Yes. We have a range of options: you can visit for the day, stay overnight, or to spend a longer period with us volunteering. Our volunteers contribute five hours per weekday, in exchange for food and board (private ensuite accommodation). Alternatively, it is possible to stay at Honeydew as a ‘digital nomad’, working remotely at our guest rate (full-time) or by volunteering at a reduced rate (part-time). If you would like to visit Honeydew, please contact us to make an enquiry.
How does volunteering work at Honeydew?
We welcome volunteers from around the world. Daily routine activities include gardening, cooking, cleaning, renovation and decoration, but there are many specific project jobs inside and outside too. Beyond the four hours of work in the morning, we have a concept called ‘the fifth hour’, in which we encourage volunteers to apply their own skills to creative pursuits — be it baking, ceramics, horticulture, painting, yoga, or music. These activities nourish both the individual and the collective. Potential volunteers should contact us to enquire about dates. If we have availability, we will arrange a video call. Please note that we are unable to assist with visas or work permits and it is up to the volunteer to ensure that they have legal right to remain. Volunteer site work insurance is also the responsibility of the volunteer. To make this process easier, you may apply to us through Worldpackers.
Are you looking for specific skills or people to volunteer?
We are looking for energetic and dynamic people with the ability to work collaboratively as part of a team. For autumn 2024, we are particularly interested in hearing from those with agricultural experience and knowledge of carpentry, landscaping and tree surgery, as well as fundraising.
Are children welcome?
Yes – we warmly welcome families with children of all ages! In summer 2024, we are running a forest school trial in the large wild wood at the heart of our property in Maiolo. We are committed to creating structures that ease the responsibility on parents while nourishing their children in a multilingual environment — and helping us all nurture the spirit of play.
Which languages are spoken at Honeydew in Italy?
Meetings are conducted in Italian and English but we are a cosmopolitan community, speaking Portuguese, Spanish, French, Hebrew, Arabic, and Farsi. We love language sharing and offer optional daily one-hour lessons after lunch.
Are there any dietary requirements?
No. We are a conscious but fairly omnivorous community. We usually cook a range of dishes, some of which are vegan or vegetarian and some of which may contain animal products.
How do you become a Honeydew resident?
We invite volunteers to spend up to three months with us before assessing their suitability to be a long-term resident. If we feel that you fit well with the project — and if you feel at home at Honeydew — we can make arrangements for residency.
How does the community sustain itself?
The community is financially self-sustaining, with a programme of wellness retreats and guest stays that allow us to cover running costs. We are also sustained by donations and are open to discussing sponsorship. All earnings generated by these retreats, stays and donations go back into supporting the community, which was created as a non-profit ‘Cultural Association’. Ongoing investment in renovation to the Honeydew property in Maiolo is made personally by our founder.
