Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
5 Apr 2024
Reply rate
79.3 %
Usually responds within 3 days
Feedback
47
Email verified
Badges (2)
Details
Description
We are located on a 1/2 acre farm in the hills of Sortova, Panama. It can be found between La Conception and Volcán Barú.
We are a family based hostel that offers FREE consumption of anything our the land (fruit, vegetables, medicinal herbs etc.) for all of our guests and volunteers.
It is a tranquil and peaceful day everyday in the hills of Chiriqui. The temperature is a bit cooler than most of Panama at night but still packs it's heat during the day (not as hot as David or Panama City). It's a peaceful life on the land. We also have a back property with a yoga studio by a creek.
The dream of building a hostel started with the desire of spending my life with my daughter . From there, everything grew.....the hostel & our family. Now, we are a beautiful family of 5 that live in the peaceful highlands of Chiriqui. We feel truly blessed and grateful for everything the universe has provided us.
At the moment......we are searching for a volunteer that has experience in working with social media/advertising/marketing to help bring awareness about our magical hostel out into the universe.
We are also looking for a volunteer with experience in animal care to help us with our 3 dogs (2 huskies & 1 German Shepherd.) & Chickens
We will provide a dorm room bed, FREE vegetables, fruits and medicinal teas from our land and dinner daily.
If you have any questions please do not be shy!
If you would like to learn more about our story-
Peace and Safe Travels,
The Family
Types of help and learning opportunities
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Teaching
Gardening
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Babysitting and creative play
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
Hospitality/Tourism
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Come immerse yourself in our local village and live amongst the local population. Here, you will have plenty of opportunities to improve your Spanish skills and gain some insight into the beautiful nature that we all call home.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
We are looking for responsible individuals that take pride in their work.
At the moment......we are searching for a volunteer that has experience in working with social media/advertising/marketing/web page design to help bring awareness about our magical hostel out into the universe.
We are also looking for a volunteer with experience in child care to help us teach our three children (ages 12, 4, 2) other languages, mathematics, etc.
We are also looking for an experienced Dog trainer to help us with our 3 dogs (2 huskies & 1 German Shepherd.)
If you are interested and/or have questions regarding any of these opportunities we would love to set up a time to talk with you.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Fluent
Accommodation
A dorm room bed will be provided unless a hammock is more preferable.
What else ...
There is plenty of time to explore....hiking, animal sactuary, horseback riding,and a river is close by. Day trips to Macho de Monte and Volcán Barú can be reached by hopping on a bus. Going in the opposite direction, buses will bring you back to Bugaba, David or Paso Canoas.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
Our internet is top notch. I use for teaching online. The speed is great.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
Maximum 5 hours a day, 5 days a week
Host ref number: 195729795691
Feedback (22)
21 Jan 2024
Left by Workawayer (Katerina) for host
It's a very peaceful place. I spent in the hostel around 2 weeks helping with outside chores.
Sortova is very relaxed and taking a local bus to Bugaba is very easy.
First time I tried the super tasty soursop.
I didn't get chance to meet Nicholas and his family but the communication has been great.
Sortova is very relaxed and taking a local bus to Bugaba is very easy.
First time I tried the super tasty soursop.
I didn't get chance to meet Nicholas and his family but the communication has been great.
29 Dec 2022
Left by Workawayer (Nora) for host
I truly enjoyed my time at the hostel!! They have three beutiful children, delicious food and many things to enjoy in the village, surrounding cities and nature. I really enjoyed a lot of the work i was given especially working the big garden with Nick, as well as planting seeds with Steph. The village small and very beautiful, and I got to know a… read more
1 Feb 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Lindsey)
Lindsey was amazing and we miss her very much! We are grateful to have had her as part of the Family. She is an extremely pleasant person with a knack for utilizing every second of her day in the healthiest/best way possible. (Inspiring) She worked on MANY gardening projects- from researching plants to potting seeds/plants, to planting them in the… read more
(Excellent
)
29 Jan 2022
Left by Workawayer (Lindsey) for host
Nicholas and Stef are the most warm and playful family I have ever met. They are so different (in a very good way) then families I know in Belgium. They make time to play, create and have fun while pursuing their dream. One day at a time. The family is very welcoming and make you feel at ease from the very first moment. Nick and Stef really took… read more
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.7)
Cultural exchange:
(4.7)
Communication:
(4.8)
21 Jan 2024
Left by Workawayer (Katerina) for host
It's a very peaceful place. I spent in the hostel around 2 weeks helping with outside chores.
