Obećana Zemlja
LIVE. LOVE. GIVE BACK
A RESET FOR THE SOUL
Where the sky whispers silence, rivers remember, and gardens embrace your steps. Where nature isn’t a backdrop, but the whole experience. Where two people can just… be. In the heart of Blagaj, lies Obecana zemlja (the Promised Land) – a sanctuary for inner renewal, connection with nature,
and a return to your true self. No agenda, no rush, no distractions.
Welcome to OZ – Obecana Zemlja. A sanctuary hidden in southern Bosnia-Herzegovina, where the only plan is to slow down.
OUR STORY
I’m Sead Šašivarević. After 17 years in finance and urban life, I traded ties for gardening gloves and office walls for a sky full of stars. Together with my family, I came to Blagaj – not to escape, but to remember.
As I observed the soil beneath my feet, I discovered a universe. On just one square meter of land, there are countless living beings working together in perfect harmony. Every organism – from the tiniest microbe to the proudest flower – has a purpose. And a desire to grow, in beauty and in gratitude.
This is the root of OZ – a place not built, but grown. It’s not about more. It’s about deeper.
THE MISSION
Vision
To create living, sustainable spaces that nurture connection between people, nature, the self, and the community. We aspire to serve as an example of how inner growth, ecological restoration, and youth empowerment can shape a more compassionate world.
Mission
Our mission is to care for the land and soul in equal measure. Through permaculture and mindful living, we cultivate harmony between humans and the Earth. We create experiences that nourish the body and awaken the spirit – through silence, slowness, and remembering what truly matters.
Our Values
- Permaculture & Soil Health – Reviving the Earth with ancient and future knowledge
- Water Preservation – Grey water recycling and sacred care for every drop
- Future Renewable Energy – Solar, bio-gas, and the wisdom of the sun
- Warm-Hearted Hospitality – You arrive as a guest, and leave as kin
- Soul Nourishment – Through silence, connection, and ritual
- Local Engagement – Grounded in Blagaj, flowing into Mostar
THE GARDENS & THE LAND
OZ currently nurtures five living gardens – each one a world of its own:
- The Garden of Inner Stillness – designed as the Seed of Life, with cedar, crystals, and six apple trees.
- The Sun Garden – polyculture rows alive with seasonal growthand colorful flowers
- The Forest of Wisdom – a forming grove of five ash trees, an apple and a hazel, planted in the pattern of the Tree of Life.
- The Eastern Divan – a fruit orchard interwoven with medicinal herbs.
- The Southern Garden – under development, featuring heirloom vegetables
- Alegendary springof the river Bunica that locals say carries healing waters and the power to rejuvenate.
Across the land grow more than 20 varieties of medicinal herbs. In summer, cornfields and sunflowers line the walkways. Everything you taste here is real: free-range eggs, raw milk and cheese from local farmers, soil-grown vegetables with flavor and life.
We grow food without chemicals and with sacred intention. We follow the lines of the land, the shape of the sun, and the memory of water.
THE OZ EXPERIENCE
At OZ, you are not entertained – you are invited. Into presence, simplicity, and wonder.
And if you wish, join Sead – the host – for slow conversation and shared insight. Sead is an award-winning Bosnian photographer and lifelong nature activist. His work protecting rivers, celebrating the earth, and capturing stillness is reflected in every inch of this land.
Stay at OZ & The concept
One Apartment. Two Hearts. 33 sqm of Peace.
OZ is not a hotel. It’s not a resort. It’s a home – and a sanctuary – designed for only two guests. One apartment, connected to our private home, but the entire 5000 m² space – gardens, river breeze, starlit silence – is fully yours.
Here, silence leads. Stillness welcomes. Nature holds space for your return.
You’ll sleep in a sunlit studio, where a 4-meter panoramic window greets the dawn. A 17 sqm terrace opens westward, into the garden. Inside, a simple kitchenette, a spacious bathroom, and a bed kissed by lavender air. Nothing more than needed. Everything essential.
This is your space to:
• unplug from the noise and plug into nature
• harvest your own food from the garden
• swim in pristine waters, rest in the shade
• share slow dinners and real conversations with your host
• return to a version of life that just… makes sense
We only host two guests at a time. Not out of limitation, but intention. Because silence deserves space.
Fair & Soulful
We don’t charge for luxury. We offer presence.
Pricing is thoughtful and transparent — guided by the value of the experience, not the status of the guest.
Whether you are a traveler seeking simplicity, a creative soul in search of inspiration, or someone who simply needs stillness — you are welcome here, exactly as you are. By staying at OZ, you’re not just booking a place to sleep – you’re investing in a vision. Your stay directly supports:
Sleep deeper.
Wake slower.
Breathe better.
Who is OZ for?
For the ones who sense there is more.
For the barefoot souls, the seekers, the slow-walkers.
For couples who wish to connect – not just with each other, but with life.
For those who don’t need a pool – but long for a river.
What People Say:
Our stay felt like coming home at family! Sead and Alvina made us feel at home at their scenic place!
I am only sorry for not being a poet, because this place deserves poetry and not simple sentences.
A really unique place where you can feel the magic and love in every detail. Inspiring, relaxing and absolutely worth a visit!
Finding a place that leaves you feeling so nourished, inspired, and connected is rare. A magical few days we won’t forget.
We left dreaming of tending our own land one day—and I imagine others will leave feeling just as inspired.
One of the most beautiful places I’ve ever stayed!
On our roadtrip threw more then 15 countries this might be the most unexpected but most definitely also the nicest and most peaceful place to see, spend time in and sleep, If we could we would have stayed longer.
NEW – Available experiences and offerings:
Each visit, purchase, or event directly contributes to:
sustaining the land and garden expansion supporting soil and water regeneration creating local jobs and education
*All prices are approximate and may vary seasonally or based on the depth of the experience.
WAYS TO CONNECT
Whether your heart is whispering to stay in touch, support this vision, or simply be part of something rooted in love – there are many ways to connect with OZ.
Receive gentle letters – seasonal messages with herbs, reflections, and retreat invitations
Support the soil – contribute to our dreams of solar, water and nourishment
Partner with purpose – collaborate on conscious experiences or educational projects
Spread the word – share our story and let it ripple outward
Leave your email. Or simply let us know you’re out there.
The land remembers those who care.