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Chocolate Paradise in the tropical jungle of Ometepe Island, Nicaragua

Nicaragua
Last activity : 31 Oct 2024

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Host rating
100 %
Last replied
28 Oct 2024
Reply rate
77.8 %
Usually responds within 5 days
Feedback
29
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Email verified

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Availability

2024

Min stay requested: 1 month or more

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What's this?

Details

Description
This is a vortex of magic right on the water inside the jungle where you will find raw chocolate, vegan food, fruit forest, organic farming and a place to learn, express and enjoy.

We are a chocolate factory producing high-quality tree to bar chocolate, a hostel with dorms and cabanas accommodation, next to the lake and inside the jungle, and a smoothie bar and restaurant with vegan food and desserts.

We are looking for fun, colorful individuals ready to help with this project. We ask a minimum of 6 weeks commitment, typically 5 days a week, 6 hours per day in exchange for accommodation and 2 free vegan meals the days you work (breakfast + dinner + drink) .

* We only consider Workawayers for a minimum period of 6 weeks, unless there are special circumstances that where discussed upon beforehand.

We host chocolate tours, cacao ceremonies, Mon. - Sat. yoga classes and a variety of different workshops. We encourage our Workawayers to attend our morning yoga classes, cacao ceremonies and donation based events when off shift.

Our kitchen is strictly vegan * We don't allow any animal products in our kitchen and gently ask you to refrain from bringing any to our venue. There are many restaurants near by walking distance with all kinds of local and world cuisine to try as well. Again, we kindly request to leave all animal products off property.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Teaching
Help around the house
Hospitality/Tourism
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
Interests
Culture
Farming
Sustainability
Vegetarian or vegan
Plant care
Music
Languages
Beach
Outdoor activities
Water sports
Yoga / Wellness
Nature
Mountain
Hiking
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We aim to create an environment conducive to creativity and growth, of course, our volunteers will have plenty of opportunities to share their skills and not to mention live in a friendly, healthy, jungle environment.
Help
Right now our main focused needs are in reception, hosting and social media from November onwards. 6 weeks minimum

The social media position includes graphic design, digital marketing, and photography. We are looking for content creation, marketing, and social media assistance. Please only message if you have experience in this field and are enthusiastic to apply them to this project.

Always while hanging around it is important to greet our guests with a warm smile while helping them if you can and make them feel welcome knowing of the event times, prices and a bit of information to share about our classes, tours and offerings.

If you have extensive experience with reception work and quality hospitality work, please let us know about it as we have these positions as well. You will learn about the general idea of our vision here, and of course, learn about, and even be able to explain about our delicious chocolate!

You are highly encouraged to practice your Spanish with our local workers and learn about the magic of our fruit forest and organic farm! :)

In addition, if you are a yoga instructor, musician, or any teacher of the sorts to hold classes or workshops... please let us know about it as we are hosting classes and workshops of all sorts every week!
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Intermediate
Accommodation
You will get a bed in the Workawayer room. Food is included, we do not ask Workawayers to pay a supplement or charge.

You will get a 10% discount from food, smoothies and chocolate in our restaurant.
What else ...
Workawayers are expected to live, integrate and contribute in all aspects of life.

We eat whole food plant-based vegan foods and live an active healthy lifestyle.
A little more information
- Internet access
- Limited internet access
- We have pets
- We are smokers
- Can host families
Can host digital nomads
We have mostly consistent Wi Fi. It is Island Life.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
Between 20 and 25 hours a week with 2 days off to volunteers.

Host ref number: 173642185475

Feedback (20)

6 Feb 2023

Left by Workawayer (Arbri & Lucie) for host

We spent 2 weeks with Bob and was a nice expérience overall.
The tasks were easy and various, Bob want things done in his way and that is fair because he have a lot of expérience. There is not a schedule or a list of things to do, flexibility is a must in Bob's place. We were free to choose many things, start-end of the day, siesta time, tea… read more

(Very good )

2 Apr 2020

Left by Workawayer (Claire) for host

I had a wonderful month living and teaching yoga in Chocolate Paradise! Ometepe, and the place itself, are truly magical places. Each day I had the opportunity to teach 2 yoga classes to guests and other volunteers. Creativity and self-expression are highly encouraged in the place! This allowed me the opportunity to design my own yoga classes and… read more

(Excellent )

12 Mar 2020

Left by Workawayer (Melica) for host

"Do not change Ometepe Island, Let Ometepe Island change you."
Ten weeks of absolute joy. Ten weeks of living in heaven. This is not just a place to experience the best raw, organic vegan chocolate EVER, or a place to meet yogis, artists and wonderful people from all around the world, swim in the lake with the Volcano view and have long and… read more

(Excellent )

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These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.

