1,000 Year Old Monk’s Quarters Restored as Luxurious Cave Hotel

When you think "luxurious accommodations", a <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2010/08/03/700-year-old-underground-cave-homes-for-rent-in-iran/">cave</a> probably isn't one of the first things that springs to mind. That is, unless you've had the good fortune to visit the <a href="http://www.gamirasu.com/">Garimasu Hotel</a>, a 30 room resort made up of an exquisitely restored 1,000 year old monastic retreat in Turkey. The walls of most of the rooms are made of volcanic rock, which results in both character and energy savings since the material regulates the temperature in the spaces naturally. If you're interested in making your next vacation truly unique, click through our slideshow to see some of the Garimasu's best features - including rooms like the Byzantine King Suite, the Cave Suite and the Eagle Nest Suite.

The Garimasu is located in the <a href="http://www.gamirasu.com/location.html">Ayvali Village</a> near Urgup in the heart of Cappadocia, Turkey.

The resort consists of what used to be seven separate homes, and part of the hotel was actually occupied by Christian monks until recently.

The quality of the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2010/03/23/gorgeous-modern-home-is-built-inside-a-cave/">cave</a> rooms allows guests to feel cool in the summer and warm in the winter due to the volcanic rock, called "tufa," that makes up the walls.

This natural insulation material maintains a temperature of between 17 - 20 degrees Celsius throughout the year.

Despite being located in a cave, the Garimasu's offers all the modern conveniences and its amenities are fit for a king.

In fact, the Hotel is featured in Frommer's as one of the eight unique hotels in Turkey, <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g297989-d307584-Reviews-Gamirasu_Cave_Hotel-Urgup_Cappadocia.html">one of the best of the Cappadocia hotels</a> and as a romantic escape in honeymoon and wedding magazines.

And don't worry - even though the resort is <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2010/08/18/6-fascinating-underground-homes-that-go-above-and-beyond/">underground</a>, it's Wi-Fi ready so you won't have to miss any Inhabitat articles while you're there!

The luxuriously appointed Byzantine King Suite.

The bathroom of the King Suite looks regal indeed.

The Garimasu would definitely be a unique spot to hold your wedding.

Some of the rooms have patios that open up onto the courtyard.

A bathroom in one of the suites with all of the modern amenities.

There is even continental style dining!