Meet The Team

Didier Van Bellinghen – Owner

Meet Didier – Adventurer, dream-chaser and the heart behind Cast Away ✨I’ve jumped out of planes in New Zealand, swum alongside giant sea turtles in the Galapagos, and wandered with Bedouins through the Wadi Rum desert… Adventure is my way of life!I was born in Belgium, to a Belgian dad and a Croatian mom, but growing up, my sister and I weren’t exactly globe-trotters. In fact, I didn’t even leave Europe until I was 23. Everything changed when my father whisked me away on a wild road trip through Thailand. Suddenly, I was on another planet—captivated by new sights, sounds, and ways of living. From that moment, travel became my passion. I couldn’t get enough of exploring new places and connecting with people from all walks of life.After 15 years working in Belgian television and navigating the routines of Western society, I felt a pull to break free and rediscover the essence of living. So, in 2013, I took a leap —literally and figuratively — and set off on a gap year around the world. That journey changed everything. I got lost in jungles, trekked deserts, and shared moments with incredible people, from luxury condos in Hawaii to humble homes in Fiji. Those experiences taught me that beauty, kindness, and adventure can be found everywhere, in every circumstance.

Website: www.backpackingaroundtheglobe.­wordpress.com

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtV5YUU8loBM5whMA_pO-uN8ArkrI7zm5

Jelena Van Bellinghen – Owner

Returning home, I realized I no longer fit the mold of everyday life. That’s when the idea struck: what if I could create a place for fellow adventurers, somewhere to share my love for exploration in a truly special corner of the world? It felt like fate that our parents had bought a slice of paradise on Hvar back in the ‘70s, dreaming of building something unique. When our mother passed away right at the start of construction, her dream became my mission.So, I quit my job, sold my house and car, and poured my heart into finishing what my parents started. That’s how Cast Away was born, a place dedicated to reconnecting with nature, celebrating simplicity, and forging genuine human connections and friendships.

Every year, I strive to make Cast Away even better, always with a focus on sustainability and leaving a light footprint. My goal? To give every guest an unforgettable experience in our little paradise, where adventure, tranquility, and community come together.

Tadej Metlicar – General Manager

Meet Tadej – General Manager and all-around superstar!

Tadej joined Cast Away in 2024, but it feels like he’s always been part of our little family. Growing up in a small Slovenian village, Tadej learned early on what it means to care for others as he’s from a big family and that kindness and sense of responsibility shine through in everything he does.

Two years ago, Tadej decided to spread his wings and see where life could take him. Lucky for us (and our guests!), his journey led him straight to Cast Away. From the very first day, we knew we’d found someone special. Tadej’s positive attitude, easygoing nature, and genuine warmth make him a joy to work with, and it’s no surprise that guests rave about the wonderful energy he brings to the resort.

After just one season, Tadej’s dedication and natural leadership made it clear he was ready for more. That’s why he’s now our General Manager, overseeing every aspect of Cast Away, from daily operations and guest experience to team leadership and activity planning.

With Tadej at the helm, we as owners are delighted to take a step back, knowing the resort is in the best possible hands.  Whether he’s organizing adventures, solving problems with a smile, or just sharing a laugh with the team, Tadej gives his all to help Cast Away grow and thrive.  Here’s to many more adventures together!

Marina Sanchez – Hospitality Staff

Meet Marina — Our Tidy Fairy & Top Chef ✨

Originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina, but a true wanderer at heart. Marina loves to travel, explore and collect little adventures along the way… and that’s exactly how she found her way to Cast Away and joined our team a few years ago.

Just like Goran, Marina has an eye for every single detail and she genuinely loves when everything is absolutely spotless and tidy, for both guests and staff. And honestly? We love that about her, because cleanliness is a big part of the Cast Away experience (and our guests definitely notice and appreciate it!).

But Marina doesn’t stop at making the place shine, she’s also an amazing cook! The kind of person who turns a normal day into a mini celebration with a beautiful meal, and somehow makes everyone feel instantly at home around the table.

Most of all, Marina is one of the gentlest souls you’ll ever meet — always looking out for everyone, making sure people are comfortable, happy, and having a truly great time.