Accuracy of profile:
(4.9)

Cultural exchange:
(4.9)

Communication:
(4.6)

6 Feb 2023

Left by Workawayer (Arbri & Lucie) for host

(Very good)

2 Apr 2020

Left by Workawayer (Claire) for host

(Excellent)

12 Mar 2020

Left by Workawayer (Melica) for host

(Excellent)

2 Mar 2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Maël & Loëva)

Mael and Loeva were an absolute pleasure to have around. They are genuine, respectable individuals who are warm and welcoming to everyone they meet. I don't have enough nice things to say about them. They contributed hard work with a friendly demeanor to all areas of our paradise. We highly recommend them to any future hosts. Thank you so much for… read more

(Excellent)

25 Feb 2020

Left by Workawayer (Jamie) for host

I stayed on the beautiful island of Ometepe for 1 month. It was my first Workaway experience so I wasn't too sure what to expect.. but it was so much better than I could ever imagined! The location is just stunning and so peaceful, nestled in the middle of the jungle, overlooking the lake. I worked 5 days a week, 6 hours a day and I got to do a… read more

(Excellent)

15 Feb 2020

Left by Workawayer (Facundo Adrian Ceferino) for host

I really enjoyed spend a month in this magic place!
All the staff are really excepcional people same as the others volunteers there.
I made a lot of diferrent task like:
- Be hosting of new guess or clients.
- Give mini-tours of the factory.
- Gardening
- Art attack, jaja!
- And the best, help Maiela with the chocolate factory.
The month had pass… read more

(Excellent)

4 Jan 2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Wies)

Wies was an exceptional, spectacular, tremendous volunteer and human-being!!! <3

We really all appreciate the time you spent here and the passion and care you put into this place to make it better. Your fun spirit, good-attitude, loving smile, caring stories, and *best banana bread ever* are still being talked about constantly around here. We… read more

(Excellent)

3 Jan 2020

Left by Workawayer (Wies) for host

Wow wow wow! I couldn’t be more grateful for my time here. This place is truly a little piece of heaven on earth. For me, it felt like a home away from home.

I’m so grateful for all the beautiful people I’ve met, the amazing new experiences I’ve had, the interesting conversations with the locals, the guests and all the volunteers. So grateful for… read more

(Excellent)

29 Dec 2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Nina)

Nina was a the perfect volunteer. Compassionate, hard-working, honest, and passionate about so many things! She always had a positive attitude and brought good vibes to the whole team - in fact, in no time at all, she felt like close family. We really appreciate her help that she gave us during her stay, and would recommend Nina to other hosts… read more

(Excellent)

28 Dec 2019

Left by Workawayer (Nina) for host

A Truly magical place, perfect for nature and chocolate lovers and vegans. From the spectacular scenery to the waves lapping the shores of the lake to the glorious desserts and smoothies to the warm and welcoming people, you couldn't really ask for more.

I spent six weeks here working in a number of capacities, including hosting, reception,… read more

(Excellent)

20 Dec 2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Eric)

Eric was an excellent volunteer and role model for our other volunteers. We thoroughly enjoyed his enthusiasm, patience, and passion for wellness and an overall super positive work ethic. We wish him all the best on his next and future journeys. We would absolutely recommend Eric, without hesitation, to all other hosts.

(Excellent)

20 Dec 2019

Left by Workawayer (Eric) for host

Stunning place, Yves and his friends have transformed wild land into a little oasis. The kitchen is vegan, including the raw and organic chocolate, produced from local cacao. I taught two Yoga classes per day and helped a few hours in the chocolate factory for a month. The volunteer dorm sits directly at the lake which has sizeable waves, almost… read more

(Excellent)

16 Sep 2019

Left by Workawayer (lizzieartnsurf) for host

I tried before but always have probs leaving a feedback....
Anyways this place is fab, an oasis of great energy, amazing people and magic island in beautiful Nicaragua....
Wonderful to tune into nature, learn about chocolate and live a simple filled vegan life style!
I was there teaching yoga twice a day for few weeks back in April during the busy… read more

(Excellent)

2 Jul 2019

Left by Workawayer (Cicelie) for host

How can I even express my gratitude and love for my experience here? I feel more home sick for this beautiful paradise than I do for my actual home...
Wow wow wow.
2 months were spent in heaven amongst friends who became like family and the volcanoes with their magical flow of energy swirling around us, making time flow in past, present and future… read more

(Excellent)

15 Apr 2019

Left by Workawayer (Christian) for host

I spent almost a month here and can easily say it was the best experience on my trip through Costa Rica and Nicaragua. Dreamy. Sereney. Peachy Keeney. Paradise isn’t a word that slips from my tongue often, but this is as close as it gets for me. The space itself is crude and organic, yet unobtrusive. Always you feel like you’re outside. There’s… read more little to separate you from nature, and that’s a big part of the charm.

