Mexican Muse: Hotel La Semilla Inspires

Hotel La Semilla, Design Hotels™ newest member to hit the Caribbean coast of
Playa del Carmen, Mexico, is a place where guests are encouraged to reconnect to their roots and experience a more simple side of life. The nine room property has a distinctly laidback feel thanks to its harmonious curation of Mexican history, heritage, style and authentic, personalised service. Located in a tranquil residential area of the town, the newly opened hotel has been welcoming guests since December last year.
www.designhotels.com/hotels/mexico/playa-del-carmen/hotel-la-semilla

Rough Luxe
Mirroring the basic white geometric structures dotting the shoreline of Playa del Carmen, the building has been reenergised in collaboration with architect Jaime Ingelmo. Natural, local materials such as stone, polished concrete, and bricks were used to create the hotel's simple earthy vibe. When it came to the interiors, owners Alexis Schärer and Angie Rodriguez were inspired by the different parts of the world they've called home, working closely with antique furniture restorer Andres Ocejo to realize their dreams. The result is an elegant mix of furniture and references to their most favoured destinations; the concrete floor harkens back to Greece; an industrial loft atmosphere is akin to what one might find in New York, and antique handmade mosaic tiles from the Yucatan region make reference to their current home. White pervades all spaces with its quality of timeless serenity, and the sense of expansive space.

Buenas Noches
The nine rooms at Hotel La Semilla, as with the rest of the property, have been decorated with furniture and curios sourced from local flea markets, giving them all an individual charm and personality. The four room categories range from the quaint Cuartitos: small with a big personality, the rooms feature views out onto the garden, to the Suites Terraza: featuring a private terrace with panoramic views of the surrounding jungle, a lounge area and an outdoor bathroom. Each room features the hotel's own brand of organic amenities.

Mi Casa Es Su Casa
Schärer and Rodriguez created several communal areas, each with their own easy-going atmosphere. Their aim was to make guests feel as if they were relaxing at a friend's place, giving each space a homely décor, and providing a familiar, yet high level of service. The hotel staff is always on hand to furnish guests with recommendations of the many eateries in the area, encouraging food and beverages from the local Antojitos – or Mexican street food stands – to be enjoyed on site. With its many shaded areas, fountain and hammocks, Jardin Copal, named after the ancient Copal tree, has become a popular lounging area for guests. La Terraza, the hotel's private roof terrace, not only offers stunning views of the surrounding jungle, it is also a space for contemplative reflection, playing host to meditation and yoga sessions, arranged on request. The hotel's laidback aesthetic comes to the fore at the Cocina Loft, where an open kitchen serves up healthful, vibrant breakfasts. Intentionally mismatched furniture provides cozy nooks to ease into the day, while both Schärer and Rodriguez are on hand, providing both breakfast and insider info on the area.

Location and Rates
Hotel la Semilla is located in Calle 38 in Playa del Carmen and is just 100 meters away from the nearest beach. What was once a remote area of Quintana Roo is now the most fashionable part of the district. The hotel encourages neighborhood wanderings, offering complimentary vintage bikes to guests to explore the surroundings, from the ancient Mayan ruins to the many restaurants and boutiques popular with tourists and locals alike.

Hotel La Semilla is approximately 70 km south of Cancún and 20 km west of Cozumel, at the center of the Mayan Riviera.
Rates from USD 180 – 250.