A breathtaking fusion of art and nature is set to unfold next spring with the opening of the Starry Night Retreat, a sprawling garden inspired by Vincent van Gogh’s iconic 1889 masterpiece, The Starry Night. Conceived by visionary Halim Zukic, this immersive space will stretch across 25 acres within a vast 173-acre landscape, offering a mesmerizing blend of flora designed to mimic the swirling skies and celestial movement depicted in van Gogh’s painting. With over 130,000 carefully planted herbs — including vast fields of lavender, rosemary, and chamomile — the retreat transforms natural scenery into a living, breathing canvas. Zukic envisions the space as a sanctuary for introspection and creative inspiration, allowing individuals to connect with both nature and art in a deeply personal way. “This is more than a garden”, Zukic explains. “It’s a journey, a place where people can lose themselves in beauty and rediscover their own dreams”.
The retreat’s design was developed organically, relying on intuition rather than rigid planning, which allowed the land to shape itself harmoniously with minimal environmental disruption. Halim Zukic’s journey to create the Starry Night Retreat began approximately six years ago. While standing atop a hill on his property, he observed the swirling patterns left by tractor wheels in the hay meadows, which evoked the dynamic movement in Vincent van Gogh’s The Starry Night. This serendipitous moment sparked the idea to transform the landscape into a living homage to the renowned painting. The flowing patterns of the landscape reflect the expressive brushwork of van Gogh, creating a dreamlike environment where colors shift with the seasons, and textures evolve under changing light. A natural amphitheater has been incorporated into the garden, offering space for artistic performances, poetry readings, and meditative gatherings. The retreat also includes 13 pristine lakes, further enhancing the tranquil setting and inviting moments of peaceful contemplation. The intentional planting of aromatic, medicinal, and culinary herbs not only contributes to the visual splendor but also stimulates the senses, immersing visitors in a multisensory experience that blends fragrance, color, and sound.
Beyond its botanical beauty, Starry Night Retreat aspires to be a cultural epicenter where artists, writers, and musicians from around the world can come together to exchange ideas and create new works. Zukic sees the retreat as a tribute to the fearless visionaries who, like van Gogh, dared to dream beyond the conventional. “Van Gogh’s work wasn’t just about paint on canvas — it was about emotion, struggle, and the pursuit of something greater”, Zukic reflects. “I hope this place inspires people to embrace their own unique paths, to see the world differently, and to remember that beauty and meaning can emerge even from the most turbulent moments.” By weaving together art, nature, and human connection, this extraordinary retreat pays homage not only to a timeless painting but also to the enduring power of creativity itself.
More info: Website (h/t: Colossal).
in Bahia. 