While volcano sunsets and mosquito-free coastal breezes are nice, I feel like a raw harmony exists here; one that cultivates an overwhelmingly positive culture. There’s a constant interplay between volunteers and workers and management and guests and day trip patrons and locals and dogs and chocolate and it creates this fun, dynamic environment. While this is definitely a place to relax, I also felt there was a constant hum of productivity buzzing that added a savory element to the chillness of things. Whether working on projects or painting or playing instruments or reading, there seemed to be people always engaged and focused. I found it to be quite uplifting.

Ishay and the crew have created a refreshing community that is constantly growing and improving and learning and changing. Nowhere is this more evident than by looking at the volunteer program. When I arrived there honestly wasn’t a great infrastructure as to the volunteer protocol. Organization was lacking, communication could be choppy, and the cooking situation was confusing. The hostel was only two months removed from its re-opening, so I think kinks just needed to be ironed. Once a volunteer manager (shoutout to Cici the Great!) was assigned and a more formal protocol was created these issues became less prevalent.

I learned here that paradise doesn’t mean perfection, yet despite the early hiccups I always felt like a valued part of the equation (an equation that grew simpler over my time) and that my contribution played a pivotal role in hostel operations and guest’s perceptions. It was fun to see the inner workings of a hostel and to be in a position where my feedback was valued and heeded. At the center of it all is heart and enthusiasm and a drive to improve. This is a place of big ideas and quick implementation, so I’m excited to see how it progresses moving forward.

I felt like the compensation was fair in exchange for the volunteer hours put in. As a standard volunteer you work five shifts of 6 hours and one shift of 3 hours per week (33 per week). The work is pretty straightforward: checking in/out guests at the reception desk, assisting with orders at the bar, and helping in the kitchen made up the majority of my volunteering. In exchange for this you get a spot in the hut and 2 tasty vegan meals (lunch/dinner) a day in addition to a small smoothie bar discount and samples of random curiosities that frequently exit the chocolate lab.

I met a lot of interesting/inspiring/loving people in my month here and am really grateful to have existed in such a unique space for so long. Yes, it’s a mesmerizing mish mash of nature and cacao, but what really sweetens the pot here is the people. I shared a lot of fun and meaningful moments and felt like a part of the community. It’s a place with heart and soul and life and energy. When you tell people you lived at a chocolate factory on a volcanic island full of beautiful people it kind of sounds like something out of a dream. Looking back it almost feels that way.

:asterisk_symbol:️anecdote:asterisk_symbol:️ I had a monkey tree that I’d swim to in the bay and watch the monkeys while I tread and splashed about. I’d practice shallow water handstands in their monkey midst and sometimes would hold my breathe (I don’t think they were impressed). Beautiful birds would fly overhead and sometimes pink blossoms would float in the lake like a lover’s bathtub amplified. Local kids could be seen on the opposite shore engaging in much of the same activities that I, a man twice their age, was also enjoying. During the sunset I could see the scattered masses dotting the rocks, all diverting their attention to the closing of the day in their own special way: some held cameras, some held hands, some turned inward, some scrawled diary entries, and some joined in aquatic frolics. Always Kalypso sang.

(Excellent)

12 Apr 2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Theresa)

Theresa came to us as a regular volunteer that was suppose to do the reception job and a couple of other tasks but ended up being one of our best volunteers and family members ever. she was extremely helpful, nice, big thinker, intentional and spreading good vibes. She was always willing to do extra stuff and take responsibility and contributed… read more

(Excellent)

17 Mar 2019

Left by Workawayer (Theresa) for host

I can´t express how wonderful this experience for me was! I stayed for a month in this place, starting up the season and watching everything and everyone grow together. The owners, Ishay and the bar girls make this place such a pleasant place to stay, expressing yourself in whichever way you want. I was super happy to be able to work on my circus… read more

(Excellent)

