On Mexico's lush Yucatán Peninsula, just above the mirrored turquoise waters of Bacalar's famous Lagoon of the Seven Colours, a new kind of treehouse retreat is taking shape. It's called Boca de Agua, and it's not just a hotel - it's a manifesto of modern, mindful design. Designed by internationally renowned architect Frida Escobedo, this eco-luxury property invites travellers to live among the trees, immerse themselves in nature and tread lightly on the earth.
The concept is refreshingly futuristic: 26 treehouse-style villas, each raised above the jungle floor on slender stilts, hover between the canopy rather than piercing it. Constructed from sustainably sourced chicozapote wood, these structures echo the latticework and modular spirit of traditional Mayan architecture, allowing cross breezes and filtered light to naturally ventilate and illuminate the interiors. No invasive air conditioning. No artificial glare. Just light, air and an almost poetic respect for place.
From the moment you enter a villa, it's clear that this is no ordinary eco-lodge. Bespoke furniture made by local artisans, woven textiles and finishes made from recycled wood chips all speak to Escobedo's belief in architecture as both craft and culture. Each villa is deliberately understated, yet rich in texture and warmth, creating a sense of quiet sophistication. Wide openings bring the outdoors in, with balconies overlooking the living theatre of the jungle - a place where spider monkeys chatter in the trees and birdsong replaces your morning alarm.
Yet Boca de Agua isn't just eco-chic, it's eco-rigorous. More than 90% of the resort's 82 acres have been left untouched to preserve the native flora and fauna. A closed-loop wastewater treatment system prevents run-off from polluting Bacalar's fragile ecosystems. And in an age of greenwashing, Boca de Agua goes further - working with local organisations to restore mangrove forests, protect wildlife and support the local economy.
On-site experiences reflect this ethos. Guests can relax with ancestral-inspired spa rituals, take guided hikes through the nearby jungle, or dine at Flora, the resort's slow-food restaurant, which reinterprets Yucatán's culinary heritage with locally grown ingredients.
The villas may look minimalist, but the experience is emotionally rich. Here, luxury means waking up to golden light filtering through the canopy, swimming in freshwater cenotes, and learning how thoughtful design can preserve beauty rather than erase it.
Frida Escobedo - best known for her Serpentine Pavilion in London and her forthcoming design for MoMA's expansion in New York - has created more than a hotel with Boca de Agua. She's created a living blueprint for regenerative tourism. It's part architecture, part ecology, and all unforgettable.
Whether you come to disconnect or reconnect, Boca de Agua offers something rare in the world of hospitality: a reason to hope for the future, one elevated treehouse at a time.
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