Profile information
Host rating
80 %
Last replied
14 Apr 2024
Reply rate
67.1 %
Usually responds within 3 days
Feedback
77
Facebook verified
Email verified
Badges (3)
Details
Description
This retreat center is located at Lake Arenal, Guanacaste, Costa Rica.
We are right by a jungle with a pristine river running through the property. You will feel like being embraced by nature and we have many animal visitors daily.
The retreat center and lodge has been running for about ten years. At times we host retreats such as yoga, transformation and healing, creativity, dance and movement. We also offer classes to the community and to travelers. Most of the time we offer vacation rental accommodation through airbnb and wind and kite surfing site.
This is a positive environment, tranquil and fun. It is important for us that you are an open person, easy going, dynamic, and willing to get involved in the atmosphere of our retreat centre. Sometimes we have many guests and sometimes it is totally quiet. A lot of the time we need help with cleaning, gardening, cooking and different projects. When it is more quiet there is marketing & social media work.
We appreciate if you can be flexible with the hours as every day is different. We are fair and like to have a situation where every one is happy. Approximate hours is 5 hours per day, two days a week free.
If you have any questions, please send us a mail.
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
Hospitality/Tourism
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
This is a tranquil environment and you are able to have time for yourself and enjoy the beautiful nature and wildlife around us. This is rural Costa rica, not just a touristy spot although in high season we have many visitors coming by. You will be able to contribute in a positive project. We invite you to step into your skills and creativity and anything you would like to share with us.
Helpers can immerse into the 'Pura Vida' life style of Costa Rica. This is a center for nature lovers, travels, workshops and retreats of spirituality, healing and creativity. We offer a weekly yoga class, which you are welcome to attend. This is a creative, tranquil and fun loving environment - if this draws you in, you are welcome!
Help
Normally we need help with taking care of guests, some cleaning, and gardening.
More quiet times we sometimes have some creative projects. We also appreciate help in social media content creation. It also depends on the skills and interests that you can offer and bring to us.
If you are practical and willing to help - that is most important. We appreciate volunteers who don't mind working hard at times. Every day is different.
Usual stay is 10-14 days. If what you are offering and our needs match, we can have a one month arrangement. We only take one person at a time.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Fluent
Finnish: Fluent
Accommodation
In exchange you will have a free place to stay in paradise :). You will have your own room. You can use our communal kitchen for meals (basic food provided).
What else ...
We are located in a local, rural area of Arenal. This is not a very touristic area so there is not too much hustle and bustle around.
There is one very small shop within walking distance, in Sabalito, however, you may want to bring some food with you as we are essentially located 'off the grid'. Our closest town is Tilaran, where there are plenty of grocery stores and other amenities you may need. You can come with us at times. There are buses, but they are not super frequent.
In your free time you can have nice nature walks and enjoy the beautiful lake scenery and at times catch a ride with us little further away. Please note that it is not so easy to do sight seeing as the local bus does not go to most sights.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
One
Hours expected
Maximum 5 hours a day, 5 days a week
Host ref number: 595672595351
Feedback (31)
4 Apr 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Viktoria)
Viki volunteered with us for two weeks in Costa Rica. She helped with cleaning rooms at the lodge, keeping things tidy inside and outside. We have a lot of raking to do and she was a great help in this.
Viki is great in commutation and all went smoothly. She was open to everything and was determined to do everything well. She is a beautiful… read more
Viki is great in commutation and all went smoothly. She was open to everything and was determined to do everything well. She is a beautiful… read more
(Excellent
)
3 Apr 2024
Left by Workawayer (Viktoria) for host
This has been my first experience with workaway and I must say I really liked staying at and with Johanna!! she's such a lovely, empathetic, fun and kind person to be around. I feel like especially the communication between us was always very clear and I enjoyed our fun and also deep conversations about life with each other a Lot.
Johanna loves… read more
Johanna loves… read more
30 Nov 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Amelia)
Amelia volunteered with us at Lake Arenal about 10 days. She was super helpful and easy to work with.
