Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
23 Apr 2026
Reply rate
85.2 %
Usually responds within 3 days
Feedback
22
Email verified
Country info
Badges (3)
Details
Description
Hey traveler,
Thank you for stopping by.
Please read this carefully before contacting us.
We are Jon & Eva, a couple with over 20 years of experience in holistic health, retreats, and practices that support human consciousness and meaningful transformation.
Our path is rooted in regenerative culture, permaculture, and the wisdom shared by indigenous elders and close teachers from North and South America. These teachings have deeply shaped the way we live and work.
We are devoted to a way of life that is both ancient and evolving. One that restores our relationship with the Earth.
At the moment, we are in a transition phase.
For the past seven years, we have been living and growing our project "Madreselva"in Sintra on rented land. A 3 hectare plot in Sintra, nestled between the lush green forest and the ocean.
Recently, we purchased a 14 hectare property with native forest in Marvão, where we are beginning a new chapter.
Until June, we will be between both places.
From July onward, we will focus fully on building our home and developing our permaculture project in Marvão..
We plan to build slowly and consciously, enjoying the process. We are grateful to receive help along the way and to share experiences, knowledge, and meaningful connections.
Come join us, support the project, and grow together.
Volunteering with us in Azóia or Marvão will be a meaningful human experience and a beautiful opportunity for learning.
Please note:
• Minimum stay is 3 weeks
• We are not a community
• We are not vegetarian, but we happily provide a balanced vegetarian diet if you prefer
• We don’t have Wi-Fi, but mobile data works well in the area
• Madreselva is a place to discover new ways of living, learning, and connecting with beautiful people. However, it is not a place for those simply looking for an easy or cheap stay. We offer a high-quality, meaningful experience and expect our volunteers to be genuinely involved with the land and our vision
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
Interests
Van life
Technology
Sustainability
Self development
Farming
Events & social
Culture
Charity work
Writing
Plant care
Photography
History
Gardening
DIY & crafts
Cooking & food
Carpentry
Books
Art & design
Animals
Camping
Yoga / Wellness
Nature
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We hope you can benefit from the quietness and simplicity of this place, where life follows the rhythms of the Earth.
Our path is grounded, conscious, and practical. Expressed through working the land, caring for life, and cultivating a regenerative way of living. Permaculture is at the heart of what we do, not only as a set of techniques, but as a way of relating to the world with awareness and responsibility.
We are open, simple people who enjoy sharing stories, laughter, and meaningful moments. With many years of life experience, we hope to inspire you, and we are equally open to learning from you.
Together, we contribute, in small but real ways, to a more conscious and harmonious world.
Help
AZÓIA
•Small repairs and maintenance
•Chicken Coop care
•Cleaning
•Assisting in the kitchen
•Walk the dogs
MARVÃO
•Building
•Creating a vegetables garden
•Creating a agroforest
•Building an outdoors kitchen
•Building compostoilets and showers
And much more!
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Fluent
Portuguese: Fluent
Accommodation
The accommodation is in a cosy shared yurt (December to February) or camping tent (March to October).
Toilet: compost toilet
Shower: we have a very simple and beautiful outdoor shower set up.
Food/cooking: We love to eat and follow a healthy "flexitarian" diet.
We normally share all meals together.
We can drink a glass of wine once in a while, but we do not accept alcohol parties. With no exceptions.
What else ...
AZÓIA
All Sintra region is amazing.
There are many beautiful places to see around the area (mountains, ocean and cultural places).
There is bus transport from Azoia to Sintra, Cascais or other places and beaches along the seaside.
In Sintra or Cascais you can take the train to Lisbon.
We also have bikes to be used.
You can go to the beach on the wild Atlantic, visit the national parks and the stunning monuments in Sintra, Cascais or Mafra
Or just enjoy relaxing in the land!
MARVÃO
The Marvão region is beautiful and peaceful, surrounded by mountains, forests, and open landscapes.
There are many natural places to explore nearby (hiking trails, rivers, waterfalls, and natural swimming spots ) as well as historic villages like Marvão, Castelo de Vide, and Portalegre.
There is bus transport to nearby towns, and from Portalegre you can connect to other cities. Having your own car is helpful for exploring the area. We also have bikes available to use.
You can hike, swim in the river, visit castles and local markets, or simply relax and enjoy the quiet life on the land.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
My animals / pets
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback (17)
He did not communicate any problem, discomfort, or dissatisfaction. He offered no explanation at all and left the property without notifying us, which naturally caused… read more
Dani was, without a doubt, one of the best volunteers we’ve ever had.
From the very first day, he showed himself to be deeply respectful, and kind.
He brings a calm, positive, and generous presence that makes living and working together a real joy.
On top of that, he’s incredibly skilled!
It truly feels like… read more
I am more than grateful to Madreselva and its wonderful family, community.
Eva, John, their children and furry companions have created an otherworldly, magical place to heal and evolve in Sintra region (which by it self is an extraordinary location). Both Eva and John have a loving and wise… read more
Photos
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(4.9)
He did not communicate any problem, discomfort, or dissatisfaction. He offered no explanation at all and left the property without notifying us, which naturally caused… read more
Dani was, without a doubt, one of the best volunteers we’ve ever had.
From the very first day, he showed himself to be deeply respectful, and kind.
He brings a calm, positive, and generous presence that makes living and working together a real joy.
On top of that, he’s incredibly skilled!
It truly feels like… read more
I am more than grateful to Madreselva and its wonderful family, community.
Eva, John, their children and furry companions have created an otherworldly, magical place to heal and evolve in Sintra region (which by it self is an extraordinary location). Both Eva and John have a loving and wise… read more
Throughout his stay, Alex was kind, friendly, and brought a… read more
Eva is nothing short… read more
They live in a little green and beautiful paradise (dschungle vibes) and they have the cutest and most chilled dogs. And happy chickens ;)
I worked a lot in their garden and helped to make the grounds beautiful; carrying stuff, cleaning, sanding, varnishing new… read more
In return they expect you to take the work seriously and be responsible and hard working as well. So don't come here if you want to be lazy.
The location was also… read more
She was very committed, responsible and hard working.
Also very respectful and great company.
Dear Johanna, you'll be always welcome to Madreselva!
Thank you so much for your support and the good times together 🤗
The nature there is amazing, it's so green and I felt like I live in a little dschungle there in Eva and Jon's place. They created an absolute beautiful and peaceful place, between bamboo and trees, where you can just relax in a hammock and feel connected with the nature… read more
She was a great help and company at our place.
She would often would see things ahead and offer her help to solve the situations.
She's dedicated, inteligente, organized and a hard working volunteers.
We had a great time together .She will be always welcome at our place.
Thank you Leoni! 💛
Waking up in my tent to the pine trees and cuddles with the 3 beautiful dogs, feeding the chickens, sipping coffee whilst looking out at the yurts, sharing breakfast with the team whilst… read more
We would start the day over breakfast and provided priorities for the day. I did jobs such as varnishing, preparing retreat accommodation, and gardening. Both Eva and John provided great instructions. And their dogs are wonderful.
Waking up here every morning was super special.
I understood Eva and Jon as being simple yet very special,… read more
So I've stayed 10 Days with these bunch of Beautiful People Eva, Jona and Kamila also With 3 Beautiful Creatures Adur, Ema and Farah.
After spending times with them if i use just "Kind" word, i think that would be very less to express how much Humble people they are. I've learned a lot definitely, Obviously when… read more
Jon and Eva along with their lovely children hosted us like we were part of their family! inviting us to share in their daily lives while we still had plenty of time to explore the surrounding magic that is Sintra.
This is a very special… read more
