It seems a popular new trend in traveling is shifting toward sustainable tourism.Think traveling with the least amount of harm to the environment as possible. When I found these cozy little luxury huts at L’essenza Sardinia I couldn’t have been more excited to experience it for myself! I’m jumping right on the bandwagon and I hope to find more ecofriendly accommodations in the future.
Sustainable Tourism
L’essenza’s key focus is on sustainability and responsible tourism. The ecofriendly property consists of 4 luxury huts, or pinnetos (traditional hut of ancient Sardinian shepherds), each having their own unique color therapy and aromatherapy to stimulate the senses. I had the pleasure of staying in the yellow room which was characterized by the oils of the yellow plant Helichrysum, an anti-inflammatory and fungicidal. The aroma inside the hut was both soothing and calming.
Setting/Location
L’essenza Sardinia is located on a hilltop in a secluded setting in the Northeast of Sardinia island. After spending a week on the island, I can confirm that this location was the most ideal and central to all the places I visited. If you really want to “get away from it all”, this is a perfect place to do just that! The property is completely surrounded by nature in a quiet setting, overlooking farmlands, lush olive trees, and the Mediterranean Sea. And I mean, have you ever seen an outdoor living room like this? So cool!
Note: you WILL need a car while staying at this property. In fact, you really need a car to explore the island, as public transportation is highly lacking, especially in the off season.
Luxury Hut Rooms
The unique pinnetos were anything but basic inside. Marina, the owner, designed each room herself each with a special attention to fine detail. The rooms were equipped with (reliable) wifi, an en suite bathroom/shower, queen size bed, desk, clothes rack, and candles to enhance the ambiance in the evenings. The ceilings are finely crafted out of bamboo and give you that sort of outdoor log cabin type feel. The rooms are quite large with lots of space, yet they still retain a nice warmth and cozy aspect to them.
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Healthy Breakfast
Each morning started out with some fresh made local herbal tea which I drank overlooking the gorgeous panoramic landscape. Both the owner and her daughter are vegans themselves and always had plenty vegan as well as gluten free options for breakfast. I devoured daily vegan butter,vegan cream cheese, homemade jams with toast, home grown fruits and veggies, gluten free pastries, and cereal. Although there were no hot plates such as eggs/bacon offered, there was plenty of variety and I always left feeling stuffed. It was the prefect typical Italian breakfast.
Cat Heaven
If you know me at all, you will know that I am obsessed with cats. Ok, obsessed is an understatement, I am just crazy about them! When I found out that there were around 20 cats living around the property, I was so ecstatic! Luckily for me, one of the cats had kittens on the first morning I was there, and I almost died at the cuteness of newborn tiny kittens. This was the perfect place for a crazy cat lady like me. No shame.
Note: the cats are outdoors and they are NOT allowed inside. So if you are allergic to cats, have no fear, there is no cat hair or dander inside whatsoever. And if you don’t like cats (first off, we can’t be friends), they wont bother you and mostly keep to themselves unless they are summoned to play.
You Will Be Welcomed Into the Family
I may mention this in every review I’ve done so far, but you know what, the PEOPLE are what really makes the experience. PERIOD. I can say it a thousand times. Valeria, the daughter of the owner Marina, helped me plan my trip months in advance and went out of her way to help me with my plans, including renting a car on the island….a dreaded task in Italy.
The family was so nurturing and hospitable and loved to joke around. I was constantly smiling and laughing with them and I felt instantly at home. I felt like I was visiting as a friend, not as a guest. A++ for hospitality!
The Verdict: L’essenza Sardinia
My stay at L’essenza Sardinia was hands-down one of the most unique accommodations I have ever stayed at and I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants something different than your average hotel or Airbnb stay! The setting, the focus on responsible tourism, the cozy/colorful rooms, the hospitality, and of course the kitties. It was all just perfect. And NO, I am NOT obligated to write a positive review by any means. I want future guests to have an honest opinion of my stay and know what to expect. The one negative I will mention is that the road up to the huts was not paved and extremely rocky (and steep in some areas), so just be careful if you’re renting a car that’s low to the ground. I was a little worried I would scratch my car, but it ended up being okay. Also, I had an issue with the hot water, until I was told of the “trick”. You must open the sink and let the hot water run before you turn on the shower water to “open” the hot water pipe. Overall, a unique place with a special attention to details that will leave a lasting impression!
