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Novanta 90

PRICE FROM: €40,000

PRICE FROM

€40,000

SLEEPS

120

CAPACITY

120

High and remotely located in the unspoiled Casentino Hills you’ll find Novanta. This is genuinely a venue like no where else in the world. An “experience hotel”, holiday home site, and a revived borgo where clusters of rustic stone houses, forested ridgelines and barefoot‑luxury details set the scene for those lucky enough to transform it into their own Tuscan village for a multi-day Italian destination wedding.

Before Novanta, Borgo di Gello was a forgotten Tuscan village of crumbling walls and overgrown terraces: a thousand years of history waiting to be revived. Its transformation began when three Dutch founders, Igor, Leonard and Mart, arrived with the idea of a 90‑day pop‑up hotel, a project that quickly became a long-term labour of love. Their vision turned a deserted hamlet into a vibrant “experience hotel” where tradition, community and creativity blend seamlessly.

Today, Novanta is both a living village and an extraordinary Italian destination wedding venue. Set high in the Casentino Hills, it spans more than 300 hectares of forest, meadows and river on the edge of the Casentino National Park, and is home to two restored villages: Borgo di Gello, the main hotel, and Castello di Gello, a collection of rustic-chic holiday homes.

As a wedding setting, Novanta offers couples the rare chance to make an entire village (or two!) their own. Ceremonies unfold in orchards or ancient ruins; aperitivo by the saltwater pool leads to dinners beneath the stars and late-night parties in candlelit barns. Long-table feasts, pizza nights at Il Casale, and river brunch farewells give each celebration a rhythm of its own. The in‑house chef team crafts seasonal menus inspired by cucina povera, paired with local wines, while the dedicated planning team ensures every moment flows effortlessly.

Guests quickly settle into the relaxed rhythm of this car‑free haven; wandering along cobbled paths, taking 4×4 shuttles between locations, or helping themselves at the honesty bar for an impromptu toast. With no neighbours to disturb and a spirit rooted in creativity and community, Novanta transforms a wedding into an immersive Tuscan experience where everyone feels part of the story.

Novanta offers couples the chance to create a ceremony infused with natural beauty and centuries of Tuscan history. Not licensed for civil ceremonies but ideal for symbolic weddings, blessings, and vow renewals, set in locations that make the most of its sweeping landscapes and ancient ruins. Couples might choose the orchard, surrounded by fruit trees and birdsong, the steps of a dramatic stone ruin, or the amphitheatre carved from the hillside with views that stretch over the Casentino Valley. Each spot provides an unforgettable backdrop, where simplicity meets romance and nature frames every moment.

Late‑afternoon and sunset ceremonies are especially magical as the golden light softens across the hills and the scent of wild herbs drifts through the air.

From your first enquiry, the in‑house wedding planner and coordination team will help design a fully personalised multi‑day program, ensuring every element of your stay and celebration reflects your style. They manage timelines, coordinate suppliers, and remain present throughout your event, allowing you and your guests to relax and enjoy each moment. With years of experience hosting destination weddings in Tuscany, they provide not only practical guidance but also creative ideas for how best to use the village’s different spaces.

When it’s time to celebrate, the village becomes your private stage. From long tables set under festoon lights to candlelit dinners in a converted barn, Novanta’s spaces each bring their own personality. Dine alfresco at La Fattoria, host a pizza night at Il Casale, or raise glasses beside the saltwater pool as music drifts through the hills. The atmosphere here is relaxed but polished in high quality service from the wedding team; unpretentious yet refined. The team can style each event to match your theme, whether rustic elegance, bohemian chic or Tuscan festival, providing lighting, sound, and décor that complement the setting. Late nights are part of the story, and with no close neighbours you can dance freely beneath the stars until late.

Spaces at a glance:

  • Amphitheatre – a panoramic open‑air arena with breathtaking valley views, perfect for ceremonies or performances
  • La Rota (largest ruin) – a dramatic and atmospheric backdrop for open‑air vows or dining under the stars
  • Orchard / Summer Garden – intimate and leafy, ideal for ceremonies or sunset receptions framed by greenery
  • La Tettoia (12×7 m timber & glass pavilion) – all‑weather structure that works beautifully for dinner or dancing with candlelight and fairy lights
  • La Fattoria (main borgo building) – traditional Tuscan interiors with arches and terracotta details, perfect for feasting and celebration
  • Il Casale (pizza night favourite) – the heart of casual conviviality, great for pre‑wedding gatherings or lively post‑party moments
  • Saltwater Pool Terrace – relaxed yet refined, with golden‑hour views and the perfect setting for aperitivo or brunch

Your planner will guide the flow of the day, suggesting the perfect combination of ceremony, dinner, and after‑party locations so the experience feels effortless and connected.

