11 independent reviews for Catalan countryside hotel, Spain
Reviews for Catalan countryside hotel, Spain
Angela Graef review 3 Sep 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
I had a swimming lesson with Gareth - that was really cool having someone really focus on what you need to improve. I also went horse riding with Rafa - that was lovely. Girona and Besalu circus museum are well worth a visit too.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
You will probably need a car to get around unless you are planning on using bikes! But that was the charm for me - as a solo traveler I used local buses and walked. Also talk to Fiona and Gareth - they have an incredibly interesting story and have built the hotel up from ruins. It's quite impressive.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Absolutely. I was really impressed with how Fiona and Gareth balanced comfort with sustainability. Air conditioning was controlled centrally and they have the garden BBQ with kettle if you want to cook for yourself.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Wonderful vacation. Fiona and Gareth are very engaged and welcoming hosts. They were very kind and took me to get takeaway sushi one night with them. I wanted to do a tech detox and relax and that's absolutely what I got.Laura Masson review 27 Aug 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
I really enjoyed staying at the hotel, even if I was on my own I especially enjoyed the yoga pilates class in the open air every day at 8.15am, riding bikes just outside and beautiful cycle lanes and the fantastic swimming pool which was empty during breakfast and other times of the day2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
I booked my trip at the last minute but to fully enjoy the vacation I would recommend looking into the cycle routes, booking activities including horse riding in advance, the park. I was very happy and well looked after but my options were more limited as I did not have a car. I would recommend a family to book a car. Especially to go to the river and visit towns inc Girona & Barcelona3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I cycled and swam so feel my carbon footprint was limited. :) To be more embedded in the local economy and organic, one option would be to buy local and indicate it in the menu. The home made bread and food were delicious but the Breakfast menu and dinner could include or notify the guests that they are local and organic. The honey & jam, eggs, salads and fruits could all be local and anthentic Catalan and guests made aware that they are. I thought it was really good that the wine offered was local and some of it organic too for example.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
I really enjoyed and have recommended it to many friendsMasa Pupaher review 10 Aug 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The most memorable part for me was the openness of everyone I met and the amazing feeling of traveling alone for my first time. Also Fiona, Gerif and everyone else who works at the hotel are very friendly, open and willing to help.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Just relax, you'll have an amazing time :)3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was amazing.Dan Allingham review 10 Jul 2021
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Incredible location, really peaceful and the hosts were amazing. Recommended for both families (horse riding nearby and a very nice pool on location) and sports enthusiasts (they cater for triathlon with a good pool and amazing bikes and I really enjoyed the running trails in the nature).2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Very Highly recommended for either a place to chill or sport. Great for access to the hills or nearby medieval towns. Hosts are really amazing and bend over backwards to assist you in anything. Lots of activities nearby3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Place is in the nature totally off grid using solar power and is a restored pilgrims resting house on the Camino trail so most certainly4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Really good. Shame we only stayed here for 6 nights as could have happily stayed longer. Very highly recommendedVanessa Phillipson review 30 Oct 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Canyoning2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Get walking and go to local bars/cafes.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
An immersive experienceSheila Scott review 27 Sep 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Meeting and getting to know people from different countries, and sharing experiences and meals with them. Also, the variety of activities on offer, in stunning scenery, and the expertise and helpful advice from our hosts, Fiona and Gareth, meant that we could explore the surrounding area or just relax by the outdoor pool.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Ask advice from Fiona or Gareth about places of interest when you are out and about.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. the accommodation is off-grid and uses solar energy, a solar pool cover and centrally located courteouslythermos flasks of hot water instead of electric kettles in individual rooms. Food waste is composted and glass, paper, cans and plastic are recycled. Food is locally sourced, and two local ladies have been trained and are employed to help in the kitchen and with cleaning.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Wonderful! Fiona and Gareth are excellent hosts, and the accommodation has a real 'home from home' feel. Nothing is too much trouble for them, from arranging activities such as horseback riding to helpfully responding to any queries.Liz Glover review 3 Sep 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
