In the heart of the picturesque village of Espita in Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula sits Casona Los Cedros, an architectural gem that marries colonial heritage with contemporary elegance. Founded by architect Laura Lecué and her husband Alan Montfort, this boutique hotel offers a refined escape where tradition and luxury coexist in perfect harmony. Eight meticulously designed rooms provide intimate sanctuaries surrounded by lush tropical gardens, while the acclaimed restaurant Casona de los Cedros showcases Chef Jorge Ildefonso's masterful interpretation of Yucatecan cuisine. What distinguishes this remarkable property is not just its aesthetic beauty, but its profound commitment to cultural preservation, local craftsmanship, and authentic experiences that connect guests with the true spirit of the Yucatán.

Laura Lecué & Alan Montfort : Photo courtesy of Casona los Cedros

A VISIONARY JOURNEY FROM ARCHITECTURAL PASSION TO CULTURAL PRESERVATION

For Laura Lecué and Alan Montfort, Casona Los Cedros represents more than just a boutique hotel. With a deep appreciation for spaces that carry a sense of history and purpose, they embarked on this meaningful project after being captivated by Espita's timeless charm and rich cultural heritage.

Their inspiration came from seeing the potential in a property with stories to tell. "When I discovered Espita, I was immediately captivated by its timeless charm and the richness of its cultural heritage," Laura recalls. "As an architect, I saw the potential to restore and reinterpret this property not just as a hotel, but as a living dialogue between past and present."

"Cedros became a way to express that vision, an intimate, design-forward space that honors the soul of Yucatán."
— Laura Lecué, Owner and Architect

With passion and architectural vision, they dedicated themselves to creating a space where guests could experience the authentic essence of Yucatán. Their goal wasn't to simply provide accommodations, but to offer a profound connection to the region's cultural identity through thoughtful design and authentic experiences.

Over time, Casona Los Cedros has evolved into an intimate retreat where luxury is redefined not as opulence, but as authenticity, connection, and meaningful engagement with place and culture.

THE PHILOSOPHY OF YUCATECAN DESIGN WHERE COLONIAL MEETS CONTEMPORARY

The design of Casona Los Cedros emerged directly from Espita itself, its quiet elegance, colonial textures, and natural rhythms. As an architect, Laura wanted to preserve the essence of the original structure while reimagining it with contemporary simplicity.

Casona Los Cedros came to life as a shared vision between Laura and Alan. From the beginning, they imagined a place that would reflect the soul of Espitaits architecture, people, and traditions. They collaborated closely with local artisans: carpenters from the village handcrafted doors, windows, and furniture; a local family wove lighting from bejucos; and most materials were sourced or produced nearby.

"We let the materials speak: chukum walls, handcrafted woodwork, natural fibers, and stone—all used with restraint, to create a sense of calm and connection," explains Laura. "The idea was to design a space that didn't overpower the town's character, but rather framed it."

"What sets the property apart is this seamless blend of culture, cuisine, and place, crafted with soul and intention."
— Laura Lecué, Owner and Architect

This balance between preservation and innovation has become a defining characteristic of Casona Los Cedros, a retreat shaped by architectural expertise and a deep respect for cultural heritage.

EXPERIENCING THE AUTHENTIC RHYTHMS OF YUCATECAN LIVING AND CUISINE

At Casona Los Cedros, days unfold at their own unhurried pace. Chef Jorge Ildefonso adds his culinary genius to the story, turning Casona de los Cedros into the heart of the experience, where architecture, craftsmanship, and cuisine come together.

The restaurant celebrates Yucatecan culinary traditions while introducing subtle contemporary innovations. Ingredients are sourced from local producers, with many herbs coming directly from the property's gardens, ensuring freshness and authenticity in every dish.

For those venturing beyond Casona Los Cedros, Laura and Alan provide guidance to explore the small workshops around town: local woodworkers, hammock weavers, and families making traditional honey and herbal remedies. Every morning, the town hosts a market where local farmers and producers bring fresh, regional products, a wonderful way to connect with the community.

