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Pillapalu Forest Retreat
We are a Retreat where business and groups stay but we also make a wide range of functional mushroom extract products.
We try to set an example how forest owners can produce sustainable revenue without cutting down trees.
We are super friendly if you are :)
We have traveled all over the world and so understand the needs of travelers and volunteers.
We are a small family business, including Cookie & Poppy (the dogs), plus some friends help out now and then.
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About the experience in: Pillapalu, Estonia
Italy
I had great time in pillapalu with Robin e Brigit. They are very kind and welcoming. Full of stories about their travel life. Sad I could spend just a week with them. The work was fun and always in touch with nature. U guys have to discover how nice can smell a wood just cut and try to spot all the animal in the lodge.
15 days ago
Robin replied
Thank you, Lorenzo! Happy travels and welcome back in Pillapalu any time :)
About the experience in: Pillapalu, Estonia
Netherlands
My time with Robin and Birgitte in Pillapalu was wonderful! The area is amazing, surrounded by forests all around, which the hosts invite you to explore. We went for a walk in the surrounding forests and bogs a couple of times, where Robin and Birgitte are happy to tell you everything about the local nature and show the most beautiful places. The tasks that I had to do were clearly instructed and very manageable, and I never felt pressured to work more or faster; the hosts were always grateful for the work. They care excellently for their guests, and I felt really welcome during my stay!
about 2 months ago
Robin replied
Thank you Nils! It was great to have you in Pillapalu :)
About the experience in: Pillapalu, Estonia
Italy
Robin, Birgit and everyone around Pillapalu are truly wonderful, kind and welcoming people. The place is surrounded by nature and has a very special atmosphere, with incredibly clean air and beautiful landscapes. But what I appreciated most is the strong sense of community you can feel there: fun, complicity and a genuine connection between people. I had a really beautiful experience and I'm very grateful for the time I spent there. I would definitely recommend it!
about 2 months ago
Robin replied
Thank you Umberto!
We love your funky art :)
It was great to have you in Pillapalu.
About the experience in: Pillapalu, Estonia
Argentina
Tuve una experiencia muy linda en este voluntariado. Birgit y Robin son personas súper amables, respetuosas y generosas. Desde el primer momento me hicieron sentir bienvenida y parte de su hogar. Fue muy especial compartir con ellos momentos tranquilos en la naturaleza, rodeada de verde y también de sus adorables perros, Cookie y Poppy El bosque que rodea su casa parecía sacado de un cuento mágico, con una energía muy especial. El trabajo fue claro y acorde a lo pactado. Me voy agradecida por la experiencia, por las charlas, la confianza y el espacio compartido. Gracias por todo! ❤️
over 1 year ago
Robin replied
Muchas gracias, Rocio! It was great to have you in Pillapalu.
About the experience in: Pillapalu, Estonia
United States
The place is absolutely breathtaking & worth a visit however the tasks were not clear. The hours are clear before hand but the place has a relaxed atmosphere. Two people run this place and tend to have miscommunications with volunteers. I enjoyed my time but it was cut short due to a misunderstanding that was not handled appropriately. Bridgette is incredible but her husband Robin was unprofessional & rude to my co-volunteer. If communication was fixed then it would be the perfect place to work. Sad it didn't work as expected :/
over 2 years ago
Robin replied
Thankyou for your opinion, Betsy.
Yes, perhaps tasks could be clearer. In such cases it's normal just to check and ask for clarity rather than assume something and make (serious) mistakes.
As you well remember, you and your co-volunteer took on a job you were NOT given or asked to do. That job damaged our property and cost us more than 250 euros.
It was only fair to ask for clarification on how that mistake happened.
Instead of apologizing or explaining anything, you and your co-volunteer decided to pack your bags and secretly leave without even saying goodbye (or cleaning your rooms). In our opinion, that is rather rude and insulting to the hosts who have opened their home to you and offered hospitality, good food etc
As a piece of advice for the future - when you volunteer to help at someone's place/ home try to follow their rules.