Important Information

How to book our gîtes at the best price ?

Book your stay at MAS NATURA directly here without an intermediary and at the best price in an individual or group gîte using our own booking engine and thus pay less with fewer bank charges depending on the payment method chosen and especially without additional commissions rather than going through "OTAs" (Booking, AirBnB, Abritel, etc.) which receive around 20 to 30% commissions. Direct payment to the owners is often the most eco-economical, eco-logical and above all more eco-practical for everyone!

However, if when consulting the calendar you notice that we do not have availability for the selected days, first check the automatic restrictions on arrival or departure days, the minimum number of nights required depending on the season, etc. Knowing that our calendar only opens for 2 nights out of season or more depending on public holidays (during Ascension, Pentecost, etc.) and only from Saturday to Saturday or from Sunday to Sunday in summer. Similarly, for example, we voluntarily block reservations beyond 2 weeks in the LA TOUR gîte but authorize them for the month in the LE NID gîte (but only outside summer periods), etc.

That's why, in case of doubt, it is always better to check availability by phone, SMS or email via masnatura66[a]gmail.com and at the same time obtain more information and a quote more suited to your situation, budget according to the number of guests (adults, children, animals, etc.) or other requests. Knowing that we can, depending on the case, emergency situations and times of the year, remain flexible according to your needs as well as our availability and postpone your arrival or departure as long as we are notified in advance.

The price of the stay depends on the number of adults, children, animals, etc.

It is important to know that all tourist accommodation in France (hotel, guest house, gîte, campsite, etc.) calculates the price of a stay not by the day but by the night. Because this includes the cleaning and arrangement time required between 2 rentals, the exact number of tenants (adults and minors) for the capacity and beds available at night, the number of animals and other supplements requested. This is why the rates are so different between us and are never calculated by the hour, nor over 24 hours (arrival such time, departure same time). This is also why if in a vacation rental we can sleep fewer people than planned we cannot sleep more, otherwise we risk having a supplement added or even a refusal of accommodation or a penalty.

Finally, the price is calculated primarily based on dates, durations and seasons, geographical location (in relation to the sea or mountains here), capacity according to the number of rooms, bathrooms and square meters, expensive or not services (such as a swimming pool and a Spa to be maintained all year round, reversible air conditioning, solar panels to be amortized and cameras in the parking lot, etc.) as well as the necessary development work to be planned or renovation already undertaken. But above all a price is fixed according to the originality of the property according to supply and demand, in a specific region at a given time. This is why it is so complicated to compare prices and accommodations which are often very different depending on the location and the services offered.

What is the best payment method ?

They all have their pros and cons! Depending on your nationality or the expected time between booking and arrival, it may be more reassuring or practical when booking several months in advance to either pay by bank transfer or check (in 1 or 3 installments), or to pay quickly by credit card via STRIPE (in 1 or 2 installments) on our website in real time. Please note that a reservation is only definitively registered once the deposit and/or final payment has been received in our bank account.

Except for our existing customers, we generally do not accept full payment in cash upon arrival or by remote bank transfer due to the increasingly frequent risks of no-shows or SEPA hacking. Therefore, to pay in installments or for further explanations, contact us by email via the contact form or on masnatura[a]gmail.com or by phone at +33 (0)6 26 50 30 61

In all cases, except for ""last minute"" bookings» (less than 8 days before arrival) we do not accept any visitors who have not paid in advance for their stay and never for less than 2 nights. However, the tourist tax and supplements will be collected on site upon arrival with the security deposit and only in cash (no EFT here).

What to do in case of cancellation, late arrival or early departure ?

Thanks to our Channel manager Elloha , validating your online reservation automatically blocks the selected dates on all OTAs, in order to prevent any overbooking. As for unforeseen events, even at the last minute, please notify us quickly so that we can organize ourselves. But as our business is seasonal with a large farmhouse to fill and a reservation, especially planned for the long term, prevents other people from being able to book in your place, we cannot then guarantee to reimburse you at the same price, nor can we relocate you to other dates according to your availability and ours. This explains why no payment will be refunded in the event of cancellation less than 60 days before arrival, whether in group accommodation or for a single accommodation or the meeting room; even less so if "Promo" NON REFUNDABLE or "Last Minute" . It's a risk to be taken on both sides! That's why we encourage our customers to think carefully, review and read our T&Cs before booking, and even to take out special "holiday cancellation" insurance with your insurance company.

However, in the event of a delay, delayed arrival or rescheduled departure, please notify us at least 24 hours in advance. However, no refund can be requested for nights already paid and we refuse to simply deposit the key upon arrival or departure (inventory of fixtures required with the reference customer for the return of the deposit). In addition, except in exceptional circumstances, we do not work or welcome anyone at our home between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., thank you for your understanding.

