15 Breathtaking Cave Hotels Built Right Into Nature
Are you seeking a travel experience that will stay with you forever? Discover the sensational cave hotel experience, where accommodations emerge directly from the earth’s core. This experience features historical depth combined with adventurous allure and sophisticated design.
Booking.com has reported a 40% increase in search traffic for “cave hotel” and “nature retreat” during 2024, suggesting a significant surge in demand for unconventional accommodations. Why the buzz? These underground hideaways position you in stunning natural settings and journey you through history by providing accommodations ranging from ancient monastic cells to modern cliffside hot tubs. Join us on this worldwide journey, where you’ll explore Turkey’s volcanic sites before heading to South Africa’s untamed regions and finally uncovering Mallorca’s hidden cliffs.
Prepare to include several breathtaking destinations in your bucket list. Experience candlelit stone rooms and private plunge pools while waking up surrounded by actual history. Whether they seek adventure, dream of fairytale places, or need WiFi connectivity, all travelers can find their ideal cave within these global marvels. Discover 15 cave hotel destinations that redefine the concept of being integrated with nature.
Cap Rocat (Mallorca, Spain)
The Cap Rocat hotel transforms a 19th-century fortress into an extraordinary retreat set into the towering cliffs of Mallorca. The Sentinel Cave Suites lie within the rocky coastline, where guests enjoy panoramic views of the sparkling Bay of Palma.
A stunning fusion of old stone craftsmanship and contemporary luxury delights the senses. Cap Rocat’s unique design triumphs in preserving fortress strength while delivering luxury five-star amenities, earning praise from style icons and architecture enthusiasts. Reserve your stay in advance, as celebrities often choose this location for their getaways.
Hot tip: Savor your breakfast on the private terrace and watch boats sway below.
Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita (Matera, Italy)
Have you ever imagined sleeping like an ancient human with the modern comforts of soaking tubs and artisan candles? Explore Matera’s UNESCO-listed beauty through its ancient cave residences, expertly renovated at Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita.
The minimalist rooms maintain the untouched stone walls and historic shapes from centuries ago. The deconsecrated cave church at Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita serves a communal breakfast that earns raves from guests who enjoy the stunning view of rugged Murgia Park. This unique opportunity lets you live through Italy’s Stone Age history while enjoying luxury linen sheets.
Hot tip: Enjoy the sunrise show over the gorge by keeping your windows open all night.
The Caves Hotel (Negril, Jamaica)
The Caves Hotel occupies a prime location on Jamaica’s West End cliffs, where paradise has been reimagined. The hotel uses coastal rock to create colorful suites and bar nooks that offer direct views of crashing waves and fiery sunsets.
This luxury boutique retreat provides private sea cave dining experiences under candlelight, a clifftop bar for rum tasting, and a secret grotto ideal for unforgettable swims. The exclusive number of 12 cottages ensures guests experience intimacy and romance.
Hot tip: Experience the thrill of their cliff diving or reserve a table at Blackwell Rum Bar for cocktail enjoyment with scenic views.
Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve (Cederberg, South Africa)
Experience Cederberg’s untamed beauty at Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve, which provides sandstone cave suites that blend seamlessly into the landscape and allow guests to see rock hyrax near their rooms. The Outcrop Open Air Room offers a chance to sleep beneath South Africa’s dark sky filled with stars while listening to the sounds of surrounding wildlife. Sustainability and earth-friendly luxury drive everything here. Capture pictures of ancient rock art while exploring scenic trails or relaxing in rock pools, enjoying local wine.
Hot tip: This location offers an opportunity to capture the Milky Way at its most stunning through your camera for incredible astrophotography sessions.
Monaci Delle Terre Nere (Sicily, Italy)
Your visit here becomes a romantic Sicilian tale set on Mount Etna’s slopes. The suites and rooms at Monaci Delle Terre Nere are skillfully crafted from old lava stone and positioned within organic vineyards and blooming orchards.
The hotel combines classic stonework with cutting-edge design features while being one of the few Eco-Bio-certified accommodations in Sicily to pioneer sustainable luxury. All dinner plates come from the farm that sits on-site while guests enjoy views extending from olive trees to the sparkling Mediterranean Sea.
Hot tip: Lounge by the infinity pool while watching the volcano steadily release smoke into the skyline.
Argos in Cappadocia (Turkey)
Persecuted early Christians constructed whole underground cities within Cappadocia’s surreal volcanic rock formations. Argos combines its historical roots with luxurious accommodations, including private pools and terraces overlooking Pigeon Valley and the famous fairy chimney rock formations.
Guests witness hot air balloons passing their balconies during morning hours before gathering around fire pits in the evening. The hotel’s fusion of historic underground passageways and contemporary architecture mesmerizes critics.
Hot tip: Opt for a private cave pool suite to achieve the perfect “I’m in my own secret lair” atmosphere.
