Co-Create Magic & Help build the Dream

United States

5

The project was my first worldpackers experience and I don't think it could have been better! My time here was truly life-changing. I learned so many valuable things, from healthy communication skills, to creating sustainable lifestyle habits, to trying new foods. I highly recommend the project to everyone, but especially for those who need a place to re-connect with themselves. Anders and Shama have built a beautiful space physically and spiritually. I met so many amazing people who truly inspired me and made me feel at home. Thank you so much for this experience, I will never forget it!

about 1 year ago

United States

4

Being at the project was a special experience. I met people from different walks of life that had a heart to connect and build community amongst one another. I experience grace, and selflessness from Anders and the rest of the crew. The land that the project is settled on is full of adventure and beauty. I found myself getting lost looking at the sunsets on the hill overlooking the lake where it's situated. I would recommend this experience to anyone who is looking for a challenge to to push yourself past your limits and be completely surrounded by nature and all the elements.

7 months ago

United States

3

The project was my first Worldpackers trip and I didn't really knew how it was going to be or how this really works. I made friendships&memories that I will always remember and made me grow a lot as a person! Can't lie tho the place and what i was expecting about the activities was not exactly what I got from the pictures and the instagram they provide us with an idea of what it will be like.It was a learning experience for sure and I am grateful for the time I was there but as I said, different than expected and there were no events or much to do happening

9 months ago

Anders replied

Thanks Luana! We so appreciate your support and for choosing Heartland. I know we are far off grid and sometimes we don't have events scheduled. Big events are alot of work and usually they are held by people who rent our venue. Heartland's big event is at the end of April. We don't always have events booked here, and I am sorry you had that expectation. That's why we create the opportunity to co-create our own events through our "Gifting Circle" at our weekly meetings. Anyone is encouraged to offer events for the people that are here. I look forward to your private feedback so we can make improvements through your experience and help meet everyone's future expectations.

United States

1

I arrived & realized that it wasn't properly advertised online. The facilities worked once in a while. They run on solar &the weather was bad, we had no running water or electricity most times. Also no hot water sometimes. It's so far away from civilization that if you wanted to get an Uber or Lyft, you wouldn't be able to. This meant that anytime you wanted to go to town or needed things from town, the owner Anders would charge for a lot. Also they insisted people not speak their native language. Only English? Seems odd. There's more I wish I could write here. Don't recommend personally

about 1 year ago

Anders replied

I feel sad to get out first ever bad review on worldpackers. However, I'm in full acceptance we can't be perfect for everyone. I would have preferred clear communication about these things while you were here to allow us to support you to work through these issues. I am truly sorry your experience was not as you expected it to be. I'll review your feedback and make sure the points you mention are more clearly explained so that others don't have your experience.

For anyone curious:
- We definitely had power and running water MOST of the time, but we're off grid and sometimes we have issues out of our control but we do our absolute best to help meet everyone's needs of there are issues with this.
- If someone wants to go to town, gas is now expensive and cars are not cheap so round trip we charge $30 to help participate in the costs. If 2 people go, it's $15/ea, or $10 if there are 3. We think it's fair.
- We request people practice speaking English in common spaces with others around because that's inclusive and most people are here to learn English. Our culture is to include everyone. We'd be happy to explain this more in person if it seems weird to anyone.

Also, Isabel if you'd feel comfortable or open to directly share with me over WhatsApp what else "you'd wish you could write here" please tell me directly.

I am very serious about creating the best experiences for everyone here and I'm sorry it did not meet your needs.

United Kingdom

5

It took me some time to find the words to describe this experience and throughout my thoughts on it I kept coming back to the idea of the project as being beautifully unfinished and constantly evolving. Every day I spent at the project feels like it had importance to myself and to the beautiful land and space around me. It's astonishing how Anders and Shama have created such an incredible place and environment to facilitate growth and one I'll be forever grateful for. In my time there I've made amazing friends and learned so much! This experience was so much more than I expected in the best way.

over 1 year ago

Palestinian Territory, Occupied

5

I had three goals in which I wanted to accomplish during this visit. One was to experience a retreat to help me ground myself and get in touch with nature. Two, to learn about sustainability--high level logistics and lifestyle. Also, the value of communication, being and working as a community to co-create (a valuable new word I learned here) and how effective it can be on actualizing a vision. And thirdly, to get involved in the everlasting development and evolution of this incredible destination by giving back in contributing in ways I can be useful. ALL GOALS HAVE BEEN MET!

over 1 year ago

United States

5

It's truly hard to put into words how amazing and life changing my experience at the project was. The moment I stepped foot onto the land I was overwhelmed with feelings of love, peace and happiness. I have learned so much about myself and how to live off grid in a beautiful community. And Anders taught me how to use power tools which was absolutely awesome!!! Anders and Shama instantly made me feel at home and I can honestly say I have a second family there and I cannot wait to come back!! So much love to everyone I met. I will keep the memories we had so close to my heart forever. 10/10

over 1 year ago

United States

5

There wasn't a day that I didn't feel grateful for the experience I was having and the people I was sharing it with. What I believe sets the project apart from other work-stay experiences is that beneath every work day, meal, and meeting there exists a fundamental desire to cultivate community, friendship, and personal well being. I was privileged to get to know a wonderfully diverse group of folks during my time here, and to be reminded that even in the midst of deep hardship and uncertainty there is every hope for a brighter tomorrow. To Anders, Shama, and everyone I met, my deepest gratitude.

over 1 year ago

Colombia

5

It's a great experience. You will interact with lovely people from all around the world, make great friends and connections. You'll learn different skills that you didn't think you would, grow as a person and enjoy the challenges. Fika, community dinner are the best parts of the week, reinforces that idea of community, family and helps you improve assertive communication. Thanks

over 1 year ago

Germany

5

The project is a comfort place ! I have learned so many new things, I was able to get to know new cultures, Anders has taught us many handicraft things and above all I have gotten to know myself in a new way. I have met super great people for whom I am very grateful. I felt very understood in the project. Shama and Anders are incredibly sympathetic, open and warm people. It is awesome what they have built up, the two of them have inspired me very much. I can recommend the project to everyone. I had an unforgettable time there.

over 1 year ago

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