We believe that regenerative hospitality and sustainable architecture does not have
to be uncomfortable nor ugly,  that regenerative hospitality is valued by travelers,
and therefore, that projects like ours can become self-sustaining ventures.

PROJECT THESIS

Naturally privileged emerging destinations face an increasingly complex set of challenges:
Overtourism, overdevelopment, a lack of proper infrastructure, and a deficient rule of law pose a threat to the natural
ecosystems and cultural heritage of these unique locations. People’s sense of adventure and curiosity for exploring
new places, especially natural wonders like the Laguna de Bacalar, is inevitable, and under the right circumstances,
it can be a positive force. We believe that sustainable development is possible, and that regenerative tourism
can empower local communities while preserving nature.

The thesis for Boca de Agua is simple: Let’s use hospitality projects for good – a beautiful hotel is a good excuse
to ignite programs in social inclusion, economic development, sustainable built environments, and natural conservation.

THE PLAN

To develop a low-density multidisciplinary hospitality project

at a large site with a unique ecosystem that we can take care of.

Combine that environmental philosophy with an inspiring built environment

while implementing sustainable design principles and local materials.

And to create staffing, training, and collaborative programs

to serve local small businesses and emerging professionals

from diverse backgrounds.

THE ACTIONS:

·  The Boca de Agua site consists of 82 acres with 260 meters of lagoon frontage, 90%+ of the land remains untouched

and will be part of a conservation and regeneration program.

·  The treehouses are built using locally sourced, tropical hardwoods from nearby tree farms with felling programs

certified by the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and are elevated from the ground

to minimize their impact and footprint on the site.

·  Waste waters go to a MBR (membrane bioreactor) water treatment plant. The treated water is then used

for WCs and irrigation. No waste will ever end up in the lagoon.

·  Every mangrove specimen on site was properly mapped and the elevated wooden walkway was built around them.

Not a single mangrove plant was removed or damaged.

·  One hectare of the nearby mangrove ecosystem that had been previously impacted by human activity was replanted.

 

·  Furniture and amenities are mostly made with recycled materials by local artisans.

·  Local NGO, Con Mono Araña, studies the behavior of spider monkeys that live in the Boca de Agua natural reserve

while implementing programs focused on protecting and expanding the natural conditions that allow them to thrive.

·  Electricity is provided by Ammper, Mexico-based renewable energy supplier.

·  Amenities and consumables are custom made with natural and biodegradable materials by Laguna Cyprien.

For every single one of these decisions, there was a quicker,
more affordable alternative. We could’ve skipped many studies
and mapping. We could’ve overdeveloped and overbuilt.
We could’ve taken down trees for easier access. There are infinite
“we could’ve”,and traditional “business” values will tell you that
we’re not very bright. But we, as a project, believe that the traditional
model for tourism in emerging destinations must change – we are
obsessed about it. We believe that regenerative hospitality does not
have to be uncomfortable nor ugly, that regenerative hospitality
is valued by travelers, and therefore, that projects like ours
can become self-sustaining ventures.


Rodrigo Juárez
Founder Boca de Agua