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Hibernate in a cave in Puglia

Italy, Europe

If you’re looking for an experience that is as unique as it is authentic, then staying in the ancient cave dwellings carved into the limestone cliffs in Italy’s magical city of Matera is for you!

Not the type of cave you might find Bear Grylls bunkering down for the night, but a plush cave hotel in one of Europe’s most unusual landscapes. The Italian city of Matera is renowned for its ancient cave dwellings. These intriguing stone residences are cut into rock faces within a labyrinth of narrow streets and tumbling lodgings chipped into the cliffside.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, between the stone churches and ancient alleyways, the caves have been carefully restored in full respect of the local cultural heritage. Fear not, with king size beds and ensuite bathrooms, these hotel caves offer every comfort!

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Jo Coolen

Jo Coolen

House of Travel Kapiti Coast

For a long time, I've told people I have the best job in the world and I still stand by that. 

What could be better than turning peoples dreams into reality? I never know what the day will bring and isn't variety the spice of life? 

My travel journey started a bit later in my life, so I haven't been everywhere YET, but I am having a damn good crack at it, gathering local knowledge along the way. 

Jo

Cherone Wilson

Cherone Wilson

House of Travel Howick

Travel has been a constant in my life since my OE started with a classic Contiki trip through Europe, followed by working in London and traveling through the UK, Turkey, Egypt, and Israel. I also spent a year working in Iceland—a now trendy travel hotspot—before returning to New Zealand.

In 2000, my family moved to the middle east living in both Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, which provided an exciting base for exploring nearby destinations. We had unforgettable holidays in Austria, France, the UK, Cyprus, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Sri Lanka, and Kenya.

Returning to New Zealand marked a new chapter of travel, this time without children. Recent adventures have included Vietnam, India, China, Peru, and Cambodia.

My travel career started with Singapore Airlines and since 2019 I’ve been consulting at House of Travel in Howick.  I love talking and connecting with clients, listening to their travel dreams and turning them into memorable experiences.  

Whether you're looking for an island getaway, relaxing cruise or an exciting adventure, I’m here to help you plan the perfect trip.

Travel is an adventure that brings the world to life. 

Cherone

Alison Jenkins

Alison Jenkins

House of Travel Hamilton East

With a passion for travel, I completed a Bachelor of International Tourism Management in 2013 before starting my career in the travel industry. After a six-month stint at Walt Disney World in Florida and three years working in New Zealand, I moved to the UK for my second OE. Living and working abroad allowed me to explore Europe extensively, with Poland still my favourite country.

Alison
Aurelie Johnson

Aurelie Johnson

House of Travel Lower Hutt

Born in France, I moved to New Zealand in 2019.

Passionate in travel, I explored Europe from a young age, then decided to go a bit further with my backpack, first in Vietnam for a month, then in New Zealand for a year (that is when I fell in love with Aotearoa).

I started to work in the travel industry by organising safari trips in Tanzania, where I went several times as a tour leader.

Discovering new places, countries, cultures is an amazing way to create memories, that is why I love helping clients to organise their holiday.

There is nothing more satisfying to me than a client popping in store after their journey to tell me all about the adventures they've had.

Aurelie

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Hibernate in a cave in Puglia