Join our adventurous family in beautiful Panglao, Philippines

Details

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  Description

  We’re intentionally selective about who we invite into our family and into this life-changing project. After over a year of hosting exceptional Workawayers (all great reviews ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐), we’re now entering a new and exciting chapter.
  
  We follow the spirit of the Workaway programme by planning approximately 4–5 hours of shared project time per day, five days each week, leaving plenty of free time to relax, explore Panglao, enjoy the beaches or join us for optional family adventures. We believe cultural exchange happens just as much over shared meals, conversations, local festivals and island adventures as it does while working on projects together
  
  We’re currently seeking a very small number of short-to-medium term stay, high-quality Workawayers who are grounded, proactive, and genuinely aligned with our ethos of learning through nature-play, exploration, adventure, experiential learning, conscious and sustainable travel, and contributing to authentic and meaningful outcomes.
  
  The opportunities we have to offer you are best suited to people who:
  - Have experience working with children, education, travel, creative fields, hospitality, or early-stage business environments
  - Are emotionally intelligent, curious, and comfortable taking initiative
  - Appreciate both structure and creative freedom
  - Value family, responsibility, and contributing to a shared vision
  
  We’re an adventurous Australian–Kiwi family who have transitioned from hosting Workawayers in our home (to support our children’s progressive/homeschool style education) to now redeveloping and operating a boutique 8-villa coastal and eco-resort in Panglao, Bohol.
  
  We’ve recently taken on the operation of a micro-resort with multiple self-contained villas, shared spaces to hang, and we're now developing yoga and wellness areas (e.g. ice bathing and a yoga/fitness pavilion), permaculture gardens to kitchen, outdoor play areas for families, and most importantly strong connections to the local Philippine community. We’re carefully inviting the right people to help bring our modern, wellness-focused, sustainable eco-resort to life, and also co-assist in homeschooling our children (5 and 7 years old) + adding flair to our eco-resort.
  
  Where you can contribute:
  Depending on your background and interests, we’re open to support across one or more of the following areas:
  (1) Children, learning and creativity: We value experience in experiential education, progressive learning, creative play, and caring for children in a calm, intentional environment.
  (2) Resort development, idea and operations: Grass-roots, hands-on support as we upgrade, organise, and refine our resort – from villa presentation and shared spaces to systems and day-to-day flow.
  (3) Digital, marketing & startup support tasks: For those with early-stage business or marketing experience, we welcome support in storytelling, visibility, and ethical growth across Western and offshore markets – without compromising our core values or authenticity
  
  We value people who think, not just do.
  
  About the live-in experience:
  Our property is spacious, peaceful, and well-connected:
  - 8 self-contained villas
  - Large swimming pool and shared common areas
  - On-site chef and shared family-style meals
  - High-speed internet for those who need to stay connected
  - Located just 15 minutes from Alona Beach, 8 minutes to Doljo beach and a 15-minute walk (5-min ride) to Momo Public Beach
  
  Workawayers will stay in, self-contained villa accommodation (air-conditioning, ensuite, kitchenette), with access to all common spaces. We host only a small number of people at a time to maintain a calm, respectful, family-focused environment. (please note: during busy times the unit might be shared with other workawayers/volunteers but will be same gendered)
  
  There is ample downtime to explore Panglao, enjoy the beach, hike, dive, or immerse yourself in local culture.
  
  A small note:
  We receive many enquiries, but we move forward with only a few. If this opportunity resonates, please tell us:
  - What specifically draws you to this experience
  - Where you feel you could meaningfully contribute
  - What kind of environment helps you to thrive and live to your fullest potential
  - What dates you are available
  
  Generic messages are unlikely to receive a response promptly. Core alignment matters more to us than 10 enquiries per day
  
  If this opportunity feels right, we’d love to hear from you.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Art Projects

  Language practice

  Help with Eco Projects

  Teaching

  Light gardening

  Creative DIY projects

  Babysitting and creative play

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house

  Hospitality/Tourism

  Light maintenance

  Help with Computers/ Internet
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  Interests

  

  Culture

  

  Videography

  

  Self development

  

  Sustainability

  

  Events & social

  

  Photography

  

  Cooking & food

  

  Music

  

  Art & design

  

  Yoga / Wellness

  

  Winter sports

  

  Hiking

  

  Water sports

  

  Outdoor activities

  

  Sailing / Boating

  

  Nature

  

  Fitness

  

  Camping

  

  Beach

  

  Adventure sports
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  Cultural exchange is central to what we do
  About us:
  - Ellen (Mum): Sustainability and environmental engineer from New Zealand, working remotely with a strong focus on wellness, yoga, and sustainable living.
  - Joel (Dad): Australian entrepreneur working across eco-tourism, outdoor education, digital marketing, and business development.
  - Kids: Curious, energetic, and creative (ages 7 and 5), learning through nature, play, and real-world experiences.
  - Local Team: Our Filipino team members are a core part of daily life, offering first-hand cultural knowledge, language exchange, and authentic local perspective.
  
  What else you’ll learn and experience
  - Insight into developing and operating a boutique eco-resort in the Philippines.
  - Exposure to sustainable living, local customs, and island life.
  - Opportunities to learn from local elders, staff, and community members.
  - Real-world experience across hospitality, education, and small-business systems.
  
  We welcome Workawayers who are open, respectful, and curious – and who value learning as much as contributing.
  
  We look forward to welcoming those who can become a part of our exciting journey, helping shape our children's early education, and contributing to our new way of doing life in a tropical paradise.