Sortova is very relaxed and taking a local bus to Bugaba is very easy.
First time I tried the super tasty soursop.
I didn't get chance to meet Nicholas and his family but the communication has been great.
Sortova is very relaxed and taking a local bus to Bugaba is very easy.
First time I tried the super tasty soursop.
I didn't get chance to meet Nicholas and his family but the communication has been great.
29 Dec 2022
Left by Workawayer (Nora) for host
I truly enjoyed my time at the hostel!! They have three beutiful children, delicious food and many things to enjoy in the village, surrounding cities and nature. I really enjoyed a lot of the work i was given especially working the big garden with Nick, as well as planting seeds with Steph. The village small and very beautiful, and I got to know a… read more
1 Feb 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Lindsey)
Lindsey was amazing and we miss her very much! We are grateful to have had her as part of the Family. She is an extremely pleasant person with a knack for utilizing every second of her day in the healthiest/best way possible. (Inspiring) She worked on MANY gardening projects- from researching plants to potting seeds/plants, to planting them in the… read more
(Excellent
)
29 Jan 2022
Left by Workawayer (Lindsey) for host
Nicholas and Stef are the most warm and playful family I have ever met. They are so different (in a very good way) then families I know in Belgium. They make time to play, create and have fun while pursuing their dream. One day at a time. The family is very welcoming and make you feel at ease from the very first moment. Nick and Stef really took… read more
29 Jan 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Régine)
Regine was amazing!!! I miss her. She has so many talents and we are grateful that she has left her creative mark in many spaces throughout our property (hostel). Her knowledge and love of plants/plant medicine is apparent and vast! Not only did she help me expand our existing medicinal tea gardens, she also gave us new plant recipes, taught me… read more
(Excellent
)
13 Dec 2021
Left by Workawayer (Régine) for host
I am so grateful for the precious opportunity to stay with such a beautiful family . Stef & Nicholas are so caring, and do everything to make you feel good and at peace.
Their motto could be "never give up on dreams, believe in you " . . Stef is a plant addict like me , it was so great to spend time with her . And she is also an 5 star cook. And… read more
Their motto could be "never give up on dreams, believe in you " . . Stef is a plant addict like me , it was so great to spend time with her . And she is also an 5 star cook. And… read more
9 Jul 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Alexander)
Alexander was a great volunteer! He always gave 100% and genuinely a cool person to be around. He followed directions and completed all of the tasks that were assigned to him. He worked great with our other volunteers and independently when needed. I highly recommend his services if you have the opportunity! I have a feeling he will be back at the… read more
(Excellent
)
15 Sep 2019
Left by Workawayer (Federica) for host
I arrived at the hostel supercharged, straight from a busy and hectic city where I lead a busy life. The first (and only) huge challenge I was faced with, was within my own self: how could I all of the sudden slow down? The stillness, the beauty of nature , the calm overwhelmed me. As days unfolded, however, I learned to pay attention to all the… read more
13 Sep 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Federica)
Federica was an excellent volunteer! She arrived with a fantastic attitude and she really left her mark at the Hostel. She painted our NEW sign for the main road, took care of our dogs, painted our new three new rooms, and also kept the hostel extremely clean and tidy. Federica was the acting manager of our hostel, as my family and I were back in… read more
(Excellent
)
13 Sep 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Tomás)
Tomas was a fantastic volunteer that arrived with a great attitude and work ethic. Tomas acted as a our hostel manager while my family and I were stateside. I highly recommend Tomas for all volunteer opportunities in the future. We gave him our complete trust to run the hostel for us and he completely delivered on his promises. We wish him the… read more
(Excellent
)
13 Sep 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Jordan)
Jordan arrived at the hostel with a great attitude and a willingness to make our DREAM the Hostel a better place in the present and in the future!
Jordan helped paint our new rooms, took care of our dogs, and cleaned the hostel/grounds for us daily! We wish him the absolute best and we hope he returns one day soon!! Godspeed my friend!!!
Jordan helped paint our new rooms, took care of our dogs, and cleaned the hostel/grounds for us daily! We wish him the absolute best and we hope he returns one day soon!! Godspeed my friend!!!
