Summer in the Oasi: when what surprises is simplicity
An ecotourism program for the whole family, among hikes with expert guides, WWF summer camps and exhibitions. Because protecting nature does not mean prohibiting its enjoyment, but living it with a culture of respect.
Nature, art and ecology education, for an experience of pure loveliness. Set in a 1,000-hectare nature reserve in the Pistoia Apennines, among forests, meadows and high pastures, Oasi Dynamo offers an ecotourism experience based on the belief that protecting nature does not mean prohibiting its enjoyment, but living it with a culture of respect. The meeting of people with nature, at Dynamo, involves the appreciation of the area, through naturalistic-sports excursions, workshops to discover local traditions, artistic-cultural events and workshops for children and teenagers. Oasi Dynamo is open all year round, with organized visits for families or groups, as well as educational activities for schools, which aim to bring new generations closer to environmental sustainability issues in a fun and stimulating way. With the warm season, the offers are increased with a calendar of excursions, to experience the place by when it is at its best. In fact, thanks to the assistance of expert environmental guides, it is possible to learn the secrets about the flora and fauna, do physical activity in a unique setting, rather than catch a glimpse of some wild animals in the wild, while taking joy in a nature photography workshop. For lovers of fine cuisine, a stop at Casa Luigi is a must: a traditional restaurant with a stunning view, accessed directly from the visitor center. ( schedule: 12:30-2:30 p.m.; cafeteria service: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday; for reservations: tel. 0573.1716062). In addition, in accordance with Dynamo’s philosophy, for several years now, Oasi has been hosting WWF summer camps aimed at children and teenagers aged 7 to 17. In the wonderful naturalistic setting, the “young explorers” engage with their group of equals and develop autonomy through an adventure made up of a variety of exciting activities, such as tree-climbing, zip-lines, Tibetan bridges and canoeing, not to mention nature workshops. For those who wish to immerse themselves in nature for several days, Oasyhotel is established as the first Italian eco-resort within a WWF-affiliated reserve. Inspired by the model of American parks, the facility consists of 16 lodges built with full respect for biodiversity, but equipped with all the comforts of a luxury hotel, with large windows and spacious verandas, which create continuity between the outside and the inside. The Dynamo hospitality offers the opportunity to experience challenging activities, but also to relax in contact with nature, through a proposal that includes everything from e-bike excursions to kayaking, from horseback riding to beekeeping and wellness treatments. Indeed, among the new 2024 innovations is a woodland wellness program that combines lakeside yoga, meditation, massage, and the sensory journey of Forest Bathing. For Oasyhotel guests, the stay is also made complete by the culinary experience at Le Felci: a restaurant with a menu inspired by local recipes, made with genuine raw materials, revisited with state-of-the-art cooking methods.
To sanction the people-nature connection, since last season Oasi Dynamo has brought contemporary creativity to high level with Oasi Contemporary Art – OCA. Designed with the aim of creating a large art park, OCA offers an immersive journey into nature, enriching the enjoyment of the landscape through exhibitions and environmental installations in dialogue with the landscape. Under the artistic direction of Emanuele Montibeller, OCA involves high-profile international artists each year, including, this season, internationally renowned architects Alejandro Aravena and Kengo Kuma and the Italian Michele De Lucchi, Matteo Thun and Stefano Boeri. The first stop on OCA’s journey between art and nature is an exhibition by Cameroonian artist Pascale Marthine Tayou, an excellent opportunity to visit Oasi Dynamo (oasycontemporaryart.com; info@oasidynamo.org; tel. 388.9895497). Recalling its international vocation, in September Oasi Dynamo, will host, for the third time, the International Meeting of National Geographic Explorers. An annual event in which young people from all over the world discuss the content of their work and major global issues, such as human impact on the environment, on which the mission of the Oasis itself is focused.
