L iving Beneath
pIntercontinental Shanghai
Wonderland
CHINA
The stupendous Intercontinental Shanghai
Wonderland proudly holds the title of
the first underground luxury hotel. Sitting
within a decommissioned quarry and
surrounded by vast nature, it incorporates
its rustic environment in its warm
and wooden furnishings throughout
the premises. Escape to this modern
wonderland without giving up on comfort
and indulgence.
› http://www.ihg.com/intercontinental/hotels
t La Dimora di Metello
ITALY
In the heart of Italy’s Sassi di Matera,
known for its ancient cave dwellings,
lies the regal, minimalistic elegance
of La Dimora di Metello. Carved out
of limestone cliffs, the craggy, cream
rock walls blend seamlessly with the
neutral hues of modern oak furniture
and mellow fabrics. An ample terrace
affords a sweeping panorama of
Sasso Barisano - a truly magical Italian
landscape.
› http://www.ladimoradimetello.comt La Claustra
SWITZERLAND
Aboveground, its entrance is marked
simply with a Swiss flag and a
nondescript red door fitted into a stone
facade. Underground, the slate grey
of the Swiss Alps frames La Claustra, a
rejuvenated former underground Swiss
army bunker rife with rich history. The
cavernous 5000m² space it occupies
features a restaurant, library, spa,
swimming pool as well as switchboard
rooms, old military generators and an
ammunition storage.
› http://www.claustra.chPhoto: Intercontinental Shanghai WonderlandPhotos: La Claustra Photos: Les Hautes RochesPhoto: La Dimora di MetelloHotels
Here are some hotels offering the most exquisite subterranean experiences.