{"id":217399,"date":"2023-10-12T15:48:54","date_gmt":"2023-10-12T19:48:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/interiordesign.net\/?post_type=id_project&p=217399"},"modified":"2023-10-12T15:48:58","modified_gmt":"2023-10-12T19:48:58","slug":"inside-nico-sayulita-boutique-hotel-in-mexico","status":"publish","type":"id_project","link":"https:\/\/interiordesign.net\/projects\/inside-nico-sayulita-boutique-hotel-in-mexico\/","title":{"rendered":"Boutique Hotel Meets Holiday Villa in This Mexican Oasis"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Cumaru decking runs the length of the 40-foot lap pool. Photography by Luis D\u00edaz.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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October 12, 2023<\/p>\n\n\n

Words: <\/span>Elizabeth Fazzare<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Photography: <\/span>Luis D\u00edaz<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Boutique Hotel Meets Holiday Villa in This Mexican Oasis<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Scouting for land with a local real estate agent in the small Mexican surf town of Sayulita, Robert Humble got an instant education in jungle topography. \u201cWe quickly realized that flat, level lots are pretty unattainable,\u201d recalls the architect, who\u2019s also founding partner and design principal of Hybrid<\/a>, a multidisciplinary Seattle studio that designs, builds, and develops efficient, contemporary, contextually appropriate work that cultivates community throughout the West Coast and Canada. After touring a half dozen sloping sites surrounded by thick rainforest, he and his wife Nicole Johnson returned to the first\u2014equally steep but whose lowest point from its residential street was met by a lush, undeveloped ravine. Its natural configuration assured an appealing sense of privacy. Humble\u2019s team at Hybrid tried a few massing concepts, and the couple was sold on the location for Nico Sayulita, their and the firm\u2019s first hospitality endeavor\u2014and project\u2014in Mexico, its moniker derived from Johnson\u2019s nickname.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A series of five suites connected by a common party deck and an accessible rooftop, the 3,000-square-foot Nico is conceived to take advantage of the natural atmosphere provided by its forested site. \u201cThe empty spaces are the heart of the project,\u201d says architect Ilse C\u00e1rdenas, coprincipal of Mexico City studio Palma<\/a>, which collaborated with Hybrid on the modular system of concrete linear cubes that have been strategically stacked to descend the hill. \u201cEverything is porous, and we closed as little as we could.\u201d Each side of the volumes is either glazed, solid masonry, or left open to the elements, depending on purpose. The rooms feature walls of operable windows for protection from rain but also the ability to cross-ventilate, while the central stairwell is exposed to appreciate surrounding vistas but covered by a roof for comfort and safety when climbing between levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nico Sayulita Reflects the Architectural Heritage of Its Surroundings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"a
On the lowest level of Nico Sayulita, a ground-up, five-key Mexico property by Hybrid and Palma that mixes the qualities of a boutique hotel with those of a rentable private villa, the bedroom of the 560-square-foot Jungle suite features a custom soaking tub and floor made of local bricks. Photography by Alex Herbig.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat was important to me,\u201d Humble continues, \u201cis that Nico represent the architec\u00adtural heritage and built typology of Mexico, which, in a lot of cases, is concrete columns, slabs, and infill,\u201d that create a contemporary style with roots in Mexican modernism. This gridded building system also gave him the flexibility to continue tweaking the hospitality concept long into the design phases. What it became is something between a boutique hotel and a rentable private villa: Visitors can book a single suite, a few, or all five, and they share the rooftop with jacuzzi as well as the lap pool and chef\u2019s kitchen, located on an open-air \u201csocial level surrounded by sunlight, foliage, and amazing views,\u201d C\u00e1rdenas describes. Rather than a full staff, a concierge team provides a meet-and-greet and offers a host of personalized activities\u2014from a private chef and on-site yoga class to local excursions. \u201cIt\u2019s a guest experience that offers both the autonomy or privacy of an Airbnb with all the services of a boutique hotel,\u201d explains Humble, who is exploring future Nico hotels in Morocco, Thailand, and elsewhere in Mexico.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Property Invites Guests into the Jungle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Walking distance from both the town and the beach, the property is in a low-scale neighborhood, and its profile remains respectful of that density. From the street, the building appears just two stories tall. However, once inside the gate, the structure is built three additional levels down into the jungle, each height providing a unique experience in nature for guests. At the lowest story is the most private abode. Nestled in the tree canopy, this 560-square-foot suite features a romantic circular soaking tub, flooring of local brick, and three private terraces built around existing tree trunks. Each room has a different layout, arranged to take advantage of their specific vistas, sunlight throughout the day, and ocean breezes, though all contain their own bathroom, a wet bar in blackened steel, and a sitting area, sometimes located inside, sometimes outside on terraces that seem to float among the foliage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"the
The project\u2019s 3,000 square feet are contained in a stacked composition of unfinished-concrete linear cubes, with sides open or closed to form suites, terraces, or amenities spaces. Photography by Luis D\u00edaz.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Nature is the focus of Nico Sayulita, and the interiors let the environment take center stage. The material palette in the suites is subtle\u2014concrete, wood, steel\u2014and all the furnishings are handcrafted in Mexico, many custom-made. \u201cThough we sought restraint, a lot of thought was put into each piece,\u201d C\u00e1rdenas says. The Palma team engaged a group of Mexico City\u2013based designers including Roberto Michelsen to create bespoke beds, side tables, and chairs, all of which use rounded geometric forms to complement the complex\u2019s stark architectural expression. A few furniture pieces provide a pop of earthen color, like a red terrazzo drinks table by Guadalajara-based En.concreto and a striped textile on the cushions of a pair of armchairs by Zapopan-based Stown Design, but most maintain their natural patinas. A black-and-white abstract artwork by Diego Hern\u00e1ndez Beauroyre hangs above each bed. \u201cBringing in these works makes the project feel Mexican and contemporary without going the Frida Kahlo route,\u201d C\u00e1rdenas adds, referencing the tendency toward clich\u00e9d depictions of the infamous Mexican painter that travelers can find in other hotels across the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Nico\u2019s social spaces, material colors were inspired by the Pacific Ocean views. A Guadalajaran fabricator created the custom sky-blue tiles that line the pools. A stucco-clad bathroom off the party deck wears a lightly pink-brown hue. \u201cThe feeling we\u2019re looking to convey is informality,\u201d says Humble, who also hired Mexico City studio Trama to create the hospitality brand\u2019s retro-inspired graphic design. \u201cNothing is precious or pretentious.\u201d In the laid-back beach town of Sayulita, it\u2019s truly of the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inside a Hospitality Gem in Sayulita, Mexico<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"ceramic
Accent colors of custom elements on the property\u2019s social level are inspired by nature, such as the ceramic tiles lining the lap pool and the earthen stucco covering a gangway-accessed bathroom. Photography by Luis D\u00edaz.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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\"a
A central cement staircase climbs four of the building\u2019s five stories, providing all suites access to the pool deck, kitchen, and rooftop with jacuzzi. Photography by Luis D\u00edaz.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\"inside
The Jungle suite\u2019s floor-to-ceiling steel-framed glass doors were fabricated in Mexico City. Photography by Luis D\u00edaz.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"decking
Cumaru decking runs the length of the 40-foot lap pool. Photography by Luis D\u00edaz.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"a
Beneath the Horizon suite\u2019s commissioned piece by local artist Diego Hern\u00e1ndez Beauroyre are Roberto Michelsen\u2019s custom bed, side tables, and lamp; all the hotel\u2019s furnishings were sourced in Mexico. Photography by Alex Herbig. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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In the Papelillo suite, a side table by Stown Design stands between armchairs by Anna Cuadra. Photography by Alex Herbig. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"the
On the rooftop, where concrete beams frame views of the Pacific Ocean, vintage Verner Panton chairs line Michelsen\u2019s Zig Zag dining table. Photography by Luis D\u00edaz.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"the
A table by En.concreto furnishes the pool-deck level, an informal gathering place for visitors to swim, socialize, and dine on a meal made in the custom stainless-steel kitchen, either prepared themselves or by a private chef. Photography by James Ewing.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"a
The Papelillo and all suites have operable windows to allow visitors to control sunlight, air, and vistas to the surrounding rainforest; the stainless-steel cabinetry is custom by Hybrid and Palma. Photography by Alex Herbig.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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\"a
A powder room\u2019s stucco wall stain and concrete sink, both custom, were hand-colored and mixed on-site. Photography by Luis D\u00edaz.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\"ceramic
The pool\u2019s custom tiles were made in the Jaliscan capital of Guadalajara. Photography by Luis D\u00edaz.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"an
The Jungle suite\u2019s tub is 6 feet in diameter. Photography by Luis D\u00edaz.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"a
The Horizon and all suites have custom blackened-steel wet bars; the terrazzo side and concrete dining tables are by En.concreto and the daybed is custom. Photography by Alex Herbig.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
PROJECT TEAM<\/h6><\/div>\n\n\n\n