We had quite a lot of cleaning and gardening tasks, as we are getting ready for the high season. Anything I asked her to do, she did very well. It was nice not having to check on her, she just gets on with things and the results were always… read more
We had quite a lot of cleaning and gardening tasks, as we are getting ready for the high season. Anything I asked her to do, she did very well. It was nice not having to check on her, she just gets on with things and the results were always… read more
(Excellent
)
17 Jul 2023
Left by Workawayer (Naomi) for host
I stayed at Johanna's beautiful place at the end of my trip through Costa Rica! Johanna is very easy-going and kind, we got along very well! I mostly worked in the garden, did some cleaning in the rooms and helped a little bit with social media. I felt really welcome & relaxed there, even got to join a nice workshop and attended Johanna's yoga… read more
15 May 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Naomi)
Naomi volunteered with us at the lodge/retreat center in Costa Rica for ten days. She was super helpful and did a great job in all the tasks. She worked in the garden raking leaves, weeding and helped cleaning some guest rooms. She did some really cool content for social media. I found her very easy to get along with and appreciated her positive… read more
(Excellent
)
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.8)
Cultural exchange:
(4.5)
Communication:
(4.9)
4 Apr 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Viktoria)
Viki volunteered with us for two weeks in Costa Rica. She helped with cleaning rooms at the lodge, keeping things tidy inside and outside. We have a lot of raking to do and she was a great help in this.
Viki is great in commutation and all went smoothly. She was open to everything and was determined to do everything well. She is a beautiful… read more
Viki is great in commutation and all went smoothly. She was open to everything and was determined to do everything well. She is a beautiful… read more
(Excellent
)
3 Apr 2024
Left by Workawayer (Viktoria) for host
This has been my first experience with workaway and I must say I really liked staying at and with Johanna!! she's such a lovely, empathetic, fun and kind person to be around. I feel like especially the communication between us was always very clear and I enjoyed our fun and also deep conversations about life with each other a Lot.
Johanna loves… read more
Johanna loves… read more
30 Nov 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Amelia)
Amelia volunteered with us at Lake Arenal about 10 days. She was super helpful and easy to work with.
We had quite a lot of cleaning and gardening tasks, as we are getting ready for the high season. Anything I asked her to do, she did very well. It was nice not having to check on her, she just gets on with things and the results were always… read more
We had quite a lot of cleaning and gardening tasks, as we are getting ready for the high season. Anything I asked her to do, she did very well. It was nice not having to check on her, she just gets on with things and the results were always… read more
(Excellent
)
17 Jul 2023
Left by Workawayer (Naomi) for host
I stayed at Johanna's beautiful place at the end of my trip through Costa Rica! Johanna is very easy-going and kind, we got along very well! I mostly worked in the garden, did some cleaning in the rooms and helped a little bit with social media. I felt really welcome & relaxed there, even got to join a nice workshop and attended Johanna's yoga… read more
15 May 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Naomi)
Naomi volunteered with us at the lodge/retreat center in Costa Rica for ten days. She was super helpful and did a great job in all the tasks. She worked in the garden raking leaves, weeding and helped cleaning some guest rooms. She did some really cool content for social media. I found her very easy to get along with and appreciated her positive… read more
(Excellent
)
9 Jun 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Olivia)
Olivia was such a sweet volunteer, it was a pleasure to have her stay with us. She is a total animal lover, so if you have pets, they will adore her. The kind of tasks we needed done mostly this time was yard work, like raking leaves and cleaning some guest rooms and common areas.
She also helped us in the kitchen and prepared some yummy things… read more
She also helped us in the kitchen and prepared some yummy things… read more
(Excellent
)
9 Jun 2023
Left by Workawayer (Olivia) for host
This is the most amazing experience I could have asked for as my first Workaway! I stayed at Johanna's place for about a week and mostly did gardening and cleaning tasks. She was very considerate that I don't work in the sun or when it got too hot and even insisted that I take breaks when I was ready to work more.
Her property is really… read more
Her property is really… read more
3 May 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Rebecca & Merlin Niklas)
Rebecca and Merlin were volunteering for two weeks at our lodge in Costa Rica. I was so happy to have them here and felt fully supported. They are both able to do multiple types of jobs. They were super helpful, responsible and thoughtful. They were easy to get along with and always communicated clearly.
