Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel and Spa

The highlights

• This beautiful hotel offers couples a romantic cave retreat in a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• The hotel sits in the labyrinth of Sassi, which are ancient cave dwellings that have been transformed into hotels, residences, art galleries, restaurants and bars.
• With an incredible spa and stunning rooms, you're offered the chance to completely relax and unwind in style.
• Enjoy a delicious meal at the hotel's incredible restaurant.

You should know

• Pets are allowed on request. Charges may be applicable.

The detail

Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel and Spa is a captivating new five-star establishment that immerses guests in the extraordinary experience of a tranquil retreat within one of Europe's most ancient cities, Matera.

The city of Matera boasts a breathtaking labyrinth of Sassi, which are ancient cave dwellings that have been transformed into hotels, residences, art galleries, restaurants and bars.

These mesmerising sights are among the most enchanting in Italy, if not the world. Previously overlooked by mainstream tourism, this UNESCO World Heritage city, nestled on a cliff in the heart of the Basilicata region, offers a truly rewarding journey.

Indulge yourself by residing in one of these historic Sassi at the recently unveiled Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel and Spa. Renowned architect and artist Simone Micheli has designed the hotel's 35 rooms with a modern, gallery-like ambiance that harmonises with the rugged limestone walls.

Intricate domed archways and hidden alcoves allow the ancient architecture to shine through and it would be an understatement to call this place romantic, especially when you have the option of savouring candlelit alfresco dinners featuring traditional Basilicata cuisine under the starry sky, followed by a luxurious visit to the subterranean spa for a rejuvenating steam bath.

The hotel’s restaurant, which has an outdoor dining area in the private courtyard, will captivate you with the flavours and colours typical of Basilicata. You and your loved one can dine by candlelight under the stars, in the centre of Sasso Caveoso. This allows you to enjoy breathtaking meals immersed in history, savouring the local cuisine and sipping an excellent wine from the hotel’s cellar.

Guests will also want to make the most of the hotel’s spa and wellness centre, which span approximately 500 square metres. Nestled within the innermost core of the hotel, this evocative space makes use of underground chambers that date back to the 9th century. Among these chambers, the largest compartment once housed ancient cisterns, now artfully transformed into an infinity edge pool using traditional plastering techniques. Within this serene sanctuary, you'll find an array of spaces dedicated to single and couples' massages, beauty treatments and relaxation areas.

Should you manage to tear yourself away, you'll discover that Matera, honoured as the European City of Culture in 2019, is a treasure trove of fascinating history and captivating attractions nestled amidst its jagged cliffs and weathered stone.

Explore the traditional 18th-century homes at Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario, immerse yourself in the serene ambiance of cave churches, admire contemporary art at MUSMA (housed within a 17th-century cave palace) and meander along the ravine to catch awe-inspiring vistas of the city towering above you.

Matera, voted the European Capital of Culture in 2019, has ignited the curiosity of travellers worldwide. From a distance, the city presents an enchanting atmosphere, with its stacked stone houses and cobblestone main street winding its way towards the cathedral. Beyond its cultural allure, Matera stands as one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, brimming with captivating historical tales. To fully embrace the Italian summertime and cherish the extended twilight hours, visit in July and relish the pleasure of dining at an outdoor ristorante, glass of red wine in hand.

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