Summer in the Oasis: when simplicity is astonishing

An ecotourism proposal for the whole family, including excursions with expert guides, WWF summer camps and exhibitions. Because protecting nature does not mean prohibiting its use, but experiencing it with a culture of respect.

Nature, art and environmental education, for an experience of pure beauty. Nestled in a 1,000-hectare nature reserve in the Pistoia Apennines, amidst woods, meadows and high-altitude pastures, Oasi Dynamo offers an ecotourism proposal rooted in the belief that protecting nature does not mean prohibiting its use, but experiencing it with a culture of respect. The encounter between man and nature at Dynamo takes place through the enhancement of the territory, through nature-sports excursions, workshops to discover local traditions, artistic-cultural events and workshops for children and young people. Oasi Dynamo is open all year round, with ad hoc organized visits for families or groups, as well as educational activities for schools, which aim to introduce new generations to environmental sustainability issues in a fun and stimulating way. With the good weather, the proposal is enriched by a calendar of excursions, to experience the place when it is at its best. Thanks to the accompaniment of expert environmental guides, it is possible to learn about the secrets of flora and fauna, do physical activity in a unique context, rather than spot some wild animals in the wild, while enjoying a nature photography workshop. For lovers of good food, a stop at Casa Luigi is a must: a traditional restaurant with breathtaking views, directly accessible from the visitor center (hours: 12.30-14.30; cafeteria service: 11-17 from Wednesday to Sunday; for reservations: tel. 0573.1716062). Furthermore, in line with Dynamo's sensibility, for several years, Oasi has hosted WWF summer camps, aimed at children and adolescents aged 7 to 17. In the wonderful naturalistic context, "young explorers" interact with their peer group and develop autonomy, through an adventure made of exciting activities, such as tree-climbing, zip-lining, Tibetan bridges and canoeing, without neglecting nature workshops. For those who wish to immerse themselves in nature for several days, Oasyhotel is the first Italian eco-resort within a WWF-affiliated reserve. Following the model of American parks, the structure 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 exterior and interior. Dynamo hospitality offers the possibility of experiencing challenging activities, but also of relaxing in contact with nature, through a proposal that ranges from e-bike excursions to kayaking, from horseback riding to beekeeping, to wellness treatments. Among the novelties for 2024, a wellness program in the woods stands out, which combines yoga by the lake, meditation, massages and the sensory journey of Forest Bathing. For Oasyhotel guests, the stay is also enriched by the culinary experience at Le Felci: a restaurant with a menu inspired by local recipes, made with genuine raw materials, reinterpreted with avant-garde cooking methods.

To seal the encounter between man and nature, since last season Oasi Dynamo has brought contemporary creativity to high altitudes with Oasi Contemporary Art – OCA. Conceived with the aim of creating a large art park, OCA offers an experiential journey into nature, enriching the enjoyment of the landscape thanks to exhibitions and environmental installations in dialogue with the landscape. Under the artistic direction of Emanuele Montibeller, OCA annually involves high-profile international artists, including this season, internationally renowned architects Alejandro Aravena and Kengo Kuma, and Italians Michele De Lucchi, Matteo Thun, and Stefano Boeri. The first stage of OCA's journey between art and nature is the 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 where young people from all over the world discuss the content of their work and major global issues, such as human impact on the environment, which is central to the mission of the Oasis itself.