Casa Hibisco

A Modern Architectural Pavilion with Local Roots on a Black Sand Beach in Guatemala

It’s expansive U-shaped design reaching to embrace the Pacific, this large coastal pavilion stands as a contemporary interpretation of traditional palapa architecture designed by Carlos Ehlert. At the heart of the 6,500-square-foot house, a 17-meter, open air, synthetic palm-thatched roof floats overhead, naturally cooling the vast living room and its infinity pool, its chef’s kitchen, granite prep island and bar. The dining area seats eight, and the adjacent family room was created for hangouts over a good book or board game, or a nap in the hammock-hung private pergola next to it.

Ancient meets contemporary in the villa’s interior design by Diego Olivero, with walls finished in locally sourced flagstone and traditional Chukum Mayan plaster. Floors are volcanic Morlon stone and the home showcases custom pigmented cement tiles, artisanal brick, and ceramic lighting created by regional artisans. The property’s toiletries are handmade locally, too, using essential oils.

Floor-to-ceiling louvered doors blur the lines between indoors and out, and two rooftop terraces take in Pacific panoramas for miles. Lush landscaping adds that enviable tropical vacation accent, and teak furnishings add to the style.

Layout

Three king bedrooms and four bathrooms fill the two-level space. Two bedrooms, the Areca Room (a garden suite with a semi-outdoor bathroom) and the Sea Room (with its private, hammock deck and a pair of bunk beds and en-suite bathroom) occupy the home’s lower level. The third bedroom, the Horizonte, is a panoramic primary suite (with an en-suite bathroom with a tub and a daybed for lazing), situated upstairs with the terraces.

Additional features

The house is staffed with cooking and cleaning personnel, is air conditioned and outfitted with ceiling fans. Experiences (by reservation) include massage services, local activities, and private transport. Drinking water is filtered, and there’s an outdoor charcoal grill that can be prepared by staff on request.

Around

Rising from the black sand coastline in Guatemala’s Pacific surfing village of El Paredon, only 2.5 hours from Guatemala City, this generous villa offers front-row seats to El Paredon’s renowned surf breaks and relaxed beach culture. Days unfold to the rhythm of the waves, with surfing, beach bar volleyball, sea turtle observation, and exploration of the local mangroves all steps away. El Paredon’s black volcanic beaches are its trademark, beloved by locals and strikingly pretty. Surf lessons are a must, and the town’s breaks are legendary. Dozens of surf schools operate in the area.

The mangroves of the Sipacate-Naranjo Natural reserve can be visited by guided kayak tours, and there’s a local gem of a beach, la Playita, where the river meets the ocean. Grab a taste of the town’s fresh catch from a vendor here, or head into town where homegrown cafes share space with Asian-fusion spots, smoothie and açai stands, and casual cocktail bars serving up tart margaritas. Tuk-tuks can zip you around town, and the property’s staff can also procure the daily freshest catch from El Paredon’s fishermen, hand delivered to the house via a daily menu.

Location

El Paredon, Guatemala. Nearest airport: Guatemala City (60 miles), San Salvador, El Salvador (90 miles)

Best time to visit

Year round