Nestled along the expansive shores of Bacalar's azure lagoon, deep within the Mayan jungle, Azul Nomeolvides emerges as a serene sanctuary where water and wilderness converge in perfect harmony. Six elevated A-frame cabins stand as thoughtful sentinels above the earth, creating a space where the lagoon's gentle rhythms and the jungle's whispers transport visitors from the chaos of everyday life into a state of profound tranquility. Here, the air is rich with the scent of fresh soil and rustling leaves, the lake shifts through countless shades of blue, and each stay forges a lasting connection with this remarkable landscape. “Azul Nomeolvides is not just a place to stay—it’s an invitation to slow down and rediscover the art of presence,” says Samantha Calzada, the retreat’s owner. Removed from the world's noise, this retreat invites guests to feel nature's pulse up close.

Samantha Calzada and Bernardo Buendía Bosch : Photo courtesy of Azul Nomeolvides

THE VISIONARIES BEHIND THE RETREAT

Samantha Calzada, an accomplished architect, and her husband Bernardo, a talented photographer, created this retreat from their shared passion for thoughtful design and untamed nature. After years of traveling the globe in pursuit of the intersection between beauty and narrative, they found themselves drawn to Bacalar's shores, where they discovered an opportunity to create a space honoring the region's heritage. “Our travels and professional experiences led us to dream of creating a space that harmonizes architecture with sustainability,” Samantha explains. Working alongside Samantha's father, an engineer, and skilled local artisans, they shaped a retreat that lives in harmony with the lake and surrounding jungle. What began as their personal sanctuary evolved into a cherished space they now share with those seeking its quiet magic.

“I am an architect, and my husband, Bernardo, is a photographer. Together, we have always been drawn to the intersection of design, nature, and storytelling. Our travels and professional experiences led us to dream of creating a space that harmonizes architecture with sustainability. We wanted to create a space that not only reflected the beauty of Bacalar but also honored its ecosystem.”
— Samantha Calzada, Owner

ARCHITECTURE IN HARMONY WITH NATURE

Azul Nomeolvides rests lightly on the land, with its six cabins constructed from locally sourced timber. Elevated on stilts, they allow the jungle floor to remain undisturbed—wildlife moves freely below, and rainwater follows its natural course. Pitched roofs capture prevailing winds, directing heat upward and outward, while strategically placed slats draw in cool breezes, maintaining comfortable temperatures without mechanical systems. “The high-pitched roofs create natural ventilation, while the strategic positioning of the structures maximizes lake views and minimizes environmental impact,” Samantha notes. Each living space embodies minimalist elegance—a bed beneath exposed beams, windows framing lagoon views, and thoughtful resting areas—all seamlessly blending traditional regional techniques with clean, contemporary aesthetics. Outside, the lagoon mirrors the ever-changing sky, the jungle envelops the senses, and every vista strengthens the connection to the surrounding wilderness.

THE IDEAL GUEST

This retreat attracts those who appreciate craftsmanship and quietude—writers with notebooks, photographers with cameras, couples seeking stillness. The intimate, closely situated cabins accommodate travelers desiring a deeply immersive experience, where days unfold leisurely by the water or beneath the canopy. “Our guests are often creatives—architects, photographers, artists, and art enthusiasts—who appreciate thoughtful design and immersive experiences,” Samantha shares. It resonates with environmentally conscious individuals who value minimal ecological impact, who find joy in accommodations that preserve the earth's integrity, who prefer birdsong to urban clamor.

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT CHALLENGES

Creating Azul Nomeolvides required confronting the land's requirements directly, balancing hospitality with environmental stewardship. Operating off-grid necessitated solar power, rainwater harvesting, and water recycling systems—all to protect Bacalar's delicate ecosystem. Local craftspeople contributed their expertise, biodegradable products were selected to safeguard the lake, and native plants were introduced to restore the natural landscape. “Managing an eco-conscious hotel in a delicate ecosystem requires constant dedication, but it is incredibly rewarding,” Samantha reflects.

“One of the biggest challenges was designing a space that not only respected the delicate ecosystem of Bacalar but also provided a high-end experience. Ensuring sustainability while maintaining an elevated level of service required careful planning and innovative solutions. We overcame this by going completely off-grid—producing our own electricity, recycling wastewater, using only biodegradable products, involving and hiring the local community, amongst other practices.”
— Samantha Calzada, Owner

BACALAR'S CULTURAL TAPESTRY

Azul Nomeolvides is embraced by Bacalar's rich cultural heritage. Ancient Mayan sites at Ichkabal, Dzibanché, and Kohunlich stand nearby, their stones bearing silent testimony to centuries of history. Local artisans create distinctive goods in modest workshops—pottery, textiles, artifacts of daily life—available to those who venture beyond the retreat. “We always encourage guests to explore beyond the lagoon,” Samantha says, guiding visitors toward these authentic experiences where past and present intertwine, where exploration establishes a deeper connection to the region's narrative.

ARCHITECTURAL VISION REALIZED

The retreat rises organically from the jungle—wooden cabins elevated above the ground, lake views captured in every architectural frame. Samantha and Bernardo designed it to reflect Bacalar's natural palette, to integrate seamlessly with ventilated roofs and permeable walls that welcome the elements. “Our design is a thoughtful fusion of traditional regional architecture and contemporary sustainable principles,” Samantha explains. Future plans include expanding the native garden and developing more immersive lagoon experiences—enhancing a space that maintains its principles while continually evolving.

AN INVITATION TO MINDFULNESS

Azul Nomeolvides offers a precious opportunity to disconnect, to immerse oneself in the lagoon's depths and the jungle's verdant embrace. Whether relaxing in a cabin, swimming in the crystalline waters, or simply witnessing the sunset—each moment strengthens a bond that endures beyond the stay. “Choosing to stay with us means becoming part of a conservation-driven project,” Samantha emphasizes, highlighting how every guest contributes to preserving Bacalar’s fragile ecosystem.

“Azul Nomeolvides is more than just a place to stay—it is an experience. We invite guests to slow down, disconnect from the fast-paced world, and embrace the rhythm of nature to reconnect with themselves, and their loved ones. Every detail, from the open-air design to the curated activities we offer, is meant to create a stay that is immersive, meaningful, and unforgettable.”
— Samantha Calzada, Owner

INSPIRATION FROM KINDRED ACCOMMODATIONS

Samantha and Bernardo draw inspiration from establishments that embody authenticity—a family-operated hotel offering genuine hospitality, an ecologically responsible retreat rooted in its surroundings, a design-focused sanctuary preserving tranquility—accommodations that inform Azul Nomeolvides' ethos of mindfulness and serenity. “We love family-owned hotels, as they tend to provide a much more personal and heartfelt experience,” Samantha adds.