A modern luxury cave hotel carved deep into the soft tuff of Sasso Caveoso, where smooth rock walls, soft lighting and a heated pool set inside an ancient cistern. Opened in 2018, Aquatio occupies a cluster of historic cave dwellings and underground spaces dating back as far as the 9th century. The 35 rooms and suites are a mix of fully rock-cut grottoes and hybrid spaces that retain the organic curves, high vaulted ceilings and cool, enclosed feeling of the original cave houses. A highlight is the spa, which sits in the deepest part of the complex. Here an infinity-edge heated pool has been created inside a recovered ancient cistern, surrounded by sculptural walls, flourescent light, hammam, and sauna. The combination of pale, polished stone, low light, pool rooms, and complete removal from the outside; world produces a strong sense of suspension and otherworldliness.
Key features include:
- Cave rooms with natural stone walls and vaulted ceilings
- Underground spa with heated infinity pool carved into an ancient cistern
- Soft, fluorescent lighting and minimalist contemporary design
- Quiet, enclosed, almost subterranean atmosphere
Photo credits: Tripadvisor
