I love Malta for all sorts of reasons, but there’s no denying that it is pretty built up, so much so that the natural world can feel rather far away at times. Thankfully, there are a number of pockets that provide solace when you need a little green – like Buskett ‘Forest’ near Rabat, and Villa Bologna and San Anton Gardens (both in Attard).

Recently, though, I discovered another hard-to-beat destination for when I need to feel closer to nature: the Bahrija Oasis. And it is quickly becoming one of my favourite places on the island.

In a nutshell, the Bahrija Oasis is a working farm and a gorgeous place to stay, but at its heart it is also a research and development project that promotes permaculture and agroforestry systems. Set on 3.5 acres of terraced land in the beautiful Bahrija valley, the Oasis is spearheaded by Peppi Gauci – an experienced ecological designer, certified permaculturist, alternative farmer, teacher, consultant and also the founder of the Permaculture Research Foundation for Malta.

“Back when I first started working on this land 14 years ago, it was a dry, windy and arid landscape,” Peppi tells me, adding that he has been interested in farming since childhood, having grown up around traditional farmers and villagers. “Since then it has bloomed. Today, Bahrija Oasis gives people a chance to step outside the frantic pace and heavy noise that we experience every day, and reconnect with the slower, more nourishing flow of nature.”

I have to say, it’s very hard not to feel closer to nature when you’re in Peppi’s presence and enjoying the surroundings of Bahrija. The Oasis is situated in a valley close to a cliff edge. Just below the farm, the fertile fields produce crops in abundance, while the sea stretches out ahead, into the horizon.

“People are welcome to join us for a few hours to learn about the farm, or can even stay over in our new accommodation spaces,” Peppi continues, referring to the domes and tents now established on the site. “All we ask is that everyone in the space abides by the ethos we have built over the last 15 years – earth care, people care and fair sharing.”

When I ask Peppi what he loves most about the space he has created, he explains that everything at the farm co-exists in harmony with nature, is respectful of the environment and is sustainable. “That’s very important to me,” he smiles. “Plus, I also love the two new geo domes that we recently added here. They allow our visitors to experience a day or night with us more comfortably, and they tie in perfectly with the holistic learning programme that we will be launching soon – but more on that next time!”

To visit Bahrija Oasis or to book overnight eco accommodation, visit their website.