Hotel Kymaia

The hotel has 22 suites distributed on a 1.5 hectare plot of land, in such a way that privacy between them and views of the sea are guaranteed. The rooms are contained by inclined walls of rammed earth bricks, providing shade and protection due to their large thermal mass. Inside these sloped elements the service spaces, such as bathrooms, showers, closets and tubs, are located. Inspired by pre-Hispanic vestiges, these structures create a contrast between their geometric architecture and the organic growth of the surrounding landscape.

The hotel's main restaurant is sheltered under a large palapa, 10 meters in height. This generous palm leaf canopy, a traditional typology of the area, hoovers over a solid basement that contains service spaces such as the kitchen, toilets and a hidden bar with wine cellar. Above this base—elevated to take advantage of ocean views and natural breezes—the open kitchen and dining area is located.

Another important public area within the hotel is the “Shala”, designed for yoga and wellness activities. This volume is configured by superimposing on a square floor plan, a circular roof whose columns rest directly on the sand, extending the slab to maximize its shadow. Two V-shaped walls provide a backdrop for the space and contain a staircase leading to the rooftop, that can be used for sunset yoga sessions.

In an effort to transform the arid conditions of the deforested terrain, new green areas were introduced to restore the local ecosystem. The presence of an existing mangrove running alongside the site, allowed for the expansion of this humid area and its enjoyable microclimate: a large sinuous green pool forms the focal point of this new environment. The hotel includes sustainable design practices to minimize its environmental footprint, such as solar panels to power part of its operations, and constructed wetlands to naturally process wastewater.