Staying at Novanta feels like inhabiting your own Tuscan village. Across around 44 bedrooms, split between Borgo di Gello and Castello di Gello, the estate can host up to 120 guests in rustic‑luxury comfort. The rooms and suites combine authentic Tuscan craftsmanship; stone walls, terracotta floors, beamed ceilings, with distinctly Novanta character, offering an elegant yet homely retreat after each day’s festivities. Each room is individually styled and most feature private bathrooms, views over forest or valley, and outdoor terraces where guests can share morning coffee or late‑night conversations under the stars.

The layout makes it easy to keep everyone close while preserving privacy, with a 15‑minute scenic walk linking the two hamlets. 4×4 shuttles help move luggage or less mobile guests. Flexible bed setups allow families and groups to stay together. The car‑free village setting means tranquillity reigns, with birdsong in the mornings and the gentle buzz of cicadas at dusk.

Food at Novanta is more than a meal, it’s a way of life and the ritual and cadence of connection between people and nature. The in‑house chef team works closely with local producers and artisans to deliver high‑quality, farm‑to‑table cuisine that reflects the essence of Tuscany. Ingredients are sourced directly from nearby farms, the estate’s own gardens, and trusted neighbours, ensuring every plate tells a story of the land. Expect rustic favourites reimagined for celebration: freshly baked breads, handmade pastas, wood‑fired pizzas, Tuscan cheeses and cured meats, slow‑roasted local meats, and seasonal vegetables picked at their peak.

The food plan here includes full breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day, prepared with heart and creativity. Guests can help themselves to coffee, tea, and fresh spring water at all times. The drink plan offers a relaxed, generous approach: local wines, prosecco, beers, and soft drinks are available throughout your stay.

At Novanta, hospitality is personal and informal; rooted in the idea that guests should feel like part of the family. The honesty bar (a self‑serve bar where guests simply note what they take and settle later) embodies this philosophy. It’s all about making yourself at home: pour a glass of Chianti by the pool, open a bottle at the long tables during pizza night, or mix a cocktail as the music starts up after dinner.

Dining unfolds across multiple venues and moods, from communal banquets under festoon lights to quiet terrace breakfasts with valley views. Guests can enjoy experiences such as pizza night at Il Casale, river‑brunch farewells, Tuscan BBQs, or chef‑hosted tastings.

  • E-Mountainbike Tours – guided adventures through forest trails and rolling hills, ideal for groups looking for a mix of exploration and exhilaration (approx. 3–4 hours, up to 50 people).
  • Truffle Hunting – join local experts and trained dogs for a two-hour hunt followed by a tasting of the valley’s prized truffles (approx. 2 hours, up to 20 people).
  • Fabrizio Lunch – a long, convivial meal with a local butcher and family friend; a true glimpse into rural Tuscan life (approx. 3–4 hours, up to 50 people).
  • Pasta Workshops – roll, shape and cook fresh pasta using local flour and traditional recipes (approx. 1.5 hours, up to 20 people).
  • Wine Tastings – sample regional varieties during a relaxed 90-minute session hosted by Novanta’s sommelier (approx. 1.5 hours, up to 40 people).
  • River Hikes – a two-to-three-hour walk and dip in the river, ideal for cooling off the day after your celebration (approx. 2–3 hours, up to 50 people).
  • Yoga & Wellness – morning yoga in the gardens or terraces, surrounded by the scent of herbs and birdsong (approx. 1 hour, up to 20 people).
  • Archery & Outdoor Games – light-hearted activities in the fields, great for team spirit and family fun (approx. 1.5 hours, up to 10 people).
  • Escape Room Challenge – a 45-minute puzzle adventure for smaller groups (approx. 45 minutes, up to 6 people).

Each activity is crafted to bring guests together and reflect Novanta’s guiding philosophy: connection with real life, real people, and the beauty of the natural world. Multiple experiences can be arranged simultaneously so guests can join as many as they wish — making your wedding weekend not just an event, but a shared Tuscan adventure.

Address: Borgo di Gello, 52011 Bibbiena (AR), Tuscany, Italy

Nearest airports: Florence (FLR) ~ 1.5 h; Pisa (PSA) ~ 2.5 h; Bologna (BLQ) ~ 2.5 h; Rome (FCO) ~ 3 h

By train: Regional links via Arezzo and Florence; onward transfer by road

Transfers: Private shuttles for guests can be arranged; supplier access coordinated on a schedule with the on site team

Parking: Complimentary parking at village entrance; internal areas are car‑free

Accessibility: Rural, hillside setting with uneven terrain; limited step‑free access—confirm specifics with the team

Details
Wedding Packages & Pricing
Starting at €40,000, the most popular wedding package includes:
Accommodation for 60 guests for 2 nights.
Catering for 60 guests, including a 4 course meal, breakfast and buffet lunch, pizza night, a prosecco bar, and a cocktail moment.
Reception hire for up to 60 guests.
Additional information
The package includes in house planner services, decor, ceremony setup, music, drinks, tables, and chairs.
Contact the venue
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