Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
9 Dec 2025
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 2 days
Feedback
23
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Badges (5)
Details
Description
Two years ago, I took on this adventure in the Jungle of Ecuador and built three modern tiny home cabins with my own hands and support. It has been quite the adventure and it became a very special place. Last year, I returned and was able to enjoy the hard work and had a winter escape while working remotely.
This became my health retreat focused on good nutrition, exercise, water, sunlight, temperance, air, rest, and trust in god. This winter, from 8 January till 7 April, I am returning, and it would be amazing to be able to share and witness this experience with someone who would enjoy this as well.
There is a mesmerizing mountain view with jungle sounds, tropical sunshine, fruits, a local waterfall, beautiful native trees, and an upcoming permaculture fruit forest.
Become a queen on the mountain, enjoy a break from the stresses of modern life, and put yourself under more natural circumstances, and you will likely discover a deep enjoyment and satisfaction within this.
I’ve been passionate about fruit and wellness for over a decade, and I’ve always dreamed of growing tropical and specialty fruits, like durian, jackfruit, soursop, and granadilla, that are rare and expensive in the Netherlands. The fruit forest is now developing beautifully, and I would love support with organizing, planting, nurturing, and ongoing maintenance.
The property is fully off-grid and includes the following high-tech systems:
- A massive solar array (30 panels, 410W each) and 80kWh LiFePO4 battery storage.
- 15kW dual-voltage power inverters (110V/220V).
- Starlink Satellite Internet.
- Vitamix Blender, Instant Pot Pro Plus, Joyami Smart Induction Cooktop.
- Samsung Refrigerator with Freezer, and Samsung Washer and Dryer combo.
- Water filtration system with UV sterilization and SEAFLO pump with accumulator tank.
- Xiaomi Body Composition Scale S400, Blood Pressure Monitor, Vibis Insect Bite and Sting Relief.
- Air conditioning units (18,000 BTU) for when it gets too hot, to control humidity, and to have a condensation water source.
- Exercise tools like yoga mats, heavy bands, rings, bars, sandbags and more.
- Advanced multi speaker audio system for workouts, meditation and ecstatic dancing.
- Hot water system for indoor showers (to be finished this year).
- Loads of automation and security sensors.
The food is plant-based and health-focused, featuring tropical fruits like papayas, cherimoyas, jackfruit, sour soup, mango, passion fruit, melons, bananas, and many more, along with legumes, root vegetables, seeds, nuts, chocolate, pizza parties and popcorn.
I personally try to get at least 15% of my calorie intake from protein (+110gr, 1.6gr per kg lean muscle weight), so I add soy milk, tofu, legume powders, and other tips and tricks for extra nutritional support.
I do not know my long-term plans for the cabins, as I value future family plans as well, but I want to build the place up so other people can visit and enjoy this magical place, for reflection, fasting, grounding, and healing. I started this project as a response to the pandemic and a deep desire to create and grow something with my own hands that would give me the feeling of freedom and responsibility.
I can understand if you have more questions, so please send me a message and I will do my best to come back to you as soon as possible.
Jelle
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
House and pet sitting
Interests
Technology
Vegetarian or vegan
Sustainability
Culture
Self development
Movies & TV
Farming
History
Plant care
Music
DIY & crafts
Books
Cooking & food
Gardening
Carpentry
Architecture
Cycling
Hiking
Outdoor activities
Dancing
Yoga / Wellness
Nature
Fitness
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
I will cover your travel expenses and basic necessities while you're here.
You can meet me in the Netherlands (Weesp, Amsterdam) in December before traveling to Ecuador if you’d like to get to know each other better and discuss things in person.
We can also meet around 8 January in Cuenca, Ecuador and travel together from there.
Help
Support will primarily involve helping me with a range of tasks. While I will be leading the projects, I’ll need assistance with:
- Organizing tasks and managing supplies.
- Cooking, cleaning, and maintaining an orderly space.
- Painting, documenting progress, and problem-solving together.
- Running errands together, planting trees, nursery, and supporting other projects as they come up.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Dutch: Fluent
Spanish: Beginner
Accommodation
There is one cabin loft area available, with a queen-sized air mattress (80"L x 60"W x 13"Th) and a mesh screen. It’s simple but functional, offering a place to rest after a day’s tasks.
What else ...
I am one of multiple private landowners in this eco-village. There isn’t a single person managing the communities, it functions more like a neighborhood with multiple houses and private owners.
This profile originally served as a Workaway profile for my place in The Netherlands, which is where the feedback from previous guests originates. I attempted to create a separate profile but only one profile per individual is possible.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
One
My animals / pets
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback (14)
Eager to share his ideas and way of leaving.
I felt very very welcomed and was a great first Workaway experience.
As a digital nomad I was in an hard week of work that time, and Jelle was very compreensive and we find a way to get the better of this sharing experience.
Eating almost raw was a great experience that I… read more
Honestly, staying at Jelle felt like a retreat <3
If you're lucky enough to be contacted by him, just go for it!
Jelle actually takes care of his workawayers :)
Thank you so much for those two weeks :) :) :)
Mel
Photos
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
Eager to share his ideas and way of leaving.
I felt very very welcomed and was a great first Workaway experience.
As a digital nomad I was in an hard week of work that time, and Jelle was very compreensive and we find a way to get the better of this sharing experience.
Eating almost raw was a great experience that I… read more
Honestly, staying at Jelle felt like a retreat <3
If you're lucky enough to be contacted by him, just go for it!
Jelle actually takes care of his workawayers :)
Thank you so much for those two weeks :) :) :)
Mel
I did a simple housework, Jelle constantly explained and showed… read more
Thank you, Jelle, for your kind patience and for sharing your knowledge and resources!
The town of Weesp is beautiful, the house is very nice, the food concepts were life changing for me, and Jelle is a genuinely kind soul. I definitely recommend… read more
