For those who have watched the latest James Bond installment, many will have noticed the stunning Italian town, Matera, at the beginning of the movie. Many will be jealous of his stunningly romantic cave accommodation in the opening sequence. But these cave hotels are actually common in that ancient UNSECO listed town and anyone can have their vacation there.
Southern Italy is an uncommonly beautiful part of the world with an eye-watering large amount of things to see and do there. There are a number of things one should know before visiting the historic city of Matera. Matera is one of the crowning jewels of Southern Italy, but until recently it was known as the "Shame of Italy.
Locanda Di San Martino Hotel & Thermae
Locanda Di San Martino Hotel & Thermae is one of the top choices in all of Matera. All of their rooms and suites feature wooden furniture and vaulted ceilings as well as a furnished balcony with commanding views of the old town.
They boast 40 rooms in total with 33 in their main body and another 7 in their Depéndances. Relax in tranquility while experiencing the sensation of sleeping in a cave-dwelling that has maintained the same atmosphere for thousands of years.
- Jacuzzi Bathtub: Suits And Junior Suites Come With A Jacuzzi Bathtub
- Double/Twin Cave Room: Starting From $175.00
- Superior Double / Twin Cave Rom: Starting From $200.00
- Junior Suite: Starting From $255.00
- Junior Suite Familiar: Starting From $305.00
Besides boasting incredible cave accommodation, the Locanda Di San Martino Hotel & Thermae boasts an ancient termae Romane - or Roman thermal baths. The health center is the reproduction of a ritual site consecrated to the myth of the Medusa.
Undress in the apodyterium (dressing room), wrap oneself in a towel, and enter an ancient ritual of meditation and purification.
First, one goes to the anti-tepidarium (28°C/82.4°F) and then to the dry heat room (50°C/ 122°F) for around 10 to 15 minutes. After that descend in the round cistern of the tepidarium (30°C/86°F). After that pass to the calidarium, or hammam (45°C/113°F – 100% humidity) and be immersed in steam for 15 minutes. Finally, head back up the natural swimming pool - the frigidarium (29°C/84.2°F) and enter for a tonifying swim in the earth.
- Morning Hours: 8 a.m. – 1 a.m. | Afternoon Hours: 2 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
- Locanda’s guests: € 20 ($23.50) | External Guests € 25 ($29.00)
- Partial Holistic Massage: 30 Mins € 40.00
- Age Restriction: Restricted to 18 and Over
Palazzotto Residence & Winery
Palazzotto Residence & Winery is another stunning choice of accommodation in Matera. It is located in the heart of the old district just a few steps from the historic Cathedral of Matera. It boasts splendid balconies and has been renovated and furnished so that they are not both modern and cozy while also being authentic and ancient.
- Winery: The Hotel Boasts A Winery With Some of Italy's Choice Wines
It has its own bar and various family rooms for guests to choose from. The breakfast is continental or buffet and is an authentic taste of Mediterranean food.
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They offer tex exclusive suites and are all just what one is looking for to relax in this ancient town. One can see their exclusive accommodation options on their website - although it is only in Italian.
Le Origini Matera
The Le Oringi Matera offers an unforgettable experience with its picturesque underground suites. See how they have successfully married the rustic styles of the caves with the modernity of the best comforts together with the latest generation of spas.
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The rooms come with panoramic views of the Sassi of Matera with it being dominated by the Cathedral.
Breakfast here offers a delicious sweet and savory buffet that's rich in fresh local Italian products with a selection of fresh fruit and gluten-free and lactose-free products.
Deluxe Suite With Balcony: Their top suite option is the Deluxe Suite with balcony and is an elegantly furnished and equipped room with full comforts. This is a very intimate room that is contained in an old cellar. It has a large hydromassage pool with radio and chromotherapy in the room opposite the bed. This is a great room for couples to enjoy together.
Enjoy the king-sized bed with its romantic balcony overlooking the rock park of the Murgia.
- Includes: Large Hydromassage Pool
- Bed: King Sized Bed
They have many other accommodations options as well and they can be viewed on their website.
While in the south of Italy, take time to discover the many secrets it holds. Matera is in the region of Basilicata that holds many secrets just waiting to be discovered. Visiting Matera one will be amazed how Italians were so embarrassed by it until recently and even tried to forcibly remove people out of the cave dwellings.