MEET THE TEAM
We are a small collective of locals from Dubrovnik and international friends who believe in the power of community, wellness, friendship, and authentic experiences. Each of us contributes our unique skills, passions, and traditions to create meaningful offerings for visitors and locals who seek depth, presence, and connection.
Local Discovery Navigators
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Layla
I’m Lejla, founder of Wild Orange Dubrovnik and owner of local venues.
Born in Dubrovnik, I’ve spent much of my life traveling the world and working on international shipbuilding projects, fully immersing myself in diverse cultures. These global experiences, combined with my deep-rooted connection to my hometown and sea have shaped who I am and how I share the world with others.
Though I currently live in Norway, my heart is always drawn back to the Adriatic coast. That’s why I’m passionate about Local Navigating, guiding others through authentic, meaningful journeys in and around Dubrovnik. Discover hidden gems and islands and treasures through stories and a love for this magical region.
Nick
Nick, a passionate and driven young
professional who brings fresh energy.
With a background in Business and Law, and a deep passion for travel and healthy living, Nick adds a unique blend of structure and soul to every project.
Having lived in several vibrant cities around the world, he brings a global perspective and adaptability that enrich our retreats and experiences.
As a trusted right hand to the founder, Nick plays a key role in bringing the vision to life
supporting with logistics, communication, and thoughtful attention to detail.
His calm presence, curiosity, and dedication to wellness make him an invaluable part of our journey.
Ivana
Meet Ivana, a nature lover who finds deep joy in hiking, walking, and more recently, embracing the stillness of early mornings. Growing up in this gorgeous place, surrounded by rich history and breathtaking views. Ivana developed a strong connection to both the land and its stories.
She loves sharing tales from her hometown and offering others a chance to slow down and reconnect with nature, with history, and with themselves.
That’s why she created Whisper Walks.
Through these walks, she hopes to pass on the peace she found in nature and help others discover the quiet magic that lives in the landscapes around us.
Culinary Artistry
Chefs with a passion for culinary artistry blend their hospitality expertise with a deep love for creating unforgettable dining experiences. In Dubrovnik, they draw inspiration from the rich traditions of Mediterranean wellness cuisine, fusing the vibrant flavors of Croatian and Italian cooking. From orchestrating seamless kitchen logistics to preparing nourishing, beautifully balanced meals, every dish is a celebration of health, culture, and creativity. Their attention to detail ensures that each retreat experience is not only delicious but deeply memorable, nourishing body, mind, and soul.
Maya
Maya is an exceptional chef who consistently delivers high-quality, delicious meals that meet a variety of dietary needs and retreat styles. She is a rhythm of retreat life and brings a peaceful, grounded presence to the kitchen, allowing retreat leaders to focus on their guests, knowing the food experience is in expert hands.
Maya’s dishes are infused with intention, creativity, and care, making mealtimes an integral and memorable part of every retreat experience.
Lana
Lana a dedicated student currently living in Norway. Alongside her studies, she works part-time in a sushi restaurant and bakes delicious homemade cakes for residents at a local elderly home, bringing comfort and joy through her treats.
Music has always played a big role in Lana’s life. She spent 12 years singing in a choir and played the violin for 7 years, nurturing both creativity and discipline. These days, she also supports a chef in preparing everything needed to create a warm, welcoming experience for guests.
Lana’s kindness, strong work ethic, and creative spirit shine through in everything she does.
MIchelle
Mikki is the founder and heart behind Mikki’s Croatian Kitchen. An Australian with a deep love for growing herbs and organic food, Mikki has spent many years cultivating her garden and experimenting with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Her passion for natural, homegrown produce inspires every dish she creates, blending simplicity with rich, authentic flavours. We’re delighted to share that some of our retreats will feature Mikki’s Croatian Kitchen program, a wonderful opportunity for you to experience Mikki’s passion for food, community, and authentic local cuisine. Get ready to savour fresh, home-style Croatian dishes, connect over shared meals, and take a taste of Mikki’s global adventures home with you.
SOULFUL YOGA, Pilates, and Wellness Friends
Damjan
Damian is a certified yoga teacher whose personal journey through yoga transformed his life. After studying in Indonesia and India, he now shares his deep knowledge to help others find strength, balance, and clarity. His classes go beyond physical postures, offering a holistic approach to reconnecting mind and body.
Whether you're seeking to improve your physical health or find peace in a busy life, he is here to guide you every step of the way. In addition to his yoga practice, Damian is also a musician, bringing a unique blend of creativity and discipline to his teachings.
Maria Aurora
Maria Aurora is a certified Yin yoga instructor and offers sound healing sessions, bringing a deeply calming presence into every experience she creates. Her gentle and grounded energy invites the body to soften and the mind to settle, allowing space for true restoration.
Through Yin yoga, she encourages deep release, while her sound healing sessions use soothing vibrations to guide you into a state of calmness and inner balance. These modalities support a holistic healing journey, helping to restore harmony in both body and mind while nurturing a sense of peace that lingers long after the session ends.
Maria
Maria teaches yoga and aerial fitness classes, incorporating Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization, somatic awareness, dance, and fascial mobility practices. She is also a practicing astrologer and loves to design and lead ceremonies.
She lived in the USA and has recently returned to Croatia.
Maria is the founder of Elixir Vitae Holistic Fitness Studio. Her passion is weaving somatic embodiment, community, and awakening together into deep, powerful classes and programs.
Vanja
Vanja is a certified Hatha and Vinyasa yoga teacher, rooted in the Ashtanga tradition with additional training in Prenatal yoga. Her practice gently weaves structure, presence, and a deep love for nature. Known for her warm, grounded energy, Vanja brings a quiet charm that invites ease and openness. She sees yoga as a path to come home to ourselves and the world around us, holding space for movement, reflection, and inner growth. Her intention is to help others cultivate a deeper sense of connection, balance, and joy in everyday life.
Nikolina
Nikolina is an experienced Pilates and Yogalates instructor, leading both group and private sessions. She combines functional strength, core stability, fluid movement, and precise alignment. Known for her calm presence and attention to detail, she adapts each class to support and inspire every participant. She is also the founder of Pilates Studios and uniquely blends yoga and Pilates in her Yogalates approach. Her classes are designed to build strength, balance, and mindful awareness in every movement. She creates a supportive space where clients can move with confidence and control.
Operations Excellence Manager
Jeanette
Jeanette is a passionate entrepreneur and the visionary founder of Embrace Retreats. A Canadian and true global citizen, calling multiple places around the world home and living a life inspired by exploration and cultural connection. With over 20 years of experience in event management, Jeanette leads not only with heart but with a keen eye for operational excellence. Her dedication to structure and thoughtful systems is the foundation behind our transformational retreats and the unforgettable moments we create together.
Her warm, attentive approach creates a space where each guest can feel supported and inspired to truly connect with themselves and others.
Jeanette collaborates with the Wild Orange team, joining us whenever our schedules gracefully align.
Credits
I have received much love and help in developing this idea, keeping it running, and making it possible to create this website, as well as all other impressions I share with you.
I feel fortunate to have such friends and family and a lovely audience.
My heart thanks go out to all of you who have contributed to my work in any way.