Perched deep in the rolling hills of Catalonia, a haven for those seeking solitude and rejuvenation has emerged. Off Grid, a 10-room retreat nestled in the picturesque Alta Garrotxa valley, offers a tranquil escape from the stresses of modern life. Gerard Greene's vision – a rustic retreat that combines luxury with sustainability – is realized in this beautifully restored 17th-century masia, its whitewashed walls and wooden beams adorned with vines and flowers.
As I settle into my room, the soothing sounds of nature envelop me: birds chirping in the treetops above, the distant rumble of a volcano, and the gentle breeze rustling through the lush greenery. The scent of beeswax wafts from the candle on my bedside table, accompanied by the soft hum of meditation. Yoga sessions are currently available on-demand, but soon to become twice weekly, led by instructor Alba, who brings her knowledge of local flora and fauna into her practice.
Beyond the retreat's tranquil atmosphere, outdoor enthusiasts will revel in the opportunities for exploration. With 25 trails to choose from within the Parc Natural de la Zona Volcànica, ranging from easy strolls to more demanding hikes, there's something for everyone. Local guide Mike Lockwood takes me on a hike around Croscat and Santa Margarita volcanoes, pointing out the unique geological features of this protected nature reserve – 40 dormant volcanoes, in fact.
One afternoon, I hire an ebike from the hotel and glide through the picturesque countryside, pausing to take in the views of sleepy villages and cypress-framed fields. The region's culinary delights are also worth discovering: a visit to La Guixera, within walking distance, serves up delicious local produce; El Claustre de Palera is another favourite spot for the chef, offering mouth-watering dishes made with fresh ingredients.
Each morning, I take advantage of the huge unheated pool, its tranquil atmosphere and refreshing dip providing the perfect antidote to the anxieties of motherhood. In this haven, time stands still – no decisions to make, no pressure to perform. It's simply a chance to be, to breathe, and to recharge.
For now, Off Grid is a secluded gem nestled in the heart of Catalonia, but its plans for expansion are ambitious: solar panels, an aerothermal heating system, and even an alfresco sauna all feature in the hotel's vision for sustainability. As I prepare to leave, I feel invigorated, my senses renewed, and my body rejuvenated – a testament to the power of this extraordinary retreat.
As I settle into my room, the soothing sounds of nature envelop me: birds chirping in the treetops above, the distant rumble of a volcano, and the gentle breeze rustling through the lush greenery. The scent of beeswax wafts from the candle on my bedside table, accompanied by the soft hum of meditation. Yoga sessions are currently available on-demand, but soon to become twice weekly, led by instructor Alba, who brings her knowledge of local flora and fauna into her practice.
Beyond the retreat's tranquil atmosphere, outdoor enthusiasts will revel in the opportunities for exploration. With 25 trails to choose from within the Parc Natural de la Zona Volcànica, ranging from easy strolls to more demanding hikes, there's something for everyone. Local guide Mike Lockwood takes me on a hike around Croscat and Santa Margarita volcanoes, pointing out the unique geological features of this protected nature reserve – 40 dormant volcanoes, in fact.
One afternoon, I hire an ebike from the hotel and glide through the picturesque countryside, pausing to take in the views of sleepy villages and cypress-framed fields. The region's culinary delights are also worth discovering: a visit to La Guixera, within walking distance, serves up delicious local produce; El Claustre de Palera is another favourite spot for the chef, offering mouth-watering dishes made with fresh ingredients.
Each morning, I take advantage of the huge unheated pool, its tranquil atmosphere and refreshing dip providing the perfect antidote to the anxieties of motherhood. In this haven, time stands still – no decisions to make, no pressure to perform. It's simply a chance to be, to breathe, and to recharge.
For now, Off Grid is a secluded gem nestled in the heart of Catalonia, but its plans for expansion are ambitious: solar panels, an aerothermal heating system, and even an alfresco sauna all feature in the hotel's vision for sustainability. As I prepare to leave, I feel invigorated, my senses renewed, and my body rejuvenated – a testament to the power of this extraordinary retreat.
. They really hit the nail on the head with that whole 'sustainable luxury' vibe - I mean, solar panels in the rooms? That's just genius 
. And don't even get me started on the food - I've been dreaming about those local produce dishes at La Guixera 
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. I love that they're not just some fancy resort trying to push products - they genuinely want you to unwind and enjoy the surroundings.
. It's amazing how a little bit of mindfulness can transform your whole trip... anyway, just had to share my Off Grid experience 
. Has anyone else been there?
the idea of escaping to nature sounds like heaven after a chaotic week 
the yoga sessions sound amazing 
can't wait to try them out and hike through those stunning trails 
25 trails?!?!?! 
my ebike skills are about to get put to the test 
and local foodie vibes 
la guixera already on my radar 
The attention to detail and commitment to sustainability are impressive - solar panels, an aerothermal heating system... it's like they're thinking about the future before it even happens! 
And can we talk about the yoga sessions and meditation? It's not just about relaxation, but also a chance to reconnect with nature and ourselves. I'm low-key jealous of those who get to experience this retreat firsthand 
And solar panels can be a bit hit or miss when it comes to actual energy output, you know? Not saying it's bad, but let's not get ahead of ourselves here. I mean, have they considered the impact on local wildlife with all that construction and expansion plans? Just saying.
Gerard Greene must be a total genius for turning this old masia into a luxurious eco retreat 
. It's like they want us to navigate through a maze just to find what we're looking for. I swear, every time I go back to my thread, it's all jumbled up again... 
. And don't even get me started on the 'new' features – is that a font change or just me being blind? 
. Seriously though, can they just make the comments section decent for once? 
. I mean, I love reading about Off Grid's peaceful retreat in Catalonia... but do I really need to click through three times to get to the article? 
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This Off Grid place is like a dream come true for me! I mean, who wouldn't want to escape all their worries and just chill in nature? 
. But seriously, the peace and quiet here is incredible. I love that there are yoga sessions available on-demand... just what I need after binge-watching Netflix for hours 
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. The ebike tours are a great way to experience the countryside at a leisurely pace, and I appreciate how they highlight local culinary delights like La Guixera and El Claustre de Palera – it's all about supporting the community.
I'm low-key obsessed with off-grid retreats like this! There's something about escaping into nature that just feels right for the soul. I mean, who needs productivity mode when you can have birdwatching and yoga sessions in your PJs? 
The fact that they're already incorporating sustainable practices into their design is a major win in my book – it's like they're saying, "Hey, we get that life isn't all sunshine and rainbows." 
It sounds like the perfect way to slow down and connect with yourself. Has anyone else ever stumbled upon a hidden gem like this?
️ This place is like a breath of fresh air 
My mind is already planning a solo trip to Off Grid 
. i love that they're incorporating sustainability into their vision - solar panels, aerothermal heating... it's so cool 
. and can you even imagine yoga sessions led by someone who knows all about local flora and fauna? 
. i can imagine spending days just chillin by the pool, watching the beeswax candles melt... sounds like a digital detox dream come true 
now that's what i call living off the grid... or in this case, living on the hilltop 
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