Nestled in the easternmost state of Mexico, Quintana Roo is the stunning hotel Boca de Agua. Designed by Mexico City architect Frida Escobedo, who is the winner of the 2024 Charlotte Perriand Award, the hotel is located next to the Bacalar Lagoon which is defined by clean blue waters that instantly invite you in. The crystal clear waters of the lagoon seem like an instant relief from the heat of the Mexican environment! The Boca de Agua is a family of minimal wooden treehouses that are surrounded by lush greenery and foliage.
Designer: Frida Escobeda
The holiday destination is brimming to the top with greenery in an effort to have a positive and calming impact on the guests’ mental health, while also positively affecting the natural environment. “Since my early twenties, I started suffering from crippling anxiety,” said Boca de Agua’s founder Rodrigo Juarez. “The only times I was able to get out of this frustrating loop was when I would spend extended periods of time in nature. Since this realization, I began a long journey to try to develop a project in the intersection of natural conservation and mental health – and Boca de Agua was born.” Juarez wanted to extend that calming sensation he experienced in nature to others, providing them with a peaceful haven of sorts.
The hotel includes 22 raised structures, some of which are one-bedroom, while others are two bedrooms and two restaurants. One of the restaurants features a stargazing platform on top. The property also includes a lagoon deck, a petanque court, and a spa with four mature chaká trees surrounding it.
Besides being a lush and relaxing location, the Boca de Agua hotel also aims to engage local small businesses and provide employment to emerging professionals from underrepresented groups. The design of the hotel is also sustainable and is highlighted by an Escobedo staple, which is latticework. The latticework ensures natural ventilation and shade while providing the space with an artisanal and charming vibe. At the same time, it ensures that the site utilizes timber, and employs local labor and construction techniques, irrespective of its modern design.
