SUSTAINABLE HOLIDAYS: THE ECO PARK HOTEL AZALEA
Relax in a nature retreat.
15 February 2021
In the middle of the small Italian town of Cavalese in Trentino you will find the Eco Park Hotel Azalea. True to its name, the Azalea is a natural oasis surrounded by a lush garden full of roses, gladioli, tulips and dahlias. The story of the Azalea begins in the forties, when the great aunts Gisella and Fortunata, together with Bruno, the father of the current owner, he was 15 at the time, decided to transform the farm from the grandparents into the small guesthouse Azalea. Since then, the hotel has undergone numerous transformations. In 2007 Bruno, the owner at the time, decided to renovate and expand the hotel.
The current owner Manuela Delmattio and her German husband Olaf, both architects, developed a design for an ecological and sustainable Renovation with small extension of the house. The vision of the two was a house full of innovation for guests who were willing to understand the concept. The dream was shattered when it became clear that the hotel was on the verge of bankruptcy.
In 2008, the construction work for an ecological house could begin under the new leadership of Bruno and Manuela, who gave up her profession as an architect. For Manuela, the family tradition and her father's teachings were the source and inspiration. In 2012 Bruno died and Manuela decided alone with her employees to consistently run the house sustainably and to stay true to her visions.
The guiding principle of the hotel management is respect for nature and people, mindfulness and health. A philosophy of smiles and friendliness carries the interaction with the staff and the guests.
A sustainable house of colours and lightness
The result is a retreat where guests of all ages can feel at home. During construction, care was taken to ensure that no chemical adhesives or substances were used, the wood was not treated and is certified solvent-free. All windows are low energy and the hotel has a heat recovery and rainwater harvesting system for garden irrigation and toilet flushing, biomass heating and electricity comes from 100 % renewable sources. There are also e-bikes and electric stations for e-cars.
During construction, Manuela Demattio made sure to employ only regional companies.
The felt decorations found throughout the hotel are sourced from local social cooperatives, and the fresh flowers are from their own garden. The Azalea is part of the Gemeinwohlökonomie movement and follows its ethical principles.
The kitchen also follows the principle of sustainability, as the dishes offered at the hotel are 100 percent vegetarian. Organic and regional products are used, such as cheese, yogurt, milk, wine, beer, drinks, eggs, vegetables, pasta and cereals. The restaurant operates a creative gastronomy with numerous plant-based, local and organic ingredients, ancient grains and sourdough - with the certification "Vegan OK".
For guests seeking peace and quiet, there are numerous soothing offers:
- Good morning yoga with sunbathing on the terrace
- The afternoon yoga in the Casagialla
- The Tibetan singing bowls
- The morning walk with meditation at the bell tower of San Valerio
Activities also for the little ones
All activities offered are in harmony with the nature of the Valle di Fiemme. Together with Manuela, guests explore the mountains and forests and have breakfast at sunrise in the largest highest art park in Europe, the RespirART.
There is also a rousing outdoor children's program for kids:
- Colourful dinners - 2 times per week on the terrace
- Baking bread or pizza
- Detective hike
- Adventure in the forest with picnic
- Yoga
- Mini-artist
Picture Credits: Eco Park Hotel Azalea
