March 30, 2015
Eco News Network is always looking for examples of sustainable tourism and we recently learned about the environmental sustainability initiatives at Toscana Resort Castelfalfi. An 800-year old restored medieval hamlet turned resort in Tuscany, Toscana Resort Castelfalfi covers more than 2,700 acres of vineyards, olive groves, woods, and lakes in the hills within an hour of Florence, Siena, and Lucca. Committed to sustainable tourism, resort owner, TUI AG, began the project in 2007 when only five inhabitants were still living on the estate. In addition to the hotel, villas and recreational amenities, Toscana Resort Castelfalfi sustainable tourism initiatives include the renewable energy, rainwater capture and treatment, and limited auto access in some areas to reduce the developments overall carbon footprint and environmental impact.
Toscana Resort Castelfalfi Sustainable Tourism Initiatives:
- 64 percent of the required energy will be supplied by renewable resources
- 96 percent of the water will be supplied by conditioned rain water collected on the property. Drinking water comes from cleansed ground water and the overall planned level of consumption will be reduced by measures such as rain water flushing of WCs and water saving fittings.
- Shuttle bus services to reduce carbon emission from transport and limited auto access in some areas of the resort.
- All paper and promotional material produces by an FSC C084348 certified company to support sustainable forestry.
Biking and hiking on miles of scenic on-and off-road routes is available with Toscana Resort Castelfalfi as a base for day trips around the region. The estate itself has about 75 miles of walking paths and nearby there is an extended network of hiking and mountain biking paths. The property’s hotel concierge can provide suggested mapped routes , including the famous strade bianche or ‘white roads’ (unpaved routes) that crisscross the region, winding through some of Tuscany’s hillier terrain.
There are also guided and self-guided rides with local cycling operator Ride Montaione that depart from the neighboring town of Montaione. And the hilltop town of Lucca, about an hour away, offers bike rentals for a family friendly ride along the city wall.
Horseback rides are another great way to explore the Montaione region. The incredible diversity of the landscapes offers riders a unique seat to take in the views of the winding trails through the woods, villages and Chianti vineyards. The nearby Il Gelsomino Ranch offers western-style guided rides and all skill levels can be catered to from beginner to expert. Horses also can be brought to Castelfalfi to enjoy a ride around the estate.
For more information visit http://www.castelfalfi.co.uk or email them at info@castelfalfi.it
Photos provided by Toscana Resort Castelfalfi