They did some raking, weeding and… read more
They did some raking, weeding and… read more
(Excellent
)
7 Apr 2023
Left by Workawayer (EvaFinlandia) for host
I stayed almost two weeks in the retreat center and I really enjoyed my stay there. The place is amazing. It's very peaceful and in the middle of the nature. It's surrounded by deep jungle and there is a spring were you can swim and by the spring there is even a sauna. I had my own room with my own bathroom.
My work was mainly gardening (raking… read more
My work was mainly gardening (raking… read more
4 Apr 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (EvaFinlandia)
Eva was truly exceptional. I did not think so upon meeting her as she is so soft spoken. What I noticed consistently, however, in her two weeks with us is that she is so attentive. I never needed to say anything twice, remind her, and almost as soon as I mentioned a task that needed to be done it would be complete. I think what worked very well… read more
(Excellent
)
5 Apr 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Joakim & Lucile)
Joakim and Lucile were truly fantastic!! First I entrusted my 6-year old daughter and my car to them for a week and then indeed the whole retreat center while I left for 5 days on a work trip. They excelled! They maintained my confidence, they did excellent work (including housekeeping, ground work, cooking, and child-care), were fun and playful,… read more
(Excellent
)
26 Dec 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Nina)
Nina volunteered with us a couple of times. She is such a lovely person, it is a joy to have her around. She is responsible and does all the tasks super well. She has a generous and positive attitude. Nina was doing garden work, cleaning out some guests rooms and basically what ever was needed. I would 100% recommend her to any hosts!
(Excellent
)
7 Nov 2022
Left by Workawayer (Nina) for host
Volunteering for Johanna at her lovely retreat center was an absolute joy!! Johanna is such an inspiring, kind person with the biggest heart and I'm beyond grateful I can call her now my friend. We enjoyed good meals, movies, yoga, sauna, river dips and dancing together. The work tasks are mainly in the beautiful fairy garden and helping with the… read more
14 Dec 2022
Left by Workawayer (Matiask) for host
I came to this place because of the many previous good feedbacks but I haven't had the chance to meet Johanna unfortunately, and instead the communication was with Noba, a woman that is running the place nowadays.
I went there initially for a week, and Noba agreed with it. I got the task of sanding / painting some chairs and furniture which I… read more
I went there initially for a week, and Noba agreed with it. I got the task of sanding / painting some chairs and furniture which I… read more
14 Dec 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Matiask)
Matias was very much a lone guy when with us. He painted some chairs and a table and in that work needed no supervision and did a meticulous job. He then sanded and varnished a sideboard, which then needed some re-doing. He was kind and had good stories. The down-side was that he really did not chip in much to the common, cooking and cleaning up,… read more
(Good
)
14 Dec 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Aneeka)
Aneeka came when we needed her skills. She helped us build a new rental listing, taking the photos and helping with it generally. She is very fluid in the on-line world, a world that I needed some help with in a few areas. She was also up for yard and housekeeping work. She pulled her own with cooking and clean-up and was generally upbeat. Our… read more
(Very good
)
14 Dec 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Timothy & Kate)
Tim and Kate were a total DREAM TEAM.
They reached out, were in the area and available right away and I needed help. They were young and had no workaway experience... not generally the profile we go for... but I took a chance and could not have been more delighted! They spent 50 hours between them deep cleaning a kitchen and when they were done… read more
They reached out, were in the area and available right away and I needed help. They were young and had no workaway experience... not generally the profile we go for... but I took a chance and could not have been more delighted! They spent 50 hours between them deep cleaning a kitchen and when they were done… read more
(Excellent
)
3 Dec 2022
Left by Workawayer (Timothy & Kate) for host
Our workaway here was our first workaway experience. We were very happy with the opportunity, and left wanting to stay for longer!
Our task involved DEEP cleaning the communal kitchen. We were provided with all the equipment required to do the job well and safely. We worked 5 hours each day, 5 days a week. Noba (volunteer in charge of workawayers… read more
Our task involved DEEP cleaning the communal kitchen. We were provided with all the equipment required to do the job well and safely. We worked 5 hours each day, 5 days a week. Noba (volunteer in charge of workawayers… read more
27 Oct 2022
Left by Workawayer (Florine) for host
Johanna is such a beautiful person from inside and outside! I had a lovely stay there at her magical place!! She would really take care of me and make sure I had enough time to relax besides the working hours! She even took me out for lunch and for a walk, that was so nice! If you have the chance to volunteer here I would totally recommend it!!