(Excellent
)
12 Aug 2019
Left by Workawayer (Jordan) for host
I spent just over two weeks at the hostel and had an extremely wholesome, grounding experience. Nicholas wasn’t at the hostel at the time but along with a fellow volunteer who became a close friend and young Jose my experience and role was clear and fulfilling.
The hostel is a beautiful place to slow down your living. Working at our own pace we… read more
The hostel is a beautiful place to slow down your living. Working at our own pace we… read more
13 Feb 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Dinh Lam)
Huyen was amazing. Her initial role with us as a volunteer was someone who was going to do light cleaning and cook dinner...She was so much more than we anticipated!! She painted a beautiful mural on one of dorm room walls! It came out fantastic! But where she truly left her mark at the Hostel was her "Zen Garden." She poured an amazing amout of… read more
(Excellent
)
21 Nov 2018
Left by Workawayer (Dinh Lam) for host
I stayed for a month and a bit more days at Stef and Nic's heaven and i couldn't ask for more of project immersion.
The family is welcoming, happy go lucky and of interesting lifestyle. Sharing the meals and conversations with them everyday are really enjoyful, beside the fact that Stef showed me how to cook a few traditional dishes of Panama.
I… read more
The family is welcoming, happy go lucky and of interesting lifestyle. Sharing the meals and conversations with them everyday are really enjoyful, beside the fact that Stef showed me how to cook a few traditional dishes of Panama.
I… read more
6 Jan 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Jaime)
The hostel family highly recommends Jaime for future workaway projects. He arrived with great energy and patience. He took on a huge responsibility by helping us manage the hostel while we were away. He was trustworthy and geniune. He excelled in customer service and helped us tremendously by caring for the animals and working with the land. We… read more
(Excellent
)
5 Jan 2019
Left by Workawayer (Jaime) for host
I spent one and a half month with the family and that was an amazing experience. Since the beginning Nick and Stef were very kind and trusted in me to take care of their place when they were out of Panama. I learned a lot of things with this perfect mix of farming and hospitality experience.
Thank you Nick and Stef to trust in me and for all the… read more
Thank you Nick and Stef to trust in me and for all the… read more
1 Jun 2018
Left by Workawayer (Teuta) for host
What an absolute pleasure it was to stay at Stef and Nick's place!
Their piece of land is seriously a little paradise, especially having come there straight from Panama City. The village they're in is super quiet, the flora and fauna unbelievable and the neighbours friendly. And even though it seems far from everything (in the best way possible),… read more
Their piece of land is seriously a little paradise, especially having come there straight from Panama City. The village they're in is super quiet, the flora and fauna unbelievable and the neighbours friendly. And even though it seems far from everything (in the best way possible),… read more
10 Apr 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Teuta)
Teuta was a wonderful volunteer with great enthusiasm and character. She was always ready to help side by side with our other volunteers and she was a pleasure to have here. We wish her all of the best in her future travels!
We hope she returns one day!!!!
We hope she returns one day!!!!
(Excellent
)
22 May 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Charlie1412)
Charlie was a fantastic volunteer! Her creativity flowed with ease when she built our brand new fire pit single handily and of course the beautiful fairy garden for Solangel! We wish her the best of luck throughout her journey to Alaska and beyond! Godspeed!
(Excellent
)
21 May 2018
Left by Workawayer (Charlie1412) for host
Had a fantastic creative time with Stef, Nicholas and Sol. Thanks for bringing my creative side out and enjoy the flame triquetra, think of me when you have the fires. Sol, I hope you continue to enjoy your fairy garden. Hope to come back one day and enjoy a drink
5 May 2018
Left by Workawayer (Megan) for host
Volunteering with Stef and Nick at the hostel was an amazing experience. The property is beautiful and such a positive environment where you are constantly encouraged to work towards your goals and to dream big. Thank you for making me feel like part of the family, I hope I can return one day soon :)
5 May 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Megan)
Megan was a great volunteer to have at the hostel. Not only did she paint a beautiful mural but she also helped plant corn too! She fit right in here with the rest of the team! She looks great with her new haircut! We wish her all the best!!
(Excellent
)
5 May 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Blanca & Katharina)
Blanca and Katharina were awesome volunteers! They worked outside in the gardens and painted our walls beautifully. Our daughter Solangel loved their company! They were fantastic with her and the rest of our team! We hope the ladies enjoy the rest of their journey!
