Like something out of a fantasy, Casa Malca was once a coastal mansion that belonged to Pablo Escobar. After being abandoned for many years, it was acquired in 2012 by Colombian-born art collector, gallerist, and hotel entrepreneur Lio Malca, who transformed it into an original boutique hotel and art gallery right on the beach, at the southernmost end of Tulum’s Hotel Zone in Quintana Roo, very close to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve.

From the very beginning, Malca envisioned the property as a space where art—his greatest passion—would take center stage. His goal was to exhibit all kinds of objects and share that same excitement with guests, as well as with visiting artists invited to create their work on-site, surrounded by the region’s lush vegetation and facing the Caribbean’s beautiful turquoise waters. With this vision in mind, the hotel opened in 2014 with just eight rooms.

Since then, Casa Malca has continued to evolve. At different stages, and working alongside various architects, Lio has brought new spaces to life, each reflecting his dreamlike imagination. Today, the property features 71 rooms and striking Brutalist architecture that “engages in a dialogue with the jungle and the ocean,” offering travelers an atmosphere of contemplation and absolute relaxation.

Why do we love it?

We absolutely love Casa Malca for its original concept, which rescued a virtually forgotten property in the Riviera Maya and transformed it into an exclusive boutique hotel where art and design, together with acclaimed culinary and wellness experiences, blend seamlessly with the region’s extraordinary natural surroundings to create a truly memorable stay overlooking the Caribbean Sea.

As they explore the property, guests can admire works from Lio Malca’s art collection, created by a variety of artists and organically displayed throughout the indoor spaces and outdoor gardens. Must-see pieces include works by Jean-Michel Basquiat (Malca’s favorite), Keith Haring, Kenny Scharf, KAWS, Andy Warhol, George Condo  and Pedro Friedeberg.

In 2020, Lio and his nephew Isaac Malca founded The Art Lodge, an invitation-only residency program that brings artists to spend time in the heart of Tulum’s jungle. Through this initiative, Casa Malca evolved from a place where art is simply displayed into a creative space that is constantly reinventing itself.

When it comes to amenities, Casa Malca impresses with its incredible eclectic-style suites and laid-back spirit, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that offer breathtaking views of either the sea or the tropical jungle. The hotel also boasts a beautiful 180-meter stretch of white-sand beach, perfect for unwinding or soaking up the sun before cooling off in one of its three wonderful swimming pools. Be sure not to miss the underground pool, inspired by the caves where the ancient Maya once performed ceremonies dedicated to their gods.

Finally, as the afternoon gives way to evening, the property invites guests to discover its delicious culinary offerings, led by chef José Luis Hinostroza, who sees contemporary cuisine as another form of artistic expression. His approach also celebrates the region’s local ingredients and the communities that make it possible for guests to enjoy them at Casa Malca.

casamalca.com