Hotel Overview
Within the Yucatán Peninsula, where the Lagoon of Seven Colors shimmers in tones of lapis and jade, guests arrive by way of an unmarked road that slips into the rainforest, revealing a constellation of treehouses suspended above the forest floor like lanterns, their latticed woodwork dappled with filtered light. In Bacalar, mangroves fringe freshwater cenotes, and the lagoon’s crystalline hues reflect off limestone soil, earning it the moniker “the Maldives of Mexico.” It also borders Belize, bringing with it a vivid intermingling of flora, fauna, and culinary traditions.
Frida Escobedo’s treehouses echo a Japanese restraint layered with a modern Mexican sensibility, all elevated on stilts to leave the jungle floor untouched. Here, sustainability is not simply practiced but composed: rainwater is repurposed, local hardwoods are responsibly sourced, and not a single plant was removed in the making of the property’s floating walkways — a place where respect for endemic wildlife, local design, and tropical preservation remains at the forefront.
Mornings spent swimming or kayaking the crystalline lagoon give way to quiet afternoons, aguachiles with recado negro served beside the water’s edge, and — for those who venture further afield — visits to nearby Mayan ruins tucked into the surrounding jungle.
When
With its tropical climate, book a stay at Boca de Agua from late October through April (the rainy season typically runs from May to October).
Where
Fly into Chetumal, the closest airport to Boca de Agua, and roll down the windows during the breezy 30-minute drive to the property. While many flights connect directly to Chetumal from Mexico City, guests can alternatively fly into Tulum (a 2.5-hour drive), Cancún, or even Mérida (a 4.5-hour drive). Whichever you choose, it’s best to secure a private transfer through the hotel in advance for a seamless arrival.
The main highway brings you to a long, unpaved, and unmarked road surrounded by dense jungle. The bumpy entrance and chirping of local birds offer a promising sign that a stay at Boca de Agua will offer full immersion into the region’s natural habitat. Wildlife roam freely throughout — during our visit, a black and red-striped poisonous snake languidly crossed the path on the way into the property, and spider monkeys joined us in the trees above over morning coffee and freshly-squeezed juice.
The Proprietors
Boca de Agua is owned by Monterrey-born Rodrigo Juárez, a first-time hotelier and developer with a background in architecture and economics. A few years ago, he left his desk job to embark on a backpacking journey through Mexico with an aim to mentally reset and ground himself in the country’s varied natural environments. His longstanding professional pursuit of implementing sustainable design and preservation-driven principles in large-scale developments began to take shape during his visit to Bacalar, where a series of events led him to the land Boca de Agua now calls home. The owner shared Rodrigo’s values surrounding conservation, sustainability, and minimal impact, and together with Mexican architect Frida Escobedo, he created an impressive model for sustainable architecture and environmental stewardship.
The Scene & Design
Designed by renowned Mexican architect Frida Escobedo with an eye towards regeneration and sustainability, the property — a series of raised treehouses immersed in tropical vegetation — was built by employing artisanal construction techniques and using up-cycled and salvaged materials. From local wooden beams, warmly textured furniture, paneling, and latticework (a signature of Escobedo’s work, which allows natural light to flow in while providing shade), the neutral-toned, soft palette ranges from off-white to beige to dark brown. The design is comfortable and organic, leaning towards a minimalism that is Japanese in character, layered with a modernist Mexican edge.
