Catalonia family mountain biking & activity vacation, Spain
Highlights
Mountain biking | Horse riding | Ropes course | Hiking in the foothills of the Pyrenees | Swimming | Sunset views | Beautiful mountain scenery | Sauna and Gym | Opportunity for kayaking, archery, ziplining, Barcelona tripTravel Team
If you'd like to chat about this vacation or need help finding one we're very happy to help. The Travel Team.
Toll free 1-866-821-6866 Calling from outside the US? rosy@responsibletravel.comDeparture information
Responsible tourism
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We think about water and power usage and what waste we are producing. We plant local plants like olives and lavender that require little watering. We have left the wood at the back of the property that we look after and harvest, but still keep the healthy trees. The harvested wood is then used in the wood burning stoves. We have underfloor heating as in the winter the nights can be a little chilly. The historic house has been rebuilt in the old ways but with added insulation, so it stays warm in winter but cool in Summer. The walls are 60cm thick, so slowly heat up in the Summer and then keep their heat through the winter. This system works really well, so you do not need much AC, but we do have a large AC unit run by PV panels in the center of the building to keep the bedrooms at a good temperature (25°C indoor temp even in the last heat waves). People are always amazed how cool it is in the Summer inside. We also have shutters fitted to all the windows, so we can shut the shutters in the Summer to prevent the sun warming up the rooms. As the walls are really thick and as we have thought about window placement, this means in the Summer the sun misses the south facing windows due to the sun height, but in the winter can warm up the rooms as the sun is at a lower height and therefore shines in. We also vent in the cool night air in the Summer. The new suites have the eco ventilation for the night and we run the AC in the afternoon via the PV panels. To keep what PV electric we make we first turn on the central AC unit in the main building, as that keeps its temperature well. Then in the afternoon we move the power to the AC units in the new suits to get them down to 24°C and then at night we turn on the eco ventilation. The window and the roof placement for the new suites allows for shade in the Summer and the suns warmth in the Winter, so we hardly ever need to heat the new garden suites in Winter.
We have a solar pool cover and a PV solar system run the AC and the hotel in daylight hours. This means our pool is swimmable from March through to November all via the suns power. Our light bulbs are all eco and we think about each watt that is used. Our hair dryers are all 1kw rather than 2kw for example and we do not have electric kettles. Instead we provide thermoses of hot water for tea and coffee in the dining room and kettles on the gas rings of the BBQs. We look at each product and try and reasearch and buy the ones that used the least amount of power but still function well.
All waste is divided and what can be recycled is recycled. We also compost. All of our waste water goes through a septic tank which technically produces drinkable water. We water our garden from the old cisternas which are connected to our roof, so we collect rainwater to fill the cisternas, as they did in the old days. We run the whole of our small boutique hotel on 4kw usually, but can up the power automatically for example if everyone turns on their hairdryers at the same time. But usually we run at less than 4kw, which for such a large place is unheard of in Spain.
We plan to keep buying PV panels and adding more AC units as the number of heat waves escalate, so that we are not burning fossil fuels to keep cool. We are off grid, but do not be scared, most people do not even notice.
The Impacts of this Trip
Where we can we buy local in season produce, so for example our onions are Figueres onions, apples & pear from local orchards, local wines etc. We also have our own small vegetable garden. We buy locally and use local companies for almost everything. We also support the local restaurants by booking tables for our clients. We send our clients to the local best shops if they require anything and let them know the local market days etc.
We offer good wages to locals and train them. For example we have been employing a local guy and supporting him in his studies to become a more qualified sports coach.
We are part of the local community and support the Gegants (this is a local tradition where at festivals the local Gegants (people wearing huge heads, to make them look like giants) go and dance and perform. We also give all visitors access to maps and information about everything in the local area, from festivals, to museums, to sites of interest and the times of the local markets etc.
We campaigned with the local community against high voltage power lines being put in the area. The campaign was not completely successful but we did manage to get them moved so as not to disturb as much of the local wildlife. We all offered to club together to pay for them to go underground, but the electrical company said this would set a precedent and would not allow it, which we find ridiculous. In the end the power company said they would put the line where they wanted it or they would work with the local town councils to come up with the best solution, although they would not bury it. So we did have a small effect, but not the one we wanted. The MAT is a very controversial project here, but it has all been passed in Madrid and Catalunya is very angry.


