Silence broken only by birdsong and a view stretching far across the slopes of Kozara Mountain—this is the first impression greeting visitors to the village of Kozara, perched above Gradiška.
Thanks to the vision of the Traskott family, this once-quiet place is becoming a haven for guests from around the world, offering organic food, the calm of mountain peaks, and a level of comfort typical of Europe’s major cities.
It was precisely this peace that led James Traskott and Dragana Traskott, a couple from Germany, to lay the foundations of their ambitious project here—the Kozara Panoramic Resort.
Dragana, originally from Gradiška, passed her love for her homeland on to her husband, who recognized the potential of the Krajina gem that is Kozara.
“We came here by chance—although nothing is truly accidental. We found the land and, with it, the place for our future life,” Dragana said.
What began just ten months ago as a construction site has grown into an impressive complex of five luxuriously equipped holiday cottages. Each can accommodate up to six guests, and the interiors reflect a level of quality on par with global standards.
What truly sets this resort apart, however, is the successful fusion of modern luxury—such as heated pools—with the raw beauty of the rural landscape.
James, whose company PEVA is driving the project, says the goal was simple: to share the beauty of Kozara with the world.
But the story does not end with tourism. A significant part of the company’s activity is dedicated to agriculture.
“Guests staying at the resort will not taste imported products. Instead, they are served blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries from nearby plots that are currently undergoing organic certification. To complete the experience, traditional dishes from the Podkozara region are prepared by local residents, meaning the project directly supports the local community by employing local people,” James explained.
Snežana Gvozden, director of the Tourist Organization of Gradiška, announced more active promotion and the installation of tourist signage to make this “hidden gem” easier to reach.
The City of Gradiška has pledged full support, including improvements to road infrastructure toward the mountain lodge in Subotići and stabilization of the electricity supply.
Gradiška Mayor Zoran Adžić did not hide his enthusiasm during a recent visit.
“This is the first serious resort in our area to offer guests a complete service—from top-quality accommodation to authentic gastronomy. It is a fantastic opportunity not only for domestic tourists, but also for visitors from Europe and beyond. In this way, we are bringing life back to a village that once saw mass emigration,” Mayor Adžić said.
Source: Glas Srpske
