Romantic, nostalgic and homey. Those are the words that come to mind when I think of my stay at the Hotel La Semilla in Playa del Carmen. The boutique hotel counting only nine rooms is a tranquil sanctuary just off lively 5th Avenue. The intimate and homey atmosphere make you feel like you are staying at a family member’s home. Owners Alexis Schärer and Angie Rodriguez who are avid travellers, have infused Mexican nostalgic touches and laidback simplicity with shabby chic flavours. The result is a stylish retreat with charm and character.
The nine rooms and suites at Hotel La Semilla are all unique and different. The owners curated precious vintage Mexican furniture pieces and distressed flea market finds from haciendas to inject Mexican culture and heritage into the boutique hotel. My room for example exuded that hacienda heritage with references to a child living on a ranch: An antique wooden play horse, a vintage illustration and rhyme framed on the wall, and an antique school desk under the window. Romantic touches like the curling iron head board, glass chandeliers and the all white palette make it an elegant interplay.
A lush tropical garden
My favourite part of Hotel La Semilla was the lush green garden that is completely hidden and sheltered from the bustling city. Filled with tropical greens and intimate seating areas it is the perfect spot to unwind after a sun soaked day at the beach. It’s a peaceful place to meditate or to retreat with your gratitude journal to jot down your impressions of the day. A steep stairway leads to the upper deck for more privacy. I loved the vintage doors on the wall and being surrounded by the many plants dispersed on the deck.
Rough luxe
Slowing down, quiet moments with nature and disconnecting from your fast-paced life are in fact the values that were the drivers in creating the hotel. The owners wanted to create a hotel experience that reconnects guests with earth, each other and yourself. La Semilla means seed and once you nurture and cultivate a seed, it will blossom into something beautiful. The whole concept of this finds its origin in the rough luxe design movement that views luxury as so much more than ownership of a valuable consumable object but rather an enriching personal experience that speaks to the heart.
The Cocina Loft Restaurant
The Cocina Loft Restaurant is only open for breakfast but nonetheless also a pleasant space to spend time after hours. It is decorated as a shabby chic living room with soft inviting sofas and large arm chairs. At breakfast time the hotel’s private chef daily treats guests to a typical Mexican breakfast dish, fresh fruits, tropical fruit juice and so on.
Why I loved staying at Hotel La Semilla
The reasons why I loved staying at Hotel La Semilla are numerous. Besides the beautiful decor, homey atmosphere, tasty breakfast and convenient location, it were the small details that made it extra special. The owners thought of everything like free use of bicycles, a refreshing drink at the entrance, beach bags and beach towels to lend or mosquito repellent in your room. They even created a guide of their favourite restaurants to experience Playa del Carmen as a local. I loved every minute of it and wouldn’t hesitate to return to this lovely boutique hotel!
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