27 Oct 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Florine)
Florine was with us just for one week, but she got so much done I feel like she was here for a long time. She is a lovely young woman and a great worker. We had different kind of tasks, such as raking, weeding (our garden looks sooo much better!), cleaning windows, bathing & walking our dog, making a social media video, cleaning some rooms,… read more
(Excellent
)
23 Oct 2022
Left by Workawayer (Rebecca) for host
From the moment I arrived by Lake Arenal, I knew I would love it. It is a secluded haven so if you love nature, meditation, yoga etc then this place is for you. (Practical point, I got the bus from San Jose to cañas and got picked up by Johanna, or you can get it to Tilaran which is closer) Johanna was so welcoming to me, I had my own room and a… read more
18 Oct 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Rebecca)
Becky volunteer with us at Lake Arenal, Costa Rica for two weeks. I really enjoyed her company and appreciated all the help she gave us.
She did a variety of tasks, such as raking leaves, cleaning & painting signs. She had a great attitude , always willing to help and go an extra mile to have everything done well. I can 100% recommend Becky to… read more
She did a variety of tasks, such as raking leaves, cleaning & painting signs. She had a great attitude , always willing to help and go an extra mile to have everything done well. I can 100% recommend Becky to… read more
(Excellent
)
24 Jul 2022
Left by Workawayer (Nadège) for host
Johanna is really a great great host.
Thank you for your kindness, your smile and the time shared together :-).
It was my second experience alone and I couldn't have hoped better.
She took me with her for brunch, some walks, diner with her friends, some yoga sessions.
She live in a magical place with nature and animals, so beautiful!
My time there… read more
Thank you for your kindness, your smile and the time shared together :-).
It was my second experience alone and I couldn't have hoped better.
She took me with her for brunch, some walks, diner with her friends, some yoga sessions.
She live in a magical place with nature and animals, so beautiful!
My time there… read more
31 Mar 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Nadège)
Nadège volunteered with us at Lake Arenal for about two weeks while Noé was touring with a bird watching group.
She was super helpful and did all the task really well. I felt fully supported while she was here. She worked in the garden, cleaned some guest rooms and other areas when needed and prepared some delicious food. I enjoyed her company,… read more
She was super helpful and did all the task really well. I felt fully supported while she was here. She worked in the garden, cleaned some guest rooms and other areas when needed and prepared some delicious food. I enjoyed her company,… read more
(Excellent
)
21 Jan 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Pauline)
Pauline volunteered with us at the lodge at Lake Arenal. She was really helpful and up for anything that needed to be done. She worked in the yard raking leaves etc. She cleaned some guests rooms and kept the communal kitchen area super clean all times. Her communication is excellent, always asking if she wasn’t sure about something and she learnt… read more
(Excellent
)
8 Jan 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Lianne)
Lianne stayed with us at Lake Arenal for 2.5 weeks. She was a great help. My garden needed some love and care and Lianne was just the right person for that. She had some great ideas and made it look so much better! She also helped cleaning guest rooms and other areas, did some cooking and other help in the kitchen. Cooking vegan/vegetarian is an… read more
(Excellent
)
6 Jan 2022
Left by Workawayer (Lianne) for host
I had a wonderful 2.5 week stay at Johanna's retreat centre on the edge of the Jungle. It truly is a beautiful place to retreat, find some peace and quiet, and connect to nature. Johanna made me feel very welcome, as did the community she is part of. There was a nice balance of working and free time, and hanging out together and enjoying some… read more
8 Sep 2021
Left by Workawayer (Svetlana & Stefano) for host
We spent two month in the magical place taking care of the property, pets and the guests while Johanna was away.
