Playa Viva is a sustainable boutique hotel located on Mexico’s southern Pacific coast. Our mission is to revitalize, regenerate and nurture the land on which we are built and the community by which we are surrounded.
We strive to create a model for regenerative agriculture, restoring what was lost by extractive industries, and simultaneously foster sustainable educational and economic opportunities in the surrounding community. Playa Viva’s property was originally four parcels of land that had once been used for cattle ranching, orchards and monoculture agriculture. Over the last ten years,
Through the practice of permaculture and organic farming we are actively working to restore the natural coastal forest ecosystem. To date we have planted over 10,000 trees on the property, including native hardwood, bamboo for construction materials, fruit and exotic tree species. On our 200 acres of property, certain areas have been designated for agricultural production, including salad greens in our greenhouse, plots for corn, squash, tomatoes and other staples used for meals at Playa Viva, as well as two separate plots totaling about 4 hectares for organic certification and harvest. Products include sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds and hibiscus. We also have a chicken coop that produces about 25% of the eggs we need for the hotel.
We are looking for volunteers who can commit to a minimum of three months and who are sufficiently fluent in Spanish to ensure a thorough exchange of learning between the volunteer and local staff (our local staff do not speak English). Volunteers are welcome to pursue projects of personal interest and if academic credit is available via academic programs we are happy to support that process in exchange for their service.
Description of internship:
We require a 3-month minimum commitment. The Farm/Food Systems Volunteer will support the following program goals: 1) increase organic agricultural production; 2) promote sustainable agribusiness; and 3) improve knowledge and practice of organic food production locally. S/he will work under the guidance of and report to Playa Viva’s Food and Farm Production (FFP) Manager and coordinate with the Social and Environmental Impact (SEI) Officer.
Benefits of your service:
- 2 delicious meals per day Monday – Friday (during working hours);
- 1 delicious meal on Saturdays (due to early departure on Saturdays);
- Shared accommodation at Casa Blanca (Volunteer House in the town of Juluchuca);
- Transportation to and from PV Hotel.
Unfortunately we are not able to provide travel stipends for volunteers to reach Playa Viva. The cost of living in this area of Mexico is relatively low. You can expect to budget about 100-200 USD per month, depending on how you decide to spend your free time. The closest city is Zihuatanejo, about one hour by car.
Application deadline: March 15, 2017
Start date: April 15, 2017
Hours per week: 35