Take a dream – and make it real
After working for far too long in stressful roles in business we knew it was time to do something for ourselves. We had the vision and opportunity to create somewhere unique through our own hard work, and change the tempo of our lives for the better.
Welcome to Casa de Olivos!
In November 2020, our dream took the first big step into reality, and we became the owners of our new Spanish home. Perched on the side of a hill overlooking Traiguera in the Castellon countryside with views across olive groves and mountains, we felt at home from day 1. Clear in our minds about what we wanted to create here, we set about planning and developing boutique-style, luxurious accommodation in our corner of real Spain, and challenge preconceived ideas of what a Spanish holiday is.
Our mission has been to share this tranquil and personal place with guests from all over the world and give them access to an authentic taste of Spanish life, far from the crowded holiday resorts, where they can unwind and rejuvenate.
The dream turns green
Casa de Olivos is off-grid and had the foundations of environmentally friendly living built into it. We had to adapt quickly to a novel way of life, conscious of our water and energy consumption. Suddenly the weather mattered much more to us now that we depended on sunshine and rain so much. We built on the green roots of the house during its development so that we could create a unique holiday location with solid environmental credentials.One that delivered comfort and relaxation without compromise, whilst minimising our footprint.
Our philosophy
The Casa de Olivos philosophy is quite simple. Our mantra to “Escape • Enjoy • Be Kind” underpins all that we do here, and how we want guests to experience us.
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To Escape and relax in the authentic Spanish countryside and escape the stresses of everyday life
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To Enjoy the luxury accommodation with extensive pool terrace, beautiful gardens, and the landscape beyond
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And to Be Kind and support local people, places and the planet
Working towards our first Green Tourism accreditation was important and educational. The process inspired us to deepen our relationship with Traiguera and the region, bringing us closer than ever to a generous, tightly-knit community. We found new commercial partners, and some good friendships that may have remained unknown to us otherwise. And our guests benefit from the goodwill that has been generated, receiving a warm welcome from shops, bars, and restaurants locally.
Our Green Tourism journey redoubled our commitment to making Casa de Olivos a beacon of sustainable tourist accommodation in Castellon province, encouraging our guests to immerse themselves in the local history, fiestas, and natural heritage.
Silver turns to Gold in 2024
We achieved a Silver Award in 2023. It represented our own learning and development, and provided much needed recognition of our sustainability. Our local tourist department had been lacking any serious sustainable ambition, but now we felt like pioneers in a green desert.
In August 2024 we were thrilled to be recognised with a Gold Award by Green Tourism. So much that we had learned from the first award had blossomed, and the Gold Award told us that we were on the right path.
We also took Casa de Olivos carbon-neutral in 2024, something made possible through the Green Tourism process. To be able to measure our emissions and understand how to manage or mitigate them was a direct result of preparing for these assessments.
The journey towards sustainability is continuous, and attaining the highest Gold Award does not represent the end of it. We are already taking actions based on this assessment that strengthen our commitment to people, place and planet. We have found the journey to be personally rewarding, and a valuable tool in the development of our young business. Follow our progress on our website – https://casadeolivos.com/blog – and on all our social media channels. Better still, why not come and see for yourself!
