Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita, Matera, Italy

Restored from decaying, abandoned ancient caves in the village of Matera in southern Italy, Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita offers guests a new take on authenticity. Preserving the existing architecture and local aesthetic, hotelier Kihlgren has created 18 impeccable rooms in the oldest part of the ancient cave dwellings. In order to provide the proper standards of luxury, he composed a synthesis that integrates traditional design made from local materials with a minimum of contemporary amenities. The site was meticulously taken apart, entirely wired and piped, and finally reassembled, with each stone returned to its original location. The result is an architectural masterpiece that provides a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.