Novanta 90, an off-grid nature hotel in Tuscany

High in the hills of the Casentino Valley and tucked away among trees and ancient ruins lies the Novanta Hotel. With passion and an eye for detail, the houses and gardens have been transformed into a beautiful retreat. You’ll quickly feel at home here and naturally become part of this unique little village.

About Novanta 90

In 2014, three Dutchmen came up with the idea of starting a pop-up hotel in Tuscany for 90 days (Novanta). The dusty Borgo di Gello—the village was abandoned and up for sale—was the ideal place to bring this idea to life and escape the daily grind in the Netherlands.

Ten years later, Novanta90 celebrated its anniversary. The village is located at an elevation of approximately 600 meters in the Casentino forests. The “Borgo” consists of 16 houses and a church, with a total of 18 rooms and 2 cottages.

The hamlet of Castello di Gello, located slightly lower down, and the surrounding valley have now also been purchased. Seven of the ten houses in the village are part of Novanta. In this way, this unique and authentic little spot is gradually being expanded. Vacation homes are being built here, along with a second swimming pool.

Rustic charm with modern comforts in Tuscany

Novanta 90 is a place where guests feel at home. Yes, it’s luxurious, but there’s no daily housekeeping, for example. It’s a hotel, but you pour your own drinks. The vision is and remains a work in progress that continues to grow while retaining its unique charm and free spirit. This keeps things exciting for both guests and staff.

A beautiful 20-meter-long swimming pool and the river, just 15 minutes away, offer a wonderful way to cool off and relax.

A unique hotel surrounded by nature in a different part of Tuscany

Novanta90 is about a twenty-minute drive from civilization. Bibbiena is 5 kilometers away (about a 15-minute drive). This area in the Casentino province offers a somewhat different side of Tuscany than the famous rolling hills dotted with cypress trees we’re familiar with. It’s much more forested, more natural, and features greater elevation changes. Novanta itself also has varying elevations. Novanta is home to a few cats, a dog, horses, and cows.

Restaurant serving local cuisine

Food is important at Novanta. Chef Maurizio lives in a nearby village and passionately prepares his favorite dishes using local ingredients. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Working with local suppliers, he prepares the most delicious meals inspired by “cucina povera.” As a guest, you’re welcome to visit the kitchen, and you can also cook for yourself in the cottages.

What to do: workshops & hiking

There are wonderful walking and hiking trails here, such as to the nearby river or to the sacred site of La Verna —a hike of about 2 hours—which you can also do on your own. There is an organic garden 200 meters from Novanta 90.

You can participate in various workshops, such as pasta-making, wine tastings, e-mountain biking, or picnicking. Lunch at a local farm and truffle hunting are also among the options. Outside of peak season, it’s a wonderful place for a workation or a company outing/team-building event.

The hotel is open year-round, except from November through February. It is a popular destination for families in the summer.

Accommodations: Rooms, Cottages, and Treehouses

Each room is unique, designed to preserve as much of the original atmosphere as possible. From studios to suites, cottages, and a Treehouse. The vacation rentals are located a little further down the valley and are slightly farther from the hotel’s amenities.