15 Years of Sacrifice, Secrets, & Sleeping with Cobras: Refusing an “Ordinary” Life to Build a Lost Paradise with Martin Vrana

Zero To Travel Podcast

What happens when someone gives up security to build a tropical dream on a tiny island, with no job, no plan, and only one light bulb for power?

Martin Vrana is the founder of Lost Paradise, a boutique resort he spent nearly 15 years building from scratch on a small island off Bali’s coast. Born and raised in Scandinavia, Martin left a safe life behind to follow an adventurous dream, one that taught him resilience, determination, and the art of creating a life on his own terms.

In this episode, Martin tells the story of how he turned a blank plot of land into Lost Paradise resort, through three jobs, relentless determination, and years of overcoming logistical, emotional, and cultural challenges.

Martin shares the raw truth behind building Lost Paradise from the ground up: the emotional cost, the logistical nightmares, and the relentless mindset that carried him through. You’ll hear how he navigated burnout, sacrificed relationships, and lived off-grid with no electricity, all while staying anchored to his vision. This story isn’t about overnight success; it’s about what’s possible when you refuse to quit.

What wild dream or goal of your are you ready to make happen? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.

Tune In To Learn:

• Why he kept the journey secret (even from his own mother)
• How sourcing reclaimed wood across Indonesia became an epic logistical feat
• What it felt like to work 450 hours a month to fund a project you’re not sure will succeed
• How natural disasters and COVID unexpectedly pushed the project forward
• The emotional toll of isolation, stress, and living off-grid in a half-built bungalow
• How Martin became part of the community, learning language and culture on the ground
• Why he calls himself a modern-day adventurer, not a social media entrepreneur
• What building Lost Paradise taught him about success, freedom, and fulfillment
• How he’s recovering from the journey and what he’s dreaming up next
• And so much more

Resources:

• Sign up for our FREE newsletter
• Lost Paradise Resort
• Martin on Instagram
• Watch the YouTube documentary

Want More?

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• How To Go Sailing Around The World with Brian Trautman
• Bicycling Across the USA Without Money in Search of Human Connection With Daniel Troia

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