Help Build an Ecolodge! Remodel & Launch in Tayrona, Santa Marta

France

5

Even though my stay at the project was unfortunately cut short, it was still a memorable experience! The location, set deep in the jungle, offered a truly unique setting. I really appreciated the collective effort to design accommodations that harmonize with the natural environment. Clarissa & Darell were very welcoming and attentive hosts, always responsive and approachable. Their efforts contributed to a comfortable and enjoyable stay. It's a place I'd recommend to anyone looking for a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature. Thank you again!

about 1 year ago

Germany

5

We did 3 weeks of volunteering in the lodge. Its a great place if you want to disconnect from the city and connect with nature. The location is very good. On your days off you can go to the National Parque, Santa Marta or Palomino. So there are lots of things to do. Otherwise you can stay there and watch monkeys in the morning. Darrel and Clarissa are very friendly and and flexible when it comes to when to take your days off. The rooms are nice and the kitchen got all. Just keep in mind that sometimes there might not be wifi or power. So if you want to take a break of the city its perfect

almost 2 years ago

Darrell & Clarissa replied


"Hi Florian! Thank you for sharing your experience volunteering at Jardin Secreto. We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed disconnecting from the city and immersing yourself in nature during your three-week stay. It's wonderful to know that you found our location convenient, with easy access to nearby attractions like the National Park, Santa Marta, and Palomino, providing plenty of opportunities for exploration and adventure.

We're glad that you appreciated our flexible approach to scheduling days off and that you found our accommodations comfortable and well-equipped.

Thank you for your kind words about our hospitality. We strive to create a welcoming and relaxed environment for all our guests and volunteers. It was a pleasure having you with us, and we hope to welcome you back again in the future for more unforgettable moments at Jardin Secreto!

Best wishes,
Clarissa, Darrell, and the Jardin Secreto team

United States

5

Darrell and Clarissa are great hosts with great energy; they really did a lot to help us volunteers feel comfortable while we were there. This was a great opportunity to connect with nature and get to know others from other countries, as well as feel immersed in nature. We really appreciate their commitment to self-sustainability (goals of having a food forest and commitment to exclusively solar energy) and care for the environment (biodegradable soaps). This is a great place to volunteer if you are creative and passionate about making a difference sustainably! Thank you for everything!

about 2 years ago

Darrell & Clarissa replied

Thank you so much for your visit Chase! We appreciated your positive attitude and willingness to contribute. You arrived as planned and were very enthusiastic and appreciative. We enjoyed having you as a guest and wish you all the best!

Brazil

4

I loved my experience, even though it was for a short time, the place is magical and transformative. I recommend it to anyone who truly enjoys adventure and nature, it may be a little uncomfortable at first, but if you allow yourself to live the experience, it will be memorable. I'm building a content guide that was co-created with other volunteers and this work of exchange and partnership delights me.

almost 2 years ago

Darrell & Clarissa replied

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience, Jessica! We're thrilled to hear that your time with us was magical and transformative, even if it was brief. It's heartwarming to know that you embraced the adventure and connected with nature during your stay. We appreciate your recommendation and your willingness to immerse yourself in the experience. It's fantastic to hear that you enjoyed collaborating with other volunteers and found value in the exchange of ideas. Your feedback means the world to us, and we hope to welcome you back again soon for more memorable moments at Jardin Secreto!

United States

1

This place could be so amazing because the property is beautiful and it's a great place to go to disconnect because there is limited wifi but the host is just very disagreeable and really ruined the whole experience for me

