This is how the great Italian creativity, accompanied by a strong innovative and entrepreneurial spirit can overcome any crisis, there are many examples but this one deserves something more because it is not only economics but it is also a life experience, above all because it wants to be a project which emphasizes respect for nature.
The story belongs to Emanuela and Federico, she a lawyer and he an entrepreneur with two studies in Italy and Spain, who have been able to perfectly combine different passions, such as: love for nature, curiosity for travel, conviviality ... all in an eco-sustainable concept to transform their life and that of their guests.
It was 2009, they had just completed the restoration of a rural house dating back to the Napoleonic era inhinterland of the Venetian Lagoon just 13 km from Venice , who, driven by the desire to share with friends the magnificent corner of paradise in which they were lucky enough to be able to live, think of "pitching" the first tent to allow their guests to experience fantastic sunsets surrounded by "Canaletti-like" skies and at the same time enjoy the scents of nature. Thus was born the lodge resort Glamping Canons of San Marco, where since then people have slept under a tent in a comfortable four-poster bed and surrounded by highly charming furnishings but above all with their eyes turned to heaven. And it is thus that in June you can enjoy the scent of freshly cut wheat and in October the cocooned atmosphere and slightly salty air coming from the magical lagoon of Venice.
In 2005 after a trip to Bali or rather the island of the Gods, they decide to move every year to spend a few short holidays and here they discover another paradise that immediately wins their hearts. Captured by the unspoilt and wild nature of the island and by the culture of the local people, they decide to buy a charming rice field overlooking the forest and a short distance from the famous Ubud village – cultural heart of the island and shortly thereafter the first tents were built, where comfort, refinement in the furnishings, the discreet beauty of small details complete the atmosphere, transforming the stay into an unforgettable experience. All of this belongs to Glamping Tents Sandat opened on July 1, 2013.
First Art – What triggered the "spring" to invest in Bali?
Emanuela Padoan – the experience of glamping Canons of San Marco has placed the need to rediscover contact with nature to slow down the frenetic pace of life in the city: pure water and clean air are becoming increasingly rare and precious goods, which is why it is everyone's duty to safeguard the environment in which we live. Transferring the Italian experience to the island of Bali was like reconfirming that ours was an almost necessary, demanding but certainly important and useful choice to find and offer a different and better way of living, even just for a week.
First Art What does sandat mean?
Emanuela Padoan – We looked for a name that was in tune and harmony with the place, and Sandat is the name of a famous flower that the Balinese people love for Hindu ceremonies because it brings good luck. Nothing better!
First Art – I understand that it is all respectful of the place and the people who live there…
Emanuela Padoan – True, even our staff is entirely Balinese, chosen mainly among the young people of the nearby village professionally trained in local schools, even the company that built the central structure in bamboo, an example of the most modern green building, is from Ubud and has been a very valid partner in the creation of our Glamping: a unique and decidedly innovative structure for the island of Bali!
First Art – In short, an entirely eco-sustainable system…
Emanuela Padoan – Consider that we have used only natural materials such as cotton, wood, stone, straw and many local plants, we have recreated a sort of eco-architecture for a new and above all better life model.
First Art – The solutions are Lumbung and Tends, how do they differ?
Emanuela Padoan – Lumbung means "barn" a magnificent example of bio-architecture as they are made exclusively of local wood and straw. As the name suggests, they are charming barns converted into small houses on two floors, bedroom on the first floor and open-air bathroom and living room on the ground floor, characterized by a large roof in Alang-alang (local straw) which descends almost to the ground, all for about 60 square meters. The tents look like the typical safari tents but are large (40m5 with a height of over XNUMX meters, the two beautiful roof peaks of which can be seen from afar). While the tropical garden has a breathtaking view of the forest where an oval swimming pool allows you to enjoy every moment of your stay in total privacy. None of these eco-structures has been equipped with televisions or telephones: all the senses must be concentrated on Nature, the only concession: iPod speaker, walkie talkie to contact the reception or other guests and wi.fi.
First Art – I have to think that everything else is a great pleasure to savor life and a successful Italian business model… in Italy and abroad…
Emanuela Padoan – We wanted to think like in the famous fairy tale of Alice, in an authentic door that allows you to actually pass into another world. An encounter between East and West … with an all-Italian direction!
