THE SANCTUARY ISLAND
On sonic rituals, curated connection,
and the future of festival culture
ARTWORK 「Still Water (The River Thames, for Example)」, Roni Horn
Interview with Dragan Bozic (Co-Founder) & Harvey Cohen (President of Vibee) //
Set on Obonjan, a quiet speck in the Adriatic, the Sanctuary Island unfolds as something between a ritual and a refusal: a refusal to reduce the festival experience to spectacle, and a ritual of returning to what feels real.
Built by artists, producers, and cultural workers, the project reimagines how sound, space, and intention can interact. At its core: music as ceremony, curation as storytelling, and connection as an active practice.
In this conversation with co-founder Dragan Bozic and Harvey Cohen of Vibee, we explore how Sanctuary Island emerged—not just as a destination, but as a model for what festival culture could still become.
Music festivals have historically been spaces of cultural rebellion, spiritual awakening, and even political movements. What kind of transformation do you hope The Sanctuary Island will ignite in its attendees?
Dragan Bozic: The transformation we aim for at Sanctuary Island is deeply personal yet collective. In a world where we often feel fragmented, distracted, disconnected—this gathering becomes a catalyst for unity. It’s about stripping away external noise and allowing people to reconnect with themselves and each other. Some of the most meaningful moments in life are born from a simple, honest connection: a conversation under the stars, dancing barefoot to the same rhythm, sharing silence in nature. We believe that when like-minded souls gather intentionally, these seemingly small interactions can spark life-altering shifts. It’s not escapism—it’s elevation.
Obonjan Island itself is an active participant in this experience. How does its energy, history, and geography shape the festival's atmosphere?
Dragan Bozic: Obonjan is truly a gem in the Adriatic Sea, a pristine haven that remains untouched by the noise and chaos of more commercialized destinations. As an island, it offers the perfect balance of privacy and a deep sense of community—exactly the environment we envision for our members at Sanctuary Island. This setting allows us to create an intimate, meaningful experience where connection, nature, and celebration can thrive in harmony. As a Croatian citizen, I’m incredibly proud to bring this exclusive boutique festival to my homeland after 30 years of traveling and working around the world. Croatia has always held a special place in my heart, and Obonjan embodies the natural beauty and spirit of this country. It’s no surprise that Croatia is now one of Europe’s top destinations, cherished by people from all over the world who seek to enjoy life to the fullest—whether through its stunning landscapes, rich culture, or vibrant energy. Sanctuary Island on Obonjan is a celebration of all that Croatia has to offer, and I’m thrilled to share this with our global community.
Electronic music has its roots in both deep hedonism and ancient ritual—tribal drumming, hypnotic rhythms, sonic transcendence. How does The Sanctuary Island embrace the idea of music as ritual rather than just entertainment?
Dragan Bozic: Music, for us, is a bridge—a ritual that binds individuals into a collective experience. We don’t see our lineup as a list of acts but as a carefully crafted flow designed to elevate moods, dissolve boundaries, and create space for genuine connection. Every beat, every note, invites you to drop deeper into yourself while simultaneously merging with others. It’s a shared ceremony where hedonism meets introspection, and often it’s in that liminal space where personal breakthroughs happen.
Electronic music is deeply intertwined with technology—modular synthesis, AI-driven soundscapes, generative music. How do you see the relationship between the organic and the digital evolving in festival culture?
Dragan Bozic: Technology can enhance experience, but it can’t replace human energy. Festivals are one of the last places where people fully disconnect from screens and reconnect with presence. We respect technology—we use it for sound design, light, production—but the essence remains physical, human, organic. Sanctuary Island is a counterbalance to digitization. A reminder that no VR experience can replicate the feeling of barefoot dancing, spontaneous laughter, or a meaningful glance across a table..
Festival lineups can be sonic chaos, or they can be meticulously curated to tell a story. What narrative, if any, do you see unfolding through The Sanctuary Island’s lineup?
Dragan Bozic: The narrative is connection. We’re not just curating sound—we’re curating an emotional and energetic journey. From gentle morning sets to the deep night pulses, the lineup is designed to mirror the natural rhythms of the island and its people. It flows like a conversation—sometimes quiet, sometimes wild, always real. It’s about moments of unity, where strangers feel like old friends, and individuals walk away carrying something much deeper than just memories of performances..
