Charles Forte: From Small Business Owner to Lord of the British Crown.

For our feature dedicated to those who achieved success starting from nothing, the spotlight is on Lord Charles Forte, a true native of Ciociaria who built an empire from scratch—ranging from luxury hotels to exclusive restaurants—and was awarded the title of Lord by the Queen of England.

An Italian entrepreneur who established Forte Village in Sardinia—an internationally acclaimed excellence that honors our country. This world-class hospitality destination has always prioritized the relationship between tourism and environmental sustainability and, for 26 consecutive years, has been recognized as the world’s best resort. A place where nature takes center stage and guests move exclusively on foot, by bicycle, or via fully electric vehicles.

Enjoy the videos we’ve prepared for you, representing the first leg of our journey along the southern coast of Sardinia, where stunning beaches, ancient traditions, and delicious food and wine experiences await.

Located along the southern coast of Sardinia, Forte Village Resort has been an international benchmark in luxury hospitality for over fifty years. It’s also a concrete model of integrated sustainability, where environmental protection, social well-being, and local development are an integral part of the guest experience.

Since 2023, the resort has been certified by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), the highest international recognition for responsible tourism. This achievement stems from a rigorous, measurable, and cross-cutting approach involving every operational area: energy, resources, construction, food, biodiversity, education, and social impact. In 2024, Forte Village took part in the UN Fashion & Lifestyle Network Annual Meeting, where CEO Lorenzo Giannuzzi presented the resort’s sustainable model during the “Global Journeys, Responsible Paths” panel.

Sustainability is not a one-off gesture but a systemic commitment. Aligned with the United Nations 2030 Agenda, Forte Village has defined a conscious growth strategy that integrates the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into every aspect of its operations. The resort actively contributes to nine of the 17 global goals through concrete projects, innovative management, and local partnerships.

Through a variety of initiatives, Forte Village positions itself not only as a luxury destination but also as a driver of change, contributing to a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable future.

CLEAN ENERGY: THE POWER OF THE SUN

With over 300 sunny days a year, Forte Village has turned sunlight into a real asset. Since 2016, solar panels have supplied hot water to three hotels. Since 2022, the photovoltaic system at the Congress Center has generated energy sufficient to power Hotel Castello as well. In 2025, a new 22,000 m² plant will boost capacity to 1.4 MW.

All mobility within the resort is electric: golf carts, bikes, and zero-emission vehicles replace traditional cars. The new lighting system in communal areas uses LEDs, and electric charging stations are available in the parking lots.

A SELF-SUFFICIENT WATER SYSTEM

Forte Village is also a model in water management. Since 1972, it has collected rainwater in an artificial basin capable of holding the equivalent of 141 Olympic-sized pools, covering irrigation and internal needs.
Every day, 800 m³ of greywater is treated and reused to irrigate the entire park where the resort is located.

Starting in August 2025, a new desalination plant will also be operational and available when needed. It will produce about 600 m³ of fresh water per day from seawater, reducing the pressure on local water systems.

50 HECTARES OF NATURE AND BIODIVERSITY

The resort spans 50 hectares of Mediterranean vegetation, home to thousands of plant species. No pesticides are used—only biological control, smart irrigation, and year-round environmental care.

The highlight of the new season is the opening of the Forte Village Nature Park, a green oasis designed for families, nature lovers, and young explorers.

 Set at the foot of the hill behind the resort, this immersive environment hosts over 100 animal species from five continents, including Sardinian natives and colorful exotic birds. Mouflons, fallow deer, donkeys—including an albino Asinara donkey—and Sardinian goats coexist with Tibetan goats, miniature sheep, rabbits, and chickens in the educational farm for children.

The park also features a 10-meter-high open-air aviary where flamingos, crowned cranes, ibises, turacos, and ornamental ducks fly freely among trees and a central lagoon. Each habitat has been carefully recreated, and all animals come exclusively from certified farms.

