Growing up amid the olive groves and orchards of her family farm on the island of Mljet, Melita Dabelić once dreamt of bringing the agricultural traditions and classic recipes of her region into the modern age. She hoped to find new ways to showcase products rooted in traditional ingredients like olives, figs, oranges, and almonds. Through her efforts, these traditional flavors have been revived in the Stella Croatica range, carefully crafted by local women using sustainable methods.

National Geographic travelers will enjoy an eco-conscious experience, including an olive oil tasting that celebrates the subtleties of sustainably grown olives. You’ll also get to tour the Olive Museum, a candidate for the European Museum of the Year award 2023, to discover why olives are so important to the people of Dalmatia.

During your time atthe Stella Croatica estate, you will get an in-depth look into Dalmatia’s history and culture from your specialist guide. Watch the production of homemade jams, sugared almonds, honey, cookies or fig cake – every day there’s something different being made in the factory.

You’ll also enjoy an exclusive visit to the botanical gardens with a collection of over 500 plants used in Stella Croatica’s natural cosmetics. Hear an introduction to key plants native to Dalmatia, with an emphasis on their medicinal properties. Learn which plants have the highest antioxidant values and find out about the ‘Mediterranean factor,’ an integral component of the Stella Croatica dietary supplements.