ARTWORK 「Topographic Map Contour Lines Dark Night」Credit: © vrogue.co
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ARTWORK 「The Wire 」, UK Rave Flyers archive (1991–1993)
Credit: Courtesy of The Wire / archival flyer scan
In today’s festival landscape, we often see corporate-driven, Instagram-ready, hyper-branded experiences. How do you push back against this commercialization? What makes The Sanctuary Island, specifically, different?
Harvey Cohen: At the core of it, we connect with music because of the way it makes us feel. Regardless of the festival, most fans are there for one simple reason: to immerse themselves in a live music experience where real connections can happen. This is what we focus on when creating Vibee experiences. Everything is thoughtfully designed with the fan at the heart of it. With The Sanctuary Island, we wanted to create a space for individuals to connect through their shared passion for music, art, wellness and culture. It’s not about the brands you’re wearing or the photos you’re posting on Instagram, but rather the music you listen to, the art you appreciate and the cultures that resonate with you. By bringing together individuals who are united by meaningful interests, we aim to create a global gathering that fosters authentic connections and celebrates what truly matters.
Do you believe that sustainability in festivals is truly achievable, or is it more of an aspirational branding tool?
Harvey Cohen: Sustainability in festivals is achievable, but it’s a commitment that requires ongoing dedication throughout all stages of production. Through proper planning you can minimize environmental impact while still delivering a memorable experience. In the past, I’ve worked closely with innovators like Portable Electric, who are providing the entertainment industry with silent, emission-free and intelligent power solutions for temporary power needs with film and live events at scale. The Sanctuary Island specifically, the location itself—Obonjan Island—is an important part of our environmental ethos. It offers us the unique opportunity to work in harmony with nature.
We're being mindful of preserving the landscape and ensuring that all activities respect the natural ecosystem. The island is just as much a part of the experience as anything else.
Vibee is pioneering a new era of travel experiences centered around music. What is it about the fusion of music, movement, and location that creates something beyond a typical festival?
Harvey Cohen: Vibee launched after the pandemic, where we saw a huge demand for both live music and travel. After so many lost the ability to travel during lockdown, people were seeking to experience music and new destinations. The right setting can amplify the energy of the music, enhance bonds between attendees, and create a deeper sense of presence. The Sanctuary Island creates a dynamic synergy that connects attendees to the location, music, and atmosphere in a profound way. It's about breaking down boundaries—whether they're geographical, cultural, or emotional. This fusion creates a truly transformative event, one that participants carry with them long after the final note fades.
Do you believe that sustainability in festivals is truly achievable, or is it more of an aspirational branding tool?
Harvey Cohen: Sustainability in festivals is achievable, but it’s a commitment that requires ongoing dedication throughout all stages of production. Through proper planning you can minimize environmental impact while still delivering a memorable experience. In the past, I’ve worked closely with innovators like Portable Electric, who are providing the entertainment industry with silent, emission-free and intelligent power solutions for temporary power needs with film and live events at scale. With The Sanctuary Island specifically, the location itself—Obonjan Island—is an important part of our environmental ethos. It offers us the unique opportunity to work in harmony with nature. We're being mindful of preserving the landscape and ensuring that all activities respect the natural ecosystem. The island is just as much a part of the experience as anything else.
Do you think we’re entering a new phase in festival culture, one that moves away from excess and towards intimate, transformative experiences?
Harvey Cohen: Major festivals and stadium tours will always be staples in the music industry, but we are seeing a growing demand for intimate and innovative music events. People crave connectivity and community, which have been core pillars of the live music scene for a long time. But it’s not only fans seeking this out—artists are also looking to host unique experiences. I think the live events industry will adapt to these desires and we’ll see many more intimate and carefully curated festivals in the future.
FVTVRIST is proud to partner with The Sanctuary Island—a project that doesn’t just host a festival, but curates a transformative experience. Rooted in intention, connection, and sonic ritual, it’s a gathering that aligns with everything we stand for. To mark this collaboration, we’re offering our readers exclusive access:
Get 20% off your ticket with the code: 「FVTVRIST20」
Whether you're drawn to the music, the island, or the deeper current running beneath it all—this is your invitation.
FIN