So many lovely places, arriving at night with the tiny windows lit up, the smell of the air, exploring the village Seinya with it's fruit trees, vegetable patches and beautiful sand coloured buildings and village square and gentle village life, arriving in Besalu-wow, the most spectacular Medieval village, swimming in the lake at Banyoles, the landscape, seeing a wide boar, swimming in the river, visiting Girona-that first veiw of the old town lining the river, the cat family...the teenagers getting on and mucking about in the pool together!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Shops, restaurants and cafes seriously do close around 1 o'clock and (sometimes) open in the evening. This kept catching us out! Bring more money than you think you'll need, the pound is pretty weedy! Try the pub in the village for talking to locals, friendliness and good humour, and really good toasties. Ask Fiona and Gareth, they will help with anything you'd like to do and suggest lovely (long!) walks/ cycle routes. Go walking and on buses, it's beautiful. Also, we flew from Liverpool which was great, really small and friendly (and autism and disability friendly, with 2 of our our children this really made a difference!) with a 2 hour flight, and quick transfer thanks to Gareth.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. Fiona and Gareth know the area so well and will recommend places to eat (and take you there if you wish) and places to visit, stables where the horses are treated well, and have even adopted an extended family of cats. There are very few tourists here, even in Besalu which is spectacular. You feel like you are discovering Catalonia. The accommodation is a lovely old stone building, with shuttered windows and thick stone walls, with modern innovations to reduce its environmental impact and live in harmony within this beautiful area.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Really lovely. Exploring and relaxing, being with our 4 children (there is wifi and a snug sitting room, too) and feeling safe to let them explore. Our youngest loved the pool and could manage the walk in shower-with-a-seat independently and spent hours in both! A beautiful, calm place to be, with a delicious breakfast (the best scrambled eggs!) - so much to explore - and cycling, walking and riding too, with our lovely, funny and down to earth hosts Fiona and Gareth to look after us, just perfect.Melissa Wright review 1 Nov 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Perfect relaxing, rural location convenient to sight-seeing spots such as Girona and Besalu.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
We are cyclists, but traveling with both a grandparent and small children, we didn't book here for the cycling but rather for the location. We rented a car and found this to be a perfect base from which to enjoy touring Besalu, Girona and many other local points of interest.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes!4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Caroline Wigart review 22 Apr 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
It was lovely to be able to ride along quiet roads taking in the beautiful views with the snowcapped Pyrenees in the distance. Our 12 year old athletic son was thrilled to be able to ride a good quality road bike, and the few drivers we encountered were so thoughtful and gave us plenty of space. This is a great place for dedicated cyclists but also offer interesting cultural sites. We visited the local palaeolithic caves, saw the Dalí Theatre Museum in Figueres and did a day trip to L'Escala and the interesting Greek/Roman remains of Emporium where we also took a swim in the sea (refreshing!). Our hosts, Fiona and Gareth and their children, were very friendly and helpful. They provide a great place for visitors interested in an active vacation.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
To get the most of this vacation, be prepared to be active, Fiona and Gareth are very helpful setting up your bikes and giving advice on suitable routes and other things to do.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, we were introduces to local restaurants and people and you could tell the house was refurbished with the environment in mind.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was a great vacation, a bit like when we go skiing... you come home feeling fit and energised. It would be useful to have a map indicating places to eat/snack on the road (with reviews). The Catalan food is quite meaty and it can be a bit difficult to get a tasty, healthy meal.Rachel Grubb review 16 May 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Cycling in the beautiful countryside. The freshly baked bread with the evening meal at the hotel.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
I would recommend hiring a car. Bring a Spanish phrase book as English did not seem to be widely understood ( not a problem at the hotel) Not that easy to find veggie options when eating in local restaurants.However the hotel restaurant provided excellent veggie food and the owners can advise on where to eat.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes the hotel was very environmentally aware.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Hotel highly recommended. Very Clean. Staff helpful and knowledgeable. Beautiful location.Trish Dooley review 3 Sep 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Beautiful accommodation, loads to do and a wonderful Salvador Dali Museum to add to the healthy, outdoor break.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Plan your fitness regime - loads to do, too little time!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. Based in a small village where we were encouraged to spend time. Very environment conscious family.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Great. I'd go again.Accommodation Reviews
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