About Us
From Ottorino Bartolini's dream to the future of Elba's hospitality
Where others saw only rocks and hardship, Ottorino saw the future. Our story is not made of bricks, but of dreams achieved against all odds.
1949: The Beginning of an Epic
It all began on a wild Elba, just emerging from the war. Ottorino Bartolini, a man of iron will, decided to bet on a corner of paradise that was then forgotten: Naregno Beach.
In those years, building in Naregno was a heroic undertaking. There were no roads, no vehicles. It is said that Ottorino, with uncommon foresight, had to face immense logistical challenges: building materials arrived by sea on boats, because the land route was little more than a path through the Mediterranean scrub.
The ingenuity and strength of a pioneer
Ottorino never gave up in the face of difficulties. When water was scarce, when electricity was a distant dream, he found solutions. He was among the first to understand that for tourism to flourish, services were needed, but above all, human warmth was needed. He transformed that open-air construction site into a place of hospitality. Those were the years when the first foreign guests, Germans and Swiss, were welcomed, captivated not only by the sea but by the dedication of a family that made them feel part of something new.
The golden years
and growth
From its small initial beginnings, Le Acacie grew in step with the island’s rhythm. Cristiana Bartolini then took up her father’s legacy, carrying forward that mix of pragmatism and warmth that made Naregno a favourite destination for generations of travellers. We have seen trends come and go, habits change, but the solid foundation laid by Ottorino – built on respect for the land and care for guests – has remained our compass.
Today: a legacy that lives on
in its people
Today, the family that runs Le Acacie is larger: it is made up of professionals and people who have inherited this spirit. Our mission is to honour the memory of those who moved stones by hand to create this hotel.
- Innovation within Tradition
We have introduced sustainability and 4-star services, but we keep the same gaze toward the horizon that Ottorino had. - Hotel & Residence
Two ways of experiencing the sea, born from a single vision of freedom
Our “Welcome”
As you walk through the lush green garden or dive into the pool, you know you're in a place with a soul. A guest of a story spanning over seventy years, where every detail pays tribute to the pioneer who, in 1949, looked at Naregno and said: “Here, beauty will be born”.
