Talaia Plaza EcoResort is a fresh take on luxury camping, perched on a pine-covered hillside overlooking the crystal-clear cove of Sa Riera in Begur, Catalonia. Opened recently on Spain’s famed Costa Brava, this eco-resort was conceived to offer an immersive nature experience with minimal environmental impact. It features 104 unique accommodations – a mix of stylish wood-and-canvas lodges, safari-style tents, and tiny homes – all built with ecological materials and tucked artfully into the landscape. Winding footpaths connect the units, leading to a central plaza and amenities, all under the shade of pine trees and with the scent of the Mediterranean in the air. The resort’s design philosophy is evident from first glance: structures blend into the earth (earth-toned fabrics, green roofs, solar panels on service buildings) and nothing competes with the natural beauty of the surroundings. From many points in the resort, including some private decks, you catch stunning glimpses of the turquoise sea below and the rugged Montgrí coastline. It’s a place where you can wake up to birdsong and sunrise filtering through the pines, walk a few minutes down a trail to a secluded beach, and breathe “pure nature” throughout. Talaia Plaza EcoResort was created with a strong commitment to the environment and community. The resort is part of the local Plaza hospitality group, which established the Terra Viva Foundation – and notably, €1 from every room-night is donated to this foundation to fund environmental, social, and cultural projects in Begur and its region. This means each guest directly contributes to preserving and improving the destination – whether it’s supporting dune restoration on a nearby beach, aiding a local cultural festival, or funding education programs on sustainability. The resort’s own operations reflect a holistic green ethos: accommodations are built with sustainable timber and canvas, elevated on platforms to avoid land damage and allow water flow. Many units have composting or low-flush toilets, and greywater is treated and reused for garden irrigation. Energy is partially supplied by solar panels and an efficient grid connection, and water use is optimized with smart sensors. In constructing the resort, the developers took care to preserve as much existing vegetation as possible – the result is that the lodges feel like they’ve “grown” out of the forest, and wildlife like squirrels and songbirds continue to roam freely. Lighting is low-impact to minimize disturbance to nocturnal creatures and prevent light pollution (the stars here on a clear night are lovely). In terms of waste, Talaia Plaza has a rigorous recycling program and aims to be single-use plastic free; guests receive reusable bottles and refilling stations abound, the bathroom amenities are in dispensers (all eco-certified products), and even the resort’s electric buggies quietly ferry luggage without emissions. Despite being in nature, Talaia Plaza EcoResort doesn’t skimp on comfort or amenities – it’s very much glamping at its finest. The lodges and tents are spacious and chic, with proper beds (plush mattresses and organic linens), en-suite bathrooms, electricity and Wi-Fi, and boho-modern décor that might include jute rugs, lantern lighting, and handwoven throws. Many units have private terraces with sweeping sea or forest views, equipped with lounge chairs to soak up the sun or watch the sunset paint the sky. Some premium accommodations even boast features like outdoor freestanding bathtubs or panoramic glass fronts. There are configurations to suit every kind of traveler: Premium Lodges for couples seeking romance, Family Lodges (1 or 2 bedrooms) for those with kids (yes, the resort is definitely family-friendly, with a kids’ club and playground on-site), and even a few Tipi-style tents for those craving a more rustic chic vibe. The resort’s centerpiece is its sustainable infinity pool and sun deck, which offers a gorgeous vista of the Mediterranean. Adjacent is a poolside bar serving fresh juices and cocktails. There’s also a small spa with massage services and a sauna, and a wellness program that includes outdoor yoga sessions and guided meditation in the pine grove – reinforcing that theme of “breathe nature” that the resort promises. When it comes to activities and experiences, Talaia Plaza leverages its Costa Brava location wonderfully. Guests can join guided kayaking excursions along the spectacular coves and sea caves nearby, go snorkeling or paddle-boarding in Sa Riera’s crystal waters (the resort provides gear rentals), or hike the famed Camí de Ronda coastal trail that passes close to the property. The resort’s “Experience a new vacation” program encourages both adventure and cultural immersion. They organize e-bike tours to explore medieval villages like Pals and Peratallada (with stops at organic wineries), cooking workshops featuring local Empordà cuisine (using ingredients from the region – the resort’s restaurant itself focuses on farm-to-table, offering Catalan dishes with a modern twist, and plenty of vegetarian options from local farms). For those wanting to simply unwind, the beach is just a 5-10 minute walk – or you can take the resort’s electric shuttle. The fine sand of Sa Riera cove and its calm waters are perfect for families. The resort also has a “mini-farm” area that delights children – a few friendly goats and chickens reside, helping kids learn about animals and sustainability in a fun way. In the evenings, live acoustic music or stargazing nights are common features, maybe a flamenco guitarist by the bonfire or an outdoor movie screening under the stars. Throughout, the vibe remains laid-back and in tune with nature; quiet hours at night ensure the forest hush is respected. Talaia Plaza’s approach to luxury is one of low-impact quality. There’s a strong emphasis on guest satisfaction (the resort proudly touts its commitment to quality and detail), and early reviews often mention the exceptionally friendly staff who are eager to share their love for Empordà’s nature and culture. Whether it’s the concierge team helping plan a surprise romantic dinner on your terrace, or the foundation’s team inviting guests to plant a tree as part of a reforestation initiative, you feel a part of something meaningful here. It’s worth noting that the resort is also part of the Beyond Green portfolio, a collection of sustainable luxury hotels, which speaks to its adherence to global sustainable tourism standards. In summary, Talaia Plaza EcoResort offers a refreshingly new kind of coastal holiday on the Costa Brava – one that combines the allure of sleeping under the stars (with crickets serenading you at night) and waking to sea breezes, with the indulgences of a spa, gourmet dining, and plush bedding. All of this is executed with deep respect for the environment and community: from the €1/night donation to their values of “respect, action, integration – geared towards pampering our natural surroundings”. It’s an ideal destination for eco-conscious travelers, adventure seekers, and families alike, proving that a responsible resort can still deliver all the sun-soaked pleasures and comforts of a Mediterranean getaway. At Talaia Plaza, you’ll “experience a new vacation” indeed – one where sustainability and enjoyment seamlessly go hand in hand.