Barcelona

Mas El Mir

A charming B&B retreat featuring thoughtful decor, locally-sourced cuisine, and a grounding atmosphere.
Boutique
Design
Eco
Nature
Romantic
Wellness

For those seeking a true slow-travel experience and a nature-filled retreat, the rural hotel Mas El Mir provides the perfect escape. This historic farmhouse, dating back to 1366, is nestled in the mountains just 4 km from the charming Catalan town of Ripoll and about 1.5 hours from Barcelona.

Owned by interior designer, chef, and restaurant owner Eva Arbonés, Mas El Mir exudes her heart and soul in every thoughtful detail, blending rustic charm with chic design. Ideal for a couple’s getaway or a solo retreat, this adults-only, pet-friendly B&B offers a unique, personal touch that makes it feel like a home away from home.

why we love it - tl;dr
  • Cozy and intimate spaces for rest and reflection scattered around the grounds
  • With just six rooms, you feel like you’ve been welcomed into owner’s home
  • The space is filled with the comforts of their animal’s energy; from cats nestled by the fireplace to dogs sitting next to you in the living room, to Elvis the turkey greeting you on the lawn upon arrival (it’s also pet friendly, so feel free to bring your own!)
  • Locally sourced home-cooked meals and a beautiful breakfast buffet spread
  • The perfect setting for groups or events due to the many outdoor spaces and gardens and room types

the comforts

Mas El Mir offers a charming B&B experience with cozy rooms and communal spaces that balance privacy and connection for guests. The main farmhouse features six rooms, including a choice of three superior double rooms and three suites. On the upper floor, you'll find the hotel's crown jewel: the Romaní Suite-Apartment, complete with private parking, a kitchen, and a living room. The rooms are intimate yet thoughtfully decorated, boasting renovated bathrooms, some of which include their own clawfoot bathtub and private living spaces.

Courtesy of Mas El Mir

the amenities

The hotel offers up the perfect blend of activities and experiences for those that want an active and adventurous stay or travelers that prefer to relax and disconnect.

Thoughtfully integrated around the grounds, you’ll discover a saltwater pool, jacuzzi, plenty of places to lounge, a curated list of massages, electric bike rentals, nearby excursions based on season including hikes, canyoning, skiing, and more. The hotel also provides unique experiences for groups like natural cosmetics workshops, prepared picnic lunches, and more.

the neighborhood

The hotel sits on farmland, just a 4km drive from the nearby town of Ripoll. If you have time, be sure to explore it, especially if you arrive by train or bus, as you’ll be dropped off here. Don’t miss the farmers market on Saturdays and the Monastery of Santa Maria de Ripoll (one of the best examples of Romanesque architecture and a Unesco World Heritage Site candidate). The town of Ripoll is know to be the “cradle of Catalonia” providing great historical significance as a key builder of Catalan culture, language and traditions.

the people

You’ll find mostly couples here as it’s a very intimate and romantic bed and breakfast setting, however my time spent here was on a solo trip. There are plenty of locals visiting the hotel given its semi-remote location but its beautiful interior design and slow travel mission have attracted a younger guest that is searching for a wellness and nature inspired stay. People here are looking to disconnect from devices and connect to themselves, each other, or nature. You’ll also find a lot of animal lovers and owners, as it’s a pet-friendly hotel.

the tastes

The dining concept at Mas El Mir takes a home cooked yet elevated approach, with most meals prepared by the owners—they come at an additional cost of 18€ for breakfast and 43€ for dinner. The couple owns two restaurants in Barcelona, so they are well versed in the culinary world. Expect seasonal, locally sourced organic ingredients, warm hearty dishes, natural wines, and adaptable menus for dietary restrictions. Their breakfast bar is an absolute dream where you can find breads from the nearby towns of Ripoll and Slabes, eggs from the b&b’s chickens, homemade jams, and more. During the warmer months, they’ll even prepare curated picnic meals that you can take with you on the nearby trails.

the responsibility

When you arrive at Mas El Mir, it feels like you’ve stepped off of the grid and into the wild, while still having thoughtful comforts and touches. Their promise to sustainability is evident in their approach to their curated menus, sourcing seasonal and local ingredients, including some of their own produce and products like eggs. In the rooms, you’ll discover locally made shampoo and bath bar amenities from Innata Natura. Beyond the daily practices, the rural hotel was literally crafted and restored with the environment top of mind; reusing original materials, incorporating secondhand furniture, rainwater collection, a saltwater pool, energy efficient and cold washing appliances, and the plan to incorporate solar all make this respite truly one with nature.

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