© Provided by Evening Standard LimitedStaying in a cave wouldn't often be found at the top of our to-do list because, well, bats. But staying in a hotel within a cave is a whole new ball game altogether.
Cave hotels have popped up worldwide in recent years, and luckily for us they are more accessible than ever.
From a cave beneath the Grand Canyon, cliff-top hotel suites above limestone caves in Jamaica and an old silver mine 155 metres underground in Sweden – these are the best cave hotels in the world.
Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita, Italy
With a UNESCO World Heritage setting, these romantic caves are one for the bucket list. It took a decade to turn the stone into boutique bedrooms, but the candlelit result is cosy and enticing.
From £396 per night. legrottedellacivita.sextantio.it
Gamirasu Cave Hotel, Cappadocia, Turkey
© Provided by Evening Standard Limited (Gamirasu Cave Hotel)This 18-room hotel is set in Ayvali Village near Urgup in the heart of Cappadocia, Turkey. Cappadocia of course is where we see all those stunning Instagram photos of the hot air balloons rising with the sun to a backdrop of mountains. All of the rooms have natural fairy chimneys and all of your creature comforts.
Grand Canyon Caverns, USA
© Provided by Evening Standard Limited (Grand Canyon Caverns)The biggest dry caverns in the United States, their Cavern Suite is located 220 feet below the ground accessible via elevator. Once in the cavern you will find a working record player and a fully furnished space.
Iconic Santorini Hotel, Greece
© Provided by Evening Standard Limited (Iconic Santorini Hotel)A boutique hotel set in the picturesque and romantic Imerovigli Village – adjacent to Fira – is the perfect Grecian getaway. A quieter alternative to the ever-popular Oia, this hotel is carved from the volcanic caldera wall and was named Greece’s leading boutique hotel for the past four years. Its newest addition, the cave suite, is set deep within the caldera’s rock and includes a plunge pool overlooking the volcano.
La Dimora di Metello, Italy
© Provided by Evening Standard Limited (La Dimora di Metello)Located in the heart of Sassi di Matera, La Dimora di Metello is an enchanting hotel that is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site it is located in. While there, visit the surrounding area of Basilicata and the neighbouring region of Puglia.
Sala Silver Mine, Sweden
© Provided by Evening Standard Limited (Sala Silver Mine)Sleep 155 metres underground in one of the world’s best preserved mines. In the Sala Silver Mine you will see magical underground lakes and vast caverns and the temperature only ever reaches two degrees – but don’t worry, the suite is heated and bed equipped with extra blankets.
The Caves, Jamaica
© Provided by Evening Standard Limited (The Caves)A hand-crafted utopia, this natural preserve turned traveller’s paradise is poised above limestone cliffs on Negril’s scenic West End in Jamaica. The hotel features 13 luxury accommodation options along with private caves, a spa, Jacuzzi, sauna, private hot tub and saltwater swimming pool – and it’s just a minute’s walk from the beach.
Perivolas Hideaway, Greece
© Provided by Evening Standard Limited (Perivolas Hideaway)A unique property set on a secluded cove of Therasia (the island opposite Santorini), it is constructed on the site of a pumice mine that originally dates back to 1850. This private haven has its own beach – and with four bedrooms you’ll hardly be sharing with anyone.
Elkep Evi Cave Hotel, Turkey
© Provided by Evening Standard Limited (Elkep Evi Cave HotelAnother Cappadocian treasure, this boutique cave hotel offers easy access to the region while you stay in one of its gorgeous rooms. In the morning enjoy a breakfast of homemade gozleme (Turkish pastry) with olives, cheese and fresh bread while you enjoy a spectacular view of Cappadocia.
Beckham Creek Cave Lodge, Ozark Mountains, USA
© Evening Standard Limited (Beckham Creek Cave Lodge)Set in a 260-acre resort, this four-bedroom, four-bathroom rental home is the ultimate in luxe caves. The master suite has a spa-like private bathroom and all rooms have rain showers – but be sure to dodge the stalactites hanging from the roof. While at the resort, you can arrange hiking, fishing, helicopter and horseback rides.