Meals are unhurried, guided by the rhythm of conversation and connection. You dine when you're ready, rest when you need to, and experience flavors that celebrate Yucatán's rich culinary heritage.

A SANCTUARY FOR MEANINGFUL CONNECTION WITH YUCATECAN CULTURE

What makes Casona Los Cedros truly special is the atmosphere cultivated within its walls, a space of calm, reflection, and connection to the stories of Yucatán's past and present.

The property attracts "a blend of international travelers and Mexican guests who are seeking a deeper reconnection—with culture, nature, and themselves," says Laura. "Many of our foreign visitors are on fast-paced itineraries through the Yucatán, moving from one iconic site to another, and their stop in Espita becomes an intentional pause—an authentic break where they can slow down, breathe, and truly feel the spirit of the place."

Creating this sanctuary wasn't without challenges. Working in a small town meant embracing a slower rhythm and finding creative ways to solve problems locally. But these very challenges strengthened the project.

"Collaborating with local artisans became one of the most rewarding aspects, and it taught us the value of patience and trust in the process."
— Laura Lecué, Owner and Architect

Looking ahead, Laura and Alan plan to continue growing organically, with additions like artist residencies, wellness experiences, and more collaborations with the local community. The goal is not to expand in size, but in depth and meaning, creating even more profound ways for guests to connect with the heart of Yucatán.

Nestled along the expansive shores of Bacalar's azure lagoon, deep within the Mayan jungle, Azul Nomeolvides emerges as a serene sanctuary where water and wilderness converge in perfect harmony. Six elevated A-frame cabins stand as thoughtful sentinels above the earth, creating a space where the lagoon's gentle rhythms and the jungle's whispers transport visitors from the chaos of everyday life into a state of profound tranquility. Here, the air is rich with the scent of fresh soil and rustling leaves, the lake shifts through countless shades of blue, and each stay forges a lasting connection with this remarkable landscape. “Azul Nomeolvides is not just a place to stay—it’s an invitation to slow down and rediscover the art of presence,” says Samantha Calzada, the retreat’s owner. Removed from the world's noise, this retreat invites guests to feel nature's pulse up close.

Samantha Calzada and Bernardo Buendía Bosch : Photo courtesy of Azul Nomeolvides

THE VISIONARIES BEHIND THE RETREAT

Samantha Calzada, an accomplished architect, and her husband Bernardo, a talented photographer, created this retreat from their shared passion for thoughtful design and untamed nature. After years of traveling the globe in pursuit of the intersection between beauty and narrative, they found themselves drawn to Bacalar's shores, where they discovered an opportunity to create a space honoring the region's heritage. “Our travels and professional experiences led us to dream of creating a space that harmonizes architecture with sustainability,” Samantha explains. Working alongside Samantha's father, an engineer, and skilled local artisans, they shaped a retreat that lives in harmony with the lake and surrounding jungle. What began as their personal sanctuary evolved into a cherished space they now share with those seeking its quiet magic.

“I am an architect, and my husband, Bernardo, is a photographer. Together, we have always been drawn to the intersection of design, nature, and storytelling. Our travels and professional experiences led us to dream of creating a space that harmonizes architecture with sustainability. We wanted to create a space that not only reflected the beauty of Bacalar but also honored its ecosystem.”
— Samantha Calzada, Owner

ARCHITECTURE IN HARMONY WITH NATURE

Azul Nomeolvides rests lightly on the land, with its six cabins constructed from locally sourced timber. Elevated on stilts, they allow the jungle floor to remain undisturbed—wildlife moves freely below, and rainwater follows its natural course. Pitched roofs capture prevailing winds, directing heat upward and outward, while strategically placed slats draw in cool breezes, maintaining comfortable temperatures without mechanical systems. “The high-pitched roofs create natural ventilation, while the strategic positioning of the structures maximizes lake views and minimizes environmental impact,” Samantha notes. Each living space embodies minimalist elegance—a bed beneath exposed beams, windows framing lagoon views, and thoughtful resting areas—all seamlessly blending traditional regional techniques with clean, contemporary aesthetics. Outside, the lagoon mirrors the ever-changing sky, the jungle envelops the senses, and every vista strengthens the connection to the surrounding wilderness.

