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100 %
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30 Sep 2025
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Description
Living by the Wisdom of the Land – Jarabacoa, DR
Our ancestors survived through interdependence, shared knowledge, and respect for the land. Here, Darlene and I honor those principles in our mountain home, surrounded by gardens, waterfalls, and forest—a peaceful, drama-free, healing space.
We follow permaculture principles: water management, hugelkultur terraces, soil regeneration, a young fruit forest, and an emerging forest garden. Bamboo we’ve harvested is used in small building projects. Life here follows the rhythm of the land, not the clock.
We welcome 1–2 volunteers for 1–2 week stays. Work includes gardening, small building projects, and assisting in the kitchen. Lunch is prepared together, other meals are your responsibility. Accommodation is in your own earthen cottage, with a shared bathroom if needed. Workdays: 8 a.m.–noon, a few hours afternoon, four days per week; three days free for rest, exploration, or reflection.
This is a sacred space—it’s not just about work. What matters most is exchange: sharing stories, insights, and energy. I am an international keynote speaker, author, and thought leader; Darlene is an entrepreneur. We hope you bring curiosity, presence, and intention.
To be considered, please share your personal goal: what do you hope to learn, unlearn, or contribute during your stay? This is not about earning a bed—it is about earning the right to be part of this journey.
If you are searching for meaning in simplicity, wisdom in the soil, and community in practice, we welcome your reflection.
— Neal & Darlene
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Elderly Companionship
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
Hospitality/Tourism
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
Interests
Culture
Sustainability
Self development
Politics / Social justice
Farming
Plant care
DIY & crafts
Carpentry
Books
Sailing / Boating
Outdoor activities
Nature
Mountain
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
The Gift of Presence in Jarabacoa
Our home in the mountains of Jarabacoa is a sanctuary of reflection, growth, and meaningful exchange. Volunteers join us not just to help in the garden, kitchen, or building projects, but to engage fully in the rhythms of this space.
The true value comes from being present—sharing stories, learning from our experiences, and building connections that endure. From creating a pizza together, to tending the forest garden, to hearing lessons from the sea or soil, every moment is an opportunity to grow.
We expect curiosity, respect, and openness. In return, you will leave with insights drawn from the land, lived experience, and the human bonds nurtured here. This is a shared journey into a mindful way of being—contributing with your hands, your heart, and your spirit.
Help
I am working in my garden of my food forest, pruning trees and doing some planting and managing the food forest. I also do some building and maintenance around the property, but that depends on many factors. I typically work from 8 am till lunch time, then till mid afternoon.
No building skills are needed as I will teach you how I need you to help me.
You must be willing to help out in the kitchen making meals. Hence you must be passionate about cooking. Breakfast and dinner is on you.
You will either be outside with me, or helping my wife, or both.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Beginner
Accommodation
You will have your own room, but may have to shift around depending on guest visits. If we have a second work away person staying, then your bathroom is shared. We expect you to keep your spaces tidy at all times, make your bed each day, keep your dishes washed and put away.
What else ...
We are 15 minutes outside of Jarabacoa in a very quiet gated community. Our estate is one of the best for nature, relaxing, meditation, yoga. We have an extensive electronic library so bring your computer and we will give you access to our reading collection that can positively impact your life. If you need a lot of stimulation from bars and nightclubs, then this is not for you. You are three hours from the beaches, but here is a lot of hiking, whitewater rafting and canyoning for off time in the area.
My wife and I are very easy going and enjoy both entertaining or quite relaxing time. We will find the right balance. Our hope is that this period is one of the most uplifting and possitive experiences of your travels.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
We have some wifi so if you need to put a few hours in as a digital nomad, it is possible to work here.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
My animals / pets
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback (6)
Their place is a little green paradise with lovely cottages that Neal is always trying to make it evolve as much as learn and play with it.
Neal's life is a example of how far willingness, perseverance and curiosity can lead you. Darlene was always cooking some delicious and… read more
It was a very good exchange!
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Their place is a little green paradise with lovely cottages that Neal is always trying to make it evolve as much as learn and play with it.
Neal's life is a example of how far willingness, perseverance and curiosity can lead you. Darlene was always cooking some delicious and… read more
It was a very good exchange!
