Hello,
my name is Katarina Zupan, and I am the founder of Longevity Retreats Croatia.
My Story
The LRC is an innovative project launched in April 2025. This initiative stems from my personal journey and the conviction that most health conditions can be addressed through a holistic approach.
As a trained engineer with extensive experience in the automotive industry, I dedicated 12 hours a day to my career. After the birth of my child, I took a necessary break from work, which coincided with the onset of several medical issues. My body was fatigued from long hours, poor dietary choices, and an excessive reliance on caffeine to sustain my productivity. I interpret this phase as a pivotal moment, childbirth allowed me to pause and confront the consequences of years of neglecting my health. Following a cesarean section, I encountered multiple complications related to the surgical scar, including pain in my hips, knees, and feet, loss of sensation in the area surrounding the scar, inactivity of abdominal muscles, and discomfort during intercourse. Additionally, I experienced a resurgence of asthma symptoms after 17 years. I was choking on saliva, and I suffered from a cough that led to inflammation of the intercostal muscles, making breathing even more difficult. My blood tests revealed suboptimal results, particularly an elevated total IgE level indicating high sensitivity to allergens and increased LDL cholesterol.
Determined to challenge the prevailing narrative among women who accept that their bodies may never return to pre-pregnancy functionality after a cesarean section, as well as the doctors who prescribed me permanent therapy, I sought alternatives for the aforementioned issues. In this journey, I was fortunate to receive support from Vlatka (BSc in Physiotherapy) and Dr. Tamara (MSc in Nutrition). I was unaware that physiotherapy could extend beyond pain relief to address a variety of conditions, including digestive disorders, migraines, saliva detoxification, liver cleansing, drainage, normalization of menstrual cycles, and numerous other physical and psychological challenges. Through dietary adjustments, Tamara guided me in normalizing my LDL cholesterol levels within two months and enhancing my immune system - an achievement I attribute to the resolution of my asthma symptoms. It is essential to note that Vlatka and Tamara are not the only experts I encountered on this path. After exploring treatments and consultations with various professionals, I firmly believe that these two women exemplify excellence in their respective fields.
We collectively advocate for a holistic approach to treatment and disease prevention. We believe that exercise, nutritious food, quality sleep, and emotional well-being are fundamental keys to unlocking the full potential of our bodies. Through this retreat, my goal is to raise awareness and encourage individuals to adopt healthy habits before health issues arise. I aim to demonstrate that, contrary to common belief, healthy habits can be even more “contagious” and enjoyable than unhealthy ones. The positive results we experience from these habits provide daily motivation to continue, ultimately transforming them into a sustainable lifestyle. Each participant of the retreat will receive tailored guidance on the actions necessary to achieve their full potential. The term “longevity” in the retreat's title is intended to be personalized; I encourage each individual to envision their goals and desired appearance in 10, 20, 30 and more years, using that visualization as motivation for self-improvement.
What sets this retreat apart is our individualized approach, taking into account 50 distinct blood and urine tests, anthropometric measurements, and each participant's physical condition. The retreat package includes luxurious accommodations with a sea view, healthy meals, daily guided exercise, comprehensive blood and urine analyses, personalized consultations with a nutritionist, and physiotherapy treatment. Upon completion of the retreat, I am confident that each participant will experience a range of short-term and long-term benefits, along with the foundational knowledge to proactively pursue their vision of longevity.
Core team members
Vlatka Maricic, originally from Osijek and now based in Zadar, is a physiotherapist (BSc) with a strong professional focus on fascia work. She specializes in Myofascial Release Technique, the EMMETT Technique, and Craniosacral Therapy, achieving excellent results in reducing pain, restoring function, and supporting long-term health. With these techniques, she can address conditions such as: chronic pain, migraines, tension headaches and TMJ, fibromyalgia and sleep disturbances, stress, anxiety, emotional trauma and PTSD, as well as other diverse conditions including scoliosis, sinus and ear issues, gastrointestinal discomfort, ADHD, autism-related sensory challenges, and post-COVID symptoms.
Dr. Tamara Sorić, PhD, MSc Nutrition, is a nutritionist who earned her master’s degree in Nutrition in 2013 and completed her doctoral studies in 2020 at the University of Zagreb. Since has collaborated on national and international projects, including research on the impact of COVID-19 on food choices. In 2022, she founded her own nutrition counseling practice NutriPromjena in Zadar and additionally works as an external associate at several private Polyclinics. She is the co-author of more than ten scientific papers, a lecturer in dietetics at the University of Zadar, and an active member of the Croatian Nutritionists and Dietitians Society (HDND). At the retreat, she is responsible for analyzing participants’ blood and urine tests, referring them to medical specialists when needed, and creating individualized meal plans and supplementation proposals tailored to each participant.