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Unique luxury eco resort and hostel in Venecia, Antioquia, Colombia

Disponibilité

  2026 

 Séjour min. souhaité : Au moins une semaine

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Infos

  • Description

    Description

    UPDATED: 3 AUGUST 2026

    STOP.

    BEFORE READING ANY FURTHER...

    THIS IS WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR RIGHT NOW.

    If you fit one of these roles, keep reading.

    If not, we still welcome applications from talented people with unusual and useful skills, but these are our current priorities.

    ---

    1. RESIDENT RETREAT HOST, LONG TERM

    Ideal stay: 3 to 6 months

    This is our highest-priority position and one of the most trusted roles on the property.

    We are looking for one highly capable person who combines wellness experience, hospitality, initiative and practical common sense.

    The position begins with our standard volunteer exchange of approximately 20 hours per week, including breakfast and accommodation. Because this role includes additional responsibility, the exact upgraded duties, schedule and benefits will be discussed and agreed upon individually before acceptance.

    This is not a short-term position. It requires interviews and approval from multiple members of our team.

    REQUIRED SKILLS

    • Conversational English and Spanish
    • Experienced massage therapist
    • Yoga instructor
    • Breathwork facilitator
    • Comfortable leading regular group wellness activities
    • Confident communicating with guests and local staff
    • Responsible, organized and able to work independently

    HIGHLY DESIRED SKILLS

    • Sound bath facilitation
    • Guided meditation
    • Ecstatic dance
    • Drum circles
    • Ice bath facilitation
    • Barista skills and coffee education
    • Live acoustic music
    • Hospitality or retreat experience

    THE ROLE

    The Resident Retreat Host helps create the daily rhythm of the property through activities such as morning yoga, breathwork, sunset yoga, sound baths, guided meditation or other wellness experiences.

    The role also includes acting as an overseer for the hostel and house areas where they live.

    This does not mean replacing our cleaning staff.

    Instead, the Resident Retreat Host helps make sure:

    • Cleaning teams complete their work properly
    • Guest areas remain organized and maintained to the expected standard
    • Property rules are understood and followed
    • Furnishings, equipment and household items remain accounted for
    • Private accommodations are checked before and after rentals
    • Problems are identified and communicated before they become larger issues

    The right person should be comfortable taking ownership of their environment rather than waiting for someone else to notice every problem.

    UPGRADED TERMS

    Depending on the final duties and level of responsibility agreed upon, the upgraded arrangement may include:

    • Private bedroom
    • Access to a shared private kitchen
    • Extra meals per day
    • Greater independence and access
    • Additional privileges appropriate to the role
    • The possibility of becoming a long-term member of the community

    The complete responsibilities, time commitment and upgraded benefits will be discussed directly with suitable applicants.

    PAID MASSAGE WORK

    Massage therapy is separate from the volunteer exchange.

    Massage sessions are income-producing services and are paid on an agreed percentage basis. We provide the treatment space, equipment and necessary supplies.

    Applicants who offer only one or two of the required wellness skills may still be considered for a standard volunteer placement, but the Resident Retreat Host position is intended for someone who can cover the core combination of massage therapy, yoga and breathwork.

    ---

    2. ARTISTS WHO WANT TO LEAVE THEIR MARK

    We are looking for skilled artists who want to create something permanent.

    We are not looking for small decorative projects that disappear into storage after a few months.

    We want memorable work that becomes part of the landscape, buildings and identity of the property.

    We are especially interested in:

    • Sculptors
    • Large-scale installation artists
    • Interactive artists
    • Muralists
    • Metal artists
    • Wood carvers
    • Potters and ceramicists
    • Mosaic artists
    • Large-scale weavers
    • Artists who work with natural or reclaimed materials
    • Creative builders who combine art and function

    We have abundant natural clay and are interested in developing pottery and earthenware workshops. We can also explore building a kiln and creating dedicated spaces for different crafts.

    One of our long-term goals is for visiting artists to continually leave behind permanent work.

    A sculpture in the forest.

    An interactive installation.

    A strange bench nobody has seen before.

    A massive woven piece between the trees.

    Something useful, beautiful, ridiculous or impossible to ignore.

    If you can create something that makes people stop, stare and say “holy shit,” we want to talk.

    ---

    3. HANDS-ON MAKERS AND SPECIALISTS

    We value people who know how to make, repair or improve something with their hands.

    We are particularly interested in:

    • Carpenters
    • Woodworkers
    • Furniture makers
    • Welders
    • Metal fabricators
    • Stoneworkers
    • Mosaic artists
    • Potters and ceramicists
    • Wood carvers
    • Creative landscapers
    • Garden designers
    • Large-scale weavers
    • Skilled baristas and coffee educators
    • Musical instrument makers
    • Creative builders
    • People who can design and organize practical workshops

    We like people who walk into an unfinished space and immediately begin imagining what it could become.

