A Cozy Winter Escape at Minds & Mountains Eco Lodge: Skiing at La Molina, Vegan Delights, and Cerdanya region Bliss…
Thereโs nothing quite like a winter retreat in the Pyrenees, and my family’s stay at Minds & Mountains Eco Lodge was pure magic.
Nestled in a tranquil corner of the mountains in the Cerdanya region, this eco-conscious haven offers the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and some of the best plant-based food Iโve ever tasted.
From skiing at La Molina Ski Resort, which just happens to be a short drive around the corner – seriously, some people even walk over – to warming up in a sauna and jacuzzi – every moment was a dream.
Minds & Mountains Eco Lodge Carrer Font Moreu, 16, 17537 La Molina, Girona
This was a truly great winter experience! As a Canadian living in Spain, I knew my summers would probably involve sunny days by the sea, but I was thrilled to find out my winters could be spent in the snowy mountains.
The ability to be in the mountains and within an hour or so, on the beach, is what makes this region truly remarkable.
In less than two hours from the Barcelona city center, you could be taking a dip in a hot tub or thermal pools, hitting the slopes, or shopping and dining in one of the nearby charming towns and villages like Alp, or Puigcerdร .
Although there are many great accommodation options for a winter weekend away, you need to put Minds & Mountains Eco Lodge on your list.
This lovely spot offers an outdoor hot tub, cold plunge, sauna, vast mountain views, cozy rooms, and the most delicious plant-based breakfast buffet we have ever had anywhere!
As well, they offer a fantastic plant-based dinner (we are going back to try it!) and are conveniently located, just a short 5-minute drive from La Molina Ski Resort.
Aside from the sleeping quarters, the lodge has a charming living room with a bar, couches, chairs, a fireplace, and lots of books and board games.
This spot is definitely for quiet enjoyment after a long day out in nature, whether it’s skiing or thermal pools, hiking, or shopping and dining nearby.
Minds and Mountains Eco Lodge has been improving their offerings yearly, with a gorgeous new patio terrace surrounding the hot tub and cold plunge, and plans to build a separate conference and retreat space.
This would be a wonderful place to host a small yoga retreat or a corporate team-building experience.
The Best Plant-Based Breakfast Ever!
The mornings at Minds & Mountains Eco Lodge were nothing short of spectacular. We woke up to a delicious plant-based breakfast buffet served in a beautifully sunlit dining area with breathtaking views of the snow-covered mountains.
The attention to detail was impeccableโthe vegan cheese was homemade, rich, and full of flavor, and the vegan milk for the coffee was warmed to perfection, making for a smooth, comforting start to the day. Every bite felt nourishing, thoughtful, and aligned with the lodge’s eco-conscious ethos.
Whether you prefer to start your day with something sweet or savory, this buffet has everything.
From freshly baked breads and loaves like banana or carrot to vegan tortilla, potato/green pea cakes, a selection of house-made vegan cheeses and butter, nuts, spreads, fruit, and faux smoked salmon, this buffet was a delight.
There were also fruit smoothies and juices, cereals, coffee, teas, and even kombucha. It was truly amazing how many options they had, proving once again that we can enjoy tasty culinary experiences without meat or dairy.
Vegan Dining in the Pyrenees: Sunset Alp, Ski Bar & Nordest Cafรฉ
One of the biggest highlights of the trip was the vegan food! It’s not always easy to find vegan or vegetarian options in small towns, but we enjoyed the great food at Sunset Alp, Ski Bar, Veritas, and The Nordest Cafรฉ.
Sunset Alp Plaรงa Nova, 1, 17538 Alp, Girona
This charming spot served up hearty, flavorful vegan dishes that hit the spot after a day in the cold. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, making it the perfect place to unwind with a nourishing meal.
This spot exceeded our expectations with some great vegan burgers, potato bravas and nachos. The portions were huge and tasty. Whether you are looking for vegetarian or vegan options, they have you covered.
As well, there is a huge selection of microbrewery beers and some good non alcoholic versions too. The location is great, in the heart of the charming town of Alp. There is plenty of seating inside and out.
