wanted to go deeper — to find that connection between land, sea, and the people who live there. That’s where the real essence lives.

We were really intentional about the images we chose; every photo had to carry some emotional weight. It wasn’t just about showing a beautiful place; it was about telling a story, capturing a feeling.

Each chapter has its own tone and rhythm. “The Coastline” is wide and dramatic; it has that breath-of-fresh-air feeling. “Island Time” slows things down; it’s quieter, more reflective. And “A Taste of Croatia” is all about warmth and intimacy; it feels like gathering around a table with friends and family.

In the end, we wanted the images to do more than decorate the book. We wanted them to invite the reader in, to offer a sense of presence. Together with the words, they paint a fuller, more textured portrait of Croatia.

Q: One of the most intriguing elements of the book is the story of Bavljenac, the fingerprint-shaped island. How did it become the symbol of the project?

Bavljenac found us, really. During our early brainstorming sessions, we talked about identity — what makes Croatia unique. Someone mentioned this small island near Šibenik that, from above, looks like a human fingerprint.

When we saw it, we were stunned. It was so symbolic: a tiny island shaped by time and elements, resilient yet distinct, just like Croatia. It immediately became our metaphor — nature’s own signature, the literal essence of individuality.

From that moment, everything in the book connected to that idea: identity, endurance, and beauty that doesn’t need to be loud to be powerful.

Q: The book covers so many aspects — nature, culture, gastronomy, and tradition. How did you choose what to include?

That was one of the hardest parts. Croatia’s richness can’t fit neatly into any single volume. We had to think in feelings, not categories.

We chose stories and visuals that evoke emotion: fishermen casting nets at sunrise, stone villages touched by golden light, and a grandmother kneading dough in a small kitchen. These images say more about Croatia than statistics or maps ever could.

Of course, we also wanted to honor the diversity, the elegance of Dubrovnik, the wilderness of Lika, the golden fields of Slavonia.

Q: What was the creative process like for your team at Luxury Living Croatia?

It was both exciting and deeply personal. We’re a small, passionate team, and everyone brought a unique perspective. We spent months discussing every page, every caption, every color tone.

There were moments of exhaustion, but also magic, those evenings when we reviewed new photos or finalized a layout and felt goosebumps. We knew we were creating something lasting, something that could represent Croatia with the respect it deserves.

Q: The book is written in English. Was that a deliberate choice?

Absolutely. Croatia already speaks to Croatians — it lives in our hearts. But we wanted The Essence of Croatia to reach beyond borders, to invite international readers, travelers, and admirers to see the country through our eyes.

English makes the book accessible, but the soul remains entirely Croatian. In a way, it’s a bridge between cultures, between people who already love Croatia and those who will fall in love with it through these pages.

Q: How do you envision people using or gifting The Essence of Croatia?

It’s a book meant to be shared. We designed it for homes, villas, hotels, and yachts. Places where it can spark conversation and emotion. But it’s also a very personal object, a keepsake that holds memories and dreams.

We’ve already seen people gifting it to friends abroad, business partners, and even newlyweds as a symbol of home. Wherever it goes, it carries a little piece of Croatia’s heart with it.

Q: If you could describe The Essence of Croatia in one sentence, what would it be?

A tribute to a country that never ceases to inspire, a celebration of its beauty, its people, and the quiet strength that defines its soul.

Q: Finally, what does “essence” mean to you personally?

To me, essence is truth stripped of everything unnecessary. It’s the moment when you feel something deeply and know it’s real — whether that’s a sunset over the Adriatic, laughter at a village table, or the scent of pine and sea salt in the air.

That’s what I hope this book does: remind people that beauty and meaning are everywhere, if you take the time to see them.

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The Essence of Croatia book is available for purchase at a price of 49€ and can be ordered directly via email at sales@luxury-living.hr

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