(Excellent
)
4 May 2018
Left by Workawayer (Blanca & Katharina) for host
We really enjoyed our time herel! Soon after we arrived we already felt like
part of the family so we definitly recommend to stay at this place as a volunteer! Our tasks during the day were things like painting, cleaning, weeding, planting and cutting vegetables. There is such a positive, chill but also energetic vibe in that hostel and you are… read more
part of the family so we definitly recommend to stay at this place as a volunteer! Our tasks during the day were things like painting, cleaning, weeding, planting and cutting vegetables. There is such a positive, chill but also energetic vibe in that hostel and you are… read more
10 Apr 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Anika)
Anika arrived at the hostel happy and ready to lend a lending hand. She helped great beside our other volunteers. We wish her the absolute best throughout her journey!! We hope she returns one day to eat some of those beans she planted!!
(Excellent
)
21 Mar 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Alexander & Taylor)
Alex was a fantastic addition to our team and even a better person. He arrived with a great attitude and willingness to learn. Alex was able to contribute to a variety of projects at the hostel and he truly left behind his fingerprints. The hostel has become a better place with his help. Stefanie and I wish him the absolute best throughout his… read more
(Excellent
)
21 Mar 2018
Left by Workawayer (Alexander & Taylor) for host
This was my first time experience as a workaway volunteer and I absolutely loved it! Nick and Stef were more than accommodating and by the end I felt like family. I was apart of many new projects and got learn a lot more what it means to be self sustaining . There's a lot of great places to check out during your downtime and there are language… read more
26 Jan 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Jarret)
Jarret made the Hostel a better place with his creativity and endless energy! We wish him the best throughout his journey through life. We hope he visits us again!!
(Excellent
)
26 Jan 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Melissa)
Melissa arrived at the Hostel ready to help and quickly made her presence felt! She was extremely resourceful and ran the hostel like it was her own. We wish her all the best throughout her life and we hope she returns one day to contribute again! Safe travels!!!
(Excellent
)
19 Jul 2017
Left by Workawayer (Laura & Alish ) for host
The hostel of Steph and Nicholas is a little project still in progress. Located outside of town and in beautiful nature it is a perfect place to relax and connect with its lovely owners. In the 10 days of our stay we just got to know Steph because Nicholas was not there. She welcomed us as a part of the team Family and cooked dekicious food for… read more
6 Jul 2017
Left by Workawayer (Workaway member) for host
Amazing!!!!!
Es increíble! Una enegia súper linda en todo el lugar, el hostal es muy cómodo y limpio, con una variedad de arboles, fruta, animales, realmente lleno de vida!
Stephanie es una maravillosa anfitriona, además cocina riquísimo!!!! Es una mujer fuerte y muy inspiradora! Y Sol la peque que con su risa te cambia el día, y por supuesto la… read more
Es increíble! Una enegia súper linda en todo el lugar, el hostal es muy cómodo y limpio, con una variedad de arboles, fruta, animales, realmente lleno de vida!
Stephanie es una maravillosa anfitriona, además cocina riquísimo!!!! Es una mujer fuerte y muy inspiradora! Y Sol la peque que con su risa te cambia el día, y por supuesto la… read more
17 May 2017
Left by Workawayer (Clelia & Kévin ) for host
To be volunteers here was for us a wonderful experience ! The place is so peaceful with really friendly local people around and best duros of Panamá:)
We helped in different super projects and we felt so happy to help them. The dorm is clean, comfy and spacious.
PLUS : the dinner is offer and it's just the perfect moment to share, socialize and… read more
We helped in different super projects and we felt so happy to help them. The dorm is clean, comfy and spacious.
