2_3_DiscoverBenelux_Issue14_January2015_Scan Magazine 1 26/01/2015 19:16 Page 35

Discover Benelux |  Special Theme |  Summer Holiday Escapes

Aux Lodges du Mas de Nadal offers luxurious canvas tents fitted with beds, wardrobe, big windows and a covered, private terrace area to enjoy the views of the  surroundings and relax with family and friends

Natural luxury A luxurious canvas experience in the middle of breathtaking nature – sounds like a dream? This summer it can come true at the brand new domain, Aux Lodges du Mas de Nadal – just two hours north of Toulouse, France. TEXT: MYRIAM GWYNNED DIJCK  |  PHOTOS: AUX LODGES DU MAS DE NADAL

Opening  mid-May,  owners  Philippe  and Miriam will welcome guests into their domain of mostly untouched nature to reside in  one  of  22  Safari  Style  Canvas  Lodges and enjoy the tranquillity of the site. “I pinch myself  every  morning,  it  is  so  quiet  and beautiful here,” says Philippe. The majority of the land of Mas de Nadal is part of the adjacent Causse du Quercy nature reserve. According to Philippe, the previous owners preserved the nature as it was, “and we will carry over this philosophy,” he says. “Given that  there  is  no  road  nearby,  there  is  no noise other than nature. The sun brightens the mornings and offers stunning sunsets. And no light pollution! In fact, at nighttime it’s one of the two darkest places in Europe and  you  see  the  most  beautiful  skies,  an ideal spot for passionate astronomers.” The cosy lodges, customised for up to four adults, offer luxurious comfort embedded in  pure  nature.  “During  our  adventurous trip  through  the  Okavango  Delta  in Botswana  we  experienced  the  beauty  of

the Safari Camps. They ooze with nature and  yet  are  extremely  comfortable.  This inspired our style of canvas tents, and we found  a  South  African  company  to  build these wonderful lodges for us. Set on elevated wooden platforms, they will cocoon their inhabitants in great privacy and with spectacular views into the sunset.” Spread out across six hectares of beautiful  ground  with  small  oak  trees,  bushes and  old  stone  walls,  there  are  also  18 pitches  for  tents.  “We  have  a  variety  of sites, scattered around the domain; sunny or shady, practical pitches or snuggly hideaways. You will be able to retreat and find an oasis of privacy,” he adds.

On the domain, WiFi is available throughout and the bistro is open all day. The  surrounding  area  offers  countless cultural  places  and  natural  wonders  to visit as well as sightseeing and numerous  sportive  activities  such  as  canoeing, hiking, biking, horse riding, climbing, speleology, cave diving and many more for everyone and at every age.  www.masdenadal.com/en

In  the  style  of  a  ‘boutique  hotel’  Mas  de Nadal does not focus on growing in numbers. Instead they focus on quality of life and  bringing  people  closer  to  nature. “Small  is  beautiful,  this  gives  us  the  opportunity to be almost private hosts for our guests,” Philippe concludes.

Issue 14 |  February 2015 |  35