Fancy staying in a luxurious suite in a mansion believed to have belonged to one of the most famous drug lords in history? Now you can.
Situated along the picturesque Caribbean coastline in Riviera Maya, Mexico, the luxurious hotel estate is said to have been the home of Pablo Escobar – who even hid from authorities there.
In the 70s, the Mexican government decided to turn the town of Tulum into a holiday destination, overturning the “exclusive haven” for the wealthy and successful.
Soon, Escobar saw a window for opportunity and snapped up one of the most exclusive properties within the town – which is now called Casa Malca. It’s believed that the “drug lord” would often sneak away here from authorities due to its private location, however once he was captured and killed in 1993, the property was left abandoned.
After nearly a decade, the estate was discovered and purchased by art collector, Lio Malca, who decided to revamp the property over two years into an artistic hotel, rooted in rich history.
Now, there are 71 “boutique” suites and rooms across 193,750 sq ft of green space – with an exclusive 590ft beach located a few steps away.
In a bid to focus on eco-friendly, locally-sourced materials, antiques and interiors are featured throughout to bring a truly “natural” experience.
Upon arriving, tree trunk-lined walls offer private guidance toward the main entrance, where unique art sculptures and installations await.
Across the internal and external areas, Persian rugs, paintings, books and furniture are scattered around – giving a one-of-a-kind experience. In the foyer, two swinging chairs frame the entrance and are situated next to a pair of white curtains, which are made from vintage wedding dresses.
Inside, high-rise ceilings and walls made completely from concrete encompass the area and are accented with heavily-patterned flooring.
In the bedrooms, breathtaking views across the coastline can be spotted via the panoramic windows and are completed with an artistic value in mind.
In the master suite, visitors can truly take in the magnificent history this hotel has to offer, as this is the room where Escobar himself would have stayed.
Within the master ensuite, black walls and flooring fill the room and feature a rainfall shower, as well as “his and hers” sinks.
Outside, there’s an entrance toward the “Calma” spa – offering a chance to relax and unwind.
On the beach, there are handmade tiki huts to shade away from the blazing heat and huge golden installations of people’s heads – aiding the way to a perfect escape.
Other amenities include two pools, an underground adult-only grotto, three restaurants and two bars.
From colourful displays of dogs to historic books on various countries and imaginative paintings, Malca has created an immersive experience like no other.
Ana Prado Contii, a Brazilian luxury real estate broker, filmed her stay while at the “boutique” hotel – which is often visited by A-list celebrities.
In a clip, she pans around the entrance and shows the tree trunk walls and doors, as well as the “open-plan” layout of the estate.
At the back, palm trees offer ultimate privacy along the balcony which looks out onto the exclusive beach and coastline – perfect for soaking up fresh sea air.
“Lio has preserved the bucolic charms of the place and has included several artworks signed by renowned artists, such as Jeff Koons, Basquiat, Keith Haring and a rare sculpture by KAWS,” she said.
“Guests and hotel staff also communicate via WhatsApp at any time of the day.
“Several celebrities have been there, such as actress Cara Delevingne and model Elle MacPherson.”
Contti claims that locals say the house is still part of Escobar’s family and while this might be true, Malca has breathed new life into this mansion.
Just a stone’s throw away from the town centre, there’s a range of activities awaiting to fill your day.
For more adventure, a short bus ride will take you to the popular destination of Cancun – offering a different side of Mexico.
From $502 (£415) per night, with the price lowering within the winter months to $344 (£284), this mansion offers a unique experience you won’t want to miss.
