Osmoliš
Boasting magnificent views across Croatia’s sun-drenched Adriatic coastline, Hotel Osmoliš is a boutique property with contemporary rooms and suites, plus a sparkling swimming pool and wellness spa.
What is the story behind the apartments, what was your inspiration to create them?
My father built this house and while I was growing up, my mother rented the rooms to guests as a bed and breakfast. When they passed away, I took over the house and decided to renovate the property as it was around 60 years old.
For me, it was important to do so with maximum respect for the environment, as I’m very aware that tourism is contributing to environmental destruction. So I didn’t want to create something for “fast tourism”. I wanted to use local materials and furnishings while reflecting on my life experiences.
For example, all of the garden lamps are from Spain where I live for part of the year while the chairs are a Dutch industrial design from the 1960s that I saw everywhere while living in Amsterdam. A lot of the other furnishings are from countries that were part of Yugoslavia where I was born and raised.
How would you describe the atmosphere and interior design of the apartments?
Guests often comment on the love and detail that has gone into the house while one also said that it felt like being in a retreat. It’s very peaceful and calm, perhaps reflecting the time I spent studying Buddhism in Japan.
There is a luxuriousness about the spaces but it’s not “bling, bling”. Luxury is in the craft, not in how shiny things are. For me, luxury is knowing the name of almost every single person who made something for the house — it’s a luxury that you don’t see. I always collaborate with people and/or factories who are respecting their workers, even if it means waiting months for things to be made.
Some people thought I was crazy spending so much time and money on furnishings for a tourism rental but I want guests to feel comfortable. I also spent a fortune on soundproofing as we are very close to the centre of Hvar.