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  Projects involving children

  This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

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  Help

  A typical week: We follow the spirit of the Workaway programme by planning approximately 4–5 hours of shared project time per day, five days each week, leaving plenty of free time to relax, explore Panglao, enjoy the beaches or join us for optional family adventures.
  
  We believe cultural exchange happens just as much over shared meals, conversations, local festivals and island adventures as it does while working on projects together
  
  We’re looking for a small number of intentional, high-quality Workawayers who are excited by contributing to a growing boutique eco-resort and family-led project.
  
  Experience and background
  - Age: 20-39 years old.
  - Personality: A love for children, a passion for teaching, and a willingness to embrace a creative, hands-on approach to learning.
  - Experience in one or more of the following is highly valued: childcare or education, hospitality, guest experience, creative or digital work, or early-stage business environments.
  - A genuine interest in experiential learning, sustainability, and conscious travel.
  
  Mindset and personality
  - Grounded, proactive, and emotionally intelligent.
  - Comfortable working independently and taking initiative when needed.
  - Respectful, curious, and aligned with shared living and community values.
  
  Practical details
  - Commitment: Minimum stay of 3 weeks (extensions possible by mutual fit).
  - Environment: We host only a small number of Workawayers at a time to maintain a calm, high-quality living and working environment.
  - Our kids: Very creative and enjoy anything art, recreational, outdoors, nature and reading/writing.
  
  This placement is best suited to those seeking depth, learning, and meaningful contribution, becoming another family member
  
  What we are looking for with our children:
  - Preferably someone with experience either as an au-pair, childcare, tutoring, or babysitting with a love for life long learning.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  Maori: Intermediate
  Tagalog: Intermediate

  This host offers a language exchange
  This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
  You can contact them directly for more information.
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  Accommodation

  Workawayers stay within our boutique eco-resort setting, with private accommodation designed for comfort, focus, and rest.
  
  - Accommodation: self-contained villa or private room (depending on role and availability), with air-conditioning, ensuite bathroom, and workspace or kitchenette.
  - Shared Spaces: Access to resort common areas including a large swimming pool, outdoor lounge spaces, gardens, and dining areas.
  - Facilities: On-site chef, well-maintained grounds, and a peaceful environment suitable for creative, digital, or hospitality-focused roles. Hybrid outdoor-indoor communal kitchen
  - Connectivity: High-speed wifi/ internet (up to 200+ Mbps) throughout the property.
  
  Our accommodation is intentionally designed to balance privacy with community.

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  What else ...

  Why You'll Love It:
  - Beautiful beaches, vibrant local culture, and unforgettable outdoor adventures right on your doorstep.
  - Get involved in a growing family business that’s all about creating meaningful experiences and educational journeys for children.
  - Enjoy the opportunity to explore the Philippines in your downtime, with access to bikes, surf gear, and local tours.
  
  We can provide local transfers in our van or by motorbike (or you can borrow ours) so you can get around the local areas. We would also offer visiting iconic locations and coming along on private tours, so that you can visit new places without paying for them.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Can host digital nomads

  What we offer - Video Interview: If our project matches up with your enquiry and introduction message, and you advance to the next stage of your application with us, then we'll normally conduct an online meet and greet video call so you can meet us, get a feel for the vibes here, and also have a tour of our property. - A welcome booklet: On arrival you will receive a hard-copy welcome booklet, which will assist you with your time here, familiarise yourself with our property, expectations, guidelines and helpful tips and pointers. We may also send you a digital copy prior to your arrival so you can plan an prepare accordingly. - Accommodation: self-contained villa or private room within our boutique eco-resort (air-conditioning, ensuite bathroom, kitchenette or workspace depending on role). Full access to resort common areas including our large swimming pool, outdoor lounges, gardens, yoga and wellness spaces, communal outdoor kitchen and shared spaces with TVs, board-games, bamboo adventure playgrounds and chill zones like the tree-hammock areas. Note: during busy times you may need to share a dorm-style room, with a shared ensuite (same gender) and kitchenette. - Meals: Shared meals prepared with our on-site chef, featuring fresh Filipino and Western dishes. Workawayers are welcome to join in with cooking, share favourite recipes, or enjoy meals communally. We will also issue you with your own weekly food hamper including fresh fruit, vegetables, milk (oat, soy, almond, dairy, etc) , eggs, bread, butter all the essentials + unlimited coffee, tea, and drinking water - Internet: Fast, reliable Wi-Fi (up to 200+ Mbps) throughout the property – suitable for remote work, creative projects, or digital roles. - Time off: two days off per week, with flexible hours that allow time to explore Panglao Island, Bohol, nearby beaches, diving spots, cafés, and surrounding islands. (We generally schedule 5 contribution days each week and work the schedule in around your plans as well as project needs. Occasionally, and through mutual agreement, we may swap days to accommodate weather, guest arrivals, family activities, shared tours and boat trips - Open communication/feedback throughout your time here: We also are very flexible and have daily and weekly check-ins with workawayers to see how they are travelling, provide opportunities to raise concerns, or simply just review and adjust the days you are wanting to take off - this dynamic approach allows workawayers to plan multi-day trips away from our project. Eg. a recent workaway couple wanted to take 3 days to travel to a nearby island so we happily facilitated that as we want you to prioritise enjoying your time in the Phillipines, not just our project. - Transport: Access to bikes, motorbike (scooters), or TukTuk (vehicle) when required for outings, running errands, resort needs or local trips (subject to availability, license and experience). - Experiences and exploration: Opportunities to join us on local outings, cultural activities, all-day-boat-trips, tarsier land tours, beach days, cultural shows, and other tours as the resort evolves.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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  My animals / pets

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