Who we are and what we do
The Selvista property consists of 2.2 acres of permaculture-farmed land, a collection of unique guesthouses, an outdoor oven and grill plus kitchen and dining area, a plant nursery and animal farm, run by a team of 10 people.
It all started with…
…a field full of plantains, mono-cropped and chemically treated in 2002. The land that Selvista sits within was adopted and lovingly reforested into the tamed jungle of organic food forests and exotic fruit trees that we stay and relax among today.
From a desire to live recipriocally among the natural and astounding beauty and wildlife that thrives in this climate and culture here on Ometepe, the Homestead House came to fruition.
At this time it was a private home, designed as an impressive example of some of the basic principles of permaculture design and natural pattern imitation in a sustainable off-grid system.
Many years later, the house was opened to guests and, with its popularity, the Selvista collection idea was born.
(In 2023 the Homestead house evolved again, now hosting diners at Zapote Ometepe for a unique culinary experience.)
From there Jungle House's timber frame was erected as an educational experience and many different, local materials were used for variation in the three-storey house.
This was then replicated by a local team, to add Jackfruit and Mango to the collection and things have kept growing since...
We are known for our wonderful hospitality, modern comforts and lush, tropical settings with fabulous views and considerate design.
We have a wonderful yoga platform looking out at volcano conception.
It’s a living, working, evolving project. We’re happy to show you some behind the scenes systems if you’re interested during your stay. Or check out our blog for some stories of what daily life is like here.
We believe in reaping what you sow, and eating what you grow and sharing knowledge and opportunities with others.
Whether you’re just looking for a relaxing stay among lush surroundings with fresh air and local food or are interested in sharing more about this way of life this place is for you.
If you have a keen interest in growing-your-own, homesteading, permaculture and botany already you’ll have a great time exploring here and exploring the farm systems.
We love showing people a good time and we like to think about how we interact with the world around us. We incorporate our educational drive with our love of travel, nature and adventure and have come up with this.
We hope we can be a part of your story and that you love what we’ve done here and our philosophy.
Chris has been an active member of this community for nearly 20 years. He continues to inspire, support and encourage among the residents of Balgüe, Ometepe and further afield. He has worked with Bona Fide Project, Living systems solutions, Aqua Wellness Resort, Tree-Casa, Rancho Mastatal and more.
On the farm we have a plant nursery, farm animals and pets, exotic fruit forests, medicinal herb gardens, wood-workshops and more.
We supply part of the food toward out restaurant, Zapote, open to guests and visitors since 2023.
No one cog makes the clock tick. We are lucky to have a great team of reliable, thoughtful, friendly and caring people here at Selvista. There a lot of behind-the-scenes work in making it all come true. Chat with us all in person to find out more about our philosophies, values and visions. We are working towards a bi-lingual team.
These people are responsible for building, maintaining, landscaping, planting, plumbing and harvesting. They stop the jungle from taking over and make sure there’s always coffee brewed and fresh produce available.
They also act as host and concierge to our guests and visitors, and keep the rooms in tip-top condition ready for their stay.
Audel on the bar
The kitchen team: Paola, Miguel, Laura and Keylin.
These guys are a laugh-a-minute. 2022 Ojo de Agua
Martin is our main Maintenance man, who specializes in carpentry, plumbing and all things technical. He has been with Selvista since the beginning. He plays a mean defense in the local football team.
2022 Team Photo
Eduardo has cared for this property since 2012. He specialises as a tree-surgeon and crafting with bamboo. In his spare time he cares for his horse and family and sows fields of rice and corn to harvest.
Team work - our guys helping each other out on the slack-line at Ojo de Agua at our annual staff day out 2022
We couldn’t do this without them!
CHRIS SHANKS
Chris is the dreamer, designer and innovator of Selvista. He runs, he flies, he climbs.
He makes sure we have a clear drive and direction; with purpose. And back-ups. He loves racoons, planting and all things fluffy.
Ask us for his consulting services.
MEGAN WALTERS
Megan co-ordinates with guests to make sure they have a hassle-free trip.
She keeps an eye on the little things.
She loves jungle afternoons, notebooks & purple pens and eating things that just came out of the ground.
NEMER ROCHA
Nemer is our host and operations manager. He makes sure the place runs smoothly.
He’s a great team co-ordinator, communicator and connector.
He loves metal, rock and electronic music.