almost 2 years ago

Darrell & Clarissa replied

Emily I’m truly sorry that you feel this way. I work extremely hard everyday to try to improve this place and invite people to come and enjoy it. I want people to have a good time and a very pleasant experience here. For the past month I have not been working as actively due to a shoulder injury that happened snowboarding. Despite severe pain I still solve tons of problems everyday and fix tools that no one else on the team can. I’m up every day before 5 am to ensure that we have the supplies and tools and are organized for the projects each day. I deal with all the questions from all the volunteers and attempt to be kind and respectful and helpful to everyone while also making sure that my property and equipment don’t get damaged. I work incredibly hard on the administrative and other aspects of the business and put in a ridiculous amount of hours that you will never see or understand. Yet you judge me based on very few interactions. I appreciated the way you handled the situation with the neighbors dog you showed a lot of character there. Prior to that the attitude that you showed towards me several times was rude and disrespectful, on more than one occasion you used or took things without asking first. You behaved in a very entitled manner and thus my attitude towards you was trying to push you to understand the value of meaningful work and contributing towards something rather than being preoccupied with your own needs and enjoyment. I get that you’re on vacation and want to socialize with your peers but you made an agreement to work for 24 hours in exchange for your stay and breakfast. When I expect you to actually do something productive during those 24 hours I’m not getting anything for free because I’ve provided you with accommodations in an amazing location and you knowingly agreed to this exchange in advance.

How can I build a community with people that leave as soon as things get slightly challenging? People that break their commitments and leave early because they are a little uncomfortable or don’t have WiFi right when they want it.

France

4

Bonne expérience, Daryl et Clarissa sont très accueillants. Le lieu est paradisiaque, perdu au milieu de la jungle. Parfait pour les personnes qui veulent se déconnecter car il n'y avait ni électricité, ni réseau.

5 days ago

Darrell & Clarissa replied

Thank you, Julien, for your kind words and for being such a hardworking and enthusiastic volunteer during your stay. It was a pleasure hosting you, and we're grateful for your energy on the projects.

We wish you safe travels and all the best in your adventures.

Darrell & Clarissa, Jungle Stewards Abrams

Colombia

4

El lugar es muy lindo y tiene una energía muy especial. Conectas con personas de todo el mundo, lo que hace que la experiencia sea aún más enriquecedora, sobre todo para practicar inglés de forma natural. El trabajo durante la semana está muy bien distribuido, no se siente pesado y te deja días libres para explorar otras zonas y disfrutar del entorno. El paisaje es hermoso, todo lo que rodea el lugar invita a desconectarse y estar presente. Me sentí cómoda, tranquila y bienvenida durante toda mi estadía. Sin duda es una experiencia que suma mucho, tanto a nivel personal como cultural 🤍

8 days ago

Colombia

4

Fue mi primer voluntariado y me siento muy feliz de haberlo hecho. Más que el lugar, la experiencia fue increíble por las personas que conocí durante mi estadía. Los anfitriones son muy apasionados por la sostenibilidad y realmente me salí de mi zona de confort y eso buscaba. Si estás acostumbrado a la vida en ciudad y buscas un cambio total de estilo de vida para reconectar con la naturaleza, esta experiencia te lo da. Me sumergí en la permacultura, dormí en carpa, ayudé con redes sociales y, aunque no había electricidad ni wifi durante mi estadía, todo se resolvió y la pasé increíble.

12 days ago

Darrell & Clarissa replied

Thank you so much for your wonderful contributions to the project! You were extremely helpful throughout your stay and created a lot of great content quickly. You are more than welcome anytime you’re in our region. Best wishes and safe travels!

Belgium

4

Darell et Clarissa ont été des hôtes chaleureux et accueillant tout au long de notre séjour, ce sont des personnes honnêtes et très aimables! Malgré l'absence d'électricité et de wifi, nous avons contribué aux différentes taches quotidiennes avec plaisir et motivation. Le fait d'être coupé du monde nous a au final permis d'avantage d'échange avec les autres volontaires et l'expérience aura été une immersion totale dans la nature. Je recommande pour n'importe quelle personne qui aime ce genre d'expérience et qui se satisfait d'une habitation modeste (en tente la plupart du temps).

24 days ago

Spain

5

Estar en el Jardín fue una experiencia increíble. El lugar en sí es mágico, y tanto Darrel como Clarissa son un encanto. No pude haber imaginado nada mejor, las condiciones son tal como se muestras o incluso mejores, siempre están dispuestos a ayudar y a ofrecer lo que tienen. Aprendí muchísimo, tanto de permacultura como de construcción en sí. Muy feliz de haber podido vivir esa experiencia.

12 months ago

Darrell & Clarissa replied

Thank you so much for all of your contributions to the garden, it was a pleasure to host you!

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