Casa Malca Hotel
Tulum, Mexico
8/10
$555++
If the perfect vacation for you means reconnecting with yourself, surrounded by nature, history and beautiful works of art, the Casa Malca Hotel in Tulum is a must. It’s a truly unique venue that’s as famous for its relaxed bohemian style and party atmosphere as it is its stunning location – and what a location it is! Set in an idyllic area surrounded by alabaster sand, lush rainforest and azure waters.
The concept of the Casa Malca Hotel is to welcome guests with the warmth and love you’d expect at home, but with amazing architecture and environmental attractions too. The building was discovered after over a decade of being empty and unloved, and the renovators have created something truly extraordinary. It’s a magical place that’s impossible to forget, giving every guest memories to last a lifetime.
The dreamy town of Tulum is situated away from Mexico’s big cities, so there’s a real feeling of escapism that’s ideal for anyone who works hard and wants to lie back and lose track of time. Tulum is found on the Caribbean coastline of the Yucatán Peninsula and is renowned for its ancient Mayan ruins and stunning beaches. In the centre of the municipality is El Castillo, an imposing stone castle set on a cliff overlooking the white sand and clear blue sea below. Just a stone’s throw away is the Parque Nacional Tulum, full of sandy beaches, natural sinkholes and mangroves.
The hotel was opened in 2014 after being bought by New York art dealer Lio Malca. What started with just eight rooms has now become a world famous luxury retreat with 72 rooms – but every single one still feels like home. The emphasis throughout the complex is on dedicated, attentive service and ultimate privacy, so you can rest assured that your every need will be catered for down to the finest detail.
Lio Malca’s passion for art is evident throughout, with part of his impressive personal collection distributed throughout the entire space. If you’re an art lover you’ll marvel at the pieces on display, and the whole idea is to make guests feel as though they’re part of a museum full of works of art.
Casa Malca Hotel is surrounded by the Caribbean Sea, with 590 feet (180 meters) of beach extension and 193,750 square feet of green space. There are two luxurious pools – one inside and one outdoors, as well as two bars, three restaurants and a rooftop offering breathtaking views of the jungle.
Each room is extremely spacious (between 645 and 1076 square feet )and well appointed, with exquisite furniture and decorations throughout. There are no cardboard cut-out rooms here; every single resident has been personally styled by Malca himself and offers its own unique personality. With views of the ocean, jungle and garden to choose from, there’s ample opportunities for escapism.
The hotel’s main restaurant is called Philosophy and offers amazing views of the ocean during the day as well as romantic moonlit meals at nighttime. The cuisine is known for its fusion of modern dishes made with local ingredients, inspired by the spices and personality of Mexico. Everything is organic, fresh and made to the highest possible standards.
The other main restaurant is called Ambrosia, and it’s perfect for lovers of Asian cuisine. Chef Jonathan Carbajal has crafted an incredible menu made from fresh, organic produce, and the restaurant itself has been built entirely with recycled wood from the renovation of the original building. Inside, it’s adorned with art by Keith Haring. The Main House Bar is also full of his work, with his unmistakable patterns and prints everywhere you look.
And while we’re on the subject of great art…the beach club is a must for all fans of contemporary art. Named “The Head of a Mad Man” after one of Jean Michel Basquiat’s most important and famous pieces, the entire club is decked out in bright bold colours and statement designs in homage to the late artist. It’s the perfect venue for a high end barbecue and chilled cocktail or two as the sun goes down.
Even the Pastry and Bakery is a sensory experience that exemplifies creativity and raw talent. From the heavenly scent of freshly baked breads to world class desserts you’ll never forget, the flavours and smells on offer mean that one trip is never enough.
As you’d expect, Casa Malca Hotel also has a wonderful spa, offering the perfect opportunity to lie back and relax and let all your cares slip away. There’s a wide selection of treatments to choose from, including aromatherapy, hydrotherapy, hydro-massage, hot stone massage with amethyst dust and every beauty treatment you can imagine. The shower, steam room, plunge pool and spa pool are all in a league of their own, and every treatment has been created to combine world class skincare and wellness techniques with ancient Mayan traditions.
Even in these uncertain times, you can count on Casa Malca to make sure your stay is safe and enjoyable throughout. The entire staff team is dedicated to the wellbeing of each and every guest, and meticulous health and safety standards are in place throughout.