La Casa de la Playa has been awarded the 2023 Condé Nast Traveler Award in the Best International Design Hotel category.  

With its recent opening in December 2021, Grupo Xcaret’s adults-only boutique hotel, La Casa de la Playa, has quickly established itself as a benchmark in contemporary luxury hospitality in Mexico and worldwide.

Located at one of the most iconic beaches of the Mexican Caribbean, it emerges amidst lush jungle vegetation as a living structure that combines the comforts of a home with the best aspects of a hotel.

With only 63 suites, all with ocean views, the first boutique hotel by Grupo Xcaret offers exclusive and personalized experiences that promise to leave a mark on the hearts of those who choose to stay. 

A glimpse of its architecture 

This architectural masterpiece was led by Mexican architect David Quintana, which materialized one of his dreams with his vision of respect and love for nature. Under the concept of eco-integrative architecture, David Quintana seeks to harmoniously integrate design with nature, always adapting and responsibly balancing ethics and aesthetics through sustainable practices. 

Architects Benito Ruiz, Leopoldo Alcantar, and Architect Miguel Quintana also collaborated on this project, contributing to the contemporary style we see reflected today at La Casa de la Playa. 

The structure highlights the use of concrete, wood, brick, and sascab stone, a characteristic stone of the Yucatan Peninsula that means "white earth." The construction of this project took three years to complete, as it had to be paused for a year due to the pandemic. 

The hotel is divided into three buildings: 

- Natural 

- Fiesta 

- Wellness

These three buildings are connected by concrete corridors leading to the heart of the house, a lobby that feels like the living room of your home, where you are greeted by a spectacular terrace with breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea.

At La Casa de la Playa, you can stroll through corridors filled with vegetation while observing the integration of materials and textures in its impressive architecture. 

The iconic pool 

As part of the exquisite architecture of this boutique hotel, the standout feature is the infinity pool made of concrete. This 40-meter swimming lane extends beyond the beach, becoming an icon among the world's best pools and a favorite among many celebrities.  

The elevated glass pool on the rooftop, connecting one building to another, is also noteworthy and has become a must-swim spot to get unique photos. Finally, the private plunge pools in each suite are a dream, featuring a glass wall facing the sea that provides incredible views. 

Inspired by different regions of Mexico

In its interior design, La Casa de la Playa opens the doors of Mexico to its guests, showcasing the art and design from different regions of the country. The curation of crafts, sculptures, and designs you can admire within the hotel was led by Architect David Quintana and his team; many other pieces were also curated and selected by Mexican artist and sculptor Sergio Bustamante. 

Walking through the hotel, you can find numerous handmade pieces crafted by local artisans, many of which were acquired by Architect Miguel Quintana in local communities and carefully picked for specific spaces.

A glimpse of Mexican design within the suites 

The love for Mexico is reflected in the decorative elements in all the suites, featuring interesting pieces such as:

- Winged Hearts covered in chaquira beads.

This Huichol art recreates the millennial worldview of the Huichol people, who inhabit the isolated mountainous areas of some western states in central Mexico, such as Jalisco, Nayarit, and Colima. 

-The Tenango.

This tapestry is made in the towns of San Pablito Pahuatlán, in the state of Puebla, and the nearby village of Tenango de Doria, in Hidalgo. These large embroidered canvases reflect the surrounding nature in bold color combinations.

- The Onyx Snail.

A handmade onyx stone lamp crafted in Tecali de Herrera, Puebla. 

- The Nest Lamp.

Woven in wicker by the hands of former prisoners, these creative lamps result from a social readaptation process. 

- The Hammock over the pool.

Woven with traditional techniques by the most skilled weavers of the Yucatan Peninsula. 

- Shower Mosaics.

Manufactured in Merida, Yucatan, using the ancient technique of filling each mosaic by hand, color by color, in a metal mold.  

Every detail within La Casa de la Playa adds a touch of luxury to this hotel.

Best International Design Hotel 

After delving into the architecture and design of the first adults-only boutique hotel by Grupo Xcaret, you will understand that every detail was carefully considered for the comfort and enjoyment of its guests. 

Due to the combination of all these details, La Casa de la Playa was recently awarded the title of Best International Design Hotel at the Condé Nast Traveler Spain Awards. The award ceremony took place on July 4, 2023, at the ephemeral hotel, Gran Hotel Condé Nast Traveler, where Architect Benito Ruiz received this significant award on behalf of Architect David Quintana. 

A committee made of experts and several contributors from the editorial team of Condé Nast Traveler Spain, casted their votes for a hotel that embraces contemporary Mexico and promises to leave a mark on the heart of each guest.

In addition to its architecture and design, the concept that makes La Casa de la Playa unique is the feeling of being in your own home. 

The concept embraced by La Casa de la Playa is based on relaxed luxury, where you feel free to make every space, landscape, and experience, your own way. Here, you can order, serve yourself, relax, and explore with the confidence and tranquility of being in your own home.

You will find spaces designed for you to enjoy at your own pace and whenever you wish, such as: 

- La Bodega, with an atmosphere that resembles traditional Mexican cantinas where you can stop by and take your preferred mezcal or tequila. 

- La Chocolatería, led by master chocolatier Mao Montiel, where you can choose from various chocolates, ice creams, pralines, and more anytime you please. 

- La Cava, featuring a selection of Mexican wines curated by renowned Sommelier Sandra Fernandez. Here, you can choose between reds, whites, or rosés to enjoy them just like in the comfort of your living room. 

- La Biblioteca, whether you need to finish some work or sit down to read a book, this space becomes your home office.

The concept refers to making you feel at home, so in its restaurants, you will find open kitchens coexisting with the dining area, just as it happens in Mexican households. 

Here, you can savor an exclusive culinary offering featuring renowned divs in international cuisine, such as Virgilio Martinez, recognized as the world's best chef by the prestigious list, The 50 Best, as well as Mexican chefs like the Rivera-Río Brothers, and the influential chef Martha Ortiz.

At La Casa de la Playa, every space invites you to explore new ways of enjoying the tranquility of being at home. 

This boutique hotel has crossed borders with its architecture, original concept, and design, but its outstanding contemporary hospitality.