Casa Tres Aguas

A Palapa-Inspired Beachfront Home

We are always on the look out for inspiring homes that challenge our preconceptions, and this Mexican villa checks all the boxes. Created by two architect friends and longtime collaborators in the hospitality industry, the small but cleverly designed two-level beach house is perched right on the seafront along the Gulf Coast of Mexico, but hidden from view by lush vegetation. It's tucked into a special biosphere reserve and therefore surrounded in flora and fauna, but it's also just blocks from the heart of fishing town Celestún. 

This is a home built by lovers of design and nature for like-minded travelers. It is also a gold winner in 2023's International Architecture & Design Awards in the category of Private Residence Small Architecture Built.

Initially conceived as a weekend getaway for the families of the two architects who created it, this beach house was designed to be immersed in the elements but provide every type of modern comfort. When they found the right small plot of land in Yucatán, the duo set about building a space that achieved that perfect balance of nature and nurture. 

At first glance, with its palm leaf details, the house resembles the traditional palapas of the region, but get a little closer and you'll see it has a modern, almost industrial feel. In fact, the home feels like a structure within a structure, its large multi-paned window blending the living room with the wraparound terrace, leading out towards the pool and beachfront, and inviting sea views and night skies inside.

The house is built from locally-sourced materials with a low carbon footprint, and by local contractors. It has two bedrooms, one of which sits majestically on the mezzanine floor, commanding sweeping views of the ocean, and the other tucked away behind it. 

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

This villa for rent in Mexico has two bedrooms. One is en-suite with a queen-sixed bed, two sinks, a walk-in closet and a bright yellow reading ledge along its window. The other has a twin bed and closet, with use of the house's full bathroom. Both bathrooms have hot rain showers. The small kitchen opens on to a terrace with dining table and barbecue. There is cross ventilation to reduce the use of electricity for air conditioning.

AROUND

This beach villa feels remote, but is only five blocks from the main plaza in Celestún, placing it within easy access of all the local restaurants. Sitting to the west of Mérida, Celestún is a slow-paced village with fishing boats dotting its white-sand beaches. The biggest draw for visitors is the Reserva de la Biosfera Ría Celestún, a wildlife sanctuary full of marine birds and flamingos. Take a tour of the reserve, or make the one-hour drive to Mérida, the cultural hub of Yucatán, with its many museums, galleries, restaurants and shops.

LOCATION

Celestún, Yucatán, Mexico. Nearest airport: Mérida International (48 miles).

BEST TIME TO VISIT: November to February for best weather.