Oasyhotel is a very special place where luxury and nature come together to create a unique destination for curious travellers. It’s much more than a simple agriturismo project: this is an ambitious conservation and cultural programme that will evolve over the next few years.
Exploring our estate and finding the ruins of several historic buildings, you may wonder how they came to be here. Well, the story of Oasyhotel has its roots in the late 18th century, when a pioneering industrialist established a lime-making kiln and mill in the area. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, this grew into a large-scale industrial operation for paper-milling and metalworking until it closed in 1984. Since 2004, the mountain has been transformed: first with the opening of Dynamo Camp, which offers recreational therapy for seriously ill children, and then by Oasyhotel. With our ongoing rewilding and conservation efforts, there are few signs of its former life – apart from those buildings you see, many of which are being restored for accommodation and other purposes.
Oasyhotel’s mission is to create a unique escape that harmonises nature with all the elements that make up a luxurious holiday destination. We like to think of it as “kind luxury”. Set within the WWF-affiliated Dynamo Oasis Nature Reserve, our hotel embodies a commitment to conservation and sustainability while providing guests with authentic experiences, delicious regional cuisine and all the facilities of a five-star hotel. The reserve, home to rare wildlife such as wolves, boars and deer, serves as a rewilding sanctuary where nature thrives and guests are able to reconnect with the wilderness that lies just outside their lodge.
At Oasyhotel, we are proud to support the local community by offering meaningful employment and training opportunities that foster growth and inclusion. Many of our team members come from nearby villages, while others are newcomers to Italy, welcomed through Casa Dynamo. This diverse group brings a rich blend of experiences, perspectives, and skills, creating an atmosphere of warmth and authenticity.
Through in-depth, hands-on training, we ensure that each guest interaction is infused with genuine local knowledge and hospitality. At Oasyhotel, you’ll experience a level of care that not only enhances your stay but also supports sustainable growth and community integration.
Early Industrial Development
In 1780, the opening of the Ximenian road “Pistoia – Modena” prompted the construction of kilns for lime, necessary for the road and bridges. By 1773, Bartolomeo Cini established a working kiln and later acquired the Mulino di Riccio mill. In 1807, his sons transformed these facilities into a paper mill, creating a significant paper production hub in the Pistoia district.
Industrial Evolution
Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, the site evolved through various industrial uses, including paper milling, textile production and metalworking. By 1899, the Società Metallurgica Italiana (SMI) acquired the Limestre and Mammiano plants, marking the beginning of its prominence in the region. During the two world wars, it manufactured bullets for the Italian army. The complex expanded to include residential areas and employed hundreds of workers until its closure in 1984.
Transformation into Dynamo Camp
In 2005, the transformation of the former industrial site began, leading to the establishment of Dynamo Camp in 2007. This initiative focused on providing recreational therapy to children with serious illnesses, rejuvenating the area with a positive new purpose.
The Birth of Oasyhotel
Inspired by the beauty and tranquillity of the Oasi Dynamo Nature Reserve, Oasyhotel was created. Opening in 2022, it offers something completely new for Italy: a back-to-nature destination with smart, safari-style lodges and activities, and a hotel-style attention to service and cuisine. Above all, we offer our guests the chance to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying all the services and facilities of a five-star hotel.
A Commitment to Conservation
Oasyhotel operates with a deep commitment to conservation and sustainability. The nature reserve is a sanctuary for a diverse range of wildlife, and our practices aim to protect and preserve this pristine environment. Guests are encouraged to participate in activities that highlight our dedication to ecological balance and environmental stewardship.
The Oasi Dynamo model is built on four main pillars, each representing a core aspect of our commitment to sustainability and excellence. These pillars are integrated to ensure a comprehensive approach to education, art, agriculture, and hospitality.
Environmental Stewardship
Oasi Dynamo is dedicated to preserving and revitalising traditional agricultural, livestock, and forestry practices within the reserve. In collaboration with WWF, we implement actions to achieve conservation goals, including protecting the area, preventing fire risks, vandalism and poaching, and enhancing both the productive and tourist aspects of the reserve. Our sustainable agricultural practices focus on soil health and respect for the natural rhythms of the animals.
Sustainability and Innovation
Innovation drives Oasyhotel’s mission to offer unparalleled eco-luxury experiences. Our approach includes cutting-edge sustainable practices, from energy-efficient architecture to locally sourced materials. Guests can partake in a variety of activities designed to minimise our carbon footprint while maximising enjoyment and relaxation.
“Oasyhotel’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in our innovative practices, from eco-friendly accommodations to immersive nature experiences that enrich both our guests’ lives and the environment.”
Sustainable Forest Management: We manage 1,000 hectares of the Nature Reserve, particularly the 900 hectares of forest certified for Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) by FSC. Our specific cutting plan optimises interventions and increases the CO2 absorption capacity of our forests. The renewable energy aspect is a consequence of this sustainable management, as organic waste generated from logging activities (mainly wood chips) is used for heat generation within the estate.
Ecosystem Services: Thanks to the certification of sustainable forest management (SFM) by FSC, we have certified the impacts achieved through the conservation of four of the five ecosystem services recognised by FSC: Water, Air, Biodiversity and Recreational Services.
Sustainable Agriculture and Livestock Management: The reserve manages sustainable agriculture, growing organic berries, cereals and other crops. Livestock, including cattle for dairy products, are raised with respect for their natural rhythms, ensuring high welfare standards.
Our Sustainable Commitment: FSC Certification and Beyond
Oasyhotel takes pride in being part of the Oasi Dynamo Reserve, a leader in sustainable practices and conservation efforts. Our facilities and operations meet the rigorous standards of the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC), ensuring responsible management of forest resources and adherence to environmental best practices.
Through FSC certification, we underscore our commitment to preserving the land, supporting biodiversity, and promoting sustainable tourism. From eco-friendly lodges to locally sourced materials and conservation education, we strive to make every aspect of your stay as sustainable as it is luxurious. To learn more about our ongoing efforts and certification achievements, feel free to explore our dedicated sustainability section or ask any of our team members.