It is fair to start by saying that Johanna is a very lovely, caring and thoughtful person. From the very beginning of our communication we felt so at ease, she answered all our questions and was always willing to help us organise our… read more
It is fair to start by saying that Johanna is a very lovely, caring and thoughtful person. From the very beginning of our communication we felt so at ease, she answered all our questions and was always willing to help us organise our… read more
9 Jul 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Svetlana & Stefano)
I was super happy with Lana & Stefano. We had an arrangement where Lana and Stefano were staying for two months and took care of the lodge/retreat center and our two pets while I was away. They were amazing. I could relax having my break away and never had to worry about things. There were some guests during that time and they took care of them… read more
(Excellent
)
20 Jul 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Kate (Katherine))
Kate was volunteering with us at the retreat center/lodge at Lake Arenal, Costa Rica. She was super helpful and always willing for different tasks we had. She was doing some yard work, cleaning projects, helped with guests etc. Nice to have a volunteer who is thoughtful, mature and independent and good at team work too. She is a lovely person and… read more
(Excellent
)
22 Feb 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Susanne)
Susanne was such a wonderful volunteer. She helped out close to three weeks in the lodge and part of it she house sitted, so I was able to get away. She is totally trustworthy and a lovely person. There were couple of guests during the time and she took care of everything perfectly. She also took care lovingly of our dog and cat. I could see she… read more
(Excellent
)
30 Jan 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Madeline)
Mads was volunteering with us at the lodge & retreat center for two weeks. She was super helpful and I loved her positive attitude. She did wonders in our garden weeding, raking etc and always did an excellent job. She did some sign painting. She took care of some cleaning jobs. She made some very fun videos to add into our social media posts. I… read more
(Excellent
)
24 Dec 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Chrystal)
Chrystal was sharing her skills on marketing, writing some updates to our website, revamping our information folder for guests and other kinds of computer and technical tasks. That was our focus for her first stay. She is very good! Also very patient. I felt so relieved I had help in getting these updates completed.
I invited her to return, but… read more
I invited her to return, but… read more
(Very good
)
16 Mar 2020
Left by Workawayer (Kelli) for host
Ohh what a week! I could not ask for a better workaway experience. Johanna is such a beautiful soul. Just being around her makes you feel calmer. She has created a paradise on earth. Johanna has very interesting life and it was nice to hear her story. It was easy to connect and we spent very nice time together. Not to mention her dog Nella and cat… read more
16 Mar 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Kelli)
Kelli was super helpful. I was so glad she stayed with us at the lodge/retreat center. We had quite a lot of cleaning jobs during her stay and she was so good, always doing an excellent job and I could totally rely on her. She works independently and there is no need to check on her - so nice for a host to have a reliable helper like this. She… read more
(Excellent
)
5 Mar 2020
Left by Workawayer (Viola) for host
I feel so lucky to have volunteered at Johanna's beautiful retreat center. It is located right by a magical forest near the lake. The energy here is amazing. Johanna is the best host ever. She is incredibly kind, open, easy-going and helped me a lot during my time in Costa Rica. I enjoyed helping her with social media, caring for the pets (Nela, a… read more
4 Mar 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Viola)
Voila was like a dream volunteer :). Very versatile and talented, so she was able to do different kinds of tasks. She is a bit of a wizard in social media and I just loved the instagram stories she created. She helped me with some tasks in marketing and did a great job. She takes great photos and videos. When needed she did some cleaning jobs at… read more
(Excellent
)
19 Dec 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Jaime)
I felt very lucky having Jaime volunteering with us here at Lake Arenal. We only had one week and she accomplished so much! Jaime is extremely knowledgeable and skilled working on the computer. She had great ideas how to improve my business and we ended up making many great changes. This girl is detailed, patient and gives her 100%. I am so… read more
(Excellent
)
29 Nov 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Maria)
Maria was such a joy to have around. She is a very thoughtful, respectful, positive and mature person. The main tasks I gave to her were to do with writing some marketing materials. She did such a great job and was very easy to work with. She is savvy on the internet and social media. She is independent and works well with others too. Any jobs you… read more
(Excellent
)
16 Oct 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Giada)
Giada stayed with us and mainly helped with social media. She is excellent in this area and made some real cool improvements. She also took some beautiful photos that I was happy to use. She was easy to work with and I liked that she worked independently on a task giving her best. Another thing that I noticed, is that she loved our pets and they… read more
(Excellent
)
20 Aug 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Vesic)
This was a little different Workaway arrangement, as I asked Erica if she would house- and pet sit for me. She agreed and before my trip we were together few days, so she could settle in and learn what needs to be done. She was very good with the pets, I could see straight away she will take good and loving care of my dog and cat. I felt she was… read more
(Very good
)
19 Aug 2019
Left by Workawayer (Vesic) for host
My time here was amazing.... I met with Johanna during the first days and then I took care of her land, dog and cat while she was away.
