About Us

We came to Croatia with backpacks on our back and absolutely no idea that we would still be here more than two decades later. Not that we are complaining but it does show a certain lack of foresight, more sight, and perhaps even insight. But after leaving Vancouver, Canada in 1999 on a six month working holiday visa to Tokyo, Japan... not to be totally unexpected (at least by our parents). We now have a wonderful son who is about to go teenage on us, a ton of crap in our garage, a second rescue dog named Pasha, and a couple of small businesses that we care about deeply.

It’s been an interesting ride. From opening the first wraps and smoothies joint in Croatia on the island of Korcula in 2004 (a combo of Marco Polo's birthplace, MIX in HK, and a Lonely Planet guide... we called it fresh* because there was no space for storage, we had a disdain for proper capitalization, and had to run to the local market to get ingredients whenever we ran out), to a bar in Dubrovnik dubbed by the New York Times as Dubrovnik’s ‘favoured drinking and hook-up spot’.

Along the way, we've had the pleasure and luck to be naive enough to open the first legal hostel in Dubrovnik’s Old Town (awarded an Hoscar in 2012 as one of the best seasonal hostels in the world), Sanja & Rosie's Laundrette - a lovely retro laundromat in Dubrovnik - one of our favourite memories of any business was when we went to close for the night and saw two people dancing to the soundtrack of old Billboard top hits from the 50's. We didn't want to bother them so waited 30 minutes AKA the normal drying cycle for them to finish their laundry but when we came back, they were still dancing. When we informed them that we had to close, they were fine with it. They weren't washing or drying laundry, they were just enjoying the moment. We loved that. Who goes to a laundrette to dance?

In 2013, we converted nun's living quarters located next to Dubrovnik's famous Cathedral and rented from Vatican (the Church always have the best real estate!) into a small bed and breakfast called fresh* Sheets B&B. In 2015, we converted the B&B into Fresh* Sheets Katheral - offering boutique accommodation for people who love to travel in comfort and simple luxury but still seek adventure (i.e. a hostel for people who may be slightly older, have proper jobs, more disposable income not dedicated to beer, and still love the thrill of travel).

In 2016, we opened 'Life According to Kawa' - a boutique filled with wonderful things made in Croatia. It was a rather silly idea for a business but after being asked so many times where to buy local products that weren't made in China, we had a mission. KAWA is located in the breezy neighbourhood just outside Ploce Gate, and we welcome you to drop by for a relaxed low-key atmosphere, jaw-dropping views, and helpful and friendly staff.

From 2020-2022, we survived. 

During the height of the lockdown, we added a secret food room to KAWA named after an imaginary Trading Company that we called 8TH KONTINENT TRADING Co. 

The plan was to provide escape and a bit of joy to locals and local expats through comfort food and authentic ingredients from far flung places. It was supposed to only last one month as a pop-up shop but due to popular demand sprinkled with some self-interest, it became a permanent part of the shop.

In 2023, we lost Fresh* Sheets. It wasn't a great feeling. We had put a lot of ourselves into that business. It was also the last namesake of what we had started so many years ago. But that's life. You learn to appreciate the moments along the way and grow to understand that there are things you cannot control. So roll with it.

Around that time, we partnered with some great people who would become dear friends, to run and develop The Byron Dubrovnik. It has all the bones to become the top boutique destination in Dubrovnik. It's not fancy. It's an incredibly well thought out property in an amazing location. Simple luxury. A place for people who love to travel and experience something different. It's a place that we would love to discover and to stay at. We hope that you agree!

So that's it! For now. The winters are long here and ideas percolate and trick you with their simplicity. We should do this! Wouldn't it be great if? And that's how you end up here twenty plus years later... 

Update. It seemed like a simple alteration to our google description. But KAWA is now a strange beast. Apparently, we are now a specialty third-wave coffee shop / international grocer / co-work space / concept store that supports local artists in Dubrovnik! This gives our accountant a headache.

We offer Cogito Coffee to go (although you are welcome to stay). Cogito is one of Croatia's top specialty roasters and we love their philosophy. They source Fair Trade beans from small farmers and make sure to pay them properly. Light / Medium roast.

For people looking for somewhere to work from, you are most welcome. Just be aware that it's not a typical co/work space. We don't have normal baked goods or food. But we do have Korean instant noodles, Nerds, and Tim Tams... ;)

Thanks to everybody who has lent us their support over the many years, enjoyed our endeavours, put a message in a bottle, and helped spread the word. We are grateful beyond words. 

Thank you and safe travels!

Cheers! Jon and Sanja