13 Feb 2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Brian)

Brian was a great help. he was giving lots of love and attention to our garden and always tried to be as helpful as possible with a wide smile and positive energy. it was a pleasure working with him and we hope to see him in our place soon. we would highly recommend him to anyone asking (;

(Excellent)

9 Feb 2019

Left by Workawayer (Brian) for host

Wow, I can’t say enough about how fulfilling it was to volunteer. Isla Ometepe is an absolute gem in Nicaragua, and the area where it is located is full of soul-soothing magic and wonder. There is such a beautiful community of people living on and visiting the island, and everyone who makes it to there seems to fall in love with the place. Being… read more

(Excellent)

16 Aug 2018

Left by Workawayer (Krista) for host

This was my first time using the workaway website to volunteer. I came during a rough time for the country. Most tourism has haulted, therefore, there were not many people there during my 2 1/2 weeks stay. However, I very much enjoyed my time here. I learned so much and loved helping the organic garden grow and flourish. This is a great place to… read more

(Excellent)

10 Aug 2018

Left by Workawayer (Justin) for host

My time here was absolutely some of the most memorable times of my entire life. I only intended to stay for a few weeks up to a month, and ended up staying much longer. Everything about this place was wonderful; the friendly atmosphere, good vibes, incredible chocolate, the healthy plant based meals, stunning and powerful nature, and all of the… read more

(Excellent)

31 May 2018

Left by Workawayer (Anthea & Pearl) for host

We have been volunteering for for 3 weeks and would have loved to be able to stay for another 6 months. We have volunteerd all over the world for 3 years and this place is truly magical. It has magnificent vegan food, so much motivation to learn various circus arts and meet talented travelers. The vibe is perfect. The music is flawless. I… read more

(Excellent)

6 Apr 2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Jennifer)

Jenny was an incredibly fun volunteer and person to have around living here. She was always helpful in giving an extra set of hands to many projects. There are only positive things to say about Jenny's time spent here, but most of all if she were to come back to ometepe we would welcome her back with huge wide open arms. Looking forward to seeing… read more

(Excellent)

16 Dec 2017

Left by Workawayer (Jennifer) for host

I stayed two weeksin december.
The guys who are running this place are wonderful people, willing to share, kind and fun.
The place itself and the chocolate is worth to go for sure. It's the perfect location on ometepe: Beach on the lake, vulcano view, nice wind down there and hidden from the road.
I had a great time while I was helping in the… read more

(Excellent)

4 Apr 2018

Left by host for Workawayer (NurIa & Ana)

Nuria and Ana were two of our favorite volunteers that have EVER been here. They became like family instantly. They are fun to be around and always helpful whether in the garden, the kitchen, art, creating good vibes, or anything else that was asked of them to do - they always gave 100% and did it with a smile. I look forward to seeing them again… read more

(Excellent)

29 Mar 2018

Left by Workawayer (NurIa & Ana) for host

The best chocolate ever! I stayed a month in the paradise, surrounded by the jungle, all its sounds, the lake and the love of the chocolate. Magic place, magic people running this spot.
Thanks for sharing beutiful family.

(Excellent)

4 Apr 2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Rosanna)

Rose was a good volunteer to have around. Always helpful and stayed productive. She helped us with graphic design and some marketing work. I would recommend her without hesitation.

(Excellent)

22 Mar 2018

Left by Workawayer (Darío & Rocío) for host

We spend two weeks here, and the place is really aweasome!!! Really incredible nature, jungle, with a lot of birds, monkeys, snakes, etc... On the lake's coast, you can swim every day and with a beautyfull volcano's view. There is diferents kinds of help, in our case we were helping with artistic design and carpentery works mainly, 6 hours per… read more

(Very good)

17 Mar 2018

Left by Workawayer (Asia) for host

The best workaway I had so far. I spent 3 weeks teaching morning yoga and then helping at a smoothie bar or promoting around the island for a few hours. Customers who come to visit are excited about the chocolate and it's nice to chat with them. People running the place are easy going and helpful, there are many volunteers to hang out with and the… read more

(Excellent)

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Homestays, Volunteering & Working Holidays in Nicaragua Homestays, Volunteering & Working Holidays in Central America Hostel Nicaragua

Chocolate Paradise in the tropical jungle of Ometepe Island, Nicaragua

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Details

Description

Types of help and learning opportunities

Interests

Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

Help

Languages spoken

Accommodation

What else ...

A little more information

Can host digital nomads

How many Workawayers can stay?

Hours expected

Feedback (20)

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