Casa Bautista Hotel

Mexico

Winding along the east of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, the Sian Ka’an biosphere owes its name to its staggering natural beauty, a stretch of coastline so spellbindingly aquamarine that the Mayans called it ‘Origin of the Sky’. It’s paradise found, home to green turtles, manatees and spider monkeys – and within the edges of its white sand-fringed, Unesco-listed jungle sits the vibrant Casa Bautista, a two-storey, 10-person residence brought to life by local architect group Productora.

Nature is at the very core, with brutalist-style, concrete walls pigmented to reflect sunset pinks and ocean blues, and the five rooms – including a studio – open on to leafy patios and balconies. Organic tones, wooden and glass touches and alfresco bathrooms render minimalist-decorated spaces effortlessly elegant. Here, impressive sustainability credentials are at one with modern luxury – think wooden slatted doors that let the sea breeze in, solar-powered outdoor Jacuzzis, cosy hanging chairs and hammocks and an elevation below the villa – meaning you’re protecting the ecosystem while lounging above the canopies, taking in the unobstructed views over the lagoon from the rooftop pool.

This is where, atop a concrete spiral staircase, your private chef will serve up Mexican classics, perhaps featuring gourmet coffee and honey from Pueblo del Sol, a Oaxaca-based social enterprise supporting indigenous communities. Head to the beach for your siesta, with Casa Bautista’s kayaks and snorkelling gear on standby for a late-afternoon dip in the Caribbean Sea.

Those seeking contact with civilisation can take the short drive to Tulum – creative Yucatán gastronomy, sustainable shopping and archaeological wonders await. From swimming in limestone caves and sinkholes and exploring ancient Mayan temples to puma encounters in nearby Punta Laguna, this corner of Mexico offers the perfect harmony between off-grid luxury and a unique taste of adventure.

Villa buyout from £1,750 (two-night min). 00 52 954 133 2894, casabautistatulum.com

Words by Jas Matulewicz.

This review was taken from the August/September 2022 issue of Food and Travel. To subscribe today, click here.