Area: Indian Himalayas

We run a small, luxurious retreat for tourists in the Indian Himalayas. The Retreat is 80 Kms north of Shimla, the earstwhile summer capital of British India. Thanedhar is famous for apples, which were introduced by an American gentleman Mr. Samuel Evans Stokes way back in 1916. His family, like the rest of us, is still into apple cultivation. Thanedhar a charming little mountain village, with a small bazaar, which is 1 Km from the retreat . Thanedhar can be easily accessed from Shimla and Chandigarh by regular daily buses. The Retreat is situated in an apple orchard. We also grow cherries and other temperate fruits, but apple is our main crop. The property consists of six bedrooms, two suites, and two independent log cabins . Volunteers will essentially be on hand to interact with guests, who being mostly Indian families, love the opportunity to meet travellers from other countries. Activities include accompanying guests on orchard and forest walks, sitting around the nightly bonfire and sharing meal times. We are looking for volunteers who love the mountains and the outdoors. The volunteers will be entrusted with the duty of a co- host. We are specifically looking for helpers who feel comfortable engaging with guests, sitting for meals with them and showing them the beauty of the area while escorting them on walks. The volunteers will be provided independent accommodation in the family guest room and served meals in the dining room,along with other guests. IMPORTANT INFORMATION - # Please be advised that we are now booked for volunteers April, May, June, July 2012. # Two further openings exist in 2012: ( Aug 1st until Sept 15th) ;( Sept 16th until Oct 31st) . We would consider one volunteer for the entire Aug-Oct three month period. For Apr-Oct 2013: apply October 1st 2012 (and not before)..

Area: baixa alentejo/west-algarve

We are 2 life long friends of 35 years old, who started this project to create a self sustainable oasis along side the river: "Riberna de Odeceixe". We are developing a wellness eco retreat centre that we'll be used for many things but it's all about nature and greenness and self sustainability. We're situated 5 km's from the beach and of course we love surfing just as much as we love creating together in nature. We just started our third season of starting from nothing and we have now apart from the basic facilities many more things done but lots to be done and so we are welcoming a new crew for this year from all over the world to carry on what we started. The gardening, landscaping & natural building is what we're in need of most. So especially skill full people are super welcome

Area: south - coastal "litoral Norte" Mata Atlantic Rainforest

Summary: Our project is a "new" ecovillage on Ilha das Couves and we are seeking environmentally minded volunteers to help with all services involved with creating and operating a sustainable community - from bottom up. The coastal area of Sao Paulo is beautiful and part of the original mata atlantic rainforest - a highly visable and valuable earth resource. We will be planting a permaculture organic farm, clearing an eco trail system and setting up bamboo geo domes to accommodate overnight guests. Our plan is to offer educational and spiritual empowerment training programs to small groups and corporate envirnomental retreats. This opportunity has started and will continue year round. Short term and long term assignments available. Our organization is a registered Brasilian non profit. We are ready, willing and able to help you learn and grow. Brasil requires most countries to issue a tourism visa before traveling. Please check to verify what your requirements are before traveling. Note: We do not supply insurance. You can get insurance policy as necessary from private providers. Your assistance is greatly needed and appreciated. This opportunity is a great cultural exchange and unique living experience. We are spiritually minded people and value each persons contribution. We will be charging a small daily fee of 10$US per person. Funds will go towards a capital campaign to make infrastructure improvements and green utility system investments. Food and other living expenses will be shared equally. We try to keep food expenses around 15 reais per day..this includes three healthy meals each day will fresh fish, fruits, veggies, nuts etc..We have plenty of coconuts and bananas already growing and will start producing much more produce in the coming months. The boat trip to the island costs 40$ reais round trip. Please bring your own sleeping bag or linen. Also remember a towel and all personal items to make your stay comfortable.

Area: Oceania

Jo and I are both long term residents of Vanuatu. Our Farm is being developed to be a working superannuation for Joe and myself, as well as a long term income for all the families involved. The tourist side of the venture is called Eden on the River, as is being connected to Paradise. My philosophy is not so much the need to be totally organic but definitely "Clean and Green". The property is 18 hectares and we operate quite a diverse operation from 1800 free range chickens producing eggs, free range pigs, tropical fruit, asparagus production, to our latest venture, tourism. We have a “petting zoo nearing completion” as well as other things on the burner.

Area: Bay of Plenty

My husband & I have 3 adult children no longer living at home. We have hosted exchange students for the last 5 years and currently have a boy from Japan. We have a house by the beach and 30 acres of land further up the coast going inland. This piece of land needs weed control and some fencing. It is our lifestyle block and we run some sheep and cattle on it. Our son & his fiance are getting married in March on this land and we could do with a hand to tidy it up.There is a lovely little batch on the land which has no electricity but a wood stove. It also has a flush toilet, shower with hot water, sleeping and cooking facilities. We stay there from time to time but it can be difficult to reach when it has been raining. We live in a an old 4bedroom villa which we are still renovating. My husband buys possum fur but is also a builder/handyman. I am a nurse working at the local health centre. I do shift work and sometimes work night duty which means I sleep in the daytime. The internet can be accessed by wireless broadband. We have 3 dogs and 2 cats. The dogs live outside but the cats like to snuggle up with the humans. We are non smokers and would only want non smokers please.