Casa Malca

Casa Malca, perched on the glittering waters of the Caribbean Sea, has a scandalous history all its own. Pablo Escobar, the drug lord known as “the King of Cocaine” spent much of his time hiding out in this former beach house in a secluded corner of Tulum. Located near the border of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, the estate was abandoned in 1993, after the drug baron was at last captured and subsequently killed. A decade later, the secret estate found a new owner in New York art dealer Lio Malca, who has turned the storied property into a luxurious boutique hotel.

With 42 bright and airy rooms, clad with eco-friendly décor, the resort show no signs of Escobar’s illicit behavior. The contemporary art from Malca’s personal collection serves as an eclectic backdrop with handcrafted furniture and beautiful paintings adorning the interiors.

Indulge yourself at the main restaurant, Philosophy, where Yucatanese cuisine, tropical fruits, homegrown herbs, and straight-from-the-sea fish are served. Unwind along the peaceful stretch of beach, stroll through the tropical rainforest, or drowning the day in a salt-rimmed margarita, there are endless ways to drink in this intoxicating region of Mexico.

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Casa Malca

Photo: Courtesy Design Hotels

Casa Malca

Photo: Courtesy Design Hotels

Casa Malca

Photo: Courtesy Design Hotels

Casa Malca

Photo: Claus Brechenmacher & Reiner Bau

Casa Malca

Photo: Courtesy Design Hotels

Casa Malca

Photo: Courtesy Design Hotels

Casa Malca

Photo: Courtesy Design Hotels