Kelebek Special Cave Hotel (Cappadocia, Turkey)
Guests experience staying in historic caves and stone suites carved by early Christians, now featuring Turkish décor, fireplaces, and balconies perfect for viewing hot air balloons. Kelebek showcases genuine style alongside unmatched views of Cappadocia.
Guests enjoy an ideal combination of historical exploration and modern luxury accommodations, including Turkish bath services. The property is recognized for having some of Göreme’s most welcoming hosts.
Hot tip: Configure your alarm to capture sunrise photographs as hot-air balloons drift above your terrace.
Sultan Cave Suites (Cappadocia, Turkey)
The Sultan Cave Suites hotel remains a popular social media destination because of its panoramic terrace and breakfast dog, which offer visitors spectacular views of the world’s most beautiful sunrises.
Soft volcanic stone carves each room into a work of art, which hosts local textiles and antique decorations. Within a short walk, guests can reach the region’s essential sightseeing locations and Göreme’s top dining spots.
Hot tip: Reserve a terrace breakfast to get the viral Instagram experience of Cappadocia.
Gamirasu Cave Hotel (Cappadocia, Turkey)
Gamirasu Cave Hotel stands inside a historic Byzantine monastic site dating back a thousand years. It offers guests a peaceful atmosphere with vaulted stone ceilings and a spiritual vibe.
Stone rooms, which monks formerly inhabited, now serve as tranquil suites that embody historical resonance. The seasonal outdoor pool, organic local meals, and opportunities to disconnect in true Cappadocian style appeal to guests.
Hot tip: Request a room with a balcony that offers views of the rose garden to enjoy yoga during sunrise.
Kayakapi Premium Caves (Cappadocia, Turkey)
The UNESCO-approved Kayakapi Premium Caves offer cave suite accommodations on Urgup’s elevated terrain. Guests who desire historic charm alongside luxurious comfort will find this hotel irresistible because of its restored 10th-century church and daily sunrise views. Guest accommodations feature Nespresso machines, heated floors, and stunning panoramic views.
Hot tip: Schedule your morning to enjoy the lavish buffet breakfast and explore the cave church on-site.
Doda Artisanal Cave Hotel (Cappadocia, Turkey)
Style-forward travelers, this one’s for you! At Doda Artisanal Cave Hotel, guests find modern luxury suites nestled within the ancient architecture of historic cave dwellings. Guests can enjoy fireplaces and private plunge pools as they experience exclusive Turkish craftsmanship.
This hotel represents a modern twist on traditional architecture. It is located in the center of Ortahisar and provides guests with a complimentary breakfast for their next day’s activities.
Hot tip: The King Cave Suite offers travelers the exclusive luxury of a private pool inside its cavern.
Iconic Santorini Hotel (Santorini, Greece)
Iconic Santorini should be your top choice if you want to relax in a private pool after scaling whitewashed cliffs. The hotel features grotto suites carved from volcanic rock, which provide remarkable Aegean Sea views from almost every direction.
Guests relax in their plunge pools while tasting local Assyrtiko wine and observing breathtaking, painted-like sunsets.
Hot tip: Book a suite at the highest level to achieve more privacy and postcard-worthy images.
Sala Silvermine Hotel (Sala, Sweden)
Experience an unforgettable subterranean adventure at Sala Silvermine, where your suite rests 500 feet underground in a historic Swedish silver mine.
Guests will experience complete quiet and mysterious romance in the candlelit chamber, which will become the subject of stories for years. On the surface, you can explore abandoned shafts or learn silver panning techniques.
Hot tip: Dress warm. The year-round temperature remains steady at 36°F (2°C), and cozy duvets and thick candles keep rooms warm.
Beckham Creek Cave Lodge (Arkansas, USA)
Beckham Creek Cave Lodge transforms a huge natural cave deep in the Ozarks into a luxurious play area. Designer furnishings exist below a ceiling filled with stalactites, and an authentic waterfall streams through the space.
The lodge includes four bedrooms, a gourmet kitchen, and a helicopter landing pad, making it ideal for group vacations. It also provides luxurious outdoor accommodations with WiFi and every modern convenience.
Hot tip: Reserve the entire lodge to create an unforgettable trip with friends (or enjoy a hidden honeymoon experience).
Kokopelli’s Cave (New Mexico, USA)
Kokopelli’s cave offers a unique cliffside stay. It is an exceptional suite carved out of ancient 60-million-year-old sandstone located on a bluff with views of the La Plata River valley.
You must walk down a steep path to a comfortable retreat equipped with a jacuzzi tub, kiva fireplace, and waterfall shower. The view of the sunset from your cave-mouth patio provides an unforgettable experience.
Hot tip: The hike to the cave requires two nights’ advance because its beauty makes every effort worthwhile.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.