♥A special thanks to L’essenza Sardinia for hosting me during my stay. All opinions, however, are my own. I don’t bullsh*t and would never recommend somewhere I didn’t truly enjoy!♥
Have you ever stayed in a luxury hut? Better yet, have you ever stayed in an ecofriendly property? Please let me know as I would love to add more to my list! 🙂
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L’Essenza Sensory Oasis
Wow this is so beautiful and unique. I love the roofs and the decorations. Would love to stay there!
Wow, that is not what I was expecting when I read the word “hut” lol. What a gorgeous place! And those views! And there’s kittens!!!!
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Haha, right? Definitely the nicest hut I have ever seen! And the kittens were just icing on the cake! 🙂
I think I have just found my accommodation in Sardinia :).
During my six months trip to South America, I have stayed in a few eco hotels, which I loved, and I do hope that this is a trend that will last…
Thanks for the post and happy travels.
Cristina
Yes, I hope its hear to stay as well! I’m completely on board and cant wait to try some other eco friendly places soon! Thanks for the comment 🙂
Incredible! You had me at cat heaven but I loved all the sustainable features. Great tip about the car as well because I normally just use public transport/walk everywhere to avoid cars as much as possible. I would love to stay here!
Ya for sure, I always use public transport. This was the first time I rented a car solo..but after researching the island and where I wanted to go, I knew there was no way in hell to do it without a car! It was so much fun and it really allowed me to get off the beaten path! Its def not cheap to rent a car when you’re solo, but certain times its worth it! Sardinia is one place that you most likely will need a car (unless you just want to stay in one spot of course)..but the explorer in me cant sit still haha
Wow!!! I wish I heard of this place when I went to Sardinia! This looks so magical!
Amazing post! Lovely accommodation far of the busy life:) Amazing photos btw
Thanks, it really was peaceful! 🙂
What cool huts and luxurious as well. What a lovely place and eco-friendly at that. The rooms look surprisingly comfortable. Looks like the perfect getaway for some R&R. 🙂 Want to visit…soom!
It was the perfect place for R&R indeed!
I am in awwww. That place looks incredible!!
It looks like a very special place to stay. I have heard that Sardinia is nice. Something to keep in mind for future trips
Sardinia is WAY underrated! I cant believe more people don’t go there, its incredible!
This place looks AMAZING! The views and atmosphere look just spectacular! And those kittens, I’m so jealous! I’m also crazy about any animal, especially cats!
Another crazy cat lady? Join the club hehe 🙂
This looks like an amazing, comfortable place to stay at. Definitely going to look it up and add it to my list on my next trip to Italia, I also really like the interiors, design and colours of the place seems warm and homely.
It was very warm and homey indeed!! 🙂
Wow! This is the cutest place to stay that I have ever seen. I would love to stay here 🙂
It was one of the most unique accommodations I had ever seen! It seemed unreal! 🙂
Wow this place looks amazing. Being eco-friendly is just a bonus. It looks so nice and peaceful plus there are cats! I have been meaning to visit Sardinia, this is another reason.
Ya the cats were such an unexpected plus for me! hehe. And omg, add Sardinia to your list..it blew me away!!
This place is just stunning! I love the rustic look of it and the fact that it’s eco-friendly. My blog mainly focuses on cultural travel but I’m slowly expanding into responsible and slow travel. Would love to check this place out sometime ☺
Thanks! You would like it i bet! And yes, i’m definitely heading in the slow travel/ecotourism direction myself 🙂
This place looks absolutely gorgeous and sounds so unique. I would love to stay there! I always try to choose sustainable and responsible tourism options where possible, so this is right up my street. And I would love to chill in that outdoor living room with a nice glass of Italian white wine.
This is my first eco friendly property and I just loved it! I definitely try to make an extra effort now to stay in more ecofriendly places! And yes, much wine was consumed by me on this property hehe 🙂
This looks like such a memorable accommodation option! I’m actually going to Italy in September to visit family and have been thinking of taking an extra week to visit Sardinia since I have never been before. The rounded huts reminded me a bit of the trulli in Alberobello, Italy. I’m glad you enjoyed your stay! Plus, it is always great knowing you were staying in an eco-friendly place!
Oh yes, you should def make time for Sardinia! It is out of this world gorgeous! Its very rugged and you would need to rent a car. Ill try to finish my roundup post on Sardinia soon, it really is an incredible place! And yes, the huts SO reminded me of the trulli in Alberobello..I stayed in one of those too last year. Both amazing experiences! 🙂