A little place of wonders
Pioneering a Holistic Living in Arid Island Landscape
Words and images by Yves Drieghe
Amidst the volcanic landscapes and rhythmic tides of Canary Island, Lanzarote, a unique project is taking root, offering a counter-narrative to the fast-paced world and the island's burgeoning tourism industry. Named Hektor, this initiative invites visitors and residents alike to rediscover the essence of island life through a harmonious blend of nature, spirituality, and a slower, more intentional pace.
By embracing the island's dynamic natural elements—the awe-inspiring volcanoes, the life-giving ocean, the ever-changing winds, the radiant sun, and the unknown fertile land—the project fosters a deep connection to the environment and a profound sense of spiritual renewal.
Thrive in harmony
Three years ago, we (Yves Drieghe and Bert Pieters) embarked on a journey to the volcanic island of Lanzarote, nestled in the African continent. Our mission was to breathe new life into an abandoned farm, a dream that has since become the most challenging and rewarding endeavor of our lives.
The farm had been left to decline for years after a family of seven left their childhood home following the passing of their parents. Determined to honor their parents' legacy and the sacred land they had nurtured, the family sought a new generation to continue the farm's legacy.
Faced with the daunting task of revitalizing an abandoned farm on one of the world's most arid islands, just a stone's throw from the Sahara desert, we instinctively chose a path of deep connection with the land and all living things. The volcanic environment presented unique challenges, but also offered fertile soil and opportunities to harness the island's natural resources.
Our vision was to harmonize Mother Earth, Father Sky, Grandfather Sun, and Grandmother Moon with the Four Directions, fostering a space where all beings - the Standing People (trees), Two-leggeds (humans), and Four-leggeds (animals) - could thrive in harmony.
“It's a place of connection, where the gaze of an animal reflects a shared sentience. A place where creative minds from around the world can step outside their comfort zones, rediscover themselves, and tap into their creativity.”
A place of connection
Our project is a multifaceted haven, what we call ‘a little place of wonders’, where we're cultivating a permaculture farm to grow our own food, providing a sanctuary for international artists and activists seeking a nurturing space for their art or activism, and offering a caring home to rescue animals with troubled pasts (like donkey Silvestre) or unclear futures (like the piglets who will make their way to Hektor soon). We're also actively regenerating 20,000m2 of land, where we've already planted over 300 trees alongside the native flora, and implementing sustainable practices like reusing 100% of the house-hold water on the land.
It's a place of connection, where the gaze of an animal reflects a shared sentience. A place where creative minds from around the world can step outside their comfort zones, rediscover themselves, and tap into their creativity. A place where hundreds of new trees stand tall, breathing life into the land. And a place where ancient agricultural wisdom harmonizes with modern permaculture techniques.
What does this intersectional approach mean for an island grappling with severe drought, a tourism industry focused on European luxury and hotel development, and a colonial past that has marginalized the sacred teachings and spiritual traditions of its native people?
Though we hold the legal ownership of the land, our true role is that of stewards. We are deeply committed to its care, actively restoring the platforms and terraced farmland in a way that honors the rich history and traditional agricultural practices that shaped this place. Our project is purpose-driven rather than profit-driven. While it generates jobs, its heart lies in supporting the creative journeys of our resident artists, offering them guidance, space, and inspiration.
We see ourselves as a cultural bridge — politically tied to Spain, yet geographically and spiritually connected to the African continent. Through our work, we aim to respect and integrate diverse perspectives, creating a space for dialogue, art, and community. Hektor is also a spiritual sanctuary, where practices such as Reiki and moon rituals are offered to nurture healing, even if not everyone walks a spiritual path.
Compassion is at the core of everything we do. Our farm is a haven for rescued animals who find comfort and safety within our care. And when it came to restoring the farmhouse, we chose preservation over expansion. Instead of enlarging the structure, we downsized it, embracing restoration as a way to honor the original building and its place in the land’s history.
This freedom of thinking allows for boundless experimentation as we put our beliefs into action.
Spirituality Infused by Nature
The volcanic energy of the islands, a palpable connection to the heated earth, invigorates those who pause and open themselves to it. It's an invitation to embrace a holistic approach — spirit, body, soul, and mind — intertwined with the elements of nature. The island's ever-present winds, water, fire, and earth become conduits for a profound spiritual experience.
Meditation and mindfulness practices find their home in the sacred stone circle, where guided meditations are accompanied by natural soundscapes. These sessions focus on breath and presence, offering a deep connection to the moment. We also encourage nature connection rituals, inviting guests to interact directly with the elements — one of the most grounding experiences being the simple yet powerful act of planting and harvesting your own food.
Sustainable Practices at Hektor
From the ground up, Hektor is built on principles of sustainability, with thoughtful practices woven into every aspect of life here. Our kitchen is 100% plant-based, using no animal products whatsoever. We provide a nourishing plant-based breakfast each day for our guests and offer a cooking zine to inspire both visitors and our month-long resident artists and activists. These residents are also encouraged to explore the benefits and creativity of plant-based cooking during their stay.
Water conservation is a top priority in our arid environment. We've implemented a closed-loop water system, meaning all household water used on the land is reused. In addition, we harvest rainwater and operate an efficient irrigation system to reduce waste and make the most of every drop. We're currently researching dew catchers as a way to further enhance our water independence. To ensure that the water reused on our food produce is completely safe, we make our own soaps and use probiotic cleaning products.
Our farming approach is guided by permaculture principles, with a focus on self-sustaining, regenerative practices. Techniques such as companion planting and crop rotation support the health of the soil, while nutrient-rich manure from our donkeys and sheep enriches the land. We even incorporate wool from our sheep into various elements of farm life. These integrated systems reduce our need for external inputs and foster a flourishing, balanced ecosystem.
We’re also deeply committed to land regeneration across our 20,000m² property. This includes planting native trees, composting organic materials, and creating microclimates that nurture diverse plant and animal life. Although not yet fully in place, we are actively exploring solar power to support our operations, with the goal of transitioning to renewable energy and minimizing our carbon footprint.
“Against all odds, we dared to dream of regenerating an abandoned farm on an island where water is scarce.”
Our Future Plans: Roots, Connections, and Spirit
Our path forward is one of natural growth and deepening connection. In the coming years, we plan to plant 500 trees across our landscape and explore new flavors by cultivating coffee and cacao. These steps reflect our ongoing commitment to sustainability and reverence for the land. We’re also working to develop innovative water solutions that support both the ecosystem and our vision of regeneration. At the heart of everything we do is a belief in the interconnectedness of all beings. We’ll continue creating opportunities for meaningful encounters between humans and animals — moments of stillness, curiosity, and mutual recognition. As always, spirituality will remain interwoven into the fabric of our project, guiding us as we honor the land, the cosmos, and the quiet wisdom that nature offers.
Get Involved with Hektor
We invite you to experience the unique beauty and tranquility of Hektor. There are many ways to be part of what we’re building here. Apply for an Artist or Activist Residency and immerse yourself in our creative, regenerative space. Join one of our Guided Tours to explore the permaculture farm, meet our rescued animals, and connect with our resident artists. Attend one of our Events or Artist Dinners, where the atmosphere is warm, communal, and filled with inspiration. To learn more about how you can support or get involved in the Hektor project, visit our website at www.hektor.es or follow along on Instagram at @hektorlanzarote.