Meet Some Recent Clients

Wellness Retreat in Greece

We had the privilege of working with the internationally acclaimed Elemental Ecosystems on the first phase of developing a wellness nature retreat on a six-hectare coastal hillside in the North Aegean Sea.

The focus of this phase was creating a landscape that holds water rather than loses it, using terraces, rice paddies, and a natural swimming pond designed for guests to enjoy.

By slowing and redirecting rapid runoff into the soil, the land now retains moisture more evenly across the site, supports new areas for grain and rice cultivation, and benefits from the added water security and recreational areas provided by the swimming pond.

Wetland Retreat in South Africa

We supported the transformation of an eight-hectare former banana farm in Monzi, South Africa into a wetland-centred wellness retreat.

When we first met the clients, they were unsure how to make the inherited farm viable. Now they have an implementation plan that aligns with their values and business ventures.

The plan uses the abundant water flowing through the site to restore the wetland ecosystem while shaping wellness and recreational spaces for guests to experience a thriving aquatic landscape - a retreat environment deeply connected to the restored landscape.

"I cannot recommend the Wild Banana team enough, the insights and years of experience they bring to the crafting of a bespoke vision ensures that the plan reflects not only what you actually need, but also what will best serve you and your property long term. Its the bedrock of the entire design process and they are masterful at guiding you through it."

~ Despi & Pat

Montado Restoration in Portugal

This 16Ha farm in coastal Portugal is within a wilderness conservation zone, but is severely degraded due to overgrazing.

The land owners deepest desire is to restore the land into a thriving Montado silvopasture system, with wilder indigenous zones.

Their biggest challenges were a lack of access to labour, and a lack of clarity on the best steps to take to see real progress. They were struggling with labour intensive projects that were yielding low results.

Now they have a clear plan ahead that works with their capacity and priorities to create a thriving Portuguese Montado landscape.

"Shaan and Gonzalo helped us to put our wild collection of ideas and wishes into a well organized plan for our property. This makes it easy to set priorities but also to modify the plan when things change, making the whole project less overwhelming.

They provided brilliant and ecologically well founded solutions to problems small and large, and respected our desire to contribute to the community."

~ Elle & Chris

Mountain Retreat in South Africa

Andreas bought his farm 20 years ago, but with no clear vision and no idea where to start, he remained stuck - unsure how to move forward and afraid of making the wrong decisions.

Now, for the first time, he has a clear, manageable plan - and the confidence to bring it to life.

Together we created a phased implementation plan that includes rental eco cabins and event facilities, a recreational swimming pond, hiking and cycling trails through the beautiful mountain farm to his visit his 4 natural springs, restoration zones to reforest natural riverine areas, camping facilities and an eco-retirement community.

“Now I have an Integrated Plan that I can trust - where every decision, both on its own and as part of the whole, has been thoughtfully considered.”

~ Andreas

Family Farm in South Africa

This project on a 6.5 Ha property in Fairview Estate, Ballito South Africa, involved designing and constructing two ecological family homes within a 2.5-hectare precinct surrounded by newly established macadamia orchards.

Originally part of a sugar cane farm, the land carried compacted, nutrient-depleted soils, making ecological regeneration a central focus.

A network of water retention features, including ponds and terraces, slows runoff, improves infiltration, and supports the return of biodiversity across the site. The ponds also offer spaces for family enjoyment while strengthening the property’s overall water security.

The two new dwellings are largely off-grid with a focus on having a direct relationship to a variety of nature spaces - intimate courtyards, morning kitchen gardens, and sunset views across the pond.

Eco ECD School in South Africa

The focus of this phase was creating a landscape that holds water rather than loses it, using terraces, rice paddies, and a natural swimming pond designed for guests to enjoy.