Off Grid Girona Opens Today: Slow Living Gets a Stone-Built Upgrade in Catalonia
There’s “off grid,” and then there’s Off Grid Girona—a new ten-bedroom rural retreat opening today in the hills of Catalonia, where the Wi-Fi is optional, the pace is optional, but the communal dinners are not.
Set at the foot of Mare de Déu del Mont in the Alta Garrotxa region—an under-the-radar corner of Spain known for dormant volcanoes and dramatic landscapes—the hotel is housed in a restored 17th-century ´masia´ (that’s a traditional Catalan farmhouse, not a typo). There’s also an adjoining four-bedroom barn, ideal for larger groups or guests who like their rustic escapes with a side of elbow room.
The project is the work of Gerard Greene, best known as the co-founder of YOTEL—those futuristic, pod-style hotels that felt a bit like checking into a spaceship. This, suffice to say, is a different vibe. After years in fast-paced hospitality, Greene traded smart tech for slow mornings and set about restoring the property into something smaller, simpler, and more grounded.
From YOTEL to Your friend’s Catalan farmhouse (sort of)
Designed in collaboration with Girona-based designer Ariadna Puigdomenech, the interiors lean heavily into natural textures and tones: limewash walls, reclaimed wood, terracotta, and hand-cut La Bisbal tiles. Fixtures include monsoon showers, local stone sinks, and bed linens from local brand Bekume. It’s all very tasteful without trying too hard—which, ironically, is quite hard to do.
The vibe is “open house” rather than traditional hotel. Think communal spaces, long shared meals by the pool, and honesty bars stocked with small-batch wine, craft beer, and locally roasted coffee. There’s no lobby soundtrack or scent branding here—just the smell of wild herbs and whatever the chef’s cooking.
Speaking of which, the food offering is hyper-local and changes daily. Ingredients are seasonal, sourced from nearby farms, and prepared by the in-house chef. Dinner is served family-style at one long table, which makes it very difficult to pretend you didn’t go back for thirds.
Rest, roam, repeat
Beyond the food and slow mornings, there’s a bit more going on if you’re feeling ambitious. The property includes a garden studio for yoga and workshops, a pool surrounded by wildflower gardens, and a bike garage for those tackling the region’s legendary road and gravel routes. Hiking trails start from the doorstep, and activities like hot air ballooning, wine tasting, and wandering medieval towns are all within reach—if you can convince yourself to leave the terrace.
Sustainability hasn’t been tacked on as an afterthought, either. Off Grid Girona uses natural spring water, composts on site, and is solar-ready. Plans are already in the works for full renewable energy and expanded rainwater harvesting, so your stay can feel good in more ways than one.
A slow alternative to fast travel
If you’re the kind of traveller who likes daily turndown service and a bellhop with a monogrammed waistcoat, this probably isn’t your place. But if you’re after something slower, more connected, and genuinely local—without skimping on comfort—Off Grid Girona makes a strong case for going rural.
Rooms start at €150 per night, including breakfast, based on two sharing.
