Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita, Matera, Italy

Inside one of the 'cave suites' at Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita in Matera, Italy. (Photo: Courtesy of Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita)

Are "groundscrapers" the new skyscrapers? Around the world, travelers are discovering the unique experience of staying at underground and cave hotels, which bring them closer to nature and offer a taste of prehistoric living (with amenities, of course). Another perk of underground accommodations? Temperatures are always perfect—warm in the winter, and cool in the summer. Here, we round up some of the world's best and most interesting underground and cave hotels.

Located inthe Sassi of Matera, a fascinating complex of rocks, caverns and grottoes in Southern Italy, the Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita beautifully blends into its landscape. The whole complex is built into cliffside caves, its 18 unique rooms restored according to the hotel’s strict conservation philosophy with furniture made from antique wood, handmade linens, and candlelighting. Rooms, which are connected by staircases and terraces, have access to a fruit and flower garden with views of the Murgia Park river valley. And although rooms don’t have refrigerators or TVs (to better preserve the atmosphere), the four-star hotel doesn’t skimp on luxurious details, such as seasonal fruit and sweets in the rooms and evening liquors delivered to the table.

NEXT: This cave hotel in Turkey was a former Byzantine monastic retreat

Gamirasu Cave Hotel, Ayvali, Turkey

One of the guest rooms at Gamirasu Cave Hotel in Ayvali, Turkey. (Photo: Courtesy of the Gamirasu Cave Hotel)

Comprised of six beautifully restored and integrated cave houses, the Gamirasu Cave Hotel lies in the heart of the historic Turkish region of Capadoccia, in the village of Ayvali. Tradition combined with modern comfort is the aim of this hotel. A 12th-century Byzantine Christian church forms part of the hotel, and until recently, was still being used by monks. Some of the cave rooms were acrually "monk cells." Up for some exploring? A 7km hiking trail departs from the hotel’s front door and leads to valley with a picturesque brook.

NEXT: This "cave lodge" was a former bomb shelter

Beckham Creek Cave Lodge, Parthenon, Arkansas

Entrance to the Beckham Creek Cave Lodge in Arkansas. (Photo courtesy of the Beckham Creek Cave Lodge)

Originally built as a bomb shelter for a wealthy Colorado businessman, the Beckham Creek Cave Lodge in Arkansas is now a popular destination for retreats, weddings and reunions. The five-bedroom lodging built inside a limestone cave brings visitors closer to nature while providing modern amenities such as Jacuzzi tubs, a game room and a gourmet kitchen. And for romance-seeking couples, the lodge also features a “Honeymoon Suite,” a secluded room separated from the rest of the cave.

NEXT: A suite 500 feet below ground in Sweden

Sala Silver Mine Hotel, Sala, Sweden

The mine suite at the Sala Silver Mine Hotel in Sweden. (Credit: Pappilabild)

The “Mine Suite” at the Sala Silvermine in Sweden, may just be the “deepest” hotel room in the world. Guests are taken (via mine-shaft elevator) 500ft below ground to a double-bed room with silver furnishings and champagne platter. Breakfast will also be served. Not surprisingly, mobile phones don’t work in the Mine Suite, so guests are provided with an intercom radio to communicate with the staff above ground.

NEXT: Stay at one of these traditional cave houses in Tunisia

Hotel Marhala, Matmata, Tunisia

A village in the south of Tunisia, Matmata is home to numerous cave dwellings (scenes from Star Wars were filmed here), which can serve as cool relief in the soaring desert temperatures. The Hotel Marhala features rooms dug out of the ground. They’re not the most luxurious; furnished only with beds, stone benches, and lighting, but the underground accommodations offer a unique experience for adventurous travelers. The hotel restaurant is also known for its delicious couscous.

NEXT: A cave hotel in the heart of Granada, Spain

Cuevas El Abanico, Granada, Spain

A view of one of the apartments at the Cuevas el Abanico in Granada, Spain. (Photo: Courtesy of the Cuevas el Abanico)

Located in neighborhood of Sacramonte in Granada, Spain, the Cuevas El Abanico merges the rustic stylings of cave houses with modern amenities (Wi-Fi and microwaves, for example). The hotel is also close to the historic castle and fortress complex, the Alhambra (the terrace offers a view of the monument), dozens of flamenco bars (many also located in caves), and the beautiful Albayzín district, with its narrow cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses and flower-lined balconies.

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