THE IDEAL GUEST

This retreat attracts those who appreciate craftsmanship and quietude—writers with notebooks, photographers with cameras, couples seeking stillness. The intimate, closely situated cabins accommodate travelers desiring a deeply immersive experience, where days unfold leisurely by the water or beneath the canopy. “Our guests are often creatives—architects, photographers, artists, and art enthusiasts—who appreciate thoughtful design and immersive experiences,” Samantha shares. It resonates with environmentally conscious individuals who value minimal ecological impact, who find joy in accommodations that preserve the earth's integrity, who prefer birdsong to urban clamor.

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT CHALLENGES

Creating Azul Nomeolvides required confronting the land's requirements directly, balancing hospitality with environmental stewardship. Operating off-grid necessitated solar power, rainwater harvesting, and water recycling systems—all to protect Bacalar's delicate ecosystem. Local craftspeople contributed their expertise, biodegradable products were selected to safeguard the lake, and native plants were introduced to restore the natural landscape. “Managing an eco-conscious hotel in a delicate ecosystem requires constant dedication, but it is incredibly rewarding,” Samantha reflects.

“One of the biggest challenges was designing a space that not only respected the delicate ecosystem of Bacalar but also provided a high-end experience. Ensuring sustainability while maintaining an elevated level of service required careful planning and innovative solutions. We overcame this by going completely off-grid—producing our own electricity, recycling wastewater, using only biodegradable products, involving and hiring the local community, amongst other practices.”
— Samantha Calzada, Owner

BACALAR'S CULTURAL TAPESTRY

Azul Nomeolvides is embraced by Bacalar's rich cultural heritage. Ancient Mayan sites at Ichkabal, Dzibanché, and Kohunlich stand nearby, their stones bearing silent testimony to centuries of history. Local artisans create distinctive goods in modest workshops—pottery, textiles, artifacts of daily life—available to those who venture beyond the retreat. “We always encourage guests to explore beyond the lagoon,” Samantha says, guiding visitors toward these authentic experiences where past and present intertwine, where exploration establishes a deeper connection to the region's narrative.

ARCHITECTURAL VISION REALIZED

The retreat rises organically from the jungle—wooden cabins elevated above the ground, lake views captured in every architectural frame. Samantha and Bernardo designed it to reflect Bacalar's natural palette, to integrate seamlessly with ventilated roofs and permeable walls that welcome the elements. “Our design is a thoughtful fusion of traditional regional architecture and contemporary sustainable principles,” Samantha explains. Future plans include expanding the native garden and developing more immersive lagoon experiences—enhancing a space that maintains its principles while continually evolving.

AN INVITATION TO MINDFULNESS

Azul Nomeolvides offers a precious opportunity to disconnect, to immerse oneself in the lagoon's depths and the jungle's verdant embrace. Whether relaxing in a cabin, swimming in the crystalline waters, or simply witnessing the sunset—each moment strengthens a bond that endures beyond the stay. “Choosing to stay with us means becoming part of a conservation-driven project,” Samantha emphasizes, highlighting how every guest contributes to preserving Bacalar’s fragile ecosystem.

“Azul Nomeolvides is more than just a place to stay—it is an experience. We invite guests to slow down, disconnect from the fast-paced world, and embrace the rhythm of nature to reconnect with themselves, and their loved ones. Every detail, from the open-air design to the curated activities we offer, is meant to create a stay that is immersive, meaningful, and unforgettable.”
— Samantha Calzada, Owner

INSPIRATION FROM KINDRED ACCOMMODATIONS

Samantha and Bernardo draw inspiration from establishments that embody authenticity—a family-operated hotel offering genuine hospitality, an ecologically responsible retreat rooted in its surroundings, a design-focused sanctuary preserving tranquility—accommodations that inform Azul Nomeolvides' ethos of mindfulness and serenity. “We love family-owned hotels, as they tend to provide a much more personal and heartfelt experience,” Samantha adds.