Kicking back in Catalonia: a new eco-retreat in Spain with yoga, ebikes and volcano hikes

For a taste of laid-back luxury, head to Catalonia's wild heart: the 10-room Off Grid retreat in Alta Garrotxa. Gerard Greene, a former tech-savvy CEO turned rural rustic, has reimagined this converted 17th-century farmhouse as a haven for nature lovers and wellness enthusiasts. The result is a tranquil oasis where time stands still.

As I settled into one of the 10 rooms – each adorned with vintage charm and linens made from sustainable Bekume – I felt an instant sense of relaxation wash over me. A morning swim in the unheated pool, dotted with sunbathing pumpkins, was followed by a leisurely bike ride through sleepy villages and scenic countryside.

But Off Grid is more than just a pretty face; it's also a haven for adventure-seekers. Local guide Mike Lockwood regaled me with tales of 40 dormant volcanoes in the nearby Parc Natural de la Zona Volcànica, as we explored trails winding through beech wood and past mossy boulders.

Yoga sessions are now available on-demand – a welcome respite for those seeking balance amidst life's chaos. Instructor Alba, with her beeswax candle burning softly in the background, guided us into a meditative buzz that felt almost therapeutic.

Beyond the hotel's rustic charm, Off Grid is committed to sustainability. From locally sourced coffee and toiletries to solar panels and an aerothermal heating system on the horizon, this eco-friendly retreat is redefining rural luxury.

My sojourn here has been nothing short of rejuvenating – a chance to disconnect from the world and reconnect with my own being. And as I gaze out at the Pyrenees' majestic silhouette, I know that this feeling will stay with me long after I leave Off Grid's tranquil walls behind.

Ugh, great, another overpriced retreat for rich people who think they can just buy their way to wellness . Like, who needs actual adventure when you've got a guided bike ride through sleepy villages? And don't even get me started on the yoga sessions – just a bunch of hippies charging you extra for a relaxing session . And sustainability? Please, it's just marketing speak to make it sound cool. They're probably just using some fancy eco-friendly materials that will wear off after a few months . And what's with the pumpkin-infused pool? Who thought that was a good idea?

I think what struck me most about this off-grid retreat is how it teaches us to slow down and appreciate the simple things in life. We're always rushing around, thinking we need more stimulation to be happy, but sometimes all we need is a bit of quiet, nature, and introspection to find balance . I mean, think about it, our lives are like that bike ride through sleepy villages - there's beauty in the journey, not just the destination . And let's not forget about the importance of self-care! Yoga sessions on-demand? Genius ! It's all about finding that inner peace and taking care of ourselves, both body and mind .

I'm not convinced about this off-grid retreat... how do they generate electricity without solar panels if they're "committed to sustainability"? And what's up with the bee wax candle in the yoga session? is it just a gimmick? Also, isn't having an aerothermal heating system that hasn't been installed yet kinda contradictory to being eco-friendly? I need some sources on this one...

Dude , I gotta correct you - it's not "beeswax candle burning softly in the background"... it should be "beeswax candle burning gently in the background", get it? The word "gently" makes a difference in that sentence. And another thing, I'm pretty sure the phrase "meditative buzz" is more like a meditation teacher's term - they might say something like "entering a meditative state". Anyways, Off Grid sounds like an amazing spot, but yeah, let's keep those grammar skills sharp

I gotta say, this place sounds like some kinda secret society retreat . I mean, what's up with all these "wellness enthusiasts" and "nature lovers" showing up? Is it just a cover for something more sinister? Like, are they using the yoga sessions to mind-control people or something?

And don't even get me started on the whole "sustainable" thing. I've been saying this for years: corporations just use that term to mask their true intentions. What's really going on with all these solar panels and whatnot? Are they secretly powering some kind of underground network?

I'm not buying it. This place is just a fancy trap to get people hooked on the whole "off-grid" vibe, only to sell them some overpriced wellness products or whatever. Mark my words...

I'm so obsessed with this Off Grid retreat in Alta Garrotxa! The whole vibe is just so chill and immersive - I mean, who wouldn't want to wake up in a vintage charmed room surrounded by nature? And the way they've reimagined the farmhouse as a wellness haven is pure genius. I'm all about that yoga life now! The fact that it's also super sustainable is just a bonus - we need more eco-friendly retreats like this! Plus, exploring those dormant volcanoes and scenic countryside sounds like an absolute dream come true... can't wait to plan my own adventure!

