Learn bio-construction in a beachfront eco-friendly community in Nicaragua

Nicaragua

updated

Favourited 1215 times

Host rating
Feedback
57
Last activity
09/12/2019
Nº of Facebook friends
950
Reply rate
100.0 %
Average reply time:
within 8 days
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2019

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What's this?

Details

Description
We are an international community of people sharing the vision to make knowledge revolving around natural building free and accessible to the most amount of people possible. Because we make no money out of natural building, we are also a Lodge and retreat center to generate the income we need to pursue our mission.

Located on the Pacific coast of Isla Los Brasiles in Nicaragua, the lodge is a beachfront Eco-resort, co-living space and educational center where guests and volunteers can experience life in a community, learn about many things including sustainability, and contribute to the well being of the local communities.

We have decided to enact a social enterprise model rather than a traditional non-profit. Like this, we do not depend upon donations and can create long term sustainable projects with the local community.
Type of help
Gardening
Building
General Maintenance
Cooking / shopping
Help with Eco project
Help in the house
Helping with Tourists
Language practice
Art project
Teaching
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
You get to learn about permaculture and natural building, discover an other culture and their language (spanish). Get to live in a community where you meet people from all around the world. Learn about a bunch of other things, enjoy the beach, practice Yoga and do meditation.
Help
From Monday to Friday, the days start with a free optional yoga session and breakfast. It is followed by a morning routine including watering plants & trees and general cleanliness of premises. We then gather for 3-4 hours guided hands-on bio-construction workshop comprises of different building techniques like cob, light straw, round wood carpentry, earthen floor, natural plaster, thatch roof, etc. Time to time, we organize community projects like beach cleaning and encourage the creation of art projects. We sometimes need people to help in the kitchen. Weekends are off for everyone
Languages spoken
french, english, spanish
Accommodation
We have a beautiful forested area where you can camp with your own gear. If you don`t have any gear or need more comfort, you can rent a cabana or a space in the dormitory.
What else ...
Apart from learning about sustainability, volunteers can enjoy activities such as sunset volleyball, surfing, horseback riding, yoga, acro yoga meditation, flow arts and a variety of workshops. We also dance our butts off and drop into ceremonies when appropriate. We also encourage volunteers to organize workshops or retreats at the lodge so they can share their knowledge, make extra income and learn how to live out of their passion.
A little more information
- Internet access
- Limited internet access
- We have pets
- We are smokers
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
Maximum 25 hours a week
This host charges a fee
read more
Why does workaway.info allow listings of hosts who charge money?
In developing countries (Where most hosts are involved in charity work or community development) some of our hosts may ask for a small donation to help the host family or charity (often less then 5 dollars per day) Workaway will allow this listing when the donation goes directly to the family or charity and is just to cover the cost of the volunteer‘s stay. (This will be clearly marked on the host listing).
We will strictly not allow listings posted by agents, “middle men” or projects who we feel are looking to profit from a volunteers stay.

US$5 per day to help with food costs

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Feedback left by and about host (57)

08/03/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Paula & Juan Ignacio)

Wow!
Paula, Nacho and koe ... what an amazing family. The energy and happiness that they share is so beautiful and contagious. From the first moment they arrived till the moment they left they were very helpfull and knowledgeable. They had a lot of initiative and were doing more than expected. The kid is adorable and they are so organised to take… read more

(Excellent )

30/08/2018

Left by Workawayer (Faith) for host

This was such an unbelievable experience, and and one of my favorites thus far! I spent just shy of two weeks on this beautiful island with upwards to 35+ people at times during April of 2018.

A quick rundown of a day there - you wake up & eat some delicious oatmeal for breakfast, start your daily tasks (mainly included cobbing, watering plants,… read more

(Excellent )

11/07/2018

Left by Workawayer (SERGIO ANDRE JOSE) for host

I spent two seasons here and I look forward to going back this season. While there I learned a lot more than I realized about natural building, carpentry and health & wellness.

My profile picture was in fact taken during my time at CDEP and it represents a time where I felt healthiest, most vital and most alive.

