"Matera is an extraordinary destination and an absolute must-visit. The ancient cave city is breathtaking both during the day and when beautifully illuminated at night, creating one of the most memorable places we’ve ever visited.
Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & Spa is a unique place to stay and perfectly captures the character of this remarkable UNESCO World Heritage city. Check-in was warm and efficient, and the staff were friendly and welcoming throughout our stay.
Our room was beautifully designed to retain the authentic feel of a traditional cave while offering all the modern comforts and amenities. Although the room was a little compact, it was spotless, well equipped and featured a lovely terrace with an incredible view across Matera.
Breakfast was excellent, with a wide variety of fresh, high-quality options. The cave spa was another highlight, with its atmospheric pool, sauna and steam room providing the perfect place to relax after a day of exploring.
There were a couple of areas where the experience could be improved. The air conditioning struggled to keep up during our stay when temperatures reached around 38°C. Also, while we completely understand that cars are not permitted within the historic centre, transporting luggage to and from the hotel was quite challenging over the uneven streets. A hotel-operated luggage shuttle, such as a small electric buggy or tuk-tuk, would be a fantastic addition and would make arrivals and departures much easier"