Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita Hotel

Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita, a 4-star retreat in Matera's UNESCO-listed Sassi, captivates as a cultural masterpiece, transforming ancient cave dwellings into an evocative haven featured in the opening scenes of the James Bond film "No Time to Die."

The 18 romantic rooms and suites, carved into rocky caves inhabited until the 1950s, exude primal elegance with stone floors, antique furniture, and candlelit ambiance. Air-conditioned spaces feature bespoke linens from vintage cloth, minibars, and private bathrooms with Ortigia toiletries, some offering panoramic views of the Murgia National Park, blending Basilicata's minor heritage with serene luxury.

A candlelit dining area welcomes guests with fresh fruit and cool water, while the breakfast buffet, served in a former 13th-century church, brims with local cheeses, homemade pastries, and Matera bread, paired with artisanal espresso. On request, exclusive dinners in the church showcase Basilicatan cuisine—think peperoni cruschi or lamb with wild herbs—paired with Aglianico wines, with nearby trattorias offering further culinary delights.

The panoramic terrace and spa, with massage services in cave settings, invite profound relaxation, while a 24-hour concierge curates private Sassi tours or visits to the Vendicari Reserve. Steps from Matera's historic centre, this unclassifiable retreat, praised by the New York Times and Tatler, immerses guests in a timeless emotional luxury.