Just three months ago, Manuela Ferri, a 50-year-old physiotherapist, was deeply engaged in her busy career in the lively city of Vicenza, Italy.
Today, she finds herself thriving as the manager of a charming mountain retreat located in the stunning Trento region—a significant shift from city chaos to mountain tranquility.
Turning Dreams into Reality
Together with her husband, Manuela has traded the relentless hustle and bustle of urban living for the serene landscapes surrounding Rifugio Peller.
Gone are the congested streets and city noise; now, they breathe in crisp mountain air and take in breathtaking panoramic vistas every day.
While realizing this new dream has been a lifelong aspiration for Manuela, it also requires considerable effort and a complete overhaul of their daily routines.
Picture spending a summer high in the mountains at a rifugio—quintessential mountain lodges that offer humble accommodations paired with delicious culinary experiences—all situated 2,000 meters above sea level.
Reflecting on their journey, Manuela recounts the profound love she and her husband have held for the mountains since childhood.
Recently, they felt a compelling desire to solidify their connection to nature and the great outdoors.
After her husband had to shut down his small carpentry operation, which he managed alone, and with Manuela taking a break from her physiotherapy practice for the summer, the couple decided it was finally time for a change.
They wanted to break free from the ordinary cycles of life confined within brick walls and seize the chance to embrace the mountains’ splendor.
Initially, their search for a rifugio closer to home didn’t bear fruit, leading them to extend their search.
When they discovered an opening at Rifugio Peller, located 200 kilometers north, excitement filled the air as they submitted their application alongside 15 other hopeful candidates.
What propelled their success was not just their enthusiasm for hospitality, but an innovative vision for running the lodge.
Embracing Life at the Lodge
With a chuckle, Manuela remarks that this new endeavor holds a certain familiarity to her former work, only set against an unbelievably stunning backdrop.
Italy is home to numerous rifugi, each with its unique charm, from simple, unstaffed huts to well-equipped lodges teeming with inviting dining options.
All share a sense of remoteness, often cut off from conventional utilities and services.
Rifugio Peller can accommodate up to 31 guests and delights patrons with its local culinary offerings.
Supplies are delivered to a nearby parking area, where the team uses a pickup truck to bring in the goods.
The lodge operates using a mix of generator power, solar energy, and harvested rainwater stored in tanks.
Given the ongoing heatwave impacting Italy, Manuela is particularly conscious of water usage.
She encourages guests to be considerate, recounting past summers when the lodge nearly ran out of water by the season’s end, necessitating aid from helicopters for emergency deliveries from local authorities.
The management team comprises family members: while Manuela interacts with guests, her brother Gabriele handles the website duties, and her husband Rivael ensures the facility stays in tip-top shape.
Throughout the summer season, Rifugio Peller will offer a rich array of events—everything from musical evenings featuring local choirs to workshops focused on harvesting medicinal herbs, and even immersive sound baths utilizing captivating instruments like didgeridoos and gongs.
A New Chapter of Life
Acknowledging that they are still in the early phases of this exhilarating adventure, Manuela describes their current lifestyle as a whirlwind of spontaneity and continuous activity.
While it sometimes feels chaotic, they find a profound sense of peace in the fresh mountain air and stunning scenery.
This dramatic shift in their way of life infuses them with energy and enthusiasm, making every moment an exhilarating experience.
Source: Euronews