Nuit à Pleiney, winner of the Ecobnb Award, represents an extraordinary example of sustainable hospitality. Nestled among the peaks of the Valle d’Aosta, this ancient mountain house has been carefully and passionately restored by Sara and Marco, its owners, in full respect of tradition and the surrounding environment.
Thanks to their dedication, this place has transformed into an authentic oasis of tranquility and well-being, becoming a must-visit destination for those seeking an eco-sustainable stay near Saint-Rhémy. In this interview, Sara shares their experience and the philosophy that guides Nuit à Pleiney.
What sparked your passion for environmental sustainability?
Caring for the environment and embracing mindful living has always been part of our lives. And this took tangible form when we restored an old mountain house that had been left to decay.
The desire to preserve this “document” of a building, giving it new life while honoring the history of the area and the surrounding nature, was stronger than all the challenges we faced along the way.
What do you consider the key elements of your eco-sustainability journey?
Our main priority was “saving what could be saved.” However, it didn’t stop there. We also focused on reimagining and repurposing elements that couldn’t be used in their original function.
For example, all the house’s doors were extremely small and unusable. One of these tiny doors was incorporated into a correctly sized steel door, while another was turned into a floating desk.
Our philosophy has never been to see problems as obstacles but as opportunities to shift perspective and innovate. This is how we’ve approached our work, and we continue to do so.
How would you describe your ideal eco-traveler?
Our ideal traveler is curious, informed, and attentive—someone who wants to explore the area while respecting the land, the environment, and its residents.
In Italy, non-hotel accommodation regulations vary by region, leading to significant differences across the country.
Our ideal guest consciously chooses small local businesses, which are most committed to preserving and promoting care, respect, and tradition. These goals align perfectly with environmental sustainability, as the habits and teachings of older generations already embody principles of a “circular economy” and “sustainability.”
What is the most meaningful feedback you’ve received, and what made it special?
It’s not exactly a review, but a comment from a guest:
“Thank you for welcoming us into your home. It’s clear that everything you do, you do with love. Every detail is cared for, but most importantly, everything reflects you—a simple elegance and an unexpected sense of sharing.”
Let’s debunk the myth that eco-sustainability is always more expensive. Do you think “eco-friendly” can also mean “economical”?
Accommodations that adopt sustainable practices, such as using renewable energy and saving water, can significantly reduce operational costs. For example, installing solar panels, joining Renewable Energy Communities (CER), using LED lighting, and employing energy-efficient appliances can help—along with eliminating gas-powered equipment altogether.
Truly eco-friendly establishments work with local suppliers and use local products. While this may slightly increase costs, it drastically reduces waste (composting it instead), eliminates transportation expenses and CO2 emissions, and supports the local economy. Furthermore, the growing demand for sustainable tourism attracts more guests, increasing bookings and revenue. Finally, being recognized as a sustainable business is a powerful competitive advantage and an effective marketing strategy.
Which green initiatives have brought you the most satisfaction? Which have been most appreciated by your guests?
One of our greatest satisfactions is the installation of LED lighting and a high-efficiency heating system, along with a significant reduction in water consumption through air-water mix showerheads that save 45%. One regret, however, is not receiving permission to install a nano-hydrological system, as we are located in a 1300s historical center.
A mix of our satisfaction and guest appreciation comes from our collaborations with small local producers. From breakfasts to aperitifs and dinners, guests can discover high-quality local products, sometimes explained directly by the producer. Additionally, our pollinator-friendly garden, filled with plants that provide energy for bees, is highly appreciated. It also enhances honey production and quality, which we proudly serve at “meter-zero” rather than kilometer-zero.
How do Ecobnb’s values and projects align with those of your establishment?
An eco-friendly future isn’t just desirable—it’s the only possible path to ensure a healthy environment, an equitable society, and a prosperous economy. Transitioning to sustainable models is both a challenge and an opportunity to build a better world for future generations.
Adopting sustainable practices and serving as a benchmark for sustainability today means investing in the health of our planet and the quality of life tomorrow.
Thank you Sara and Marco for sharing your wonderful experience of sustainable hospitality! Nuit à Pleiney is a true example of how one can live in harmony with nature.
Nuit a Pleiney. Natura & Relax – Green Bed & Breakfast in Saint-Rhémy, AO, Valle d'Aosta, IT 