Every day I would cover myself… read more

(Excellent )

20/05/2018

Left by Workawayer (Mary) for host

I spent a lovely month working at this project. The people are wonderful and the location is stunning. While I was there we were between 18 and 44 people which can be a little overwhelming at first but it is well worth the time it takes to know everyone. The project is on the beach which boasts warm water, beautiful waves, and soft sand. Most of… read more

(Excellent )

11/05/2018

Left by Workawayer (Gaelle) for host

I spent my last week of my travel in nicaragua here and it has been an amazing last week!!!! This project is really interesting if like me u want to learn about alternative eco-friendly ways of living! I learned how to makecob and helped constructing an ecolodge with this technique, i learned how to make ur own eco paint and could start a mural, i… read more

(Excellent )

29/04/2018

Left by Workawayer (Juliette) for host

I have done 18 workaways all around the world but this one was definitely special !
I came here to learn a bit more about eco construction and after three weeks there, I realized that I've been learning much more about the human aspect of life in community.
I left as a new person and discovered so much about myself that I'll always thank this… read more

(Excellent )

22/04/2018

Left by Workawayer (Noah) for host

Sorry for my late feedback.
I love this place. It is just amazing. Its the perfect combination of work-learn and fun!
I could just stay there for three weeks but I am defenitly coming back to this place. The people, the place and the project is just unforgettable!
See you soon.

(Excellent )

12/04/2018

Left by Workawayer (Ben) for host

Spent two weeks at the project and had an amazing time. The volunteers make the place as everyone has a great spirit and approach to being there and being present. You also get the opportunity to learn a lot of new skills each day through the work and workshops. Highly recommend staying for a few weeks!

(Excellent )

23/03/2018

Left by Workawayer (Michele & STEFANIA) for host

All the words of this world can’t be enough to say how beautiful ,how amazing is this project.
We were really interested in cob building and community life...well,we found a family!!
Everyday is a blessing at this project,
everynight under thousands of stars you go to sleep full of gratitude for all the learning and the sharing of the day.
Thank… read more

(Excellent )

10/03/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Cristian)

Cristian came all the way from Spain to learn about eco construction. The thing is that HE is the one who taught us ! This guys know a lot about everything that we do here. Hyper-sociable and deeply loved by every single person that knew him !
Cristian you left you mark here and you are more than welcome to come back whenever you want!

(Excellent )

17/02/2018

Left by Workawayer (Josh) for host

What a magical place.
My time here overflowed with learning and connections; to the beautiful land, with the various projects going on within it (you'll have the choice of various tasks, depending on your skillsets and passions)- and to the beautiful and vibrant collective of people volunteering and running the project.
The atmosphere is always… read more

(Excellent )

30/01/2018

Left by Workawayer (Kate) for host

WHAT AN AMAZING PLACE! If you’re unsure, just do it. You’ll get something out of it. Ghislain is such a selfless, caring and open guy. He always made sure we learnt so much about natural building and everything that helps it run the project - ask him anything and he’ll take the time. You don’t just mindlessly work - it’s engaging and he really… read more

(Excellent )

19/01/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Vicky)

She's the best!

(Excellent )

17/01/2018

Left by Workawayer (Catrina & Tom) for host

We spent about 2 weeks with the project and had an INCREDIBLE time. It was beautiful to wake up early each morning and do 4 hours of fun, challenging, inspiring and creative work. The rest of our day consisted of lazing in hammocks, swimming at the beach, doing yoga, playing volleyball and watching the amazing sunsets. Food is delicious and… read more

(Excellent )

15/10/2017

Left by Workawayer (Nicola & Francis ) for host

We both stayed at G's for 2 months and did'nt think to fall in love so much.
Many things to learn, many people to meet.
A perfect vibe to surf on during winter !
Would defenitly go back once again.
Thanks again fo that great opportunity.

