Mas Oms is a peaceful eco-retreat set in a lovingly restored 16th-century farmhouse, hidden in the Gavarres Massif countryside of Catalonia (about 20 km from Girona and 30 minutes from the Costa Brava). With only six bedrooms in total, this small hotel welcomes guests into a “chic, eco-friendly setting at the tranquil heart of boundless nature.”. The moment you turn off the country road and drive up Mas Oms’s wildflower-lined path, you feel a world away from stress – the driveway is bordered with lavender, thyme, and fluttering butterflies, leading to the honey-colored stone masia (farmhouse) framed by olive trees. Inside, Mas Oms has been transformed with style and sustainability in mind. The decor blends Scandinavian simplicity with Mediterranean warmth: whitewashed walls, polished concrete and terracotta floors, and large windows that flood rooms with light and views of green hills and cork oak forests. Each of the six bedrooms is artfully decorated and named after fruit trees (Olive, Fig, etc.), featuring king-size natural latex beds, organic cotton linens, and unique touches like upcycled antique furniture or headboards made from reclaimed wood. All rooms have modern bathrooms (some with rain showers, one with a freestanding tub) and most have private terraces or Juliet balconies overlooking the mountains – ensuring guests “relax with total calm.”. The ambiance is intimate and adult-oriented (children under 10 are not accommodated, preserving a quiet atmosphere), making it ideal for couples or solo travelers seeking rejuvenation. Mas Oms’s owners (a friendly Belgian-Spanish couple) dreamed of creating “a benchmark eco-hotel in Spain” that embodies slow living and sustainability. They have implemented numerous green practices: The building’s renovation prioritized natural and local materials, thermal insulation, and solar water-heating systems. Electricity comes partly from renewable sources (with an on-site solar array supplementing the grid). The hotel is heated by a biomass boiler fed with olive pits and wood from managed forest clearing – an efficient, carbon-neutral system. Low-consumption lighting and appliances are used throughout, and water is sourced from a local spring with greywater recycled for garden irrigation. Importantly, Mas Oms is deeply committed to organic farming and gourmet sustainability. The hotel’s small restaurant serves what the owners call “healthy, organic cooking”, highlighting produce from their own vegetable garden and orchard as well as nearby organic farms. Guests rave about the communal dinners: a daily-changing menu of Catalan and international dishes prepared with a creative twist and 100% organic ingredients. One evening might feature a garden zucchini soup with herbs picked hours before, followed by free-range chicken tagine with farm carrots and foraged wild fennel, and ending with a tart made from the finca’s fig trees. They bake their own sourdough bread and make preserves from the orchard’s plums, ensuring even breakfast is a farm-to-table feast. Natural and biodynamic wines from the Empordà region and craft beers are available to pair with meals. Dietary needs (vegan, gluten-free) are happily catered to, as the philosophy is that “marrying healthy food with pleasure is the cornerstone of a balanced lifestyle.”. This earnest commitment to organic, local sourcing not only delights guests’ palates but also reduces the hotel’s footprint and supports the regional economy – a core value of Mas Oms. Wellness and relaxation are woven into the Mas Oms experience. Scattered across the property you’ll find “relaxation and well-being spaces” – hammocks under oak trees, a Balinese-style daybed pavilion overlooking the valley, a pétanque court for a lazy afternoon game. The spring-fed saltwater pool is a highlight, offering a refreshing swim with panoramic views of forested hills and the distant Montgrí Massif. Adjacent to the pool is a sun terrace and honesty bar, so guests can sip a organic juice or local cava while soaking in the sun. Mas Oms also offers a range of holistic activities to help guests disconnect from the rush of daily life. Daily morning yoga sessions are held on an outdoor platform or in a cozy yoga room – typically tailored to participants’ levels and often accompanied by the sounds of nature (birdsong, breeze). Massage treatments can be arranged (the therapist uses organic oils infused with estate-grown herbs). The owners, being wellness practitioners themselves, sometimes lead guided meditation or “energy flow therapy” sessions, and have even introduced Reiki and other alternative therapies for interested guests. There’s a small spa corner with a sauna and an outdoor hot tub, which can be booked privately for an evening of stargazing in warm waters – a romantic favorite for couples. For the more active, Mas Oms provides complimentary e-mountain bikes and mapped trails: you can cycle from the door into the Gavarres Natural Park, perhaps descending to the medieval villages or even reaching the Costa Brava beaches (the hotel can pack picnics). Numerous hiking routes (from easy walks to more vigorous treks) start right at Mas Oms – often guests spot wild boar tracks or see eagles soaring above. And if you fancy exploring the area’s culture, the hosts will gladly point you to the pottery workshops of La Bisbal, the Dalí Museum in Figueres, or a local organic winery for a tasting. They also arrange “excursions” as listed on their site – from sport (kayaking, horseback riding) to culinary delights (truffle hunting, cheese farm visits) to culture (Girona city tour) and even the beaches of Costa Brava, ensuring guests experience the best of both the “mountains and the sea” that Mas Oms sits between. One of Mas Oms’s slogans is “redefining slow living”, and indeed guests often leave praising the genuine rest and renewal they found here. Days at Mas Oms fall into a gentle rhythm: wake to the sunrise over wooded hills, enjoy a hearty organic breakfast on the terrace (with eggs from the neighbor’s hens and honey from local hives), perhaps venture out on a bike ride or simply lounge by the pool with a novel from the hotel’s library. In the late afternoon, many gather in the lounges and library inside – beautifully designed common areas with comfy sofas, a fireplace, and large windows framing the landscape. Here you might sip a cup of tea or a local herbal liqueur while chatting with other guests or journaling about your travels. Come evening, the communal dinner often brings everyone together around a candlelit table either indoors or under the stars – sharing stories, laughter, and enjoying that day’s farm-fresh feast. The convivial yet peaceful atmosphere fosters a sense of community that many say is a highlight of their stay. The service is heartfelt and personal; with only a handful of guests, the hosts remember your preferences (like which herbal tea you prefer at breakfast) and are always ready to assist, whether it’s adjusting meal times for your schedule or arranging a surprise for a special occasion. The value for money here is excellent (as reviews attest), given the quality of food, accommodations, and experiences – something noted by guests who often say they “wished we never had to leave”. In conclusion, Mas Oms embodies E-E-A-T in the realm of sustainable rural tourism. It’s run by hosts with Expertise in hospitality and wellness (and indeed, their dream of an eco-hotel shines through every detail), it provides an Experience that is enriching (from yoga and nature to gourmet delights) and authentically tied to its Catalan locale, it has earned Authoritativeness as evidenced by awards (e.g., Best Boutique Hotel 2024 on the Costa Brava, as one Instagram post suggests) and glowing guest testimonials, and it practices Trustworthiness by transparently operating with eco-principles and consistently delivering on its promises. For travelers seeking a nurturing escape where “time stands still” and nature, comfort, and well-being go hand in hand, Mas Oms is truly a magical “slice of heaven”. It’s the kind of place where you arrive as a guest and leave as a friend – rejuvenated, inspired, and longing to return to “this little slice of heaven that we would share with you.”