The fact that the small town of Bacalar, located on the Yucatán Peninsula, bears the title of “Pueblo Mágico” sounds promising. After all, Mexico’s Secretariat for Tourism explicitly awards this distinction to towns that shine with their typical and well-kept character. However, Bacalar’s surroundings with their tropical vegetation and the beautiful Laguna de los Siete Colores (Lagoon of the Seven Colors) are also considered “magical.
Designed by renowned Mexican architect Frida Escobedo and hidden in dense greenery, the Boca de Agua fascinates not only with its unusual architecture. That a place was to be created here that would contribute to ecological, social and cultural regeneration and offer visitors an equally regenerative, unique experience is palpable just by looking at it: the 26 accommodations are in tree houses resting on pillars. And what gives guests the extra feeling of virtually floating in the treetops also serves to protect nature. This leaves the ground undeveloped, which in turn reduces the environmental impact.
Thanks to the pile construction, more than 90 percent of the site remained intact during the construction of the hotel buildings. Escobedo and the developers of the Boca de Agua also paid attention to sustainability when it came to building materials: The facility is made of wood and stone. Designed in such a way that it will age naturally over the years and, as it were, make its own history visible.
Most of the furniture at Boca de Agua was designed by an in-house team and local craftsmen. And it was done using recycled waste from surrounding industrial companies, such as leftover wood from a regional plywood factory. But exclusive pieces from Mexican and local brands, such as light fixtures by Bandido Studio, furnishings and décor details by Cacao Design, Nossara Towel and Hacha Ceramics, also characterize the comfortably simple interior.
The 22 suites and four guest rooms are dominated by wood, soft neutral tones and lots of natural light. This results in a relaxed ambience and actually allows the interiors to merge almost magically with the nature all around when looking outside. Not only that, but the Boca de Agua is designed so that guests can share the space with the largely intact jungle. Also with the wild animals that roam freely on the property of the complex.
In the Master Pool Treehouse you can enjoy every conceivable luxury and privacy on 75m². It has its own pool, a spacious terrace and furniture specially designed for the hotel. We promise you: “you will never want to leave here again”.
In addition to its villas, the Boca de Agua of course has amenities such as a pool, roof terrace overlooking the lagoon, its own jetty, restaurant, bar and terraces. Activities of all kinds are also provided at the “magical” hotel – from “treehouse massages” to kayak or sailing tours. In addition, guests can also participate in local projects if they wish. And there are many such projects.
Boca de Agua is collaborating with the local community, local universities, regional non-governmental as well as governmental organizations to develop what is currently the only project with a rehabilitated mangrove ecosystem on the sea in Bacalar.
It goes without saying that the operators of the Boca de Agua also focus on regional cuisine: The resort’s restaurant serves Yucatecan cuisine enhanced by international influences – prepared from local organic products.
After careful restoration, the classic structure of the house blends seamlessly with the local architecture and complements the beauty of the surroundings.
The heart of La Valise is the oasis in the courtyard. Here, time ceases to exist. The gently swaying lemon trees, the murmur of the water and the sun’s incoming rays make space and time melt away. A double Chichimeca staircase forms the center of the garden and frames the ancient cultural omens. The aesthetics of the architecture and the staged design elements create a serene, almost mystical athmosphere.
The rooms and suites highlight the uniqueness of Mexican craftsmanship and Aztec symbolism. Contrasted with modern design elements, an ensemble is created that combines the past and the present.
La Valise San Miguel was designed by Mexican-Italian artist Pedro Friedberg, who left his signature on the wall embossments in the hotel’s suites. The artist and designer is known for his surrealist works characterized by lines, colors and ancient symbols.
They enjoy their breakfast either in the suite, in the courtyard or another cozy niche in the hotel. Ingredients for the delicious smoothies or local pastry specialties all come from the region. La Valise doesn’t have a restaurant, but it does offer a range of appetizers, wines, and cocktails to round out your culinary stay.
Spa treatments are performed right in your suite. The experienced therapists offer a range of massages, facials and rituals for body, mind and soul.
The master suite, Grande Dame, is the largest suite that acts as the ultimate pied-à-terre in San Miguel, your home away from home. It features a cozy living room and spacious bedroom with contrasting black and white mid-century design. The bathroom houses a granite tub under two domes that create a surreal mood with stars, mirrors and shimmering lights.
Along the colonial street of La Roma in Mexico City are the most elegant townhouses in the Mexican capital. One of these houses is home to the exclusive boutique hotel La Valise Mexico City. This hidden gem with only 3 rooms, has become a real insider tip since its opening. Those who want to stay here should plan well in advance. Curated collectibles and antiques combined with Namron’s own design create a world that enchants. In the middle of the lively metropolis and yet an oasis of tranquility.
In the La Terrazza Suite you have the choice – do I sleep under the open sky, or rather with a roof over my head. A king size bed slides onto the large private terrace if you wish. Under the open sky, under a cozy blanket, you can enjoy your favorite movies over the city streets. Refined luxury and selected art complete the extravagant ambience of the suite.
The hotel doesn’t have an in-house restaurant, but renowned chef Elena Reygades of the Italian-Mexican restaurant Rosetta, will whip up a unique menu for guests to enjoy in their suite upon request. Those who prefer to go out to dine are spoiled for choice in the La Rosa neighborhood. Countless gourmet restaurants are on the doorstep.
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