    The best fit is someone who can develop an idea, explain what is needed and then help bring it to life.

    ---

    THE STANDARD VOLUNTEER EXCHANGE

    Our standard volunteer exchange is approximately 20 hours per week.

    In return, we provide:

    • Accommodation in a shared room
    • Breakfast prepared each morning at one of our restaurants
    • Access to many of the property’s common and recreational areas when available

    Room arrangements depend on availability and the location of your project.

    People who bring exceptional skills, take on additional responsibilities or become important long-term members of the community may be offered upgraded arrangements.

    Any additional duties, meals, accommodation or privileges will be discussed and agreed upon individually.

    ---

    WHAT THE F**K ARE WE DOING?

    Honestly, I ask myself that almost every day.

    Ultimately, we have been creating something that is difficult to describe.

    Imagine being given permission to build the things you dreamed about as a child.

    An Ewok-style village in the trees.

    Giant swings overlooking the mountains.

    Hidden trails.

    Natural pools.

    Unusual buildings.

    Art appearing in places where nobody expects it.

    That is essentially what happened here.

    We mix nature, art and slightly unreasonable ideas.

    Sometimes the art is subtle.

    Sometimes it takes over an entire wall, building or section of forest.

    Very little is automatically off limits.

    When someone brings us a strange but compelling idea, our first question is usually:

    “Can we actually build that?”

    ---

    WHERE ARE WE?

    We have two main locations near Medellín, outside the town of Venecia.

    THE TOWN LOCATION

    Our town location includes a social, resort-style hostel with a large pool, food and a relaxed atmosphere.

    It is casual, active and occasionally lively.

    Think tropical social space where people can meet, relax, eat, swim and have fun.

    The same location also contains a large warehouse intended to become an industrial-style food hall, entertainment venue and creative art space.

    That project is currently moving slowly, but almost every wall, floor and empty area still has creative potential.

    THE ECO PROPERTY

    Our second location is a 32-acre eco property surrounded by forest and mountains.

    It includes freshwater springs, multiple pools, trails, extensive gardens, unusual architecture and a growing collection of art integrated into the landscape.

    This is generally not a party location.

    It is calm, private and designed for people who want to slow down, disconnect from noise and reconnect with nature.

    Occasionally, however, we throw one hell of a party.

    ---

    WHY WE BUILT IT

    The eco property began with the goal of creating a place that could genuinely help people.

    We host nonprofit retreats supporting veterans, first responders and people affected by PTSD. We intend to expand these programs to support additional communities in the future.

    Over several years, we have planted tens of thousands of trees and plants, restored damaged land and watched wildlife return.

    The property is now recognized as an ecological preserve.

    Our town project has a different purpose.

    It was created to attract visitors, support local employment and help strengthen the economy of Venecia.

    In the future, we also intend to use our properties for free children’s camps and other community programs.

    ---

    WHO DOES WELL HERE?

    People with initiative.

    People who notice what needs attention.

    People who bring solutions, not just observations.

    Artists.

    Craftspeople.

    Wellness practitioners.

    Builders.

    Problem solvers.

    Strange creative minds.

    People who do not need every step explained before they begin.

    We are not looking for volunteers to replace our employees.

    Around 60 paid staff members currently work across our properties.

    You may collaborate with members of the local team, but your purpose is to contribute specialized skills, creative work and experiences that add something different.

    ---

    A LITTLE ABOUT US

    SHANE

    I am a half-crippled, medically retired U.S. Army veteran who still refuses to slow down.

    I move quickly, talk quickly and usually have too many projects happening at once.

    My humor is dry, dark and occasionally inappropriate, but it is all in good fun.

    AUSRA

    Originally from Lithuania, with a background in fashion.

    She is creative, open-minded, caring and almost never seen without dogs nearby.

    She contributes much of the artistic direction while exploring wellness and spirituality.

    ANDREW

    Another major source of creative ideas.

    Highly social, extremely optimistic and occasionally difficult to follow.

    He has a genuine gift for imagining what a place could become and can tell a five-minute story in slightly under an hour.

    ---

    A FINAL NOTE

    We have repeatedly been told that this is one of the best Workaway experiences people have had.

    Several former volunteers liked Venecia enough that they never really left and now live in the area permanently.

    This is not a polished corporate environment.

    It is an evolving collection of ambitious projects, unusual people, nature, art and controlled chaos.

    It will not be the right place for everyone.

    For the right person, it is an opportunity to experience somewhere extraordinary, become part of something unusual and leave behind something real.

