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About the experience in: Playa Grande, Costa Rica

Italy

5

I am super happy I went volunteering for the hotel in Playa Grande!
The conditions are as described, and the staff is at the same time professional and laid back. A little side note is that the quantity of food sometimes was not enough for me (I am a sporty person, and I eat a lot).
I knew the beach lifestyle is slow, but knowing and experimenting are two different things. I was very bored at first and it took me a few weeks to adapt to the local rhythm, but once I did, I started really enjoying it, and now I am glad to say I have a few new habits that I want to introduce in my "normal" life.

about 2 months ago

About the experience in: Playa Grande, Costa Rica

Mexico

5

My experience at the hotel was really good. The team is incredibly supportive, and even though the work can sometimes feel a little demanding, they're always there to help and make sure everything runs smoothly. The working hours are definitely worth it. The food provided is amazing, and both the rooms and bathroom are in good conditions. One thing to keep in mind is that playa grande is a bit remote, so there isn't a lot to do besides enjoying the beach. Overall, I'd rate this experience 10/10! The facilites, the people, the food and the beach all exceeding my expectations! Hope to be back soon!

6 months ago


Danielle replied

It’s great to hear how much you enjoyed your time at Onda!

About the experience in: Playa Grande, Costa Rica

Argentina

5

My experience at the hotel was incredibly good! The volunteer room is very nice, and the meals are also complete. You quickly feel like part of the hotel family. The only thing to keep in mind is that volunteers work more like employees, and I personally believe that volunteers are there to help—but none of this comes as a surprise, since everything is clearly stated in the contracts before arriving. Very well organized—my experience was a 10, no doubt!

7 months ago

About the experience in: Playa Grande, Costa Rica

Chile

5

This was my first volunteering experience and it was honestly amazing. The hostel is just a 5 minute walk from the beach and the room was comfortable. The food was good, sometimes a bit heavy on carbs, but overall fine. The staff were always friendly and welcoming. I made incredible friends that became a huge part of the experience. Surf lessons are also available and totally worth it. A few things could be clearer from the beginning, but everything was easy to talk through. Overall, an unforgettable experience and I am very grateful.

10 months ago


Danielle replied

Natalia- we enjoyed having you onsite with us! Come back anytime!

About the experience in: Playa Grande, Costa Rica

Mexico

4

The hotel was home to me , the incredible staff and people around made me feel super welcome ; the place is very beautiful and super close to the beach , if u wanna improve your surfing skills I would definitely recommend this place to u ! The exchange that they offer it's very fair, and the meals are most of the time very complete ! The people I met and connections I made in Ondas will be forever in my heart, I would definitely go back! Sending tons of love to the whole staff 🩷

8 months ago


Danielle replied

Thank you for the feedback! Always welcomed and love to hear how we can improve our volunteer program :)

About the experience in: Playa Grande, Costa Rica

Brazil

4

The hotel has incredible facilities, and the beach and sunset are amazing. However, staying there for two months seemed like a long time to me, since you have the same tasks as someone who is employed there, so it felt more like an internship. Sometimes they can demand a little too much from you because of this. The room was very good and so was the food. Finally, I met some incredible people who made my days there more enjoyable.

10 months ago

About the experience in: Playa Grande, Costa Rica

Brazil

4

Stayung two months in the hotel was a mix of highs and lows. The place is beautiful, Playa Grande has one of the most stunning sunsets you can imagine. When surf lessons are available, you can join them, and the surf team are SUPER cool and very welcoming. However, the work feels more like an internship than a volunteer experience. You gonna have the same responsibilities than a hired bartender, with a high level of pressure and expectation. The room is good (2 people and with A/C) but small and the bathroom could be better.

10 months ago

About the experience in: Playa Grande, Costa Rica

Argentina

5

My time at the hotel Playa Grande was unforgettable. From the first day, the warm and friendly staff made me feel at home. I grew, learned, made amazing friends, and developed new skills working as a bartender. The place is beautiful, full of good vibes, and every day felt like a new adventure—sunset swims, laughter, deep talks, and personal growth. the hotel gave me peace, clarity, and a sense of family I'll always cherish.

over 1 year ago

About the experience in: Playa Grande, Costa Rica

Brazil

3

I loved the people I met at the hotel, both the staff and the guests made the experience really special. The location is also amazing, just a few minutes from the beach and surrounded by nature. However, the volunteer experience felt more like a work exchange, with unexpected tasks and responsibilities that weren't communicated upfront. The volunteer facilities could also be improved, the room was too small for two people and the bathroom lacked ventilation, making it constantly damp. Grateful for the connections, but there's definitely room to improve how the experience is organized.

over 1 year ago


Danielle replied

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughtful feedback about your experience at ONDA. We're truly delighted to hear that the connections you formed with our team and fellow guests made your stay meaningful. Fostering genuine community is at the heart of what we do, and it means the world to us to know we achieved that for you.

We deeply appreciate your honest insights, as they are invaluable in helping us continue to improve and grow.

About the experience in: Playa Grande, Costa Rica

Spain

5

One of my best experiences so far. Working at the hotel was a blast, the team is amazing and welcoming, they made me feel like home the moment I arrived. I was working with another volunteer either in the morning or evening. I came in low season, and although you would expect less, I couldnt have been happier, travelling with the team to Monteverde, or with friends to towns and surrounding beaches, going out to Tama! surfing, gym, etc. The place, the people and the ways of living, it is all magical and joyfull. Thank you all who made my stay unforgettable. I will come back soon. Os quiero!

almost 2 years ago


Danielle replied

Caro, we're going to miss you a lot!!!! Thank you so much. It was our pleasure to have you as a volunteer and now as part of our family. Don't be a stranger :') We love you very much!

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