About Us
Hello & Welcome!
In March 2024, our family, Todd, Flora, teenagers Tasman and Evie, and our lively blue heeler, Kennedy, set off on an exciting new chapter, leaving New Zealand behind and landing on the sun-soaked shores of Nicaragua.
Almost immediately, we rolled up our sleeves and began restoring a once-forgotten beachfront property, using our love for landscaping to transform it into the vibrant, tropical oasis it is today.
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Since arriving, we’ve been welcomed by a warm and diverse community, forming friendships with people from all walks of life in this safe and spirited country.
Now, we invite you to be part of this next chapter, come experience the magic of Nicaragua’s surf culture, natural beauty, and rich, soulful way of life.
About Todd and Flora Banks
Our Story: From New Zealand to Nicaragua
Life has a way of surprising you and five years ago, we never imagined we’d end up here. But as two Kiwis with a passion for travel, adventure, and culture, it’s no wonder we found ourselves falling in love with this wild and beautiful stretch of Nicaraguan coastline.
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Todd, nearly fluent in Spanish, is our resident campfire chef and loves cooking up delicious meals over the flames. Flora is the heart of the fun, organizing activities and making sure every guest feels relaxed and right at home.
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Beyond the camp, our family is proud to be actively involved in the Quizala community. Todd and Flora are part of the Environment and Roading Committee, helping pave roads in the village, and we all volunteer twice a week teaching English at the local primary school.
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We've also launched a turtle egg buy-back sanctuary right here on the property. Last season, we successfully hatched our first baby turtle and we’re now better equipped and excited for many more. You can even sponsor a nest using the link below.
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Flora and our daughter Evie are starting a bike sponsorship program to help local kids get to school safely and independently. We've already donated one bike to a neighbor, making his daily high school commute possible without relying on motorbike lifts.
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We've made strong friendships with local expat groups, and our kids have joined in on beach volleyball, soccer, karaoke nights, and even supported pet rescue clinics.
Now, we want to welcome fellow travellers to experience this special place, whether you're here for a retreat, surf holiday, or simply to connect with nature and community. Come be a part of the magic that we’ve grown to love.
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Flora & Todd x
World School
With Us
Since 2019, our family has been on a journey of reimagining education, a path that has evolved naturally as our children have grown.
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Now, we’re excited to give back to the world-traveling community by offering something truly special here on Nicaragua’s central coast: a meaningful place of rest, exploration, and cultural immersion at our Quizala location.
As the only foreign family in our community, we’ve formed deep friendships with locals, cooks, builders, teachers, musicians, caretakers, security staff, and community leaders, whose warmth, generosity, and genuine support have made this place feel like home.
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We welcome families to join our camps for an authentic taste of Nicaragua or to arrange longer stays in locally-run accommodations. Over the years, we’ve had the joy of hosting many expat families already living in Nicaragua, and we look forward to sharing this rich and vibrant experience with more.
