The novanta experience

Novanta is an experience hotel nestled high up in the Casentino Hills, in the once-abandoned Gello valley. Offering breathtaking views, we invite you to immerse yourselves in the authentic charm of the Tuscan agriturismo lifestyle. Imagine waking up to the gentle sounds of nature, enjoying the simplicity of barefoot luxury, and stepping out into a landscape that feels untouched by time.

At Novanta, you’re surrounded by around 300 hectares of rolling fields and lush forests, right on the edge of the stunning Casentino National Park. Our valley provides endless opportunities for exploration and adventure, whether you’re hiking through scenic trails, truffle hunting with Nicola, or simply soaking in the serenity of our 20mt long pool.

Our accommodations range from cozy hotel rooms to spacious holiday homes, each thoughtfully designed to blend rustic charm with modern comforts. As you settle into your home away from home, you’ll have the opportunity to discover the joys of sharing meals and stories with fellow guests, creating lasting connections around our communal tables.

Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat, an exciting adventure or a unique holiday with family and friends, come and experience the magic of a place where history, nature, and barefoot luxury come together to create unforgettable memories. Novanta is a one-of-a-kind experience not to be missed.

What is what

We know all the information can be a bit overwhelming! Here’s an overview of the basic differences between the hotel and the holiday homes.

Hotel vs Holiday Home Comparison
Hotel vs Holiday Home Comparison

Holiday Homes

Castello di Gello

Hotel

Borgo di Gello

Facilities

To ensure your stay is truly unforgettable, we’ve thoughtfully created a range of services for you. Here are just a few for you to enjoy:

Experiences

We are working with our local friends and neighbours every day to show our guests all the incredible activities, workshops and adventures that Casentino offers.

Food

We see food as a connector to people and to nature. By collaborating with local producers we can offer you high quality food, coming straight from the land. Inspired by “cucina povera,” our menu focuses on simple, rustic dishes that highlight the flavors of local, seasonal produce.

Honesty bar

At Novanta – its all about helping yourself! We think it’s really great when you make yourself at home in our village – and that means taking your own beer from the fridge! The bar is fully stocked with fantastic local wines, beer and soft drinks. Simply note down what you take and don't think about the bill until the end of the week!

River

Want to go for a different kind of swim? Head downhill for a refreshing dip in the crisp river waters, perfect for a nature splash. Find your tranquil spot, go on adventures, build dams or just take time to listen to the sound of water going by.

Pool

Our hotel boasts a stunning 20-meter-long pool with incredible views over the valley. In the early morning, adults can peacefully. swim lanes, while throughout the day everyone can enjoy relaxing time with a drinks in hand. Looking to chill, exercise, or socialize, our pool is the perfect spot.

Car free village

We offer free parking at the entrance of the village, ensuring a peaceful, car-free environment within. Our 4x4 Defenders are on hand to take you and your luggage to your rooms, letting you relax and enjoy the charm of Novanta without any hassle.

