When Boca de Iguanas boutique hotel opened for business in
January, its nature-inspired game plan was to dazzle guests with a
cool concept of rustic eco-chic-meets-contemporary-adventure
hideaway.
Poised on a pristine beach along Mexico's Costalegre, 40 miles
north of Manzanillo International Airport, the stylish 12-room
escape is a blend of modernity and rusticity inspired by the
magical surroundings of this ecologically sound development.
“Because we're situated around a mangrove ecosystem and on the
beach, Boca is ideal for people who love interacting with nature,”
said general manager Jaume Romagosa. “You'll see crocodiles,
iguanas, many different bird species, and we even have an illusive
bobcat with a kitten roaming the gardens at night. But because of
the beachfront location and the spectacular infinity pool, Boca is
also perfect for families with children, couples seeking romance
and just friends looking to escape from ordinary hotel
experiences.”
Rooms feature bedspreads and pillows with bold geometric prints,
plush bathrobes, extra large bath sheets, air conditioning,
overhead fans and flat-screen plasma televisions with U.S. Dish
network satellite channels. But reminders of Mother Nature are
everywhere hand-carved tree trunk tables, baskets woven from
coconut palm husks, all natural toiletries, and indoor/outdoor
living spaces that surprise and satisfy.
Room names carry this theme even further by reflecting nature as
well as their unique differences. The Selva suite (meaning jungle)
features an outdoor soaking Jacuzzi tub hidden along the edge of a
mangrove estuary, and Palmas overlooks a strand of coconut palms.
Guests in Agua luxuriate in an oversized Jacuzzi tub, while Noche
invites guests to climb a spiral wooden staircase to a terrace and
bed under an awning of celestial stars by night, or a bright blue
sky during the day.
The multi-use development of Boca de Iguanas broke ground in the
fall of 2006 on 18 acres of prime beach real estate. It represents
a fusion of Mexican architecture, incorporating classic colonial
hacienda elements in the Spanish mission-inspired Pueblo,
contemporary modern design in Entre Palmeras and eclectic
“jungle-chic” rustic areas dedicated to nature.
Amenities are also upscale, from the beach club with an
infinity-edged swimming pool to the al fresco restaurant and bar
under a soaring palapa overlooking a cream sand beach. In the works
for later this year are rustic eco-chic cabanas hidden in the
hills, and a holistic wellness spa featuring healing therapies.
Thursday night bonfires are already a favorite, as guests
revisit their childhood with marshmallow roasting and s'mores under
the stars. No comforts are sacrificed, thanks to full bar service
and canvas folding chairs with warm blankets that ring the
fire.
Guests with an itch for adventure can join the on-site biologist
during turtle season (October to March) as she patrols the beach
nightly to help recover and relocate precious sea turtle eggs to
the safety of an on-site turtle camp. Here, these precious
creatures are protected from predators until they hatch and are
released at dusk into the frothing sea.
"People who have discovered Boca de Iguanas truly fall in love
with the peace, harmony and incredible effort we have made to honor
nature," Romagosa said. "Our on-site turtle camp has seen the first
hatchlings and we now involve the local community in sea turtle
releases almost every night. Our guests cannot stop commenting how
magical it is to stay in a hotel with first class comforts and
amenities but also have untouched nature right at their finger
tips."
Opening this spring for wine lovers, the Cava de Vinos will
feature an expansive selection of 400 choice labels ranging from
Argentinean Merlots to Californian Cabernets and Australian
Shirazes. An on-site organic fruit and vegetable garden provides
much of the harvest served at Dos Higueras restaurant, which boasts
an array of healthy choices based upon a low-calorie spa menu.
Signature dishes include the Boca de Iguanas Surf 'n Turf
trilogy featuring garlic shrimp, juicy filet mignon with ancho
chile vinaigrette and fresh fish of the day smothered in almond
sauce; artichoke hearts with chipotle mornay sauce; or fresh shrimp
with spicy aioli sauce.
For the entire month of February, guests are invited to indulge
in three-night Sweet Dreams Romance Package for $600 (taxes not
included). The special offer includes candles and flower petals
turn-down service, Sweet Dreams Romance kit featuring edible
chocolate body paint and fruit flavored massage oil, Valentine's
dinner for two, Boca's fresh made-to-order breakfast, daily happy
hour cocktails and healthy welcome fruit bowl.
Through February, nightly rack rates are from $200, based on
double occupancy with a minimum three-night stay, and include a
hot, fresh made-to-order breakfast under the palm trees and daily
happy-hour cocktails. All rates are commissionable at 10
percent.
888-508-2405
www.bocadeiguanas.com