Likewise, in the event of no-show at the times set when booking (even via an OTA) without prior warning by SMS, email or telephone, the rental is then considered vacant and no sum or request for re-rental may be required either - Read our General Conditions of Sale (GCS) .

Will we have to pay anything on site ?

• Included in the price : charges, taxes, parking and Wi-Fi...

Apart from the tourist tax and cleaning fees, all other fees, taxes and charges, the swimming pool, parking and Wi-Fi are included in the price, as are our numerous taxes and duties in France [higher than elsewhere in Europe, such as our expensive property tax for the building and 2 hectare plot!], the costs for water and electricity, gas canisters for the barbecue grills, the cost of household products provided and other miscellaneous costs for maintaining the swimming pool, watering the garden and cleaning around it, guarding and surveillance, etc. Like all seasonal activities, this explains why our prices vary according to the months of the year, but also according to various additional costs such as bank commissions or those of OTAs (Booking, AirBnB, Abritel, Greengo, etc.)...

Thus, upon receipt of the keys and signing of the contract after inventory, we will collect in cash the tourist tax calculated according to the number of adults present on arrival (minors exempt), as well as the cleaning fees and the deposit (returned on departure if no damage).

In addition, depending on your needs, it is possible to add the reception fees for dog(s) (only in the LE NID gîte) or an extra bed for a baby or child under 12 years old with the necessary childcare equipment, as well as other possible needs such as the rental of bed linen and/or towels, special shopping, trips to the airport or train station, etc. But only if booked in advance by email, SMS or telephone - Read our our Rules and conditions of reception .

What is not included in the price of the stay :

• Tourist tax

It should be noted that according to the Ministry's directives & of the French Tourist Office, the tourist tax is calculated in a fairly complex way for unclassified furnished accommodation at around 2% per night and per person, depending on the number of adult occupants (minors under 18 are exempt). It is therefore up to us, professional hosts or not, to collect them separately, excluding the cost of the stay, on site and according to the actual number of people present at arrival and not estimated in advance by the OTAs. This is why we ask you to be completely transparent about this during your stay and never to invite additional people to sleep. No refund will then be possible in the event of a change of mind and untimely departure of a guest or other unforeseen circumstances.

• The deposit

After the inventory, a deposit will be requested exclusively in cash or partly in cash and by check(s) for group accommodation depending on the situation of each person, the number of children, teenagers, pets, etc. Generally, it is set in advance at €500 for 1 single gîte and €1500 for 2 gîtes + rooms, either in euros (€) or with an exchange rate (if £ or $, etc.). This will then be returned to you upon your departure after the inventory and return of the keys in person if there has been no damage, theft, breakage, disappearance or deterioration. Separate deposits from OTAs or personal holiday insurance are only provided for major damage.

• Cleaning, preparation and maintenance costs

Since 2020, we have been carrying out a more in-depth cleaning after or before each arrival or departure in order to disinfect our gîtes with steam, clean all the windows, terraces, the large garden, etc. This explains why we now automatically charge all our customers €50 per gîte, €150 for group gîtes or €200 for the entire estate. This also includes concierge services and exterior maintenance, particularly of the swimming pool, regular watering, mowing and weeding, etc.

On the other hand, the interior and exterior tidying of terraces, balconies and private or common spaces is still requested from tenants and their guests, as well as a quick wipe with a sponge and vacuum cleaner before departure, in order to leave the accommodation(s) as tidy as you found them upon arrival and therefore that you will also have the courtesy to leave when leaving. This is undoubtedly the best way to thank us for the warm welcome and stay spent at Mas Natura in our ecological and ethical accommodation.

• Supplements for SPA, babies, children & pets

For the SPA; normally open from October to May, depending on your wishes, the climate, your time and budget, we offer two options: either half-day (10€/adult and 5€/child) or package (50€ or 100€); which includes the rental of adult bathrobes (so bring flip-flops and children's bathrobes).

For children under 3 years old, it is necessary to have a lot of childcare equipment adapted to their age with for example a baby bed (called "travel cot"), a high chair, a small plastic bathtub, cutlery, a potty or toilet reducer with step, adapted games, books and toys, etc. On request we can also add: stroller, cradle, cozy or child seat, deckchair, etc. As for children between 3 and 12 years old, we can still add in the LE NID gîte a folding bed in addition (or a mattress on the floor less risky for stuntmen) according to our maximum capacity. In all cases, notify us beforehand of your needs and questions according to the age and sex of the child(ren).