Johanna made me feel at home and shared so much of her stuff with me! She has a beautiful project that gets together interesting people from all around the world.
My work there was a bit different than usual,… read more
Johanna made me feel at home and shared so much of her stuff with me! She has a beautiful project that gets together interesting people from all around the world.
My work there was a bit different than usual,… read more
4 May 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Inga)
Inga was a great volunteer. She did some gardening, like raking, weeding and watering, and always did an excellent job. Our guest house’s little garden hasn’t been so tidy in a long time! Then she was working on tasks on social media and a newsletter. It was a pleasure to see her making a great job faster and probably better than I would have :).… read more
(Excellent
)
3 May 2019
Left by Workawayer (Inga) for host
I felt really blessed to have a workaway experience at Johanna's peaceful and magical place. Johanna is such a great and thoughtful host - she made me feel like at home. The place is beautiful with many different kind of tropical plants, buzzing around various birds (I've spotted some colourful ones) and sometimes monkeys coming to say hello! I… read more
1 May 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Danica)
Danica was very helpful and able to work independently. We needed help during a retreat and she was the perfect person for it. I can fully recommend her to any hosts!
(Excellent
)
10 Feb 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Sheryl-lyn)
Sheryl-lyn stayed with us for a couple of weeks. She was super helpful, I was so glad to have her stay. The tasks were diverse and Sheryl-lyn is one of those people who can do many kind of things.
She was raking, painting, did even a lovely little mural. We had some cleaning jobs and all sorts of little tasks around the house and at the… read more
She was raking, painting, did even a lovely little mural. We had some cleaning jobs and all sorts of little tasks around the house and at the… read more
(Excellent
)
2 Feb 2019
Left by Workawayer (Sheryl-lyn) for host
wow wow wow where to begin! It is difficult to put into words exactly how much I adored staying with Johanna at her home and retreat centre. The property itself is stunning, with the river, forest, and decorative paintings done by other volunteers, and a short walk up the hill gives gorgeous views of the surrounding countryside. Johanna is a… read more
13 Dec 2018
Left by Workawayer (Workaway member) for host
I had an amazing time helping Johanna at her wonderful retreat center surrounded by the beautiful jungle, lots of animals and the scenery of Lake Arenal. It was my first workaway experience and it could not have been better. Johanna is a lovely person, very warm-hearted, generous and balanced. We worked together on some marketing projects, shared… read more
6 Nov 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Workaway member)
I was really happy to have Eva volunteering here with us at Lake Arenal. We agreed to do some work on marketing. She was an amazing help for me; a smart young lady with many skills and she worked real hard. She had some great suggestions we then implemented and that makes a big difference in my business. Not only was she a great worker, but a… read more
(Excellent
)
15 Jul 2018
Left by Workawayer (Volurob) for host
Wooow ! I am so greateful of staying in these wonderful place where i was having plenty of privacy and being able to meditate and do innerwork to improve myself. These place is really magical for the soul. BIG respect to Johanna for making this place into existence and managing it! She is an great example for others that is possible to make your… read more
13 Jul 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Volurob)
Roberto was a great volunteer. I had all kind of different task and I soon realized he is a very good worker. He did power washing, gardening, painted one room, house sitted for me for two days taking care of the pets. Everything got done super well. He also fixed my computer and found a solution for my speaker dilemma!
