Around the World, Lifestyle

Wonder Bee & Bee

View all 12 Photos

A slow tourism project in southern Italy.

Wonder Grottole started out as an experiment but quickly evolved into a social enterprise that aims to introduce a new tourism model focused on slow living and sustainability principles. With a mission to revitalize aging and depopulated Italian villages, the community focuses on promoting age-old crafts and rural living traditions as well as a deeper connection with nature and with the local history of a place. Their latest project, Wonder Bee & Bee in an area between Grottole and Matera in southern Italy, is a great example. Run by Italian beekeeper Rocco Filomeno, this is the world’s first Airbnb bedroom where guests can sleep among 1 million bees. The design brings guests closer to nature while also shining a light on the reality of declining bee numbers.

Sleeping among 9 beehives.

Davide Tagliabue, also known under his artist name of metrocubo, designed the structure. The solid wood building has elements that subtly reference organic and hexagonal shapes found naturally in beehives. Built from birch and fir wood, the structure nestles naturally in the site, among centuries-old olive trees. Constructed entirely by local volunteers, the retreat contains one comfortable bedroom with two single beds. 9 hives surround the room, but guests don’t need to worry about stings. Nets create a border between the bedroom and the hives. One of them offers a great view of the interior of an apiary. At the same time, guests can hear the buzzing of the 1 million bees and smell the scent of honey.

A stay at Wonder Bee & Bee is truly a one of a kind experience, but guests can also enjoy moments of relaxation in nature. The host offers an included breakfast, with spaces also available in the olive grove for alfresco dining. Envisioned as a 100% rural experience, the space has an outside bathroom and an outdoor camping shower. There’s no electricity inside the bedroom, but the host provides solar-powered LED lighting. Plus, the location alone is worth the visit. Wonder Bee & Bee stands in an olive grove and overlooks garden, valley and vineyard views. The nearby road also leads to the nearby historic center of Grottole and its winery district. Photographs © Wonder Grottole.

More for you

Frame House


Architecture

A contemporary house in the Hamptons, designed with a steel frame, generous glazing a…

Catskills Residence


Architecture

A wood-clad cabin purposefully designed to look at home in the breathtaking landscape…

Dar El Farina House


Architecture

A desert house designed with rammed earth walls and a linear sequence of living space…

Casa Coo


Architecture

A 1923 villa in Rome, reimagined as a contemporary living space with refined details …

The Hat House


Architecture

A wood cabin built in a birch forest clearing with views of mountains and a lake.
Na…

Oberwil House


Architecture

A sculptural concrete house nestled in a verdant neighborhood in Basel, Switzerland.

Around the world

Treehouse Villas, A Nature-Cen...


Around the World

Seven tree house villas in Bali nestled among lush vegetation on a sloping site that …

Ftelia Beach Club


Around the World

Italian design meets modernist vibes in a tranquil retreat by the sea in Greece.
Nes…

Pa.te.os, A stunning coastal r...


Around the World

Four concrete houses that invite guests to lose themselves in a spectacular coastal l…

Staff Picks

Behind the Design: The Harmony of Without Thought with Naoto Fukasawa

Mossy Point House

Introducing Sibast Furniture’s Rib Collection

Nocs Design’s Monolith Speaker

Stay Updated

FacebookPinterestRedditLinkedInEmailWhatsAppX