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Well-being
Nature
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Mas Salagros EcoResort & Ancient Baths is a pioneering eco-retreat set on a serene hillside overlooking the Vallromanes valley, just 20 km north of Barcelona. Proudly known as Spain’s first ecological resort, it shows how sustainability and genuine comfort can coexist in harmony. Spanning an old Roman villa estate and a nature reserve of gardens, forests and a small lake, Mas Salagros is designed so that nature is always present – in the views, in the materials, and on the plate.
The resort follows bioclimatic architecture principles: buildings are constructed with natural materials such as stone, timber and lime, and positioned to maximise cross-ventilation and natural light. Rooflines and facades blend into the contours of the hillside so that the resort feels part of the landscape rather than imposed on it.
All 60 rooms and suites are furnished with eco-certified woods, organic cotton linens and energy-efficient systems. Interiors use a calming palette of earth tones, large windows and simple, elegant forms to create a bright yet restful atmosphere. Many rooms feature private terraces or gardens that open onto lush greenery and valley views; some offer direct access to the resort’s two seasonal saltwater swimming pools.
Thoughtful touches reinforce the eco-luxury feel: a vase of fresh lavender from the garden, refillable all-natural toiletries as part of the resort’s zero-waste approach, and a sustainable chocolate treat at turndown. From architecture to amenities, every detail echoes Mas Salagros’ core ethos of being “100% eco-friendly” in practice, not just in name.
One of Mas Salagros’ signature attractions is the AIRE Ancient Baths, a spa inspired by Roman and Arab bathing traditions. Housed in a stone building that evokes historic thermal baths, the space is lit by soft candlelight and designed for deep relaxation.
Guests move through a thermal circuit of pools at different temperatures, from icy plunge baths to warm and hot pools, including a salt bath that mimics the buoyancy of the Dead Sea. There is a hammam steam bath, hydrotherapy jets and quiet corners to rest between immersions. All thermal waters are heated using biomass and solar energy, ensuring the experience is as sustainable as it is soothing.
The spa menu includes massages and rituals based on organic products such as olive oil from the resort’s own grove and lavender and herbs from the gardens. In 2022, the spa was named “Best Luxury Historical Spa in Europe” at the World Luxury Spa Awards, a recognition that underlines both its quality and its commitment to environmentally conscious wellness.
Mas Salagros takes farm-to-table dining seriously across its three organic restaurants. The flagship 1497 Restaurant (named after the year that many New World foods reached Spain) serves a Mediterranean-inspired menu crafted exclusively from local, seasonal ingredients.
A biodynamic vegetable garden of around 2,400 m², along with a greenhouse and orchards, provides much of the fresh produce. Herbs, vegetables and fruits are harvested at peak flavour, while meats, cheeses and other products come from nearby eco-farms. Everything sourced externally carries recognised certifications (such as CCPAE) and travels minimal distance to reach the kitchen.
Menus might feature pumpkin cream with garden rosemary, free-range chicken with organic wild mushroom sauce, or a vegan chocolate cake with almond milk – dishes designed to be both healthy and deeply satisfying. This rigorous commitment to sustainable gastronomy has earned 1497 a Michelin Green Star, recognising its leadership in eco-conscious fine dining.
For more casual meals, Cibus restaurant serves daytime dishes by the pool, ideal for leisurely lunches with views of Serralada Litoral Park. The Gastro Wine Bar offers organic wines – many from DO Penedès and Empordà – alongside tapas built from local, seasonal ingredients. The resort also runs cooking workshops and KM0 wine tastings, and collaborates with Slow Food and other regional initiatives, inviting guests to experience eco-gastronomy as both pleasure and education.
Set within 54 hectares, Mas Salagros is an oasis of wellness and outdoor activity. Days often begin with yoga or Pilates on the lawn, with views toward Montseny mountain and the surrounding protected landscape. Two chemical-free saltwater pools – one family-friendly, one adults-only for quieter relaxation – offer places to cool off and unwind.
The resort’s organic farm and surrounding trails encourage guests to connect with the land. You can wander through gardens and fields, meet free-roaming farm animals (a highlight for families), or walk into nearby forest paths where birdsong and, occasionally, wild boar tracks remind you this is genuine nature.
Free mountain bikes are available for guests to explore the adjacent natural park or ride to the nearby village of Vallromanes with its local market. On-site, the resort organises organic gardening workshops where guests learn about composting, planting and harvesting; many enjoy later recognising “their” vegetables on the dinner table. Aromatherapy walks introduce the property’s aromatic plants, turning a simple stroll into a sensory lesson.
For local culture and wine, staff can arrange visits to neighbouring biodynamic wineries or excursions to the Alella vineyards (Catalonia’s smallest DO), showing how sustainable practices extend across the wider region. Barcelona is only about 30 minutes away and shuttle transfers can be organised, but many guests comment that there is “no need to leave this paradise,” choosing instead to fully sink into the resort’s rhythm.
Romance finds an easy home here as well. Couples celebrate honeymoons and anniversaries with private, candlelit dinners in the Ecoreservata (a secluded nature area on the property), and the quiet rooms – with king-size beds, pillow menus, blackout shutters and only natural sounds outside – make for exceptionally restful nights.
Mas Salagros understands sustainability as a holistic concept that includes social responsibility and quality employment. The resort prides itself on a diverse team and on offering opportunities to people at risk of exclusion, aligning with broader B Corp-style values. The guiding idea is that they are custodians of both natural heritage and cultural heritage, with a mission to pass them on in better condition.
This philosophy is tangible in the service. Staff are frequently mentioned by name in guest reviews for their friendliness and genuine enthusiasm for eco-living. It’s not uncommon for the chef to come to the table to explain where ingredients were sourced, or for spa therapists to send guests away with a small sachet of dried lavender as a parting gift.
The resort holds a Biosphere Responsible Tourism certification and has been featured in numerous travel publications as a benchmark for sustainable tourism in Europe. Guests, in turn, express strong trust and loyalty through high ratings and repeat visits, often noting that Mas Salagros feels like a five-star experience that “just happens to be green.”
In the end, Mas Salagros EcoResort & Ancient Baths offers more than a relaxing getaway. It shows, in concrete and inspiring ways, how every indulgence – a thermal bath, a gourmet meal, a sunset swim – can be delivered with minimal environmental impact and maximum care for people and place.
You might spend a morning soaking in the ancient baths, an afternoon floating in a saltwater pool overlooking the hills, and an evening savouring a Michelin Green Star meal built from ingredients grown meters away – all powered by renewable energy and thoughtful design.
Mas Salagros embodies the idea of being “a company the world wants to exist”: as a guest, you don’t just enjoy eco-luxury, you actively participate in a model of hospitality that respects the planet and uplifts the community. You leave not only rested and nourished, but also inspired by how seamlessly sustainability can be woven into a truly high-end resort experience.
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