I found him totally… read more
I found him totally… read more
(Excellent
)
21 Apr 2018
Left by Workawayer (Leah) for host
This was a five-star experience. I recommend working with Johanna if you are interested in visiting Costa Rica. She is a beautiful person, both inside and out. She is an excellent yoga instructor. She is a balanced person who is easy to get along with. She can speak Spanish and is a creative person. She has lived a vivid life and has many good… read more
21 Apr 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Leah)
Leah came to volunteer with us at Lake Arenal, Costa Rica and very soon I realized she is a keeper :). I had some vegetable planting and other gardening jobs and she was obviously very happy and experienced working with plants. I had some shabby looking herbs etc and now they are thriving; thanks to Leah. She also did a lot of raking and other… read more
(Excellent
)
9 Mar 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Natalie)
Natalie volunteered with us couple days before and during a week long retreat. What worked great was that she is a really nice person and everyone loved her! I had different tasks for her, so she did some raking, cleaning, washing dishes etc. I did feel I need to check in a bit to be sure things get done ok. There was one job that was hard, as she… read more
(Very good
)
7 Mar 2018
Left by Workawayer (Natalie) for host
I had the most amazing time helping out at the retreat center with Johanna (and Blue, Nela, and Tigre!) Johanna is THE BEST and an great communicator. There was a lot to do to get ready for a retreat that was arriving and we worked together to get things done. I appreciated Johanna's feedback, cooking and enjoying meals together, and our… read more
24 Feb 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Anja)
I loved having Anja as a volunteer. I only had an opening for one week, otherwise I would have definitely wanted Anja to stay longer. Anja has a lively, passionate personality and I found her being very kind, grateful, considerate and super helpful. What ever I asked her to do, she always did little more and always very well. She was also… read more
(Excellent
)
23 Feb 2018
Left by Workawayer (Anja) for host
Johanna is the perfect host and l had just a wonderful time at the great forest! Johanna is making sure, that the work and your personal interests fit perfect together. Also the help you can give is very different so it gets never boring.
Johanna is a very lovely person and the pets are just great.
This is a real hideaway, if you are looking for… read more
Johanna is a very lovely person and the pets are just great.
This is a real hideaway, if you are looking for… read more
14 Jan 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Aster)
It was a pleasure to have Aster volunteering here for about three weeks. She was such great help for me, any jobs there were she did super well and with a positive and generous attitude. Everything flowed easy and we had a lot of fun. She has a great attention for detail. Weather it was cleaning guest rooms, cooking or gardening, I could always… read more
(Excellent
)
14 Jan 2018
Left by Workawayer (Aster) for host
Thank you so much Johanna to let me stay for almost three weeks at your wonderful retreat centre in the jungle, while there weren’t any retreats. I loved my time being at your place, the quiet atmosphere, the animals that you see around, the sounds, the people, my room with jungle view.
The work was versatile and nice, it didn’t really feel like… read more
The work was versatile and nice, it didn’t really feel like… read more
17 Nov 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Danyel)
Thank you Danyel for volunteering. I felt instantly at ease and felt like I am having a friend over! Everything flowed easily. I was surprised and very grateful for the thoughtful and beautiful gifts Danyel brought with her - freshly harvested lavender and camomile from her garden. Danyel is a natural wizard in the kitchen and made some real… read more
(Excellent
)
17 Nov 2017
Left by Workawayer (Danyel) for host
So sorry for the late feedback Johanna! I had the most incredible experience living pura vida in this magical place. Upon arrival, I felt instantly welcomed and very comfortable. You could not ask for a better host or new friend.
Her property is set back in the forest and is incredibly comfortable and calming. You can meditate near the river or… read more
Her property is set back in the forest and is incredibly comfortable and calming. You can meditate near the river or… read more
8 Oct 2017
Left by Workawayer (Anni) for host
It was living in the paradise with soulfriends. Johanna is so lovely woman and her place is amazing. Colours, nature, athmosphere, animals, calm... Can't explain - you have to experience it <3
I worked about six hours per day. Easy and nice homeworks. I could suggest things to do and I could express myself. I really felt like at home - and I… read more
I worked about six hours per day. Easy and nice homeworks. I could suggest things to do and I could express myself. I really felt like at home - and I… read more
23 Mar 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Anni)
Anni was volunteering with us at Lake Arenal in Costa Rica. She was such a great help and also a bright light to be around. In the Retreat center we had some guests and she was very friendly and helpful with them. I had many different jobs for Anni, such as gardening, cleaning and organizing and always she did an excellent job. There are not so… read more
(Excellent
)
28 Jul 2017
Left by Workawayer (Amy) for host
Volunteering here was a beautiful experience <3 Johanna was lovely and kind and she was always happy to share what she knew about the area and invite me to join her for walks with the dogs. The retreat center is so tranquil and lush, I even saw my first Toucan and I have been living in CR for 3 years already. It backs onto the river and so you… read more
27 Jul 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Amy)
Amy came to stay and help us out during a retreat. It was great to have her. I liked that she is a mature person, independent and resourceful. I could give her tasks without needing to check after her, she did everything really well. She helped with organizing, cleaning, kitchen work, gardening, serving guests etc. I also liked that she came to… read more
(Excellent
)
22 Jun 2017
Left by Workawayer (Michelle) for host
Johanna is a lovely lady and she has 2 beautiful dogs and a young cat that I fell in love with. The centre is really beautiful with lovely walks nearby & you can always walk to the end of the garden and cool off in the river if it gets too hot.
