About Us

Born in Switzerland in 1959, Alexander lived in Belgium, where he got a Master's in Law followed by a MBA, and in Germany, where he got a Master's of Philosophy, Law and Japanology. He lived one year in Japan before dwelling to Italy, where his family originally comes from.

Taking over, 20 years ago, a small olive farm in Tuscany, Fabienne and Alexander married in 1992 and founded the del Ponte Limited Company, dedicating themselves to the exportation of high-end extra-virgin olive oil and to the education of their three daughters.

The project of Pontenoyu, born as a passion during their Honeymoon in Japan, slowly matured along with their continuous relationship with that country for more than 20 years, while they deepened their roots in the Tuscan tradition. Today, Fabienne, fond of gardening and cooking, provides her essential support to the project supervising the reception of Pontenoyu's guests.

"One of the nicest Onsen we visited and, in a sense, the true founding experience that led to the creation of Pontenoyu, has been Kuroyu Onsen in Akita Prefecture in the North of Japan. We are deeply thankful to that Ryokan for having inspired us for so long."

Kuroyu Onsen
Ryokan

Kuroyu Onsen
Rotenburo

Kuroyu Onsen
Cottage