Deep beneath the earth’s surface, a new breed of luxury accommodation is reimagining the concept of desert hospitality. These cave hotels, carved into ancient rock formations and historic underground dwellings, offer travelers a chance to experience the mystique of traditional troglodyte living with modern comforts.
From Turkey’s otherworldly Cappadocia to Tunisia’s legendary Matmata, these subterranean sanctuaries prove that some of the world’s most magical hotels hide beneath the surface.
Argos in Cappadocia, Turkey
Ancient underground tunnels and caves have been transformed into luxurious suites that maintain their historic character while offering modern amenities. The hotel’s wine cellar, carved deep into volcanic rock, houses one of Turkey’s largest collections of local wines.
Each room features unique architectural elements from the original cave structure, including ancient storage niches and fireplaces.
Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita, Matera, Italy
Set within the Sassi district’s prehistoric caves, this hotel transforms 9,000-year-old dwellings into sophisticated accommodations. Each room maintains original rock features while incorporating minimalist luxury furnishings that don’t compete with the caves’ natural beauty.
The ancient church cave serves as a breakfast room, where traditional local products are served by candlelight.
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Desert Cave Hotel, Coober Pedy, Australia
Located in the opal mining capital of the world, this underground hotel offers a genuine experience of dugout living. The constant 75°F (24°C) temperature of the underground rooms provides natural climate control without air conditioning.
Guests can try their hand at ‘noodling’ (searching for opals) in the hotel’s on-site mining experience.
Kagga Kamma Cave Lodge, South Africa
Natural sandstone formations have been carefully adapted into unique cave suites that blend seamlessly with the Cederberg Mountains. Each cave room features a private terrace overlooking the dramatic desert landscape and star-filled skies.
The hotel offers guided tours to ancient San rock art sites, connecting guests with the region’s rich indigenous history.
Kokopelli’s Cave, New Mexico, USA
Carved 70 feet below the earth’s surface, this single-suite cave hotel offers panoramic views of four different states. The 1,700-square-foot space includes a full kitchen, waterfall shower, and relaxation spaces carved directly into the rock.
Native American-inspired décor and artifacts complement the natural sandstone walls.
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Yunak Evleri, Cappadocia, Turkey
Spread across seven different levels of cliff face, this hotel’s 40 rooms occupy caves dating back to the 5th century. Each cave suite features authentic Turkish furnishings and artifacts while maintaining the original rock formations.
Private patios offer views of the otherworldly Cappadocian landscape and hot air balloons at sunrise.
Les Maisons Troglodytes, Loire Valley, France
These refined cave dwellings, carved into the Loire Valley’s limestone cliffs, represent centuries of French troglodyte living. Modern amenities blend seamlessly with historic features like original wine presses and storage niches.
The hotel’s garden, set atop the caves, provides organic produce for the underground restaurant.
Anitya Cave House, Cappadocia, Turkey
This intimate cave hotel occupies a restored Greek mansion with underground chambers dating back centuries. Each room features unique architectural elements, including original arched doorways and hidden storage rooms.
The rooftop terrace offers panoramic views of Ortahisar Castle and the Rose Valley.
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Cuevas Pedro Antonio de Alarcón, Granada, Spain
Set in the historic Sacromonte district, these cave homes preserve the traditional dwelling style of Granada’s gitano community. Each cave features authentic Andalusian décor while providing modern comforts like climate control and Wi-Fi.
The hotel’s cave restaurant serves traditional Granada cuisine accompanied by live flamenco performances.
Gamirasu Cave Hotel, Cappadocia, Turkey
Originally serving as a Byzantine monastic retreat, this cave hotel maintains its spiritual atmosphere while offering luxury accommodations. Ancient meditation rooms and wine production areas have been carefully converted into unique guest spaces.
The hotel’s restaurant serves organic dishes using vegetables grown in the property’s garden.
Desert Cave Lodge, Matmata, Tunisia
Made famous by Star Wars, these traditional Berber cave dwellings offer an authentic underground desert experience. The circular courtyard design naturally regulates temperature while providing light to the surrounding cave rooms.
Traditional Berber textiles and artifacts decorate each uniquely shaped space.
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Sala Silvermine Underground Suite, Sweden
Located 500 feet underground in a historic silver mine, this single-suite hotel offers the world’s deepest hotel room experience. The suite maintains its raw mine features while providing luxury bedding and essential comforts.
Guided tours of the mine’s deeper levels are included with each stay.
Caves House Hotel, Jenolan Caves, Australia
Set within a protected cave system, this historic hotel combines Victorian architecture with natural cave features. Guests have exclusive early morning access to the cave system before it opens to the public. The hotel’s dining room, carved partially into the limestone cliff, serves regional cuisine with views of the Blue Mountains.
Grotta Palazzese, Puglia, Italy
While not entirely underground, this hotel’s famous cave restaurant sits within a natural limestone grotto overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Summer dining takes place in the sea-level cave, where waves crash below as guests enjoy local specialties.
The hotel rooms above offer modern luxury with views of both the sea and cave system.
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CCR Hotels & Spas, Cappadocia, Turkey
Ancient cave chambers have been transformed into a modern wellness retreat featuring an underground spa. Traditional Turkish hammam treatments take place in cave rooms that once served as Byzantine bathhouses.
The property’s underground thermal pools maintain their natural healing properties while offering modern spa amenities.
Cave Bar & Hotel, Petra, Jordan
Set within a 2,000-year-old Nabataean tomb near Petra, this unique property offers both accommodation and dining experiences. The cave bar, carved directly into the rose-colored rock, serves traditional Jordanian mezze and cocktails.
Each room features authentic Bedouin decorations while providing views of the ancient city.
Höhlenpension Seinfeld, Austria
Nestled in the Austrian Alps, these reconstructed cave dwellings offer a unique mountain retreat experience. Each cave room maintains a constant natural temperature while featuring panoramic valley views.
The property’s underground wine cellar hosts tastings of local Austrian wines.
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Cave Hotel Rural & Spa, Gran Canaria, Spain
Traditional Canarian cave houses have been converted into luxury spa accommodations in the island’s interior. The underground spa utilizes natural rock formations for its treatment rooms and thermal pools.
Each cave suite features private terraces overlooking the dramatic volcanic landscape.
Sacristía de Santa Ana, Córdoba, Spain
Hidden beneath a historic church, these converted cave chambers offer a unique blend of religious and residential architecture. Original stone arches and religious motifs remain intact throughout the underground spaces.
The hotel’s cave chapel now serves as an atmospheric dining room for special events.
Les Hautes Roches, Loire Valley, France
Carved into limestone cliffs overlooking the Loire River, this Relais & Châteaux property combines cave dwellings with French luxury. Each cave suite features river views through gothic-style windows cut into the rock face.
The Michelin-starred restaurant, partially set within the caves, serves refined Loire Valley cuisine.
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Enjoy the Enduring Allure of Underground Living
These remarkable underground hotels prove that luxury can exist in the most unexpected places, offering travelers unique opportunities to connect with ancient ways of life while enjoying modern comforts. From Byzantine monasteries to indigenous dwellings, each property tells its own story of human ingenuity and adaptation to desert environments.
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