COUNTRY LIVING HOLIDAYS
Country Living’s digital editor Emma-louise Pritchard will host this new sustainable stay at a ‘green’ villa in the heart of the Italian countryside
Exclusive trips
Villa Lena is a unique agriturismo spread over 500 hectares of untouched woodland in the province of Pisa. Surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and organic vegetable gardens, it’s the perfect place to host Country Living’s first green getaway and learn about the increasing importance of sustainable travel.
Our digital editor Emma-louise Pritchard has a keen interest in eco-conscious holidays – one of 2020’s top travel trends – and will join you in Italy to host this new four-day break. You’ll go back to nature and enjoy foraging in the woods for seasonal produce before learning how to cook what you’ve found. You’ll also go truffle-hunting with Villa Lena’s dogs and a local guide before enjoying a pasta lunch.
The peaceful haven, combining art, culture and nature, runs an artist-in-residence programme and you’ll have the chance to take part in creative workshops and enjoy yoga lessons on a deck that overlooks the surrounding Tuscan hills.
You’ll stay in one of the farmhouses and stables that have been converted in the grounds. Sustainability is at the heart of it as most of the accommodation is run on green energy and rainwater is recycled for agricultural irrigation. It’s managed on biodynamic principles and upholds a close-loop system of buying no seeds and creating no waste. The hotel’s restaurant is a communal experience showcasing farmto-table cuisine based on a seasonal organic menu rooted in traditional Italian cuisine. Your flights’ carbon footprint will also be offset with an equivalent payment to a CO2 reduction project.
As Emma-louise Pritchard says: “I can’t wait to join Country Living readers on this inspiring green holiday.”