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.
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.