What to do Around Mas Palou
Drink Vermouth
The Catalan tradition of Vermut is emblematic of the Spanish culture of leisure. You gather with friends on lazy weekend mornings for a type of low-effort brunch which includes chips, cheese, fruit, many different constellations of anchovies and olives (anchovies wrapped around olives, olives filled with anchovies, just anchovies, olives and hot peppers skewered on a pick), and most importantly, a glass of the spiced wine aperitif with a large chunk of ice, a slice of orange, and an olive. Lazing in the garden and nibbling on chips while waiting for lunch to be ready, chatting with friends while getting progressively more drunk, is a simple pleasure which feels like the height of luxury.
Take a sunrise hike
The jagged silhouette of the Monserrat mountain range in the distance and the acres upon acres of vineyards, hills, and sleepy country houses make for the perfect backdrop for a sunrise hike. If you dare, get up early and hike in the cool air up to the top of a hill, where you can see the red ball of sun climb up in the sky. See the clouds painted in an amazing bird-of-paradise palette, which looks like a scene from an especially emotional William Turner painting. The sunrise light makes everything look softer and more magical, so maybe bring your camera to take pictures, or just admire it and then descend to eat breakfast.
Eat Catalan toast and jamon
You can make it at home, but here the olive oil is made from the estate’s olive trees, the bread is fresh, the tomato is lush and sweet, and the ham is a cured, impossibly savory jamon. The result is a religious experience. Prepare to have your toast preferences forever changed.
Swim in the pool
Have you ever swum in a pool? Well, this experience is quite similar. Only this one is gorgeous and outdoors in a stunning landscape, so you can admire the vista while basking in the cool and calm water, your worries washing away in lazy circles.
Visit the chapel
Mas Palou has a small stone chapel, separate from the main house: it is a small stone building with a Latin inscription on the door and a heavy door with iron rivets. It contains an altar with a devotional painting of Saint James (Santiago), the patron saint of Spain, as well as some liturgical items and candles, in front of seven rows of wooden pews. Come here to reflect, light a candle, or admire the art and history.
Lounge, lounge, lounge
In a hammock, on turn-of-the-century mosaic bench, or a chair overlooking the valley: the possibilities are endless. No work, no obligations, nothing but the cool breeze, a book, wine, and pleasant conversation.
I cried tears of joy the moment my parents gave me, who’d just turned 18, the most amazing gift – a ticket to join their friends on a road trip through Senegal that summer.
I’d never cried happy tears before. Those who know me are aware that I am not one to show her feelings very openly – and that’s when it dawned on me that travel was my passion.