Cabanes als Arbres

Sixteen cabins in the Sant Hilari forest

Cabanes als Arbres is in Sant Hilari Sacalm, in the Guilleries, at between 960 and 1,000 metres above sea level, with the Montseny in front. There are sixteen wooden cabins scattered through the forest around La Vileta, a farmhouse more than seven centuries old that serves as reception. They fall into three categories, Magia, Cupido and Natura, which differ in price and setting, but all are octagonal, 30 m², with a 10 m² terrace facing the Montseny, the Pyrenees or wherever the sun rises or sets.

Almost all hang from one or two trees; the Tallareta rests on piles. You climb up by a suspension bridge, a vertical ladder or both, and in the cabins held between two trees the ladder is about 4 metres. For that reason they only admit children aged 10 and over, always accompanied by an adult. Animals cannot enter the cabins.

A night without sockets or an indoor shower

The cabin has no electricity. You light your way with rechargeable lamps and head torches, and the cabin's basket also holds a walkie-talkie. Charge your phone before you arrive. Inside there is a hand basin with a water reserve and a dry toilet: instead of water you add sawdust, and it is emptied and cleaned every day for composting. The showers, the full bathroom, the lounge with fireplace and the bar are in the farmhouse, where there is also wifi and a computer with internet.

For the cold, each cabin has a bioethanol fireplace. The website charges a supplement on 24, 25, 26 and 31 December and 1 January, so you can sleep here in midwinter. In summer the farmhouse pool is open. There are also private outdoor spas, booked by sessions, and a massage room.

Breakfast is included. From 9:00 it is left in a basket at the foot of the tree and you haul it up with a rope whenever you like. You cannot cook in the cabin: if you do not want to go down to the village, order a hot dinner delivered to the cabin, at €26 per person, when you book or on arrival.

Arriving by car and walking through the forest

You arrive by the Vallclara road and park among the trees, next to reception. From there you follow the forest signs on foot to your cabin; some are about 10 minutes away. Bring walking boots and a small rucksack instead of a suitcase. Check-in is from 16:00 to 19:30; if you are going to arrive later, let them know by phone or email. Check-out is before 12:00.

Prices on its website: the à la carte night for two with breakfast, from €159; packs with dinner, spa and massage, from €239. From here you are close to the Selva side of the Montseny: Montsoriu Castle, above Arbúcies, and the climb up Matagalls from Collformic. More ideas in Montseny.