Visits, reserved for resort guests, can be conducted in groups or privately, both enhanced by a themed Nature Park Kit to spark curiosity and learning.

SHORT SUPPLY CHAIN & LOCAL ENHANCEMENT

Forte Village strongly believes in the value of the local supply chain, ensuring freshness, quality, and direct support for the Sardinian economy.

To give an idea of the scale, last year the resort purchased:

• 15,000 seadas and 12,000 culurgiones from artisan producers

• 12,500 kg of tomatoes from local farms

• 39,000 kg of fresh milk and 8,500 kg of cheese from Arborea

• 30,000 kg of bread, vegetables, and aromatic herbs from Pula and surrounding areas

 

Many Sardinian companies are involved in food supply, green area maintenance, and service management—a virtuous network that supports local identity, employment, and territory.

 

“NATURAL ARCHITECTURE” & LOW-IMPACT DESIGN

Respect for the landscape guides every construction decision.

The resort’s buildings are integrated into the natural surroundings and built using local materials—wood, granite, travertine, Orosei marble—designed for minimal environmental impact. Travertine, the prized Orosei marble with its fossil shell and coral inclusions, local natural stone, and wood also feature in the complete redesign of the Acquaforte Thalasso & Spa, which now boasts a refreshed look since 2022.

The updated aesthetics enhance, rather than abandon, the guiding principle of holistic wellness and mind-body harmony. The design philosophy remains committed to inclusivity and environmental immersion, aiming to reduce human impact and maximize connection with nature.

One emblematic example is the Forte Arena, an open-air theater surrounded by greenery—a sustainable architectural feat dedicated to culture and entertainment, in perfect harmony with the natural context.

SOCIAL COMMITMENT AND ACTIVE RESPONSIBILITY

Forte Village is deeply rooted in Sardinia’s human and cultural fabric. 91% of its staff come from the island’s southern region.

Since 2008, it has also hosted the Hotel Business School by Forte Village, in partnership with Luiss Business School, offering the island’s first 5-star Hotel Management Master’s program, now ranked #1 in Italy and #5 globally (Eduniversal). Over 300 students have graduated, with full scholarships and 100% job placement.

Supporting the territory is a core part of Forte Village’s vision of sustainability—as a shared responsibility toward both the environment and the community.

In this context, “A Camper for Prevention” and the new project by the IVI – Unforgettable Lived Images Association, in collaboration with the artist Sally Galotti, are two emblematic initiatives capable of generating real value.

Launched to bring healthcare closer to people, even in Sardinia’s most remote areas. In collaboration with the “Comitato in Rosa” and various businesses, associations, and citizens, the project raised €353,000 to donate a state-of-the-art mobile clinic to the “Abbracciamo un Sogno” group, which will oversee its medical and logistical operations once officially accredited by the Regional Health Department.

The camper will offer free preventive health screenings across Sardinia, helping overcome access barriers in underserved areas. Equipped with cutting-edge technology—including a 3D digital mammograph with tomosynthesis, ultrasound, defibrillator, and reporting workstation—it will be staffed by qualified healthcare professionals and designed for maximum accessibility, including telescopic ramps for people with reduced mobility.
Its services will include free check-ups for people of all ages and company wellness programs as part of corporate social responsibility.

The second, more recent project focuses on artistic humanization of the pediatric wards at Cagliari’s Microcitemico Hospital, transforming them into welcoming and colorful spaces through the therapeutic art of Sally Galotti.

After two completed interventions, Forte Village now supports a new project for the 5th floor Pediatric Hemato-Oncology unit and Day Hospital. The Charity Dinner held on June 21 in the Cristalli Room has already raised more than half the pledged donation to fund the full project.

These two initiatives reflect the values of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council and prove that truly sustainable tourism can leave a positive mark not only on the environment but also on the hearts of people.

 

Special thanks to:
Raffaella Zedda – Group PR Manager, Martina Casavecchia – Marketing Office, Chicco Lecca – Operator

Leggi in: Italiano