(Excellent )

25/05/2017

Left by Workawayer (Matthew & Jade) for host

G is an OG. His project is 'lovely' and we had one of the best times of our lives here. The beach is beautiful and getting back to nature is invaluable. We met some amazing people and learned a lot of new skills. The veggie food was amazing (thanks Marijo and others). The work was really good and varied with the perfect work/life balance. Taking a… read more

(Excellent )

08/05/2017

Left by Workawayer (Andy & Emily) for host

We had a really amazing 2 weeks at the eco project and this is especially due to the people that we met during our stay. We are very honoured to be the first guests to stay in one of the cabañas. The community feel here is excellent, with new people arriving almost every day. We cooked all meals together - the most excellent veggie food! Every day… read more

(Excellent )

30/04/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Valerie)

Valerie is a really energetic, hard working and reliable person.

She is really autonomiste and integrate well with a group.

She stay with us for about a month and she will always be welcome to come back. I would recommend her help for any type of project.

Tchuss!

(Excellent )

21/04/2017

Left by Workawayer (Ben & shannon) for host

Awesome project in such a beautiful environment! I just wish we could have stayed longer. I was very sick so had to leave early unfortunately after about 8 days, I would have loved to have stayed and really got more involved. However I learnt so much in such a short space of time there. The project is very exciting and you can really see what it… read more

(Excellent )

10/03/2017

Left by Workawayer (robert) for host

The project was an incredible experience, led by the pure vision of Ghislain. He is not only a good teacher and leader, but really kept the group laughing and engaged along the way. I arrived to the project with intention of learning Cob, and after staying two weeks, I walked away having made beautiful friends and a much deeper connection to… read more

(Excellent )

07/03/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Ellen)

Ellen is such a great human beeing! She is smiley and always ready to help. She has a great sense of humor for a German ( just kiding).

Seriously I have over 200 volunteers a year but I will remember her!

She is very special and it's great to have her around.

Peace!

Ghislain

(Excellent )

02/03/2017

Left by Workawayer (Ellen) for host

Ghislain! I told you already but I will tell you again! What an awesome thing it is you have going on over there! My 10 days with the host were were great! The work was a good combination of learning and a lot of fun. Ghislains humor (I am not German!;)) made me go nuts from time to time, but in a good way.

The way he interacts with all the… read more

(Excellent )

02/03/2017

Left by Workawayer (Nora & Nicholas) for host

Fresh off the plane from los Estados Unidos, my boyfriend Nick and I made our way down from Managua to the eco project in Isla los Brasiles. We could not have chosen a better place, project, or community to have begun our journey across Central America with. We stayed here for just over two weeks and had a phenomenal time. Not only did we learn… read more

(Excellent )

01/03/2017

Left by Workawayer (RaeAnn & Todd) for host

Our family of three had a great two weeks living and volunteering. Everyone at the project was great with our 8 year-old daughter and included her when she decided she wanted to be included.... The help was good, sometimes hard and rewarding - we are excited to follow the progress and come back someday. It was great to learn how to lay floors… read more

(Excellent )

24/02/2017

Left by Workawayer (Sandy) for host

What an amazing experience it was to stay at the eco project! I'm really happy I could take part in Ghislain's ambitious and beautiful project. Living there is a mix of learning eco construction, making new friends from all over the world, meeting locals, swimming in the ocean, watching amazing sunsets and having a lot of fun. The place itself is… read more

(Excellent )

22/02/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Tonka)

Tonka is a really hard working girl with a lot of knowledge. It is good to have her around and I would recomment her help for your projects. Thank you Tonka

(Good )

24/01/2017

Left by Workawayer (Tonka) for host

I was trield with idea to bild eco lodge so I join the project even I hade never been camping even in Europe after my sixteen even in Europa. I was amazed. This was a first group this year and we have to pich up the kley and send in the river to start bilding. It was hard work but fun. I enjoyed very much and I slept on palapa platforme and waking… read more

(Excellent )

09/02/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Phoebe & Shannon)

Phoebe and Shannon!

What a great couple! Always there to help with a smile on their face and a good sense of humor.

I would definetely recommend them for other host!

Take care guys and great Musique Shannon!

Peace!

