There are stories that transcend the usual tourist statistics and become a testament to a deep, unbreakable bond between people, places, and generations. One such exceptional story of loyalty and love for an island has been written for a full half-century in the small, idyllic place of Ustrine on the island of Lošinj. At the center of this warm human story are the Bartl family from the Bavarian Wolfratshausen and their hosts, the Stanić family, whose friendship and trust are passed down from generation to generation, celebrating a golden jubilee – 50 years of uninterrupted arrivals.

It all began back in 1975, when Johannes and Annelore Bartl first discovered the charms of the Cres-Lošinj archipelago. Since then, every summer without exception, they have cast the anchor of their lives for three to four weeks right here, in the family accommodation of the Stanić family. Their connection to the island is not just touristic; it is a pilgrimage to the nature, the sea, and the peace they have found in the hidden corners of this Adriatic paradise. And today, after five decades, they come to the island of vitality in their own special way – exclusively by their own speedboat, which allows them complete freedom in exploring the countless coves and islets that adorn this aquatorium. For them, this voyage represents more than transportation; it is a ritual that marks the beginning of a true vacation, an escape from hectic everyday life, and a reconnection with nature in its purest form.

A tradition of hospitality four generations long

The story of tourism in the Stanić family goes deep into the past, and its foundations were laid by Marica Stanić, a visionary who recognized the potential of family accommodation at a time when tourism on the island was just gaining momentum. Her passion and dedication were inherited by her daughter Marina, who, together with her husband Fioro Saganić, continued to build a reputation as warm and hearty hosts. The family torch was then taken over by their daughter Ondina Saganić-Stanić, who proudly preserves the legacy of her grandmother and parents. Today, the fourth generation, Ondina's son Damjan, is also actively involved in the family business, thus continuing the circle of tradition and hospitality with undiminished zeal. Fiore, Ondina, and Damjan proudly point out that the story of the Bartl family, although the longest, is just one of many stories of guests who faithfully return to them, confirming that the key to success in tourism is precisely that human, personal approach.

Ondina fondly recalls the beginnings of this unique friendship: "Ever since the time my nonna Marica ran the business, their three daughters, Manuela, Tanja, and Jutta, literally grew up with me here in Ustrine. Our childhoods are intertwined with shared summers, games, and memories. For the last twenty years, they have been coming with their own families and children, so we are now witnessing the third generation of the Bartl family vacationing with us."

From handwritten letters to the digital age

In today's world of instant bookings and online platforms, it is hard to imagine what tourism looked like half a century ago. "Back then, there were no phones, let alone the internet. Communication was done by letters. We would receive a letter in December with a simple message: 'We are coming in August!', and that was a firm reservation, based on trust," explains Ondina. It was precisely this slow, but personal way of communication that built the foundations for the deep connections that last to this day.

A special place in the memories of the Bartl family is held by Ondina's great-grandmother, Marica Stanić. "We remember how Mrs. Marica would get up every morning at four o'clock just to bake bread for us in the old bread oven. That smell and taste of homemade, warm bread is something we will never forget. It was hospitality that comes from the heart," Johannes and Annelore recount with emotion. This small, but significant gesture became a symbol of the care and warmth that forever tied them to this family and this place.

The island air as medicine and a sanctuary

Besides the natural beauties and friendship, there is another, extremely important reason for their loyalty to Lošinj. Their eldest daughter Manuela had serious respiratory problems in her childhood, and coming to the island was a doctor's recommendation. "Her health condition was very critical, and the stay on Lošinj proved to be a true medicine. After just one month spent in this air, by the sea, her condition would significantly improve," testify the parents. This story is an authentic example of the health and rehabilitation tourism for which Lošinj has been known since the 19th century, when it was officially declared a climatic health resort.

The annual cure of island air, rich in sea aerosol and essential oils of Mediterranean plants, combined with the sea and local sage (kuša) honey, became their recipe for health. Thanks to the beneficial influence of the Lošinj climate, Manuela today, as an adult woman, has no major health problems. This is living proof of the healing power of the island, which offers much more than an ordinary vacation.

Rituals that mean life

During their stays, the Bartl family lives in perfect harmony with the rhythm of the island. Although Ustrine is their base, their spirit is restless and exploratory. "Once, when we were younger, we would get up every morning at six and go for a long walk, and then immediately onto the boat. Even today, we sail daily and visit the islands of the Cres-Lošinj aquatorium, but we also like to venture further, to Premuda, Rab, or Dugi otok," say Johannes and Annelore. Frequent visits to places like Martinšćica, Nerezine, and the historic Osor are part of their summer rituals. For them, the beauty of this archipelago lies precisely in this diversity – from secluded beaches accessible only from the sea to picturesque small towns rich in history.

Their view on modern technology is also interesting. While for the younger family members the occasional lack of a stable internet connection in the more remote Ustrine is a challenge, for Johannes and Annelore it is a key advantage. "It is precisely this isolation and the possibility to completely disconnect from the digital world that is for us the definition of a real vacation," they point out, emphasizing the value of peace and simplicity they have found here.

Recognition for half a century of loyalty

This great and rare jubilee did not go unnoticed. As a sign of gratitude for half a century of loyalty, the director of the Tourist Board of the Town of Mali Lošinj, Dalibor Cvitković, personally visited the Bartl family. On that occasion, he presented them with a special gift from the Lošinj Local Product line – a unique olive wood bowl, a work of the local Craft for traditional boats Gulam, as a symbol of longevity, peace, and the Mediterranean spirit. The surprise was completed with a cake and a traditional Lošinj delicacy – krokant, a crispy almond dessert traditionally prepared for the most festive occasions, which gave this celebration a sweet seal of local heritage.

This emotional story about the Bartl family and their hosts is not just a record of a long-standing tourist relationship. It is a confirmation that Lošinj is not just a destination, but a place that creates memories, heals the soul and body, and builds friendships that last a lifetime. It is proof that, despite all the changes in the world, some values – like sincere hospitality and love for nature – never change and remain the foundation for stories that will be told to future generations.