Mas Salagros EcoResort & Ancient Baths is a pioneering eco-resort set on a serene hillside overlooking the picturesque Vallromanes valley, just 20 km north of Barcelona. Proudly known as “Spain’s first ecological resort”, Mas Salagros proves that sustainability and luxury can coexist in harmony. The resort spans an old Roman villa estate (traces of which were found on site) and a nature reserve, encompassing gardens, forests, and even a small lake. Its design follows bioclimatic architecture principles: buildings are constructed with natural materials (stone, timber, lime) and positioned to maximize ventilation and natural light, while blending into the landscape’s contours. All 60 rooms and suites are elegantly furnished with eco-certified woods, organic cotton linens, and energy-efficient systems. Many rooms feature private terraces or gardens that open to stunning views of lush greenery, and some have direct access to the resort’s two seasonal swimming pools. A soothing palette of earth tones and large windows keep interiors bright yet restful – you might find a vase of fresh lavender (from their garden) in your room, and at turndown, a sustainable chocolate treat. Even the toiletries are all-natural and refillable, as part of their zero-waste approach. From the architecture to the amenities, every detail is aligned with Mas Salagros’ core ethos: to be “the first 100% eco-friendly destination in the country.” One of the resort’s centerpiece attractions is its AIRE Ancient Baths spa, a sprawling thermal wellness circuit set in a beautiful stone building evocative of ancient Roman baths (a nod to the site’s history). Here, guests can soak in candlelit pools of varying temperatures, including salt baths that mimic the Dead Sea’s buoyancy, a warm hammam steam bath, and a jet pool for hydrotherapy. All of it is heated via biomass and solar energy – sustainable relaxation at its finest. The spa offers an array of massages and rituals using organic products (like olive oil from the resort’s own grove, or lavender essence from their gardens). In 2022, this spa won “Best Luxury Historical Spa in Europe” at the World Luxury Spa Awards – a testament to its excellence and green credentials (it also carries a Michelin Green Star for sustainability in spa operations). After a spa session, guests emerge utterly rejuvenated, often heading to one of the resort’s three organic restaurants to continue the bliss. Mas Salagros takes farm-to-table dining very seriously: the on-site 1497 Restaurant (named after the year Christopher Columbus introduced many new foods to Spain) offers a select Mediterranean menu made entirely with local, seasonal ingredients – including produce from their biodynamic vegetable garden expanded to 2,400 m², herbs from their greenhouse, and meats and cheeses from nearby eco-farms. This commitment helped earn the restaurant a Michelin Green Star as well. Daily menus might include dishes like garden pumpkin cream with rosemary, free-range chicken with organic wild mushroom sauce, and vegan chocolate cake with almond milk – all 100% healthy and sustainable, as the resort aims to be “fully energy self-sufficient and emissions-free.” Everything not grown on-site has the appropriate certification (CCPAE, etc.) and travels minimal distance. For a more casual bite, Cibus restaurant provides daytime meals on a terrace by the pool – envision a fresh salad picked that morning, paired with a crisp local organic white wine, enjoyed while overlooking the protected Serralada Litoral Park. There’s also the Gastro Wine Bar, where guests can sip on organic wines (the resort’s cellar boasts many DO Penedès and Empordà bottles) and nibble on tapas made with – you guessed it – organic, local ingredients. Notably, the resort runs cooking workshops and KM0 wine tastings to share their passion for eco-gastronomy, and they collaborate with Slow Food and other initiatives in the region. Little wonder Mas Salagros has won multiple sustainability awards and holds a Biosphere Responsible Tourism certification. In terms of guest experiences, Mas Salagros is an oasis of wellness and nature activities. Mornings can start with outdoor yoga classes or Pilates on the lawn, with views of Montseny Mountain. The resort efficiently uses its 54 hectares: there are walking trails through their organic farm where you can meet free-roaming farm animals (great for those traveling “en familia”), or walk further into the forest to perhaps spot a wild boar or enjoy the birdsong. They encourage guests to explore the adjacent natural park on foot or using their free mountain bikes – a popular route leads to a scenic viewpoint or to the nearby Catalan village of Vallromanes with its weekly market. On-site, aside from the incredible spa, they have two saltwater pools (no chemicals, just salt filtration) – one family pool and one adults-only zen pool for quiet relaxation. Additionally, the resort offers unique classes like organic gardening workshops (learning how to compost, plant, and harvest – guests often rave about getting their hands in the soil and picking veggies that they later see served at dinner) and aromatherapy walks (identifying aromatic plants around the property). For those keen on local culture, the resort can arrange visits to a neighboring winery that practices biodynamic viticulture or set up a trip to Alella vineyards (Catalonia’s smallest DO) to demonstrate how sustainability extends beyond the resort. Barcelona’s attractions are only 30 minutes away, and Mas Salagros provides shuttle transfers if needed, although many guests choose to stay put, citing the phrase “no need to leave this paradise”. The resort’s tranquil environment fosters romance too – couples frequently celebrate honeymoons or anniversaries here; special private dinners in the candlelit Ecoreservata (the resort’s little nature reserve) under the stars can be organized, and every room’s comfort (king beds, pillow menu, blackout shutters, and no outside noise) ensures restful, intimate nights “with the silence only nature provides.”. Mas Salagros is also notable for its quality employment and inclusivity – part of its broader sustainability. They pride themselves on having a diverse staff and offering opportunities to people at risk of exclusion, aligning with their B Corp values (Abadía Retuerta’s CEO’s quote could be echoed here: “we are custodians of two legacies: natural heritage and cultural heritage. Our mission is to pass them on in even better condition”, something Mas Salagros also embodies in its daily operations – from the environment to the community). This genuine care translates into excellent service; staff are known to be extremely friendly, going above and beyond (often referred to by name in reviews for their kindness and enthusiasm for eco-living). It’s not unusual for the chef to step out and explain the origin of your meal’s ingredients, or for the spa therapist to send you off with a little bag of dried lavender as a gift. The resort has gained Authoritativeness by being featured in numerous travel magazines as a model for sustainable tourism in Europe, and Trustworthiness in the eyes of guests is confirmed by high ratings and repeat visitors. Beyond all the initiatives, it’s fundamentally a five-star experience (though officially 4-star, guests often say it feels 5) that happens to be green – you truly feel “pampered with every stay while making the planet happier.”. In conclusion, Mas Salagros EcoResort offers an emotionally engaging and enlightening stay, where every indulgence – a thermal bath, a gourmet meal, a sunset swim – is guilt-free because it’s done sustainably. It’s the epitome of modern eco-luxury: you come here to relax and rejuvenate, and leave not only refreshed but inspired by how seamlessly sustainability can be woven into a high-end resort experience. Whether you’re soaking in the ancient baths or waking up in a plush bed to birds chirping and a zero-carbon footprint breakfast, Mas Salagros delivers on being a “company the world wants to exist” – and as a guest, you become part of that positive impact, one blissful moment at a time.