Our recent trip to Italy was at the same time that the 2024 G7 summit took place in Borgo Egnazia (Fasano) in Puglia, but that didn’t interfere with our plans to get to Matera which is located approximately West and one and half hours drive away.
You can read more about Matera here whilst I tell you about our incredible choice of hotel.
We used Booking.com and selected Le Malve Cave Retreat because we really wanted to stay in a cave. After parking our car, we walked to our hotel just 250 metres away down sloping steps and smooth paths worn by millennia of foot traffic.
Google maps was essential in helping us get around by car and on foot so I would recommend you consider getting a data package when you’re travelling around Italy.
So we arrived at our hotel. The outside of which looks a cross between a building site and what it actually is; a labyrinth of passages, steps and history once occupied over millennia.
Our host greeted us in perfect English. Smiling, confident and passionate about our visit to Matera, he spent time telling us about the city and provided a map which he marked, to help us get to know its soul.
I asked where he learnt to speak English and he replied “I used to play for Leighton Orient in the UK for two years ..”. His name is Gianvito Plasmati and he is 6′ 6″ so you’ll not miss him.
Our room had only recently been finished … and it was simply stunning! I particularly loved the shower, which made you feel at one with nature. A very indulgent experience.
The room had a very comfy bed raised on an illuminated platform, a fridge, tv and a room safe.
The door to the room looked like any other door, but had a an internal core to the glass that could be opened to give natural light. The keycard activated the electronic lock.
This was a beautiful cave hotel with rooms designed with passion and flair; a simply stunning, beautiful and wonderful place to stay. Check it out Le Malve Cave Retreat here.
