An igloo is also for the summer.
At the beginning of summer, in the municipality of Orbaizeta, in Navarra opened Irati Barnean, a unique accommodation where the disconnection, the silence and contact with nature are the order of the day. Iñaki Celaya and Marina Otazu, lovers of travel and outdoor sports, proposed three years ago to create a place that would go beyond what was established in the Irati Forest. And hey, they have!
The complex is made up of four igloo –two for four people and another two with two adjoining rooms– and in a short time it has become the ideal destination for those travelers who are looking for Get away from the big crowds. Their owners were looking "respond to current tourism trends", as they tell us. And "combine respect for the environment with a differentiated and exclusive service".
Low-impact materials and an innovative modular and ecological building system to avoid damaging the environment.
To this we must add that it is in a unique spot in Europe, in the middle of Irati Forest, a natural treasure formed by some 20,000 hectares of beech and fir trees. And that they also have a room adapted for people with reduced mobility and one for those traveling with their pets, They explain to us from the accommodation itself.
The choice of igloo –and no other structure– was due to pure aesthetics, functionality and sustainability, they confess Also because the simple fact of staying in an igloo seemed like an experience in itself. They sought to generate the least possible impact on the environment. Hence, they built the structures through an innovative **modular and ecological building system that adapts to both cold and hot climates. **
The Irati jungle is a paradise for beeches, oaks, firs, birches or willows, among other plant species.
"The materials are sustainable and the isolation and orientation of structures seek reduce energy consumption as much as possible. their creators explain. Once inside the rooms, for the design and interior design they mostly chose natural materials. They opted for a minimalist and basic decoration that sought not to attract too much attention. The intention was not take away the prominence of what is really relevant: your movie views.
LIFE IN THE IGLOO
The igloos are equipped with everything that is needed. If you do not want there is no reason to have contact with anyone else. "Its automatic door system does not even require giving keys to visitors," Iñaki and Marina tell us. "In addition, all igloos are equipped with a small fridge, a microwave and one coffee maker. And, of course, with large open spaces and wide terraces with hammocks to enjoy the sunset.
As a curiosity, each igloo is named after a tree that can be found in the Irati Forest, represented with its own leaf. A simple and attractive way to draw the attention of guests to everything that surrounds them in the complex.
For lunch, from the accommodation itself they suggest some of the nearby restaurants. The typical cuisine of the area is based on products such as mushrooms, mushrooms, meat from the valley, sheep's cheese, txantxigorri cake, trout... And at dinner time? Nothing better than enjoying it in your own room, in the most absolute privacy and with the sunset in the background!
For this they have prepared packs with local products which are a real delicacy, ideal to accompany with a good wine, while admiring the views from the igloo itself. options like the sausage Maskarada, foie gras Etxenike preserves, Orbaizeta cheeses … they are perfect to get to know the territory at the stroke of the palate.
The platforms are embraced by the magic of the 20,000 ha of the Irati Forest.
NATURE ALL YEAR ROUND: ROUTES, MUSHROOMS, BIRDS AND STARS
But in addition to eating, people come here mainly to disconnect and rest and, of course, to discover the surroundings and the numerous activities offered by the area. “We have different proposals in collaboration with local companies, thus supporting the employment of rural zones. Responsible projects related to active tourism that, through their activities, train and educate visitors. Our purpose is attract quality tourism and put it in contact with the community, and make their culture known without altering their traditions and customs”, explain the owners.
Throughout the year, they organize tours of the Irati Forest by the hand of an experienced biologist either Guided routes with electric bicycle. In autumn, the mycological experience It is the most interesting, whose finishing touch is a tasting menu to savor the best of the area. While in winter, there is the possibility of doing snowshoe outings. and in spring, ornithological routes accompanied by a local guide specialized in birds. Now, during the summer, nothing better than dinner under a starry sky by candlelight, with an astronomical telescope at hand in case you want to investigate further.
In the surroundings you can also visit the old arms factory of Orbaizeta, the Cave of Arpea, the Zamariain viewpoint, the Azpegi megalithic station or the charming villages of Orbaizeta, Aribe, Orbara, Garralda, Graoia, Roncesvalles Y Ochagavía.
And of course the entire Irati Forest from start to finish! In the autumn months, with the fall of the leaves or the bellowing, it is especially beautiful. “Guests leave totally relaxed and rested. Seeing them enjoy is a dream come true for us. As well as the good acceptance of the residents of the area. We are excited", comment the owners who add that, in the coming months, and collecting customer feedback, the dinner options and activity proposals will increase. And looking to the future, also the number of igloos: "Always from respect for the environment and without overcrowding to maintain the essence of exclusivity and sustainability that is part of the project”, they add.