PLUS : the dinner is offer and it's just the perfect moment to share, socialize and… read more
15 May 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Clelia & Kévin )
Kevin and Clelia arrived at the Hostel with great energy and an amazing work ethic. We thoroughly enjoyed their helping hands. With their help, they created a chicken coup palace and we will be eating an immense amount of corn in a just a few months!! In addition to a new garden bed, they constructed the ultimate "steps" leading down to the Creek.… read more
(Excellent
)
25 Apr 2017
Left by Workawayer (Sonja) for host
I volunteered with Nicholas for two weeks in April 2017. I really thought that Nicholas and Stephanie were great hosts. They were constantly working to make the hostel a better place. Everyday I would see something change for the better! They both had a very easygoing attitude, but it was also very clear that they were hard workers. While staying… read more
25 Apr 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Sonja)
Sonja did a phenomenal job volunteering at the Hostel!!! She had a great work ethic and a fantastic outlook on life. She absolutely kicked ass in the ROCK WAR! She inspired my 7 year old daughter to begin writing in a journal and had an "East Coast" work ethic that is hard to come by. The Hostel Family wishes her the best of luck in her future… read more
(Excellent
)
20 Mar 2017
Left by Workawayer (Martin) for host
Came here with a friend from Germany, we stayed for 4 weeks. First workaway experience and we had a great time at the Hostel! Good vibes, all kinds of different work and good people. I promise to come back one day. Thank you for everything!
16 Mar 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Martin)
Martin and his friend Fabi were great volunteers. They showed an exceptional willingness to take on any task. The hostel changed immensely with their help and I know the both of them will be back here again one day. Best of luck brothers!!!
(Excellent
)
16 Mar 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Colombe & Thaïs)
Colombe and Thais were fantastic volunteers from the moment they showed up at the hostel. We had a great time with them and we loved learning French!! The both of them had an incredible work ethic and we love their painting of the "Pineapple Man." We hope they come back one day to see the evolution of the hostel. We wish the both of them the… read more
(Excellent
)
16 Mar 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Franco)
Franco was a great help to the hostel. He brought an incredible energy, experience, and willingness to take on any task. We wish him the best throughout his travels and we hope one day he will come back to visit the Hostel in Chiriqui Panama!!!
(Excellent
)
5 Dec 2016
Left by Workawayer (Haylie) for host
Nicholas is one of the most inspirational people I have ever met. Even though I only got to spend about a week at the hostel, I feel like I made a lifelong friend. If you need motivation, or are contemplating anything in your life, go hangout with Nick and he'll tell you that anything you set your mind to will happen. The vibes at the hostel are… read more
19 Nov 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Haylie)
Haylie arrived at the hostel with a positive attitude and a desire to experience Panama. Immediately she entered the construction of the front entrance by carrying rocks. Haylie also brought her artistic skills and painted two walls while she stayed. I wish her all the best in her future endeavors!
(Very good
)
19 Nov 2016
Left by Workawayer (Maryan) for host
Nicholas has a right attitude, he's going to do his best to make you feel confortable. He's openminded and ready to share on everything with you. It's a real remote place IN CONSTRUCTION..! You're going to work alone if there isn't other volunteers..
For sure Nicholas has a lot in his plate and needs help and energy.
Welcome in France whenever… read more
For sure Nicholas has a lot in his plate and needs help and energy.
Welcome in France whenever… read more
19 Nov 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Maryan)
Maryan showed up at the hostel with an excellent attitude and a strong willingness to work iindependently. He stayed for two weeks in Sortova on the land. In the mornings he chased the tropical birds with his camera and captured over 30 different types of birds. And that was just before breakfast. During the rest of the days he was either… read more
(Excellent
)
19 Nov 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Klara)
Klara arrived at the hostel with a fantastic attitude and a strong work ethic. She was ready to dig in and help instantly with building the front entrance with rocks and dirt. Independently, she planted yukas, and swung the machete around cleaning the land. She had great energy and was a positive person for my daughter to be around. Maybe she… read more
(Excellent
)
29 Oct 2016
Left by Workawayer (Klara) for host
Nicholas has a great goal and its awesome to see how hard he works to fulfill it. I'm really happy I got to be a part of that journey and help. He is always open for new ideas and input. Thank you for some great times and conversations. I can't wait to come back to see what became of the place and of course to see the puppy!
11 Feb 2016
Left by Workawayer (Stephanie) for host
Ahh, the Hostal! A wonderful place in progress. Nicholas has a great vision, and the property is filled with neat opportunities. A very peaceful place, ideal for a lifetime pass. I look forward to seeing what is done on the beautiful land.
9 Feb 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Stephanie)
Stephanie arrived with an excellent vibe and positive energy. She was eager to get started and was the perfect volunteer for the Hostel!!! And she now has a lifetime pass...I hope she can make it back.
(Excellent
)