The social storybook

E V E N I N G SAs the summer sun sets, the fire crackles and the grill sizzles with a meal that’s as simple as it is satisfying. No frills, just nature, good food, and fantastic company.#novanta90 #tuscany #experiencehotel #adventure #casentino #tuscanholiday #beautifuldestinations #grillingseason
P R I M A V E R AThe Matti di Gello Primavera Festival is just around the corner! Only a few weeks left, and we still have a few spots available for this unforgettable family-friendly adventure. Don’t miss out on a festival filled with creativity, music, theater, and Tuscan delicacies! Book your last minute spot now and get ready for an unforgettable experience. ✨#mattidigellofestival #FamilyAdventure #novanta90
J O I N  U SReady to roll up your sleeves? 🛠️ We’re looking for handy volunteers to help with some exciting projects at Novanta! From upgrading our treehouse to giving medieval buildings a makeover, we need your skills. Join us in the heart of Tuscany, get your hands dirty, and be part of something amazing!DM us if you’re ready for an adventure!
J O I N  T H E  T E A MAre you seeking adventure and hands-on work in the heart of Tuscany? We are looking for volunteers to help with some exciting projects at Novanta! If you’ve got experience in woodworking, handyman skills or technical installations, we want you!Let us know if you want to give it a try and let’s make something incredible together!#novanta90 #tuscany #experiencehotel #adventure #casentino #tuscanworkholiday #workholiday #woodworking #handyman #jointheteam
At Novanta, we believe in living life fully, whether it’s tasting delicious local food, embarking on adventures at the river, enjoying ice cream from the best little bar in town, sipping on local wines, or simply unwinding in nature. But what truly makes us Novanta is the spirit of togetherness. Whether it’s sharing stories, laughter, or a meal at our long communal table. Here, every moment is about connecting, enjoying, and making memories.Come experience it for yourself.#novanta90 #tuscany #experiencehotel #adventure #casentino #tuscanholiday #italy
F E S T I V A LGet ready for a spring celebration like no other! The Matti di Gello Primavera Festival is happening from April 27th to May 2nd, 2025, and it’s going to be a week full of creativity, adventure, and Tuscany’s finest.Whether you’re an adult ready to rediscover your inner child or a little one excited for outdoor fun, this festival has something for everyone. Think live music, delicious local food, performances, and plenty of time to enjoy our breathtaking valley.We’ll be celebrating the best of Italian culture with a mix of fun activities, relaxing moments, and exciting outdoor adventures.Don’t miss out this awesome party!
More info in the link in bio.
🚨 N E W S 🚨We’ve just launched the brand-new novanta-houses.com website!
Do you know we also sell holiday homes right here in the stunning Casentino Valley? We’re not just a place to visit, we’re offering you the chance to own a piece of it!
We’ve already sold 5 properties, and there are some incredible views still available. So, if you’ve ever dreamed of a holiday home in Tuscany (who hasn’t?), now’s your chance.
Hop onto novanta-houses.com, take a virtual stroll through the properties, and let us show you what we mean by “living the dream”.#novanta90 #tuscany #adventuretime #ecotourism #tuscanylovers #novantahouses
E S C A P EWant to escape the routine and enjoy late spring in one of Tuscany’s most peaceful and beautiful spots? Come to Novanta and discover all the adventures the Casentino Valley has to offer! From hiking or biking the lush forests to archery, from river picnics to cozy hot tub evenings, this is the ultimate spring holiday.
Here you'll find the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure for you to recharge and enjoy the season’s beauty.Book now for an invigorating May holiday!#novanta90 #tuscany #tuscanylovers #tuscanypeople #mountainbike #archery #riverhikes #hottubgoals #hikinglife #ecotourism #ecotourismo #ecotourisme #adventuretime #mayholidays
R E A D YCiabattino, our cozy 2 bedroom holiday home, is all set and ready for the new year! You can enjoy the romantic fireplace in winter or bask in the summer sun from your very own garden. It's the definition of an all-season Tuscan holiday.#novanta90 #tuscany #experiencehotel #adventure #casentino #beautifuldestinations #tuscanholiday
R E U S EWhen we decided to insulate the winter garden, we saw it as the perfect opportunity to reuse old door and window frames, giving them a second life while maintaining the charm and history of the space. This thoughtful approach not only enhances the garden’s comfort but also reflects our philosophy of decorating with history—ensuring that every piece has a story, and every material serves a purpose. It’s just one of the many ways we embrace both sustainability and the beauty of the past.#novanta90 #tuscany #experiencehotel #adventure #casentino #beautifuldestinations #reuse #reuserecycle #sustainability
Autumn in the our valley is nature’s way of showing off. Blue skies, golden hills, and forests dressed in their finest reds and oranges. Basically, the land and sky are having a colour competition, and we’re here for it. Come see how Tuscany transforms when the season shifts, it’s a spectacle you won’t want to miss.__
#novanta90 #experiencehotel #adventure #boutiquehotel #casentino #view #nature #valley #travel #tuscany #beautifuldestinations #italy #travelerintuscany #tuscanholiday #italianholiday #traveler #italia #welltraveled #ladolcevita #forbestravelguide #whatitalyis #whenintuscany #best_italiansites #voyages
LOW SEASON? Not at Novanta!Sure, it’s quieter, but the magic never stops.
The leaves are turning, the air is crisp, and the trails are calling! We’ve been out exploring the most breathtaking hikes to experience the best of the season. Can’t wait to share our favourite spots with you!#novanta90 #experiencehotel #adventure #boutiquehotel #casentino #view #travel #tuscany #beautifuldestinations #italy #travelerintuscany #tuscanholiday #italianholiday #traveler #italia #welltraveled #autumn #voyages