Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
28 Mar 2024
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 3 days
Feedback
9
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Badges (2)
Details
Description
We are a meditation centre and off-grid land regeneration project, located on 90 Hectares of mostly forested hills, in SW Alentejo. Our aim is to to live in balance with nature, and to provide a supportive space for us and for others to practise meditation, Tai Chi, Qigong, Yoga and Martial Arts, and for connecting deeply with nature.
We have begun the work of restoring the forest, improving soils, increasing biodiversity and increasing the water-holding capacity of the land to halt the ongoing aridification.
Projects:
-Various areas transitioning to mixed productive agro-forestry with a lot of fruit and nut trees with biodiverse planting incorporating annual and perennial vegetable crops.
-Water retention earthworks
-Transforming eucalyptus monoculture areas to mixed timber biodiverse forest, whilst developing a wood business transforming eucalyptus timber into high quality furniture.
-Regenerative management of cork oak forest to increase biodiversity and health of the forest and ourselves!
- We always have various building projects on the go, using natural and local materials wherever possible.
Our diet is mostly vegan and organic, free from junkfood, and based on fruit and vegetables.
We are a no smoking and no alcohol environment.
We are looking for volunteers who can be responsible and who appreciate the peace and quiet we offer here. We appreciate open and honest communication.
It is the perfect place for someone who also wishes to deepen their own meditation, or who is really interested in learning or practising some Martial Arts or Qigong in their spare time. If meditation is not something you are interested in, it is probably not the place for you!
We are 3-5 adults. A 7 year old and a 2 year old are often around.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Farmstay help
Babysitting and creative play
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Between us we have experience in systems design, off-grid living, building in wood and mud, computer software, running businesses, body-mind-spirit practises, health and diet, aromatic and medicinal plants, natural gardening, permaculture, distilling wild herbs, flower essences.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
Depending on the time of year.....
LAND
Gardening, planting out, weeding, watering, seed saving, propagation.
Strimming, clearing land.
We always need help with forestry - clearing land, pruning trees, processing wood (chopping or chipping!).
BUILDING
We have some great natural building projects on-going, that you may have chance to help with.
We have some small carpentry jobs for someone with experience.
OTHER
This autumn there is a lot of clearing out, moving things around, reorganising of spaces and also clearing up around the building site.
Occasional child care.
Help with translation from English into Portuguese or Spanish for our websites.
Plant-based vegan food preperation
Help with harvesting and distilling wild herbs
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Portuguese: Fluent
Spanish: Intermediate
Italian: Beginner
Accommodation
A small caravan in the forest is the winter accommodation. It has a tiny wood stove to keep it warm and cosy. We provide sheets, pillows and pillow cases, and some blankets. It can get chilly at night, so if you have a warm sleeping bag do bring it, however if you do not have one, we can lend you more bedding. It is important to us that you are comfortable.
The mini-dome (as seen in the photos) may also be available if there are no other guests.
There are various tent options for the warmer months, located in the shade of the cork oak trees.
There are shared hot showers and compost toilets. And a shared outdoor kitchen.
There is also space for your own live-in vehicle.
We provide a shared organic vegan meal in the early evening which you will sometimes help to prepare. Breakfast and lunch you will usually prepare for yourself with the food available.
What else ...
We are 15 minutes from the train station and can pick-up for a cost of 10€. We are 25 minutes from the nearest town.
There are lots of other communities and alternative projects in the area, with occasional local markets and get-togethers.
We are 50 minutes drive from the wild beaches of the Atlantic Coast and there will be opportunities to got there.
If you are nearby and wish to come for a day or two to see if a longer stay would be good, that usually works well.
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?
Two
Hours expected
4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week
Feedback (4)
The atmosphere was calm, peaceful and indeed perfect for meditation and… read more
She also did some cleaning in the kitchen area - and left it in a very good state. She also played with our 6 year old resident.
Ramona… read more
Photos
Feedback
The atmosphere was calm, peaceful and indeed perfect for meditation and… read more
She also did some cleaning in the kitchen area - and left it in a very good state. She also played with our 6 year old resident.
Ramona… read more
Wishing her and… read more
He was always ready to offer a hand in the kitchen, and produced a few good meals.
He is quite a quiet person, happy to spend time on his own,… read more
