1. Introduction
Oasyhotel in the mountains of Tuscany has 28 miles of trails, 16 wooden lodges, and unforgettable fresh pasta.
2. Tranquil Mornings at Oasyhotel
My son Felix and I slept with the windows open, waking to the sweet sound of birdsong. As the sun rose over the mountain, the wooded hills were illuminated with golden light, filled with the sounds of nature. While Felix continued to rest, I stepped onto the veranda, inhaling the fragrant pine, herbs, and flowers while greeting the day.
3. A Journey to the Eco-Resort
We were guests at Oasyhotel, an eco-resort located in the Oasi Dynamo nature reserve in Italy’s Pistoia Mountains. After arriving at Pisa airport, we drove through picturesque Tuscan valleys dotted with stucco farms and quaint villages. Upon reaching a stone gateway, a driver took us five miles up a winding track to our destination, where the sound of crickets replaced the usual urban noise, offering a refreshing escape.
4. The Unique Architecture of Oasyhotel
The resort comprises 16 wooden lodges and several converted stone farm buildings that house two restaurants, a bar, and a reception area. Despite the simplicity of the prefabricated lodges—constructed under strict regulations prohibiting permanent structures—the accommodations are well-designed to maximize the breathtaking mountain views.
5. History and Conservation
Spanning nearly 2,500 acres, the land once served as the hunting estate for the owners of Società Metallurgica Italiana, a bullet factory in the nearby Campo Tizzoro village. In collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund, the area has been rewilded and conserved. The estate also hosts Dynamo Camp, a renowned recreational-therapy program designed for children with disabilities, which features Europe’s first wheelchair-accessible adventure playground.
6. Nature and Wildlife Exploration
During our stay, we discovered countless moments of tranquility. Guests can explore the extensive woods via biking or hiking on nearly 28 miles of picturesque trails. I found myself alone in nature, relishing the serenity as I absorbed the beauty around me.
6.1 Guided Nature Walks
We enjoyed a guided walk with Guilia Ghinassi, the estate’s naturalist, who pointed out wolf tracks, wild boar wallows, birds in the treetops, and shared insights about this rich ecosystem. Listening closely, I realized that a thriving environment is anything but quiet; it buzzes with life, creating an orchestra of natural sounds.
6.2 Nighttime Adventures
Our evening explorations with Guilia were equally thrilling. Armed with flashlights, we quietly walked through the trees, encountering owls, spotting a fox, and possibly glimpsing a wildcat prowling in the distance.
7. Culinary Delights at Oasyhotel
The culinary experience at Oasy is exceptional. Young chef Barnaba Ciuti invites guests on foraging adventures for herbs, flowers, and berries. The on-site vegetable garden and orchard produce nearly all the fresh ingredients used, while the kitchen crafts its preserves, bread, and pastries using honey, fruit, butter, and eggs sourced from the estate.
7.1 Delicious Seasonal Menus
Ciuti mentioned, “Sometimes it’s challenging to write the menu because I’m unsure what will be fresh tomorrow.” We relished in the simplicity of freshly picked herb salads dressed with salted ricotta and elderflower. Other highlights included hearty bean soup, succulent seared mushrooms, and delicately macerated strawberries and apricots, showcasing the local flavors.
7.2 Fresh Pasta and Lavish Dishes
My son, Felix, enjoyed nightly servings of fresh pasta, including a spaghetti al pomodoro recipe that left him eager to recreate it at home. He savored butter-laden ravioli, roast guinea fowl, cherrywood-smoked steak, and uniquely reimagined traditional desserts like a tiramisu éclair and a malt-and-honey mille-feuille.
8. Engaging Activities
My favorite activity was learning cheese-making in a rustic stone farmhouse, guided by Romina, who produces 20 wheels of cheese each day for the restaurant and local market. Together, we cut curds, formed them, and enjoyed the fulfilling experience of understanding this time-honored craft.
8.1 A Visit to the Cows
Afterward, we met the gentle mountain cows, relishing the farm’s serene ambiance, listening to the calves and cows create a soothing soundscape reminiscent of rural life through the ages.
9. Traditional Tuscan Lunches
Under the shade of chestnut trees, we enjoyed a delightful traditional Tuscan lunch that featured fresh garden salad, homemade bread, and hearty plates of fresh ricotta enhanced by orchard honey, salted curds, and richly flavored, slowly matured cheeses. Felix indulged in mortadella, prosciutto, and chicken liver pâté, genuinely experiencing the local cuisine.
10. A Vision for Local, Sustainable Food
This is how food should be; local, simple, and delicious. I expressed my thoughts to Guilia, who shared her unwavering vision for sustainability and how it is possible if people are willing to embrace change.
11. Conclusion
Oasy is more than a hotel; it embodies a vision of environmental harmony. The luxury it presents isn’t derived from lavish materials, but from its commitment to honoring and preserving the natural world. Like a mystical walled garden with a fairy-tale quality, Oasy offers an enchanting escape that aligns well with the theme of eco-tourism.
You can find more information at oasyhotel.com; doubles start from $278 a night.
A version of this story first appeared in the May 2023 issue of GoTravelDaily under the headline “Tuscany’s Wild Side.”
