With tourist numbers still low and the dollar relatively high, the real travel news this summer is happening in Latin America. Here’s what we can report.
MEXICO (1): In Acapulco, the 30 room Hotel Boca Chica (above) will finally open early this fall — the first Pacific Coast property from the folks behind Mexico City’s ultra-hip Hotel CondesaDF (a favorite of Queen Noor). Look for chic cabana scene and sushi restaurant by the folks from Bond Street in NYC.
+ Also in Acapulco, the five-bedroom Villa Alejandra has lowered its rates; nightly rental is now $2,500 for up to 10 people — including full staff. The property is in the swank Las Brisas quarter and has one of the only private beaches in town.
MEXICO (2): Ultra-chilled Isla Mujeres just got a new cheap-and-chip place to sleep: The retro-styled Rocco Mar. Owned by the family behind the island’s slick Hotel Secreto, sea-front rooms at the Rocco Mar begin at just $60/night. Nice!
PANAMA: Panama City’s tasty new Pony Club restaurant is getting good buzz for its inventive mix of Latin/European and Yankee flavors — and was recently featured on E Entertainment TV. Take a look.
NICARAGUA: Located just outside of Managua, the 18-room Hotel Contempo is Nicaragua’s first true hip hotel. Along with thoroughly contemporary interiors, there’s a pool, spa and haute Italian eatery.
COSTA RICA: Le Cameleon is the latest chic boutique to arrive on Costa Rica’s Carribean coast — with 23 minimalist rooms and suites done up in bright whites and yellows. Set midway between the jungle and the beach, it’s a short walk to the forests of the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge.
COLOMBIA: All eyes are on Cartagena, where late this summer the totally swish Tcherassi Hotel will open with seven massive rooms, luxe spa and neuevo-Colombiano restaurant — all designed by Paris/Colombia-based architects Estudio Morfo.