A tranquil retreat in the heart of Catalonia, Spain, where nature and relaxation come together in perfect harmony. The 10-room Off Grid guesthouse, nestled in a converted 17th-century farmhouse, is surrounded by the breathtaking landscape of Alta Garrotxa, a protected nature reserve about 30 miles north of Girona.
As I arrived at the property, I was greeted with a warm welcome and a sense of calm that permeated every corner of the guesthouse. The rustic decor, which includes heavy wood beams, antique furniture, and local artwork, adds to the cozy atmosphere. The hotel's commitment to sustainability is evident in its use of locally sourced materials, from sustainable coffee beans to organic produce grown on nearby land.
The guesthouse offers a range of activities that cater to all interests and energy levels. Yoga sessions are currently available on-demand, but will soon move to an onsite studio twice weekly from the new year. For those who prefer more adventure, there's a vast network of walking trails that traverse mountainside, forest, and idyllic green pastures. I hired an ebike from the hotel and skimed along quiet roads, taking in the picturesque villages reminiscent of Tuscany.
One of the highlights of my stay was a guided hike with local guide Mike Lockwood, who shared fascinating insights into the geology and history of the area. We explored the Parc Natural de la Zona Volcànica, which boasts 25 recommended trails ranging from one mile to 10 miles. The highlight of our hike was visiting a dormant volcano, where we discovered a former quarry with chalky stripes and fine cinder granules.
In the evenings, I enjoyed delicious meals in the communal dining area or at local restaurants nearby. The chef's daily specials were a highlight, showcasing fresh, locally sourced ingredients. A visit to El Claustre de Palera, a charming Romanesque church turned bistro, was a particular favorite, where I indulged in platters of fried anchovies and barbecued mackerel with rich ratatouille.
The hotel's past is evident in its beautifully restored antique pieces and local artwork. The ivy-coated courtyard adds to the charming atmosphere, while the huge iron fireplaces and original artworks create a cozy ambiance.
For now, guests can enjoy the large, unheated pool, lined with pumpkin-colored loungers and Mediterranean foliage. As I sat by the pool on a crisp autumn morning, I felt a sense of peace wash over me. It's been months since I've had time to think, to simply be – and it feels good.
As I reflect on my stay at Off Grid, I'm reminded that sometimes, all we need is a break from the hustle and bustle of life. A chance to reconnect with nature, ourselves, and each other. This tranquil retreat in Catalonia has given me just what I needed – and I leave feeling refreshed, renewed, and grateful for this little slice of heaven on earth.
As I arrived at the property, I was greeted with a warm welcome and a sense of calm that permeated every corner of the guesthouse. The rustic decor, which includes heavy wood beams, antique furniture, and local artwork, adds to the cozy atmosphere. The hotel's commitment to sustainability is evident in its use of locally sourced materials, from sustainable coffee beans to organic produce grown on nearby land.
The guesthouse offers a range of activities that cater to all interests and energy levels. Yoga sessions are currently available on-demand, but will soon move to an onsite studio twice weekly from the new year. For those who prefer more adventure, there's a vast network of walking trails that traverse mountainside, forest, and idyllic green pastures. I hired an ebike from the hotel and skimed along quiet roads, taking in the picturesque villages reminiscent of Tuscany.
One of the highlights of my stay was a guided hike with local guide Mike Lockwood, who shared fascinating insights into the geology and history of the area. We explored the Parc Natural de la Zona Volcànica, which boasts 25 recommended trails ranging from one mile to 10 miles. The highlight of our hike was visiting a dormant volcano, where we discovered a former quarry with chalky stripes and fine cinder granules.
In the evenings, I enjoyed delicious meals in the communal dining area or at local restaurants nearby. The chef's daily specials were a highlight, showcasing fresh, locally sourced ingredients. A visit to El Claustre de Palera, a charming Romanesque church turned bistro, was a particular favorite, where I indulged in platters of fried anchovies and barbecued mackerel with rich ratatouille.
The hotel's past is evident in its beautifully restored antique pieces and local artwork. The ivy-coated courtyard adds to the charming atmosphere, while the huge iron fireplaces and original artworks create a cozy ambiance.
For now, guests can enjoy the large, unheated pool, lined with pumpkin-colored loungers and Mediterranean foliage. As I sat by the pool on a crisp autumn morning, I felt a sense of peace wash over me. It's been months since I've had time to think, to simply be – and it feels good.
As I reflect on my stay at Off Grid, I'm reminded that sometimes, all we need is a break from the hustle and bustle of life. A chance to reconnect with nature, ourselves, and each other. This tranquil retreat in Catalonia has given me just what I needed – and I leave feeling refreshed, renewed, and grateful for this little slice of heaven on earth.
i had the craziest dream last nite about my old cat, mr whiskers 
. he was chasing after a laser pointer in mid air lol what's up with that?! anyway back to nature retreats... 
i think its super cool how they use locally sourced materials and stuff like that. reminds me of when i went to a vegan cafe in LA and tried their matcha latte 
it was so good! have you guys ever been to a vegan cafe?
10 rooms, ancient vibes, and a commitment to being kind to the planet 
... what's not to love?
i rented one at off grid guesthouse and explored the whole area without any stress 
their pool is still unheated lol, guess it's more chill like that 
anyway, their food was amazin' 
barbecued mackerel is my fave! how r u doing today? did u have a good weekend? 
gotta try the ebike rentals 
sounds like a real adventure 
maybe they could add an on-site cafe serving all sorts of delicious sustainable treats tho? 
would be perfect for a relaxing morning coffee 
️
to go there! The rustic decor and sustainable vibes are giving me major relaxation goals 
And who doesn't love a good poolside lounge with pumpkin-colored loungers? 
, the whole place sounds super relaxing but like, is it really off-grid? 
From what I read, they're using solar panels and rainwater harvesting, but I'm not sure if that's enough to be considered "off-grid". Maybe it's just a marketing thing 
. Anyway, a pool in autumn? That sounds cozy 
. But, honestly, I'm not sure how eco-friendly they are compared to other sustainable hotels out there 
. All in all, Off Grid guesthouse seems like the perfect escape from reality – and we could all use a little more of that in our lives 
... it's like a peaceful oasis in the middle of nature 
The fact that they're using locally sourced materials and sustainable practices is a big thumbs up from me. It's amazing how something as simple as a tranquil retreat can rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul. 
The foodie part of me is also excited to try out the chef's daily specials and visit that Romanesque church turned bistro... El Claustre de Palera, anyone? 
and the activities they offer are so varied - yoga, hiking, ebiking... there's something for everyone! 
i'm still reeling from the tranquility of off grid guesthouse 
the ebike hire was a highlight, exploring those mountainside trails was literally the best 
can't wait to go back and indulge in more meals at el claustre de palera 
.