Armin van Buuren has traded festival stages and packed DJ schedules for crystal-clear waters, family time and a much-needed Croatian escape. The Dutch trance icon recently spent three weeks in Croatia with his family, taking a break from the constant movement that comes with life as one of electronic music’s most recognizable artists.
For van Buuren, the trip was about more than simply taking a holiday. After years of touring, producing and performing for fans around the world, the DJ used the time to slow down and enjoy life away from the spotlight. His Instagram update offered a glimpse into the getaway, showing him scuba diving, relaxing on floaties, exploring the outdoors and standing beneath Croatia’s spectacular waterfalls.
A Different Kind of Soundtrack
One of the biggest changes for van Buuren was musical. Instead of the trance records that have defined much of his career, he spent his downtime listening to jazz and ambient music. He also found time to return to reading, finishing The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, while making plenty of time for swimming, snorkelling, quad biking and working out. He even managed to sleep for almost ten hours a night—a significant achievement for a DJ whose career typically revolves around late nights and international travel.
Exploring Croatia With Family
The family getaway took van Buuren across several of Croatia’s most beautiful destinations, including Lošinj, Rab, Split and Rovinj, while also exploring the Krka waterfalls and sailing through the landscapes of Kornati National Park. Away from the sightseeing, the trip was filled with everyday moments that rarely make it onto a festival schedule, such as long games of UNO and Skip-Bo, Nintendo Switch 2 sessions, and plenty of local food.
Armin van Buuren Finds Inspiration Away From the Booth
With a career spanning decades, van Buuren has become one of trance’s most influential figures. From his legendary A State of Trance radio show to headline performances at some of the world’s biggest electronic music festivals, his career has been built around a relentless connection with dance music.
Van Buuren described the experience as the reset he needed, returning home with a clearer head, a full heart and renewed energy for the months ahead. Croatia may have provided the scenery, but the real takeaway was much simpler: sometimes stepping away from the dancefloor is exactly what helps you return to it refreshed.
