Hotel Vall Amagada del Molí: In the heart of Catalonia’s best cycling region

In a fully restored 18th-century watermill in Sant Esteve de Llémena, Hotel Vall Amagada del Molí is about to open its doors. Run by Dutch cycling enthusiasts, a stay here promises to be a true cycling experience.

Text: Sjors Beukeboom. Photos: Karel den Ouden, Robin den Ouden

The latest addition to Catalonia’s cycling scene has been redesigned by two experienced hospitality experts, Robin and Karel. In Vall de Llémena, a valley defined by oak and holm oak forests, the two have transformed an old watermill dating back to 1789.

In fact, by the early 19th century, El Molí had become more than just a mill. It served as a central meeting point for the valley, where residents of nearby masias and hamlets came together to exchange flour and also meat, oil, fruit, and other produce. This gathering place laid the foundations for what would later become the village of Sant Esteve de Llémena, with El Molí at its heart.

More than two centuries later, Robin explains that their goal was to preserve “the character and soul of the building”. She says: “The roof has been restored, we preserved as much of the original flooring as possible, and the windows have been given a new life. All the historic details remain, but we moved some walls and created a new framework to integrate modern installations.”

Hotel Vall Amagada del Molí also offers a fully renovated gym and swimming pool. Karel adds: “The old cellar, which had been unused for many years, is being transformed into a cycling workshop. There you’ll not only find all the modern tools, but also the centuries-old watermill that gave the building its name. In addition, we installed a completely new system with air conditioning and other facilities, so guests can enjoy modern comfort without losing authenticity.”

Hospitality and the cycling experience

The two owners from the Netherlands are passionate cyclists themselves. “Riding our bikes in this part of Catalonia is always a pleasure”, they say. “The nature, the routes, and the rich cycling culture make this area unique in Europe. For us, cycling is not just a hobby, but a way to explore the region. That is also the message we want to share with our visitors.”

Guests will also find specialty coffee, a cozy reading corner, and plenty of cycling-focused touches throughout the hotel.

Robin and Karel met at the Hotelschool in The Hague, the political capital of the Netherlands. Their professional backgrounds complement each other perfectly. Karel grew up in the hospitality world, working in the family hotel on Texel and in several beach clubs, where he learned how to run large operations smoothly and how important atmosphere and guest experience are. Later, he deepened his knowledge with a Master’s degree in Strategy and Innovation.

Robin developed her career in several hotels after graduation, quickly moving from revenue manager to hotel manager, and even opening a new hotel from scratch. “I also organized weddings for many years, where I learned to plan every detail perfectly and put personal attention at the center. Everything we’ve learned, we now want to bring to Vall Amagada. We believe a hotel is more than a room and a bed — it’s a place to create lasting experiences. A place where professionalism and quality go hand in hand with warmth and personal care. Every detail, from the rooms to the service, from events to cycling route suggestions, contributes to that feeling of coming home.”

Karel emphasizes the unique location: “The setting of the hotel is a big advantage. From Vall Amagada you ride straight into nature and onto Girona’s most beautiful roads, and also towards Olot and Banyoles, two real hotspots for cyclists. At the same time, our hotel is in a quiet valley, which makes the roads here friendlier and safer for cyclists.”

“Alongside facilities such as the workshop and gym, we offer spacious rooms, laundry service, and personal attention. We work with local partners and love to share our knowledge and tips about routes. But maybe most importantly, we really want to get to know our guests. Vall Amagada is a place where cyclists meet, share stories, and live their passion together.”