We profoundly believe in the effects of nature on a person’s wellbeing and are happy to be doing our part in improving this through animal assisted therapy.
Exposure to animals has been proven to reduce stress, anxiety, and loneliness providing a sense of comfort and support to those who need.
Lovingly referred to as the three hills Gozo offers a number of hills and valleys with an opportunity for the outdoorsy person to go on treks, hikes, or leisurely walks.
The lush green area around Tuta filled with hidden treasures of times gone by are an explorer’s dream come true. For those who prefer a quieter stay our many groves offer plenty of shade for some reading or a light stroll surrounded by the smells of fresh growing fruit.
A Maltese proverb says ‘Kliem ix-xiħ żomm fih’ meaning that old men wisened by experience are usually right. Tight knit families on the island often turn to elder generations for advice who experienced a completely different life from the one we have today. Their natural way of life was not a choice but a necessity that brought on unique experiences which may have been forgotten thanks to modern day comforts.
In the past farming was Gozo’s main industry, its expansive fields and warm sun made it ideal to grow enough crops that not only sustained Gozo, but the main island as well. We truly believe in the role of farming and agriculture in Gozo’s culture. The loss of this profession means losing a large part of our identity.
A strong element to the waning interest in farming on the island is the mistaken perception of what the work is. Tuta aims to correct this through a series of educational talks explaining the complexities of agriculture, the skill involved, its benefits and funding opportunities, and the lifestyle it creates. Educational sessions that focus on the experience of contemporary farmers, historians, and those of the older generation can be tailored to any age range and are available for children, youths, and adults.
At Tuta we are redefining the farm to fork with a Gozitan twist. Join our head chef, Stephan Tabone in a forage through the farm to pick the freshest ingredients and a visit to the local market to experience the everyday village life.
But the way we cook is just as important as what we eat. Electricity wasn’t introduced in Gozo until the 1930s, but even then, fridges and ovens were far from common so our grandparents would cook in a “kenur”. This is a type of terracotta cauldron placed on top of a fire made from wood and any combustible they could find where all the food had to be slow cooked with time to simmer to ensure that meat was cooked throughout while also bringing out deep and rich flavours.
When cooking big meals that required an oven many families would prepare a dish with meat and vegetables that they would take to the local baker known as the “furnar” which originates from the Italian word for oven. This was because the baker would typically have a large oven, that would still hold the warmth from baking the bread in the morning to then be used to communally cook for the whole village with these trays. People would drop off their food in the morning before mass and pick it up at noon to enjoy with their families, after having filled the entire village with smells of delicious food that would have had people salivating all day. Many Gozitans admit that while cooking at home in an electric oven is convenient, the taste does not compare with the long slow cooks of the past that many still practice on special occasions.
Chef Tabone will tell you about his family’s history with food, and how it was cooked, preserved, and shared while highlighting the use of seasonal and fresh ingredients to help you create memorable Gozitan dishes and take them home with you.
Farming has been said to be a therapeutic activity that gives the body a strong sense of purpose while bringing it close to nature in the most intimate of ways. Rural farming like fruit picking and planting is a direct way for us to get closer to our roots both in a physical and symbolic sense. Understanding that the work we sow and harvest has ties to those who worked the land before us not only motivates us to put our heart and soul into our produce but is a direct link to our fathers and mothers and their own ancestors.
Rearing of farm animals like cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats along with rabbit and poultry creates a deeper connection with the animals and brings out the simple joys of life. Sharing this bond with our sweet chickens and calves and your loved ones is a memorable experience for all to enjoy and will surely create some stories to share back home.
Lovingly referred to as the "three hills," Gozo is a treasure trove of natural beauty, offering a plethora of hills and valleys that are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. The lush green area around Tuta is particularly special, with hidden treasures from times gone by waiting to be discovered. For those seeking a more relaxed stay, our many groves offer plenty of shade and the perfect setting for a quiet read or a gentle stroll surrounded by the fragrant smells of fresh fruit growing all around. Come and discover the natural wonders of Gozo!
MORE ABOUT US