Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita

Out Stay here was magicaland Sextantio were amaing, from the recpetion team who organised some lovely things and stayed in touch by whats app and email meant we had a easy and lovely transfer from the airport. OurCave was fabulous, cute and amazing. the tour with Alessio was very insightful and he was a lovely man, mywifes massage was a full hour, very porfessionla and she even had a giner tea brought to her after- nice touch. then the Candleit dinner for just me and my wife was beyond expecation and our local chef, Nunio, was so lovely. it was local food , drink served and cooked by her in an amaing Cave setting. What a fabulous trip.

Quite simply, one of the top three places that we have stayed, EVER. From the moment that you turn the corner to see the old town laid out before you, this place is utterly captivating. We stayed in a suite of four caves, and I mean caves, immensely comfortable but without any obvious “modernity”. The whole hotel is breathtaking, set in a town that is a UNESCO site - a must for everyone, before you die.

After car is parked in hotel’s secure lot, you are whisked into the historic old town with all the caves evident. The hotel is a couple of flights up fairly uneven steps until you are shown to your cave for your stay. Once u learn the history of Matera, and realise these”caves” housed families and their animals , for centuries until 1951, you appreciate the care that has gone into the restoration to make them luxuriously habitable for 5 -star enjoyment. The location is stunning, with many good restaurants within easy walking distance ( like Osteria Casales). Excellent breakfast, great staff like Pasquale and Loranzo. A once in a lifetime experience. PS ensure you sign up for a TA walking tour; try and do it yourself and you will miss out.

Lovely unique hotel carved into the rock face . Rustic feel with cave rooms and breakfast area . All terraces rooms have a stunning view and have a unique old monastery type feel with a lovely touch of having candles lit in every room. Nice breakfast with local products unique to the area , they also do a limited service between 3-7 with a few eats and alcohol options , have the lasagna its fantastic . staff are very welcoming and knowledgeable. One word of caution make sure you wear comfortable trainers with a good grip as access to the hotel is cobbled which obviously adds to the charm but can be slippery which isn’t only in the hotel area but across all of Matera which is stunning like a Game of Thrones movie set so many tiny little lanes and stairs . If you have a car there is a central car park at 40 euros a day which supplies a shuttle service to the hotel word of note you will have to leave your car keys with the garage but it’s safe to do so . Matera itself is beautiful with lots of attractions walks bars and restaurants

Our stay in this place was magical Everything was so peaceful and beautiful They paid so much attention and dedication to details and originality Our candle light dinner was exceptional one of the best meals I had in Italy The chef Enonzia was so kind and calm and our conversations about life in matera and ancestors and cooking was so interesting We loved her Are underground tour of Matera with music was exceptionally beautiful