(Excellent )

18/01/2017

Left by Workawayer (Phoebe & Shannon) for host

We had a great time at the eco project. Although we were only there for a short time we both learnt lots about making and building with cob. Ghislain is a really great guy. Always positive, making things fun and making sure everyone gets something out of the workaway. The location is also pretty special. It can get quite hot but its really nice… read more

(Excellent )

23/08/2016

Left by Workawayer (Naomi) for host

My husband & I were most fortunate to volunteer here.Ghislain the trailblazer made sure of that with his wonderful collaborative attitude,always sharing his love and knowledge of sustainable building.It was an invaluable experience,one that left an indelible impression on us.Amidst a tropical paradise away from all human conveniences you'll find a… read more

(Excellent )

23/05/2016

Left by Workawayer (Simon & Elly) for host

This was an awesome experience! A great little community on the edge of the beach. This is a workaway where you can walk away with some actual new knowledge of something. Very informative, friendly, and all round great time.
Cheers for the laughs,
Simon and Elly.

(Excellent )

22/05/2016

Left by Workawayer (Daniel) for host

What a way to spend 2 weeks! Such a shame we couldn't have stayed longer but was also good to be there at the end of the season. Great experience working with natural building as i didn't know what to expect, Ghislain made it fun and educational. Great group of people, the area is a paradise, I will definitely be returning one day.

Thanks for… read more

(Excellent )

18/05/2016

Left by Workawayer (Robbie) for host

This was such a great experience working with G on his sustainable building project. Everyday was a fun day, stomping in mud, and mixing cobb with our feet. I loved our communal meals everyday, and hanging out on the beach at night. G was the man! He was so patient with all the volunteers and made sure that we learned a task thoroughly. G… read more

(Excellent )

30/04/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Alix)

Thank you Alix for your help on the project and you amazing improvised yoga classes!

I wish you all the best in the future and come back one day!

Peace

Ghislain

(Excellent )

29/04/2016

Left by Workawayer (Alix) for host

Ghislain --
Amazing project, place, people. You have so much passion and patience and I am inspired by you to do big things in this world while I am alive and able.
Any one looking for an amazing work-exchange, go here. The food is plentiful, delicious, and healthy, the place is magnificent and will only continue to get better. I had such a… read more

(Excellent )

30/04/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Andrew)

Thank you Mate!

It was so nice to have you here!

keep your humour and positivity and good luck in your future plans

Peace!

Ghislain

(Excellent )

29/04/2016

Left by Workawayer (Andrew) for host

What a truly great chap Ghislain is. You learn an incredible amount in the time you spend there and G is clearly passionate about the project he is doing. What is great about this place is how real it feels. It is a genuine attempt to build something that lasts using environmentally-friendly materials and methods. Was a pleasure to be a part of… read more

(Excellent )

14/04/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Ronja)

Thank you so much Ronja for your nice words!

It was a pleasure to have you here and you are definetely welcome to come back whenever you want.

I wish you all the best!

Ghislain

(Excellent )

14/04/2016

Left by Workawayer (Ronja) for host

Unfortunately I was only able to stay and work at the future eco lodge for a bit less than a week but I had the best time. G is a patient, funny and energetic teacher who makes building houses out of cob seem so simple. I had so much fun producing the cob, adding new layers to the building and the most enjoyable job: blustering the walls of the… read more

(Excellent )

30/03/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Robin & Gabriella)

It was a pleasure to have you here!

You are more than welcome to come back at anytime!

All the best for your next plans!

Ghislain

(Excellent )

30/03/2016

Left by Workawayer (Robin & Gabriella) for host

One week well spent at the ecolodge! We learn so much here, the other volonteers were super nice and this project is really inspiring. One regret: we left before Ghislain came back from the city. By the way, we are excited about how the ecolodge will grow, and we will surely come back to see it!

(Very good )

30/03/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (ryan)

Thank you guys for everything!

I hope to see you soon too!

Peace

(Excellent )

22/03/2016

Left by Workawayer (ryan) for host

We stayed here for three weeks, and had a fantastic time!
Ghislain is a really knowledgeable guy, and always happy to teach what he knows.