For pets, only allowed in the Le NID gîte, (2 maximum and no puppies or kittens, please!) we may have to charge a supplement for cleaning costs due to hair, extra water and other possible nuisances or damage. This is why we ask our guests to always keep them with them and do not accept dogs or cats in the LA TOUR gîte on the unsuitable floor because of the carpet and steps; even if obviously for a goldfish or a hamster, it is different!

• Rental of bed linen and/or towels

Normally in France, in vacation rentals, you are expected to bring your own bed linen and towels, unlike in guesthouses or hotels. However, given the increasing number of travelers taking planes or trains today, we can offer them for rent for a single cottage. However, for group cottages, due to the large number of guests, washing machines, and ironing to be done afterwards, we ask that you bring your own if possible. It's less work for us, less water and cotton consumption, so it's also a nice gesture for the environment!

However, we understand that this is not always possible in certain situations, so if you are arriving by plane or train or with young children and you do not want to take too much with you, please note that for the rental of a gîte for 2-4 or 5 people the beds will be ready for your arrival and that in the worst case scenario, even for groups, you can still rent bed linen and towels if necessary (depending on the quantity available).

This will therefore include fitted sheets, flat sheets and pillowcases with either simple blankets in the summer and warmer duvets with duvet covers for the winter; as well as small and large towels. However, there are no beach or pool towels here, so you should pack them anyway. Knowing that in each cottage there are enough pillows and mattress protectors, additional duvets and blankets provided free of charge, as well as enough tablecloths, napkins and tea towels., Ecocert cleaning products (do not throw away reusable packaging and disposable wipes are prohibited here) , etc. In all cases, please inform us in advance about the organization of the beds to be assembled or separated according to the number of children or babies (depending on age), teenagers or adults, couples or friends, etc.? This is very important to welcome you well according to each case and specificities.

• Rental of adult electric bicycles (VTT-VTC)

We currently have 4 old bikes for rent on site (2 adults and 2 children aged 8-14), but they are not professional bikes of excellent quality. Please let us know in advance if you still want to reserve them or rent better ones from a professional in the sector like our partner BIKE TRUCK Albéra who can bring them directly to you here at Mas Natura or at another meeting point - see more information more on Organization and routes

• Services or activities at other professionals

Book BEFORE arrival your massage and hairdressing sessions, beauty or wellness treatments, but also cycling, horse riding, hiking, water sports, aerial excursions, etc. with highly competent local professionals - see our useful addresses such as our list of good local restaurants.

For other requests or needs contact us by email, SMS or phone or via Whatsapp or Telegram as well.

How to organize your arrival and return ?

Arrival

Remember to send us an email a few days or weeks beforehand to organize beds and rooms (with the exact number of guests, couples, children and animals...) and specific needs for your children, animals... Don't forget the essential equipment in your luggage (such as beach and pool towels, caps and flip-flops) or bed linen and towels if you don't rent them here.

On the day, please inform us if possible of the conditions of your journey (road traffic, plane, train, bus, etc.) and your approximate arrival times by SMS at least 1 hour before arrival. Please note that due to our own obligations, entry to the accommodation(s) can only be done after 6 p.m. in summer (and 5 p.m. off-season) and until 11 p.m. or later depending on traffic. In case of impediment, delay or cancellation, please inform us as soon as possible by SMS or telephone so that we can organize. However, in case of early arrival, we advise you to do some quick shopping at the supermarkets in Le Boulou (5-10 minutes by car) to be at ease the next day (refrigerator and freezer on).

Departure

The evening before, let us know your departure time, especially if it's before 10 a.m., and in the morning, remember to tidy up and give the accommodation(s), terraces and barbecue plancha a quick sweep and clean before returning the keys and doing the inventory. However, departure must be between 7 a.m. (but not before) and 10 a.m. (11 a.m. max.), because we will then need the necessary time for steam cleaning and preparations for the other guests in the afternoon or evening. Send us a text message as soon as you are ready to leave, after loading, and still allow about 20 minutes to take stock of the premises together, sort out any last details, give us your opinion, tell us about your stay and say goodbye without rushing or stress. It's better to end your vacation peacefully and leave well and well rested!

In any case, we hope that your stay with us and the revitalizing contact with nature, like your walks, swimming, activities and visits to the Pyrénées Orientales, will have recharged you enough and pleased you so much that you will want to come back or tell your friends and family about it afterwards. Do not hesitate, in this case, to leave us a little message in our Guestbook and on the internet (Google reviews or other testimonials and photos) thank you in advance!