Hotel La Semilla

If Hotel La Semilla seems distinctly Mexican and broadly global in flavor, it’s because the owners Alexis Schärer and Angie Rodriguez, both world citizens who have lived in many countries, intended it to be just that. With strong respect for the local culture, the couple has infused Hotel La Semilla with a sense of Mexican heritage and style thanks to vintage Mexican furniture and the finest flea market finds from haciendas in the Yucatan region and from around the country. They’ve also given the hotel a laidback simplicity with lots of lounging spaces where mismatched pieces of furniture, such as in the Cocina Loft restaurant, create the feeling of relaxing at a friend’s house. To add to the homey atmosphere, the owners are on hand in the Cocina Loft, either serving breakfast (the only meal served at the hotel) or for a chat. Guests are also encouraged to explore the owner's favorite restaurants—ones that offer up a truly local experience—or to bring their own food and beverage into Hotel La Semilla to be enjoyed in any of the lounge spaces or even in the garden surrounded by candles. At La Semilla, the timeless white palette throughout translates into a seaside chic that could be home on the shores of the Atlantic, the Aegean, or here on Caribbean. Mirroring the basic white geometric buildings dotting the shoreline of Playa del Carmen, the hotel’s building, which dates back to 1990, has been minimally refurbished in collaboration with architect Jaime Ingelmo to retain its local authenticity. That said, the wooden shutters on the windows are a nod to Schärer’s stint in Switzerland. Natural, local materials such as stone, polished concrete, and bricks were used to create the hotel’s simple earthy vibe. Suites, such as the Terraza, even have outdoor baths for the ultimate laidback lifestyle. Owners Alexis Schärer and Angie Rodriguez were inspired by the different parts of the world they have called home. They've worked closely with antique furniture restorer Andres Ocejo to realize their dreams. The result is an elegant mix of furniture and references—the concrete floor harkens back to Greece; antique handmade mosaic tiles recall those of the Yucatan region; and an industrial loft atmosphere is akin to what one might find in New York. White pervades all spaces with its quality of timelessness and calmness, and the sense of expansive space. In the Suite Terraza, gilded frames and chandeliers are an ode to the elegance of Saint Barts.