Situated among the ancient sassi of Matera, Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel and Spa is one of the most unique places we’ve ever stayed! This hotel is original and they designed it to feel dreamlike and to integrate into the historical surroundings.

The hotel itself is built into the unique cave geography of this town. Rooms here are created to exist within the meticulously designed cistern systems that this area is famous for. The hotel is modern, yet comfortable and boasts all the amenities travelers expect of a five-star experience.

Location

Matera is a city that is carved into stone and is one of the oldest on record. The city was evacuated in 1952 because of poor living conditions, but it has been impeccably restored and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993. Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel and Spa is located in the center of Matera, built into the city’s sassi. The location is within walking distance of the city’s main attractions, making it the perfect place to stay without needing to rely on any form of transportation.

Other nearby attractions are Alberobello and Martina Franca. The hotel’s nearest airport is Bari, which is approximately an hour’s drive away.

The Hotel

Because of the hotel’s incredible location, it is built into the sassi and sits across nearly 5,000 square meters of space for 35 guest rooms and outdoor areas. Cobbled pathways lead guests to their cave rooms and common areas are decorated to blend in with the natural surroundings.

Rooms at Aquatio are spotless and the staff ensures all your needs are attended to. The hotel also features an incredible wellness area, including a heated indoor pool and hammam.

Food and Drinks

The hotel’s on-site restaurant, La Dispensa, is one of the city’s most luxurious places to dine. The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating, with the menu featuring Basilicata’s seasonal offerings. Reservations are recommended, especially in the high season of summer.

The breakfast included with the room rate was fresh and featured a variety of local flavors to kick-start your day.

Room Booked: Deluxe Double Room

Rooms at Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel and Spa are carved into the sassi of Matera, providing guests with a once-in-a-lifetime stay. Each room is spacious, and the décor is light and airy to contrast the rock walls. All rooms are air-conditioned and have tea kettles for use.

Because the hotel is situated inside the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Matera’s sassi, each room features a different layout to meld with the structure of the caves.

Activities

On-site, there is a relaxing spa, an indoor pool, and one of the city’s best restaurants. From the hotel, most of the city’s popular sites are reachable by foot. The Tramontano Castle and Matera Cathedral are both less than five minutes from the hotel.

While visiting Matera, I highly recommend taking a sassi tour and tasting the local cuisine.

Overall

Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel and Spa is one of the most special hotels in Italy due to its location and design. Sleeping in a cave was an extraordinary experience and the staff’s willingness to go the extra mile made our stay enjoyable.

What We Loved

• The hotel is in the center of Matera’s sassi, making the room’s entrance dramatic with spectacular views.
• Each of the hotel’s rooms is carved into the rock, making each unique and different. Since we were traveling with friends, we were able to see multiple rooms – one of which had a secret cave!
• Aquatio’s spa area is delightfully relaxing, making it the perfect escape from the midday summer heat.
• The staff is attentive but discreet. They were happy to answer any questions we had about the area.

What You Should Know

• Due to the design of the rooms built into stone, bathrooms do not have doors. This limits privacy, which may not be suitable for some travelers.
• Hotel rooms are spread out over the territory in the city’s sassi, many of which open out onto public terraces. For travelers worried about night noise, we’d recommend staying outside of the center.
• Access to some rooms requires a hike up many stairs and through cobbled corridors. This is not an accessible hotel for all travelers.
• There is no parking on-site, which may be an issue for those who are road-tripping around the region.

Book your stay at Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel and Spa on Booking.com, Hotels.com, and Expedia.

Check out my other hotel reviews here.