hybrid<\/strong>: alex herbig; scott goodner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

palma<\/strong>: regina de hoyos; diego escamilla; juan luis rivera; luisa rizo; constanza ponce de le\u00f3n; josu\u00e9 granados; nia jorquera; jos\u00e9 mend\u00e9z.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

paar taller<\/strong>: landscape architect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

trama<\/strong>: custom graphics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

abm acero<\/strong>: steelwork.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

adri\u00e1n ram\u00edrez siller<\/strong>: general contractor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

PRODUCT SOURCES<\/h6><\/div>\n\n\n\n
FROM FRONT<\/h6><\/div>\n\n\n\n

taplong<\/strong>: tub fittings (jungle).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

inblock<\/strong>: bricks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

la laguna<\/strong>: tile (pool).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

stown design<\/strong>: lounge chairs (horizon), coffee table (papelillo).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

anna cuadra home accents<\/strong>: armchairs (papelillo).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

through decada<\/strong>: chairs (rooftop), bench (papelillo), green chairs, table (pool), daybed (horizon).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

THROUGHOUT<\/h6><\/div>\n\n\n\n

en.concreto<\/strong>: tables.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

grupo urrea<\/strong>: sink fittings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

westinghouse<\/strong>: ceiling fans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

cemex<\/strong>: concrete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

perdura<\/strong>: wall coating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

grupo argos<\/strong>: decking.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n