I'm not sold on the 'rural luxury' vibe here... Think it's just another overpriced glamping spot for Instagram influencers . The whole ' disconnect from the world' thing is just a marketing buzzword to make you shell out extra $$$ for yoga sessions and locally sourced coffee ️. And let's be real, who needs that much drama with 40 dormant volcanoes nearby? I mean, can't they just leave some of the natural beauty unexplored?

I'm totally fascinated by Gerard Greene's vision for Off Grid retreat . The way he seamlessly blends rustic charm with sustainable luxury is truly innovative. It's not just a luxurious getaway, but also an eco-friendly haven that promotes wellness and adventure . I love the idea of yoga sessions being available on-demand – it's a great way to balance work and self-care. The fact that they're committed to sustainability is also a huge plus in my book . It's amazing how something like an off-grid retreat can be a game-changer for someone looking to disconnect from the world and reconnect with themselves. I'm definitely adding this to my bucket list – who wouldn't want to experience the tranquility of Alta Garrotxa?

Ugh , I mean, who pays thousands of dollars to sleep in a 17th-century farmhouse? It's just a fancy way of saying 'backpacker accommodation' . And don't even get me started on the "sustainable" bit – it's just a marketing ploy to make people feel guilty about their consumerism . I bet they're just using some basic eco-friendly stuff and calling it a day . The yoga sessions sound like a load of new-age nonsense , and who needs to pay for guided meditation when you can just find a quiet spot in the woods?

You know what struck me about this off-grid retreat? It's not just about escaping into nature, but also about embracing simplicity and finding balance in life. Like, think about it, we're living in a world that's always telling us to be more, do more, achieve more... but sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is take a step back, breathe, and be still

It's not just about disconnecting from the world, but also about reconnecting with yourself. And that's what this retreat does so beautifully – it offers you the space to tune in, to listen, and to rediscover your own rhythm in life. And I think that's something we can all learn from, whether we're city-dwellers or country folk

Wow , a 17th-century farmhouse turned into an eco-friendly retreat is like a dream come true! Interesting how they incorporated sustainable features and local suppliers to maintain the luxury vibe without harming the environment . The idea of an unheated pool dotted with sunbathing pumpkins is genius !

You gotta be kidding me, 40 dormant volcanoes in one place? That's not just a cool fact, it's like basic geography knowledge! Anyone who says they've never heard of the Pyrenees before is, like, seriously missing out. But hey, if you're gonna stay at an eco-friendly retreat and pretend to be all green, might as well get some decent facts going on about the area, right? And can we please just say that using beeswax candles in yoga sessions is a total buzzkill (get it? )?

just read about this off-grid retreat in catalonia, sounds like a perfect getaway for anyone looking to unwind and connect with nature the fact that it's sustainable too is really great have been thinking of traveling more, might have to add this one to my bucket list

I'm low-key obsessed with this off-grid retreat in Catalonia! The whole vibe is so relaxing and serene, I can already imagine myself unwinding here. But, idk, it feels a bit too perfect? Like, how do they balance the luxury with being eco-friendly? Are they really using solar panels and all that? And what's up with the 'yoga sessions available on-demand' thing? Is this just a fancy way of saying they're paying instructors to make you feel good? Still, if it works for them, I'm down!

The more I think about it, the more I'm convinced that sustainable luxury is the future . Like, who needs a fancy city hotel when you can stay in a beautifully restored 17th-century farmhouse surrounded by nature? And not just that, but Off Grid's commitment to sustainability feels like the icing on the cake .

I mean, think about it: solar panels, aerothermal heating... these are the kind of innovations that'll make us all feel good about our choices . And let's not forget about the little things - locally sourced coffee and toiletries, beeswax candles... it's like they're saying, "Hey, we care about you and the planet ."

I think what I love most is how Off Grid blurs the line between work and play . Like, yoga sessions on-demand? That's genius . And the bike rides through sleepy villages? Sounds like pure bliss .

Anyway, I'm totes sold on this eco-friendly retreat . Who's ready to ditch the city life for a taste of rural luxury?

omg i no think its crazy how some ppl r making rural retreats like a luxury experience lol! its like a whole diff vibe from ur avg hotel room but at the same time, its kinda nice to have all those outdoor activities & wellness stuff . and isnt it awesome that theyre trying 2 be eco-friendly too? like, solar panels & aerothermal heating? that sounds SO cool