Are you looking for a place to relax and recharge? This little house in the hills of Alta Murgia is the perfect destination! Here, you’ll find a true oasis of tranquility, surrounded by unspoiled nature. You will also have the opportunity to try various activities, such as hiking, horseback riding, and cycling excursions through enchanting landscapes.
The house is located in the Alta Murgia National Park, a protected area covering over 68,000 hectares of nature in the Bari and Barletta-Andria-Trani provinces, extending to Basilicata‘s borders. This place will surprise you thanks to the incredible landscapes that you can explore by bike and charming villages like Altamura and Gravina in Puglia.
Another special aspect? This property was recently nominated for the Ecobnb Award, an honor celebrating commitment to environmental sustainability and green hospitality. To learn more, read this interview with Manuela, who shares the story of this magical place. You’ll fall in love with this little cottage too!
From Plastic to Nature: Manuela’s Journey to an Eco-Friendly Bed & Breakfast
What was the spark that ignited your passion for environmental sustainability?
I returned to my beloved Murgia after various study and work adventures. During that time, I was immersed in the production and sale of plastic, an activity that deeply sensitized me to the impact of human actions when resources are not properly managed.
A deep understanding of the environmental consequences of these activities made me realize the urgent need to stop and halt the devastation that I could not handle.
My passion for sustainability is the result of this awareness, partly a sense of guilt, but certainly a desire to change course.
Expertise, Networking, and Information: Key Aspects of Sustainability
What aspects do you consider essential in your journey toward eco-sustainability?
Expertise: Sustainability, in my opinion, is something you learn. It’s a continuous journey, made of adaptations, changes, evolutions, study, and continuous updates.
Building networks: Being sustainable on your own can be useful, but it’s perhaps limited. To truly support the environment, you need to ‘infect’ others and allow yourself to be ‘infected’, and inspire. A network of sustainable operators can achieve much more than a single individual in a territory.
Staying informed and taking advantage of all opportunities to implement green tools and strategies: I’ve won three grants for sustainable tourism in just a few months, proving that there are supportive instruments available to foster sustainability and perseverance.
How would you describe your ideal “eco-traveler” guest?
I have many “ideal travelers” here with me, and I’ve learned a lot from them. Normally:
- They take off their shoes at the entrance to reduce the need for cleaning, causing less pollution.
- They buy local products, supporting the local economy.
- They talk to me about water-saving “olla” pots, which I’ve then adopted in my own garden.
- They use heating and cooling systems according to my guidelines, helping optimize the use of my solar panels.
- They gift me Palo Santo to avoid chemical air fresheners.
- They bring with them reusable shopping bags and the they return them to me. 🙂
What is the most meaningful review you’ve received, and what made it special?
“Manuela’s sustainable tourism initiatives need to be highlighted.”
It’s special because it’s the “return” on my efforts. It’s special because it made me reflect on the need to make my message and the ecological footprint of my property clearer and more valued. It was a very useful suggestion from a guest.
Sustainability that Rewards You
Let’s debunk the myth that eco-sustainability is necessarily more expensive. Do you think “eco-friendly” can also be “economical”?
Installing flow restrictors on faucets and dual-flush toilets not only helps save water but also reduces costs.
Don’t be afraid of bad reviews. Giving guests clear instructions on how to use resources, both energy and water, makes all the difference.
Negative reviews shouldn’t be feared: providing clear guidelines on resource usage can make a huge impact.
Making good practices “normal” (“everyone does it here”), like washing laundry only when necessary and using refillable soaps and shampoos instead of single-use bottles, helps raise awareness among guests while saving resources.
Communicating your environmental efforts effectively also allows you to justify a higher price.
What green initiatives have brought you the most satisfaction? Which ones have been the most appreciated by your guests?
I created a well-designed walking map to make it easier for guests to get around on foot or by public transport. This tool has been highly appreciated by guests, to the point that I’m working on making it available outside my property as well.
Adopting the Olla (an ancient osmotic irrigation system) has greatly reduced water usage in the garden, with excellent results.
How do the values and projects of Ecobnb resonate with those of your property?
I find the idea of tourism that respects both the natural and social environment to be very much in line with the philosophy of my eco B&B. This principle fully reflects the values of my sustainable approach.
In this small paradise among the hills of Alta Murgia, not far from Matera, the passion for sustainability is not just a lifestyle but a mission shared with every guest. Manuela’s bed & breakfast is not just a place to sleep; it’s an experience that inspires and engages.
Through nature walks, genuine food, and eco-sustainable practices, you’ll enjoy a rejuvenating break that will leave you with good memories and perhaps even some new green inspirations to take home. If you’re looking for a place that offers relaxation, authenticity, and respect for nature, this eco-B&B in the Alta Murgia Park is waiting for you!
