New Eco-Retreat Off Grid in Catalonia, Spain Invites Travelers to Volcano Hikes, Yoga, and E-Bike Adventures in Alta Garrotxa: What You Need to Know

Nestled within the volcanic landscape of the Alta Garrotxa Natural Park, a newly reimagined seventeenth-century farmhouse named Off Grid is setting a new standard for eco-friendly rural retreats in Catalonia. This charming property combines rustic architecture with modern sustainability practices, offering guests a rejuvenating escape centered around volcano hikes, yoga sessions, and e-bike tours amidst some of Spain’s most spectacular natural scenery.

Off Grid presents a blend of slow travel and wellness culture, inviting travelers to disconnect from urban bustle and immerse themselves in the pre-Pyrenean hills’ serenity, enhanced by the region’s unique geology of dormant volcanoes and lush forests. The retreat is located about fifty kilometers north of Girona and is easily accessible from key Catalan cities and airports, making it an attractive destination for eco-conscious travelers and adventure seekers exploring Spain’s diverse landscapes.

A Historical Farmhouse Transformed into a Rustic Eco-Retreat

The centerpiece of Off Grid is the converted seventeenth-century masia, a traditional Catalan farmhouse, that has been thoughtfully restored with eco-friendly materials while preserving its old-world charm. The estate includes ten guest rooms plus a four-bedroom barn, all designed with whitewashed walls, muted earth tones, and artisanal stone and brass fixtures that evoke a warm, inviting atmosphere.

The decor merges rustic simplicity with subtle luxury, featuring sculptural stone sinks, brassy fittings, and hand-upholstered vintage furniture, carefully sourced from local artisans. The farmhouse courtyard, shaded by leafy trees and resting beside a swimming pool, is the heart of the guest experience, inviting relaxation and social connection among visitors.

Nature and Adventure: Volcano Hikes and E-Bike Exploration

Off Grid’s location within the Parc Natural de la Zona Volcànica de la Garrotxa offers direct access to an extraordinary landscape punctuated by over forty dormant volcanoes, lava flows, and pristine forests. Guests can explore the park on any of twenty-five recommended trails, ranging from short, family-friendly walks to challenging ten-mile hikes.

Popular hikes include a trek around the Croscat and Santa Margarida volcanoes, where visitors witness geological formations revealing volcanic activity from over thirteen thousand years ago. The experience is enriched by expert local guides who share the region’s geological history and natural heritage.

Alternative ways to explore the landscape include e-bike rentals, allowing visitors to traverse countryside roads and sleepy mountain villages dotted with cypress trees, echoing the charm of Tuscany. For cycling enthusiasts, the more ambitious can tackle routes up to thirty-five miles long, such as the famous Olot to Girona circuit.

Wellness Offerings: Yoga and Holistic Relaxation

A key feature of the retreat is its focus onwellness and slow living. Although newly introduced,regular yoga classesare planned to run twice weekly in a dedicatedonsite studio, led by instructors grounded in local traditions and ecological mindfulness. Guests can also experiencemassage therapy with locally trained practitioners, offering restorative treatments that complement the active pursuits.

The environment fosters tranquility through simple rituals, such as morning meditation facing the Mare de Déu del Mont mountain, surrounded by the natural sounds of birds and rustling leaves, helping guests mentally and physically unwind.

Commitment to Sustainability and Local Sourcing

Off Grid exemplifies sustainable tourism principles through its local sourcing of materials and products. The property farms its own organic vegetables and herbs on adjacent land, promoting farm-to-table dining. Culinary offerings, such as freshly prepared three-course dinners, feature seasonal, regionally sourced ingredients crafted into Catalan dishes.

Additional sustainability highlights include linens from Bekume in Olot, toiletries from Girona-based Olively, and small-batch coffee from the medieval town Besalú. The retreat is progressing towards installing solar panels, aerothermal heating, and plans for an alfresco sauna and yoga pavilion, furthering its environmental responsibility.

Cultural Immersion and Regional Cuisine

Off Grid encourages communal dining experiences, where guests gather poolside or around rustic farmhouse tables to share local dishes inspired bymarket-fresh Catalan produce. Nearby gastronomic options include the Mediterranean-inspiredLa Guixera bistroandEl Claustre de Palera, notable for its unique terrace within a restored Romanesque church, serving local seafood specialities.

Dining experiences offer travelers a rich cultural immersion intoCatalonia’s culinary heritage, blending traditional recipes with contemporary flair and regional wines.

Microadventure and Slow-Life Appeal

The retreat’s ethos centers on microadventure, a form of travel focused on short, manageable, immersion-driven trips that offer meaningful escape without the stress of conventional tourism. This aligns with broader 2026 travel trends favoring purposeful exploration, wellness, and sustainable destinations.

For solo travelers, couples, and groups seekinga restorative pause through nature, culture, and local connection, Off Grid provides a unique counterpoint to fast-paced city breaks and crowded beach resorts.

Image Credit: Off Grid

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