Elba hotel accommodation, Italy

Although Elba is only at the beginning of becoming an adequate ‘ecological’ island we are all making the best possible efforts to ensure it soon catch up with the rest of Europe.

We are a medium sized family business, our hotel employs 95% Elban staff, including young people after their studies in Pisa or Florence who often return to work the summer season, as waiters or barmen, therefore communicating their respect for their lovely island to tourists eager to learn about the island’s past.

Our profits help to support local non-profit associations, festivals and church communities. We endeavour to re-cycle as much as our local authorities permit and accept, and used batteries can be left in a container near the bar. We use long-life energy efficient bulbs where possible, and guests who ensure lights, ceiling fans, air conditioning etc, are turned off before leaving the room become our favourite ‘Eco-tourists’! For room cleaning we use Eco cleaning products, the dish washers also use Eco cleaning liquid products. If we use our laundry, (for kitchen cloths etc.) this also uses Eco washing powder.

There is a local organisation 'Gli Amici dell'Enfola' my husband was the President of until 2 years ago. They ensure Cape Enfola (national park protected area) is kept clean and are responsible for the toilets and parking area plus several sporting events, kayaks, fishing competitions. We provide the food for the buffets and contribute at least 1000 Euro annually to help them keep things working. We keep boxes fin the reception, well in sight and clients are aware of this.

Food is carefully selected by the owner who buys only the best, giving precedence to local produce. We have local honey on the breakfast buffet and a good selection of Elban wines on the wine list. Used oil from the kitchens is kept in containers collected by a local contractor. Kitchen scraps help to feed local domestic rabbits and chickens.

We have our own well-water serving most of the hotel. To help reduce water consumption we have only showers in our bathrooms, thus conserving our water supply and toilets have a water saving flush system. Gardens are watered with recycled water. We ask our guests to assist us by consuming water conscientiously. Towels are changed daily but guests are asked to place the unused ones separately, thus, once again, helping us to economise on water and detergents.

Basically our aim is to continue to promote Eco tourism and to maintain our national park and marine protected area as much and for as long as possible. The Elban community appreciate and are proud of their lovely island and intend to preserve it!