Eco-tourism in Sardinia
Eco-sustainable tourism – our philosophy and our ambitions
Our company SoleVacanze Srl is working towards the creation of an ambitious project: developing and raising awareness about Sardinia through putting it on display in a club house, a small hotel and the adjacent apartments, with the intention of welcoming and entertaining tourists all year round.
All the company partners are both passionate and knowledgeable about the island and they well understand the tremendous potential that exists here. They know that Sardinia is not just SOLE (Sun in summer) but that it is sunny all year round, with a mild climate that allows people to enjoy the open air even during the winter months. This is why the word SOLE appears in the name. The authors also wanted to give another interpretation of the word “Sole”, that is, whoever arrives in Sardinia can enjoy the charm, the colours and the scents that the island gives to all, making everyone feel immediately as though they are on holiday, seeing Sardinia as a place where holidays can always be enjoyed, hence the choice of the name SOLEVACANZE.
Particular attention is paid to the welcome extended to our guests, a typical Sardinian trait.
Right from the moment of arrival, our expert and highly trained staff – fluent in four languages-, greet the client with a “welcome brochure” with detailed information about:
themed excursions available in the area (such as archaeology, nature, history, folklore, oenogastronomy, handicrafts, etc.) the facilities available and useful information.
In addition, they are presented with a calendar dedicated to events and local celebrations taking place in the area during the weeks when the guest is staying here with emphasis on those more traditional ones.
The intention is also to draw attention to Sardinia’s seasonal agricultural produce, highlighting the organoleptic qualities of each individual product by giving suggestions on how to best enjoy them when prepared using traditional recipes (thus allowing people to get to know typical local places to eat and “Agriturismo” country restaurants).
Among the information provided attention is also paid to shop opening hours, the local weekly markets, timetables for Masses in Church, telephone numbers of the local First Aid Centre, and so on.
One section is dedicated to what there is to see and do: from canoe excursions to boat trips, from sailing lessons to thermal bath and beauty treatments, then looking at boat trips to the La Maddalena Archipelago or also the Asinara island, as well as promoting the “Little Green train”, all with the intention of promoting the facilities available and the beauty that exists on our island.
Maps (in different languages) are made available giving detailed descriptions and information on where to go for those who are keen on cycling, trekking, Nordic Walking, rock-climbing etc.
For sports enthusiasts in general, information is available for them on how and where to do their preferred activity, including a sailing school, canoeing, volleyball, football, body building, bio-energy gymnastics/aerobics, beach volleyball, tennis, scuba diving, in-door swimming etc.
So the reception area is equipped with a place designed for welcoming new arrivals, and a large area dedicated to "INFO-NEWS-ITEMS OF INTEREST" - culture- traditions etc.
The activities and facilities offered by the structure comprise an internet corner, a reading corner (library), handicrafts with its own corner (virtual as well – with slide shows of images relating to the various products on offer), courses in Sardinian cooking, Italian language courses, theme evenings and meetings, documentary presentations and a meeting room.
The ample space at the front of the reception area can be adapted to a wide variety of uses: for receiving and welcoming guests, for holding courses, for food and wine tastings and for theme evenings organized throughout the year.
Construction of the whole complex (hotel, reception and SoleVacanze apartments) has been carried out by an engineer with specialist skills in constructing buildings with a low environmental impact; the electrical equipment for (photovoltaic) energy production and the water recycling machinery was installed at the same time.
The interior decor is an acknowledgment of traditional Sardinian skills, and has been created by local craftsmen. All the rooms are particularly enchanting and refined, so much so that guests feel immediately welcome.
The whole project has been under the supervision of a young architect who is already well-known for his links to Sardinian tradition and who has a particular preference for both the new and the functional.
Particular attention has been dedicated to the garden areas outside, focusing on Mediterranean plants and flowers, while there is an area dedicated to food and drink products. A variety of Sardinian produce is served for breakfast and for snacks offered during the day, along with fruit when in season, while an ongoing collaboration with Coldiretti, local food and wine producers means an opportunity to try organic food and wine.
Attention is also paid to the rubbish collection which is separated. Each guest is given a calendar explaining the system (translated into four languages) and how to make the best use of it. In common with many other Italian municipal authorities, the town of Valledoria is keen to see the system work successfully, and we intend to assist them by keeping the area clean and respecting the local environment.