Ski Bar Masella MยชBosch i Aymerich, Avinguda de Josep Maria Bosch Aymerich, nยบ12, 17538 Alp, Girona
Add this spot to your list! Located at nearby Masella Ski Resort, this spot has a good selection of vegan and vegetarian options. Whether you are looking for lunch, afternoon tapas or aprรจs ski drinks and dining, this spot is very popular.
We actually visited in June and sat outside on the patio, but I noticed there was bar seating on the first floor and a dining room on the second floor. The food was excellent, and the service was very friendly and multi-lingual! Our server spoke at least for languages!
Nordest Cafรฉ Plaรงa dels Herois, 8, 17520 Puigcerdร , Girona
We have been visiting the Nordest Cafรฉ for years. Located in the heart of Puigcerdร right across from the main indoor parking, this spot never disappoints.
The food is always fresh and delicious, with dips, veggie burgers, tostadas, salads, and baked goods. The coffee is also fantastic, so even if you’re not very hungry, stop in for a cup!
Veritas Rambla Josep Maria Martรญ, 4, 17520 Puigcerdร , Girona
After eating or grabbing a coffee at the Nordest Cafรฉ, Veritas – a health food Catalan supermarket chain, is right across the street, next to that indoor parking I mentioned.
Next time I stop in, I will take more photos! On our last trip, I was so overwhelmed with the selection of Kombucha that I forgot to take photos of anything else!
Veritas carries a wide range of great vegan and vegetarian items, as well as organic, free-range, and eco-friendly products (the list is endless).
We often stop in here to stock up on peanut butter, artisan bread, vegan croissants, energy bars, kombucha, snacks, and fruit to take back to our hotel or Airbnb.
La Molina Ski Resort Oficina Central Estaciรณ de La Molina, 17537 Alp, Girona
La Molina and nearby Masella are some of Cataloniaโs most well-known ski resorts. Frequently visited by winter sports enthusiasts from all over Spain, France, and beyond.
The ski resorts are easily accessible by car, train, or shuttle bus services. They also offer excellent ski conditions, with plenty of runs for all skill levels, chairlifts, magic carpet (conveyor belt), lessons, ski rentals, sales, restaurants, and hotels.
There is definitely a local culture of Barcelona folks who own ski chalets and spend many winter weekends and holidays in this region.
However, ski tourism is also popular, and you will find many of the staff friendly and helpful. Whether you want to catch a ski shuttle from Plaรงa Catalunya for a day of skiing, or plan a weekend or week of snow activities, there is truly something for everyone.
I have done one-day ski trips taking the shuttle bus from Plaรงa Catalunya, as well as weekends and week-long trips. Nine years later I’m still going!
Ski Bus & Ski Train
Check out Sagalรฉs Skibus or Ski Train for more information about one-day ski trips.
Thermal Pools & Places to Stay
As well, if you’re interested in soaking in some thermal pools, check out Bains de St Thomas, Bains Romains de Dorres, or Bains de Llo. These spots are located in France, just a short 20-45 minute drive from Puigcerdร .
The Hotel Spa La Collada also offers luxurious accommodation with beautiful views and extensive spa and hot tub services.
Basecamps Cerdanya is another great destination worth looking into. They offer glamping-style tents, plots for caravans/tents, and bungalows with varying levels of luxury and scenic views.
They also have a restaurant with vegan/vegetarian options, an outdoor swimming pool, and lots of scheduled family activities and experiences.
We have stayed at some Airbnbs over the years in Puigcerdร and Alp. If you are looking for a charming village with easily accessible shops and restaurants, then these two villages are perfect.
The apartment rental option is ideal if you plan to cook some of your meals or want to be walking distance from shops, restaurants, or bars in the evening or at night. These two rentals, the one above Here and below Here, were fantastic.
And, last but not least, Hotel Llรญvia has been highly recommended to us by our family friends. The hotel offers clean modern rooms, an outdoor pool in the warmer months, and a nice breakfast.
Llรญvia is actually a Spanish town just over the border in France. It’s very charming, and I’ve often noticed that the rentals and even real estate are particularly chic at a better price.
Have you ever visited the Pyrenees in winter? Let me know your favorite spots in the comments! Until next time, happy snowy winter vacation planning!