Being part of the creation of what is already starting to look like an amazing ecolodge was a great experience that is far from being in a commercial hostel.
Daily help consisted of working with cob, light… read more

(Excellent )

17/03/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Liesl & Iain)

Thank you guys for your great words!

It was awesome to have you here!

I wish you all the best to come!

(Excellent )

17/03/2016

Left by Workawayer (Liesl & Iain) for host

My girlfriend and I had our first volunteering experience here and it was awesome.

We stayed about 10 days, helping build huts using natural materials (cob and lightstraw). Ghislain, who runs the project, has an incredible amount of energy, enthusiasm, patience and empathy. He understands that volunteers come to learn new skills, so he ensures… read more

(Excellent )

05/03/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Troy & Rebecca)

I miss you already come back!

I was so nice to have you both guys here!

Your positivity was an asset for this project and you did a great job with the pizza oven.

Thanks for everything!

(Excellent )

02/03/2016

Left by Workawayer (Troy & Rebecca) for host

This was the greatest time we had on our entire trip. The pure brilliance of ghislain as he manifests his intelligence to coordinate volunteers on numerous Eco projects is nothing short of astonishing. We were blessed with perfect night skies gleaming all its astral untainted wonders and woke up to yoga on the 12 km beach with only Pelicans to… read more

(Excellent )

05/03/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Nicholas & Aya)

Thank you so much for taking the time to write a feedback.
It was a pure pleasure to have you here.
Thanks again for your help and you are welcome whenever you want.!

(Excellent )

05/03/2016

Left by Workawayer (Nicholas & Aya) for host

Ghislain is an absolute star, and the eco project is the dream this fireball guy is projecting in to the world.

The guys got a few basic rules which are simple to follow. The days are interesting and its genuinely impressive yet simple to work with cob.

This was our first workaway experience and as you can guess... It is pretty much exactly what… read more

(Excellent )

02/03/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Elsa & Simon)

Thank you very much for your hel Elsa!

It was really nice to have you here and of course you are welcome next year!

Take care!

Ghislain

(Excellent )

29/02/2016

Left by Workawayer (Elsa & Simon) for host

First workaway experience for me and it was great. I spent a week with amazing people, creative and inspiring souls that I won't forget. Ghislain is very welcoming, he is passionate about his project and loves to share what he knows... and he's always open to new ideas and propositions. I definitely hope I'll be able to come back next year ! Thank… read more

(Excellent )

19/02/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Sylvie)

Thank you guys!

It was a pleasure to have you here!

I wish you all the best for the future and you are always welcome to come back here.

Peace!

(Excellent )

14/02/2016

Left by Workawayer (Sylvie) for host

We stayed for two weeks here and it was a highlight of our trip. Ghislain's a really smart guy with a great vision for his project. He's inspiring and motivating and really knows how to bring people together. Building with cob is simple and straightforward and the swim at the beach after is well deserved. You will meet lots of colourful… read more

(Excellent )

07/02/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Courtnee)

Courtnee and Ethan ... ah what a great couple. Thank you so much guys for your help. If you want to have a great time with 2 amazing human beeing, hear funny canadian songs played with a Ukulele and and hard workers with a touch of leadership... take them they are perfect!
Enjoy the rest of your trip and see you again one day hey!

(Excellent )

22/01/2016

Left by Workawayer (Courtnee) for host

My partner and I visited for a week, we'll that was the plan. We decided to stay for two weeks because we were having loads of fun. It's pretty rustic and you are truly camping with nature, we love this so it was great. It was neat to be hands on the first day we started work. If you want to learn about natural building materials you should come… read more

(Excellent )

07/02/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Sara)

Thank you so much Sara! You have been a great help to the project and I wish you all the best for the rest of yor trip!

(Excellent )

01/02/2016

Left by Workawayer (Sara) for host

I've been here for only one week, but I would have loved to stay longer!
It was my first Workaway experience and it has been exactly what I was hoping it to be: I've learned a lot about natural building (even if I had never done it before, Ghislain was so kind to explain me it all), I've met wonderful people and I was sorrounded with nature of a… read more

(Excellent )

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Host ref number: 717369358953

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