We think about water and power usage and what waste we are producing. We plant local plants like olives and lavender that require little watering. We have left the wood at the back of the property that we look after and harvest, but still keep the healthy trees. The harvested wood is then used in the wood burning stoves. We have underfloor heating as in the winter the nights can be a little chilly. The historic house has been rebuilt in the old ways but with added insulation, so it stays warm in winter but cool in Summer. The walls are 60cm thick, so slowly heat up in the Summer and then keep their heat through the winter. This system works really well, so you do not need much AC, but we do have a large AC unit run by PV panels in the center of the building to keep the bedrooms at a good temperature (25°C indoor temp even in the last heat waves). People are always amazed how cool it is in the Summer inside. We also have shutters fitted to all the windows, so we can shut the shutters in the Summer to prevent the sun warming up the rooms. As the walls are really thick and as we have thought about window placement, this means in the Summer the sun misses the south facing windows due to the sun height, but in the winter can warm up the rooms as the sun is at a lower height and therefore shines in. We also vent in the cool night air in the Summer. The new suites have the eco ventilation for the night and we run the AC in the afternoon via the PV panels. To keep what PV electric we make we first turn on the central AC unit in the main building, as that keeps its temperature well. Then in the afternoon we move the power to the AC units in the new suits to get them down to 24°C and then at night we turn on the eco ventilation. The window and the roof placement for the new suites allows for shade in the Summer and the suns warmth in the Winter, so we hardly ever need to heat the new garden suites in Winter.
We have a solar pool cover and a PV solar system run the AC and the hotel in daylight hours. This means our pool is swimmable from March through to November all via the suns power. Our light bulbs are all eco and we think about each watt that is used. Our hair dryers are all 1kw rather than 2kw for example and we do not have electric kettles. Instead we provide thermoses of hot water for tea and coffee in the dining room and kettles on the gas rings of the BBQs. We look at each product and try and reasearch and buy the ones that used the least amount of power but still function well.
All waste is divided and what can be recycled is recycled. We also compost. All of our waste water goes through a septic tank which technically produces drinkable water. We water our garden from the old cisternas which are connected to our roof, so we collect rainwater to fill the cisternas, as they did in the old days. We run the whole of our small boutique hotel on 4kw usually, but can up the power automatically for example if everyone turns on their hairdryers at the same time. But usually we run at less than 4kw, which for such a large place is unheard of in Spain.
We plan to keep buying PV panels and adding more AC units as the number of heat waves escalate, so that we are not burning fossil fuels to keep cool. We are off grid, but do not be scared, most people do not even notice.

The Impacts of this Trip
Where we can we buy local in season produce, so for example our onions are Figueres onions, apples & pear from local orchards, local wines etc. We also have our own small vegetable garden. We buy locally and use local companies for almost everything. We also support the local restaurants by booking tables for our clients. We send our clients to the local best shops if they require anything and let them know the local market days etc.
We offer good wages to locals and train them. For example we have been employing a local guy and supporting him in his studies to become a more qualified sports coach.
We are part of the local community and support the Gegants (this is a local tradition where at festivals the local Gegants (people wearing huge heads, to make them look like giants) go and dance and perform. We also give all visitors access to maps and information about everything in the local area, from festivals, to museums, to sites of interest and the times of the local markets etc.
We campaigned with the local community against high voltage power lines being put in the area. The campaign was not completely successful but we did manage to get them moved so as not to disturb as much of the local wildlife. We all offered to club together to pay for them to go underground, but the electrical company said this would set a precedent and would not allow it, which we find ridiculous. In the end the power company said they would put the line where they wanted it or they would work with the local town councils to come up with the best solution, although they would not bury it. So we did have a small effect, but not the one we wanted. The MAT is a very controversial project here, but it has all been passed in Madrid and Catalunya is very angry.

6 Reviews of Catalonia family mountain biking & activity vacation, Spain
Reviewed on 28 Aug 2019 by Chris Hill
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
We loved the canyoning, cycling round and swimming in Banyoles Lake, horse
riding and relaxing by the pool.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Hire a car so you can easily get to places and have the flexibility to explore Catalonia.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes as we did a lot of local activities, ate locally and the hotel was very eco
friendly.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Fiona and Gareth were very accommodating. This was a last minute vacation for us and it couldnt have been better - both action packed and relaxing at the same time! Our 8 and 10 year old boys loved it.
Reviewed on 20 Jul 2017 by McKiernan Eleanor
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Cycling the trails and meeting other families in the hotel.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Pack less!
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?
Very good, would go back.
Reviewed on 23 Apr 2017 by Jaspal Kaeda
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Family freindly atmosphere at the 'hotel' and lots of other children around for my sons to play with. The hosts, Fiona, Gareth and their children were marvellous in every way. Fiona and Gareth arranged a horse riding and kayaking sessions, which my sons aged 5 and 7 enjoyed enormously and was probably the most exciting for them.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Having a access to a car allows one to make the most of the vacation.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It certainly benefited local people and also our host were aware of environmental impacts, such encouraging re-cycling. They could perhaps have encouraged the guests more to use re-fill water bottles for day trips etc, using the tap water. Provide home made yogurt for self service large bowls at break fast buffet, to reduce on packaged yogurt at breakfast. But, these meant as suggestions rather than criticisms.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent, my sons and I enjoyed our holidy enormously, would happily return in a couple of years time.
Reviewed on 03 Jun 2016 by Mary Ann Pashigian
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Biking in a gorgeous setting. There were enough rides on varied terrain for every ability level accessible right from the hotel.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
It's best suited for the active traveler. Bikers, runners and swimmers will relish the ample options.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. The hotel buys locally sourced food, minimises water usage (less frequent laundering of guest towels), has a solar-heated pool, and doesn't allow kettles in rooms. They also recommended a local horse riding stable and nearby restaurants.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
As a family we all loved it. Gareth and Fiona see to everything to make sure all your needs are catered for.
Reviewed on 10 Aug 2015 by Emma Huntington
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Having fun in the huge swimming pool with the lovely families staying in the hotel. Also running around lake Banyoles and swimming in the lake.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
A tactic family oriented house with lovely owners and great activities - cycling, running & swimming
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Supported the local economy
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Fabulous
Reviewed on 21 Apr 2014 by Jeneva Patterson
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The atmosphere. The amazing biking. The friendliness of the Spaniards and our hosts. The excellent food.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Make sure you research all there is to do so that you can take advantage of exactly what you like best. The region, in
close proximity to Mas Pelegri, is absolutely full of incredible things to do, especially sporting activities. We were full to
the brim AND we'd have liked to do more research even before going.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. By spending our money in the region we absolutely helped the locals. Hopefully, that little bit of our contribution,
gave a drop in the bucket of some needed economic stimulation.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Outstanding.
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