  • Types d'aide et opportunités d'apprendre

    Types d'aide et opportunités d'apprendre

    Bénévolat
    Projets artistiques
    Aide avec des éco-projets
    Jardinage d'entretien
    Projets DIY créatifs
    Accueil / tourisme
    Petits travaux d'entretien
  • Centres d’intérêt

    Centres d’intérêt

    Vie en van
    Dev. personnel
    Dev. durable
    Animaux de compagnie
    Ferme
    Bénévolat
    Événements/vie sociale
    Culture
    Soin des plantes
    Arts du spectacle
    Photographie
    Musique
    Jardinage
    Bricolage / artisanat
    Cuisine et alimentation
    Menuiserie
    Art et design
    Architecture
    Animaux
    Sports d'aventure
    Cyclisme
    Activités en plein air
    Sports nautiques
    Yoga / bien-être
    Nature
    Fitness
    Camping
    Montagne
    Danse
    Randonnée
  • Objectifs de développement durable de l’ONU que cet hôte essaie d'atteindre

    Objectifs de développement durable de l’ONU que cet hôte essaie d'atteindre

    Objectifs de l’ONU
    Pas de pauvreté
    Faim «zéro»
    Bonne santé et bien-être
    Éducation de qualité
    Égalité entre les sexes
    Eau propre et assainissement
    Énergie propre et d'un coût abordable
    Travail décent et croissance économique
    Industrie, innovation et infrastructure
    Inégalités réduites
    Villes et communautés durables
    Consommation et production responsables
    Mesures relatives à la lutte contre les changements climatiques
    Vie aquatique
    Vie terrestre
    Paix, justice et institutions efficaces
    Partenariats pour la réalisation des objectifs
  • Echange culturel et opportunités d'apprendre

    Echange culturel et opportunités d'apprendre

    Our mother property is on an eco/archeological site, a short hike from the worlds largest natural formed pyramid, a sacrificial alter, waterfalls, nature trails, etc.

    We guarantee you will leave here feeling satisfied with your experience or your money back. It will be fun and we hope it will open your eyes to new possibilities!

  • Aide

    Aide

    ***Things that must be said***

    Be cool man, we've had our issues with people coming and trashing the place, not doing what they came for, etc. Please don't be that person.
    Be a self starter, not someone who needs constant attention as we are very busy and don't have much time to work one on one with each person.
    Be a diligent volunteer, think (if I lived here or if this was my place, what would I expect) and we will do the same.

  • Langues parlées

    Anglais: Courant
    Espagnol: Courant
    Lithuanian: Courant
    Russe: Intermédiaire

  • Hébergement

    Hébergement

    Private as well as shared rooms.

    The accommodations:
    We are 1hr (sometimes more) outside of Medellin, Colombia. The weather here is spring time year round sometimes wet, sometimes dry.
    The town the property is located in is called Venecia, it is the gateway to Antioquia and centralized between 4 major areas. It is a small town that has a growing tourist industry.

    Our accommodations include
    Site 1:
    -34 hostel rooms, private or shared

    Site 2
    -30 hostel beds
    -3 private rooms
    -15 hotel rooms
    -4 private cabanas

  • Autres infos...

    Autres infos...

    What to do at the working/living location:
    We have a pool, sauna, lounge area, bar, restaurant, probably missing some other things. It's a great spot to be.

    At our mother property about 10 min away:
    We have nature trails, swimming holes, pools, giant swings and hikes on site.
    There are archeological sites within walking distance and our property is located on one of them.

    We have a private gym in town that is free to use with cable machines, free weights, ropes and everything else you could possibly need in a small bodega located in the center of town. Limited on cardio equipment, we prefer to be outside for that. There are a bunch of hiking spots located around the area from on site hikes from the mirador to the cascades that range from easy to extremely difficult. In the area there are waterfall swimming holes, places to walk, run, swim, etc.

    The town is up and coming, in the few years we've been here we have watched it transform from a small country town to a clean weekend getaway with dining and salsa in the park. There a hipster style coffee shop in town, bakeries and many smaller cafes, bars, restaurants, gellato, etc. The square is always bustling with people hanging around and just enjoying each other's company but there are no movie theatres or shopping malls, etc. This is a town that values in person conversations, community relations and simple pleasures but also parties hard on weekends/holidays as is the Colombian culture.

  • Informations complémentaires

    Informations complémentaires

    • Accès Internet

    • Accès Internet limité

      Accès Internet limité

    • Nous avons des animaux

    • Nous sommes fumeurs

    • Familles bienvenues

  • Possibilité d’accueillir les digital nomads

    Possibilité d’accueillir les digital nomads

    We have high speed internet on site.

  • Espace pour garer des vans

    Espace pour garer des vans

    We have a few nice size parking lots, perfect for camping.

  • Possibilité d'accueillir les animaux

    Possibilité d'accueillir les animaux

    So long as your pet is well trained and not a furry terrorist, we can make it work.

  • Combien de volontaires pouvez-vous accueillir ?

    Combien de volontaires pouvez-vous accueillir ?

    Plus de 2

  • Mes animaux

    Mes animaux

    Otis

    Morla

    Tortoise, she runs these parts

    Adin

    Sasha

N° de référence hôte : 573652564674

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