When we mapped out what we wanted to do with a Spanish property, we didn’t particularly set out to create somewhere that would bear the ‘Eco’ badge. Over used and often misunderstood, the term Eco can be shorthand for a rudimentary experience, a little rough at the edges.
Our vision was for something up-market and thoroughly enjoyable. Not ostentatious, but not compromised by buzz-words either. In the end, we found this off-grid property and realised was an excellent starting point for developing with self-sufficiency and sustainable principles in mind.
Much of the work we have done while setting up Casa de Olivos has been to progress towards becoming sustainable both as our home and as a holiday location that offers a high degree of comfort and maximum relaxation.
We live by three simple words: Escape, Enjoy, Be Kind. But what do we mean by them?...
Escape – leave behind the stresses of day to day life. Our hillside position gives amazing views wherever you look. The natural surroundings are a wildlife haven, and you’re surrounded by space on all sides. Go for wonderful country walks and immerse yourself in the seasonal fauna and flora, accessible right outside our gates. From the poolside bar area gaze out over the patchwork of working groves on the valley below, rich with almond, carob and olive trees. And simply chill-out on one of the sofas in our olive groves while reading a book or watching the swooping birds in the valley, all from the shade of an olive tree.
It’s the place to kick back, relax and escape the hassles of everyday living.
Enjoy – no need to sacrifice the little luxuries! Casa de Olivos may be in a rural location, but the accommodation and facilities are definitely not rustic. Here we aim to make your stay comfortable and leave you the time to enjoy your holiday. Each stylish apartment is fully equipped with everything you need; luxury cotton bed linens and towels, hotel quality mattresses, smart TVs, bluetooth speakers and (most importantly) dishwashers. The pool terrace offers spacious sunbathing pods for two, beautiful gardens, an outdoor kitchen and dining area, and even an outdoor cinema.
Off-grid living does not have to be compromised!
Be kind – care for our blue planet so we can all enjoy it more. While you’re here, you’ll be making a difference too. You’ll be living ‘off-grid’: our primary electricity supply is from the abundant Spanish sun which our solar array converts into electricity; our primary water source is rainwater collected from the house roof, and so many guests have told us how their skin feels better after using it for even a few days. We re-use all the water from showers, basins and sinks as irrigation water on the ornamental plants, using every drop twice, and so we supply you with quality shower gel, shampoo and conditioner that is at least 95% plant origin
We separate all recyclables from our rubbish, and fruit and vegetable waste goes into our own compost heaps, which will be used to nourish our organic vegetable patch and olive groves.
Guests staying at Casa de Olivos will be carbon conscious while supporting sustainable tourism…. so being kind to our planet.
Casa de Olivos may not yet be fully badged as ‘Eco’ but there’s so much happening here to make this a more sustainable space with a kinder footprint. For more information on what we’re doing to preserve and protect the local natural environment, visit our sustainable tourism page.
Claire & Ed