Usually a convent isn't on the hot list of places to stay but the La Locanda Delle Donne Monache hotel may change my mind on that. The hotel is located in the medieval town of Maratea, part of the Basilicata region that forms the "instep" of Italy's boot. The hotel was was originally built as a convent in 1735 and is perched above Maratea's port. There are 27 rooms and suites, with courtyard dining surrounded by orange and lemon trees around the garden. The backdrop to the swimming pool is the picture postcard church of the former convent where views are framed by the roofs of the village. Rates start as low as € 120 per room per night.
