LThe key word for spring-summer 2022 is sustainability. Enhance eco tourism, which respects the environment and seeks to minimize the consumption of local resources (and especially energy) as well as supporting local communities. We want sustainable holidays.
According to a YouGov survey for the Omio websitefor one in five Italians travel is one of the best opportunities to act in an eco-friendly way, 10 percent choose vegetarian or vegan foods, 17 percent would like to offset CO2 emissions from flights and 23 percent book sustainable housing. Here are six properties for green travelers.
The gastrofarm on the Dutch sea
A windmill on the island of Texel, (West Frisian Islands) on the north side of the Dutch coast.
When Valerie Jongeneel met chef Joram Timmerman while harvesting oysters on Texel, she never would have thought that the Op Oost project could then be born, their farm and former seaweed warehouse now converted into a “gastrofarm” on the island of Texel, in the Netherlands. A property that is part of Shl Considerate Collection, a portfolio of small independent hotels dedicated to sustainability, whose criteria align with those of the Gstc (Global Sustainable Tourism Council, a non-profit organization established by the United Nations Environmental Program). That is, “Community minded”, to protect the community, “Cultural custodians”, custodians of cultural heritage, and “Environmental conscious”, eco-sustainable. Only 12 suites, a restaurant focused on nature, the “Kook Atelier”, in the 2021 Michelin Guide, and a garden full of medicinal herbs, edible flowers and berries. Time slips by slowly in Op Oost, between walks along the sea – or on the sea, at low tide – visits to farms, massages and, in the morning, a picnic with breakfast in front of the door. The fresh and salty wind on the skin, while every moment becomes an inspiration. (opoost.nl; double starting from 179 euros).
Sustainable holidays in the tropical oasis at the foot of Etna
Etna seen from the Radicepura Botanical Park in Carruba di Riposto (Catania), at the Donna Carmela Boutique Hotel.
A Sicilian residence of the late nineteenth century, owned by the Faro family, immersed in their 10 thousand square meter nursery with Mediterranean and subtropical plants, next to the Radicepura Botanical Park of rare beautyone kilometer from the sea, in Carruba di Riposto, between Catania and Taormina. Donna Carmela Resort & Lodges it has 26 rooms, stone walls, lava floor and the charm of yesteryear, juxtaposed with echoes of contemporary design. The most sustainable aspect, in addition to the restoration of an ancient Arab irrigation system, in order not to waste the important water resource, and to the natural products in the spa created by the plants of the horticultural company, is found in the eight lodges built according to bio-architectural criteria , with local materials and thermal solar panels to maximize energy efficiency. All embraced by the summit of Etna and the breeze of the Ionian Sea, on one of the most fertile soils in Italy. (donnacarmela.com; double from 190 euros).
The terrace of a room of the Donna Carmela Resort & Lodges, in Carruba di Riposto (Catania).
Eco practices on the lake
For years it has been one of the most active and awarded resorts with over 20 eco awards, whose green identity was strengthened in 2020 by neutralizing the CO2 emissions produced internally by 100 percent. Today, in Gargnano (Brescia), LeFay Resort & Spa Lago di Garda, certified by Green Globe, totally integrated into the landscape and built with natural materials, has just completed the restyling with some new features: the Adults Only Spa, the Sky Suites and the Gramen restaurant, whose cuisine uses the spontaneous herbs of the energy garden that surrounds it. Also perfect for walking or for a fitness trail among the fragrant lemon terraces of Gargnano, one of the most beautiful and romantic historic villages on Lake Garda. (lefayresorts.com; double from 520 euros).
In Sardinia, in front of the lagoon
The swimming pool of a suite of the Cascioni Eco Retreat, Porto Cervo – Baia Sardinia, Località Cascioni, (Arzachena).
Let’s start with the naturalistic medal table. The Cascioni Eco Retreat, on a hill overlooking the Cannigione bayis on the least inhabited land of Italy, rich in biodiversity: located in 18 hectares of park with vegetable garden and olive grove, in the Saloni Reserve and in front of a protected lagoon, the property is an old family estate, which has opened to guests: 15 suites with swimming pool and private gardens. Sustainable management focuses on various good practices: the total elimination of plastic, the absence of pesticides in crops, energy from renewable sources, biodegradable courtesy sets, “digital concierge” apps to avoid paper consumption and raise awareness of environmental policy. The rest is made of slow moments, such as kayak tours in the reserve, jams and vegetables in oil workshops, candlelit dinners in the olive grove, weaving lessons on a belt loom. But also relaxation at the spa, by the pool or by the sea and excursions to Maddalena with their BonAria sailboat. A Sardinia seen with different eyes. (cascioni.com; “Spring Water & Wellness”: one night, breakfast, use of the hydro-path, from 600 euros for two).
Sustainable holidays: if the garden is inclusive
The vegetable garden of the Borgo San Felice relais, in Castelnuovo Berardenga (Siena).
The first impact is of an exclusive and widespread property in the Sienese countryside, in pure Relais & Chateaux style. But behind the five-star scenario of Borgo San Felice (Location San Felice, Castelnuovo Berardenga, Siena) there has been a considerable commitment for years in the sustainable and ethical sector for the social project “The garden and the farmyard in the Borgo”, in which local children with disabilities cultivate and take care of the land, under the guidance of cooperative operators and learning from the wisdom of the volunteers, the local grandparents.
The products, in addition to ending up in the dishes of the starred chef Juan Quintero, are sold on the territory. But the relais, which uses 100 percent energy from renewable sources, has been completely replacing plastic with biodegradable materials this year, and is certified for sustainability as an agri-food chain for wine. There are various themed experiences, including olfactory walks in the garden, relaxation in the botanic spa, personalized cycling routes and yoga among the vineyards. (borgosanfelice.it; with the double “Travel without worries” fare from 592 euros). The products from the garden end up in the dishes of the starred chef, or are sold at 0 km.
In Greece between monasteries and ancient villages
View from the Aristi Mountain on Mount Tymfi, Zagori region, in Epirus, northwestern Greece.
An unprecedented Greece, that of a rugged and mountainous region like Zagoria. The Aristi Mountain Resort is located on the highest point of the homonymous village, overlooking the Vikos gorge, and the Papigo Towers, in the north-western part of the country, almost on the border with Albania: it is an award-winning 18-room lodge, member of Beyond Green by Preferred Hotels & Resorts, which includes properties with over 50 sustainability indicators aligned with UN global standards of sustainable tourism. These include the use of local and natural materials, high-tech recycling of water, support for the local community in relaunching the rural economy. A place where time is suspended, between monasteries connected by stone bridges, excursions on winding paths, rafting on rivers, horseback riding. An unspoiled corner of Greece for sustainable holidays to remember. (aristi.eu; double from 184 euros).
iO Donna © REPRODUCTION RESERVED