If you see Marina around, say hi — and if you’re lucky, you might even catch the delicious smell of whatever she’s cooking up next!

Goran Kozul – Hospitality Staff

Meet Goran — Our Detail-Loving Cast Away Original ✨

One of the original faces of Cast Away and the guy who somehow notices everything (in the best way). Born in Croatia, Goran moved to Vancouver, Canada in his twenties, where he worked in retail and mastered the art of making people feel genuinely welcome and taken care of.

But Croatia was never far from his mind — and in 2018, he reached out to join our team right at the very beginning of Cast Away. From those first seasons, Goran helped shape the comfort, the standards, and the guest experience that make our little eco-resort feel like home.

Goran has an eye for detail and a big focus on guest comfort — whether it’s making sure everything is just right around the resort or jumping in the second someone needs a hand. He’s proactive, ambitious, and always one step ahead (so you can relax and just enjoy the beach life).

When he’s not on shift, you might spot him escaping to his “private” beach for a quiet recharge. But when a guest needs him? He gives his all, every time.

After working two seasons with us at the start of Cast Away, Goran is coming back for our 10th anniversary season — and we couldn’t be more excited. Get ready for an extra special summer… and make sure you say hi!

Eva Menhart – Hospitality Staff

Meet Eva — Our Adventure-Lover from Slovenia ✨

Eva, originally from the charming town of Ptuj in Slovenia and our newest Cast Away team member!

Eva is one of those rare people who can do a bit of everything and does it with a big smile. She’s a certified veterinary nurse, holds a bachelor’s degree in physiotherapy, and is also a certified massage therapist (yes… your shoulders are already saying thank you). On top of that, she’s been working in hospitality since she was 17.  From waitressing in local bars to bartending at big concerts plus experience in front-of-house, hospital counter work and more. Basically: if there’s a job to do, Eva will figure it out!

But what we love most about Eva isn’t just her impressive list of skills — it’s the person behind them. She grew up in a warm, loving family that taught her strong values: kindness, respect, patience, hard work, and great communication. She also spent lots of time working outdoors with her grandma in the fields (so she’s no stranger to long days under the sun and she genuinely loves being in nature).

Eva is active by default – always moving, always up for sports, good music, concerts, and late-night laughs with friends. In her downtime, you might catch her playing a little piano or guitar, or cooking something delicious.

And if you think that’s adventurous… Eva recently quit her job to travel and see the world. She’s just came back from New Zealand where she was on a working holiday, living out of her car, solo-traveling, picking up occasional work and meeting new people everywhere she goes. She’s also volunteered abroad as a physiotherapist with Physiotherapists Without Borders, working in places like Ghana, Gambia, and India, learning how to live simply, stay open-minded, and connect with people across cultures.

Now she headed back to Europe, not ready to settle down just yet and we’re lucky she chose Cast Away for her next chapter! Come say hi to Eva, swap travel stories, and enjoy the good vibes she brings to the beach!

Meet Bailey — Our resident cocker spaniel and the true heart-stealer of Cast Away!

Bailey is pure joy on four paws—always wiggling, always happy, and absolutely head-over-heels in love with people. She’s got a tail that never stops wagging and a knack for making everyone feel instantly at home. Whether you’re arriving for the first time or just coming back from a swim, Bailey will be there to greet you with her signature enthusiasm (and maybe a hopeful look if you’re carrying snacks!).She adores being around guests and is never far from the action, especially when there’s a BBQ or pizza night happening.

Bailey is the gentlest soul you’ll ever meet and will happily become your best friend, especially if you’re willing to share a little treat or two.If you’re looking for a loyal companion to join you for a beach walk, help with taste-testing at the grill, or simply provide some extra cuddles, Bailey is always up for the job. She’s not just our dog, she’s everyone’s favorite furry hostess at Cast Away! ❤️  Our whole team is excited to make your stay truly unforgettable, filled with adventure, relaxation, and authentic connections.

We can’t wait to welcome you to Cast Away and share our little slice of paradise with you. Get ready for the experience of a lifetime! We’re looking forward to meeting you soon!