Mexico

DESIGN FEATURE \ Villa La Semilla

The open living/dining plan allows for unobstructed views of the turquoise waters of Soliman Bay.

The open living/dining plan allows for unobstructed views of the turquoise waters of Soliman Bay.

Upon visiting this beautiful villa, I realized one thing right away. They get it. They clearly understand what people are looking for, and they know how to package it in the most remarkable way. By ‘they’, I am referring to Alexis Scharer and Angie Rodriguez, the lovely owners of Villa La Semilla and sister property, Hotel La Semilla, in the nearby town of Playa Del Carmen. The brand of La Semilla, the Spanish word for seed, is rooted in simple beauty and simple pleasures, and both properties are representative of that in both the design aesthetic and tranquil feel. With extensive global experience as hoteliers, they created both properties with the specific intention of allowing their guests to take a break from the fast-paced world, encouraging the slow approach to life while reconnecting with the earth, each other and themselves.

The calm, crystal water of Soliman Bay are a nice alternative to the freshwater infinity pool.

The calm, crystal water of Soliman Bay are a nice alternative to the freshwater infinity pool.

All five suites have their own terraces as well as an indoor sitting area.

All five suites have their own terraces as well as an indoor sitting area.

Tucked behind layers of lush palms on a pristine beach in Soliman Bay, Villa La Semilla, is the perfect place to do just that. With 5 private suites, a rooftop pool and panoramic observation deck, a tropical garden with a fountain and pond, lounge and veranda with an infinity pool that unfolds onto a private beach, the secluded villa has everything, and more, that you could want in a vacation home.

The large outdoor dining area is perfect to enjoy long dinners with family and friends.

The large outdoor dining area is perfect to enjoy long dinners with family and friends.

Each of the 5 uniquely designed suites feature a terrace, sitting area and large en-suite bathroom. Some rooms cater to guests needing 2 beds, which is ideal for children, while others play host to king size beds.

Each of the 5 uniquely designed suites feature a terrace, sitting area and large en-suite bathroom. Some rooms cater to guests needing 2 beds, which is ideal for children, while others play host to king size beds.

Rustic wood beams, polished concrete and large open windows create a space that feels luxurious and inviting at the same time.

Rustic wood beams, polished concrete and large open windows create a space that feels luxurious and inviting at the same time.

The feel is bright and airy with light interiors and simple, well-made furnishings, and features a common cooking, dining and living space that is perfect for long, convivial evenings with family and friends—often centered around the outdoor wood-fire oven and grill. An in-house chef is also on-hand to ensure that guests can sample an array of Mexican dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.

Large, comfortable couches are the perfect place to relax when you need a time-out from the sun.

Large, comfortable couches are the perfect place to relax when you need a time-out from the sun.

The third-floor Master Suite also has its own plunge pool and large terrace with private outdoor sitting area with incredible views of the turquoise Bay.

The third-floor Master Suite also has its own plunge pool and large terrace with private outdoor sitting area with incredible views of the turquoise Bay.

The design is reflective of Mexican heritage fused with organic forms; sourcing vintage furniture from Mexican haciendas and handmade mosaic tiles, paired with locally sourced stone and polished concrete. But the real wow factor unique to this villa is the large open floor plan that extends through the living and dining spaces to the sprawling terrace and infinity pool all the way to the crystal blue waters of Soliman Bay.

I loved the beach and pool at Villa La Semilla, but one of my favorite things was to listen to the wind lightly blowing through the palms as I swayed in the hammock...

I loved the beach and pool at Villa La Semilla, but one of my favorite things was to listen to the wind lightly blowing through the palms as I swayed in the hammock...

The view from the panoramic rooftop deck. The perfect place to enjoy sundowners!

The view from the panoramic rooftop deck. The perfect place to enjoy sundowners!

From carefully curated vintage finds from flea markets to custom made furniture and soft linens, no detail was overlooked when choosing the furnishings for each room. 

From carefully curated vintage finds from flea markets to custom made furniture and soft linens, no detail was overlooked when choosing the furnishings for each room. 

Go ahead, indulge, slow-down, disconnect from your busy life and reconnect with those around you. The moments you spend here, the memories you create, will last a lifetime.

For more info on Villa La Semilla and special hideaways around the world, check out The Perfect Hideaway, a curated collection of design spaces for the savvy traveler. Follow us on instagram and Bloglovin'.

*all photos by The Perfect Hideaway

Design Feature \ Condesa DF

Tucked between historic facades on a tree-lined road in Mexico City's stylish Condesa neighborhood, the hotel fuses the spirit of its bohemian surroundings with a playfully simple design aesthetic. Housed in a 1928 building, the CONDESA df is filled from head to toe with custom furniture designed by Parisian designer India Mahdavi, stone tiles, and an abundance of local color. The 40 rooms and suites were inspired by the tranquility of monastic bedrooms—but without a lack of amenities, of course. The result is calming, airy spaces, some of which open onto wooden terraces, while, an overarching floral theme—visible on everything from cushion covers to chopstick wrappers—serves to enhance the relaxed, warm-weather vibe.

Hotel Feature \ Hotel Endemico

Endemico, Spanish for endemic, meaning native to a specific region or environment, was designed to highlight the isolation of he desert, singling out the areas' indigenous qualities. Scattered among boulders above the wine region of Valle de Guadalupe, just one and a half hours from San Diego, each of the twenty eco-loft rooms have their own private terrace with a chiminea, walkie-talkies, ATVs, and stunning views of the scenic valley below. Visit their website for more info.