22 Jun 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Michelle)
Michelle contacted me about volunteering, but at the timing I was looking for a house sitter. She expressed she would be happy to house sit for me for the 3 weeks. I felt I could trust her and felt good about having a mature person here while I was abroad. She adores cats and dogs, so it was very clear to me my animals are in good hands. We just… read more
(Excellent
)
29 Mar 2017
Left by Workawayer (Ronda) for host
Johanna was an incredibly generous and thoughtful host and I loved every minute I stayed at her beautiful retreat center! It was a great experience to help create the menu and cook meals for the group of attendees over the 5-day workshop. Johanna has created a very beautiful, tranquil, magical place...so much so that I cried (okay, sobbed) when it… read more
23 Mar 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Ronda)
Ronda was staying for couple of weeks with us at a retreat center at lake Arenal, Costa Rica. We needed a cook for a retreat and Ronda volunteered. She is such a great cook! Her meals were always delicious, every one loved her food. She got on very well also with our local cook, at times they worked together and at times by them selves. It was… read more
(Excellent
)
22 Mar 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Stephanie)
Stephanie stayed with us at Lake Arenal, Costa Rica for ten days. We had agreed that she comes to do cooking for a retreat we were hosting. I couldn't have been more pleased. She is a very good cook and every one loved her delicious meals. With her tranquil and nice personality she was a great person to have around. I can fully recommend her to… read more
(Excellent
)
15 Dec 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Michiel & Tineke)
Tini and Michiel were great volunteers. We had lots of different projects to do with gardening, cleaning, painting etc and they always did a great job. I was very pleased to have them and would full heartedly recommend them to any hosts. Thank you Michiel and Tini!
(Excellent
)
15 Dec 2016
Left by Workawayer (Michiel & Tineke) for host
Our stay was an incredibly peaceful experience. We are really impressed by what Johanna has accomplished over these few years here and by her genuine and lively personality. Together with energetic and positive Bree she runs a magical place to be and help. The new house with open kitchen where we stayed was very comfortable. As mentioned there are… read more
19 Nov 2016
Left by Workawayer (Anais Estelle & Fernando Aitor) for host
Stay with Johanna was simply a great experience! The place is awesome, so beautifull, lovely, and clean. Different houses in the middle of nature to enjoy a peaceful atmosphere; Johanna is really a wonderful person and working with her was a big pleasure and a great opportunity for us! Here, you can watch a lot of animals, like tucans,… read more
9 Nov 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Anais Estelle & Fernando Aitor)
Anais and Fernando brought nice good fresh energy with them. They are very helpful and considerate and lovely company, great cooks too. I had some artistic projects in my retreat center in Costa Rica and they were the perfect people for the job. I was amazed how talented they are. I had some vague ideas and they listened to me carefully, went and… read more
(Excellent
)
5 Nov 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Dimitri & Jennifer)
I had Jennifer staying with me about two weeks at my retreat center in Costa Rica, while she was traveling by herself. She was a gem to find. I was hoping to have help in the kitchen for a retreat and she sure delivered. Not only is her cooking delicious, but she is very responsible, completely trustworthy and able to take charge. She works hard,… read more
(Excellent
)
20 Aug 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Sibeal)
Thank you Sibeal. It was such a pleasure having you here. I appreciate your help and your bright personality. And hey- You are the Quote Queen! I am soon able to hang up all those arty, fun quotes you made when the new building is ready.
(Excellent
)
31 Jul 2016
Left by Workawayer (Sibeal) for host
I had the best time with Johanna. The only thing I enjoyed more than the stunning nature and amazing yoga on offer was johannas company herself. She is such a warm and kind person, along with her gorgeous dogs, the only problem was that she is too nice and kept doing all the work herself while I lazed on a hammock!
I couldn't recommend this… read more
I couldn't recommend this… read more
