THE Ancient Mayans called it Sian Ka’an—“where the sky is birthed”. I call it “that place I can’t stop thinking about.”
Located on a UNESCO World Heritage Site, totally secluded in the heart of Mexico’s Mayan Riviera, I arrived by way of a blue fishing boat. Its captain, a local fisherman, navigates the labyrinth of winding mangroves that make up this immense bioluminescent lagoon; he knows the landscape like the back of his hand. The Mexican breeze felt like it was cleansing me with occasional splashes of water that cool my skin from the warmth of the sun. A smile from ear to ear: I’d seen Casa Chablé in pictures, but I wasn’t expecting this.
The Master Beachfront Bungalow at Casa Chablé
The property stands gracefully over the landscape, a beautiful contrast with its surroundings. The architecture is a delicate balance of modern elegance and respect for nature – its design thoughtfully integrated into the lush foliage.
The exclusivity of Casa Chablé – five bungalows, five guest rooms, and five rooms in the Main House – ensures that every detail is meticulously attended to by its dedicated team of twelve staff members. Living on property due to the hotel’s remote location, they become recurring characters, adding comfort and intimacy to guests. They masterfully manage to be both unobtrusive and incredibly attentive, creating an atmosphere where one feels both secluded from the world while being deeply cared for.
Casa Chable’s lobby is the house’s living area opening up to the pool
The warmth of Casa Chablé extends well beyond the initial welcome. At its restaurant, K’ÚUM, I learned how to cook fresh salsa in a cooking class with Chef Luis León. But I didn’t just learn how to smash tomatoes. Chef dove me right into the rich tapestry of Mexican cuisine and cooking techniques – like the physical and chemical properties of using a molcajete – deepening one’s understanding of the local culture. And that’s only the beginning.
As day turns to night, Casa Chablé adds personalised touches that make each evening unforgettable. After a four-course dinner under a blanket of stars, I followed a lantern-lit path down to the shore to a telescope, where I counted constellations. Gazing through the lens out into the universe, I found myself thinking back on the ancient Mayans who once navigated these very Caribbean waters, using these very stars: a celestial map guiding their voyages across the sea.
The Bungalow’s deck with seafront views
These intimate, personalized touches make each day at Casa Chablé feel special, creating memories that linger long after you’ve returned home. A shower under moon or sunlight, right there from your villa. The soundtrack? The rustle of palm trees and waves crashing at the shore. I miss that.
One of the most transformative experiences at Casa Chablé is the sound bath. Lying on a wooden deck, the singing bowls’ gentle harmonic frequencies are designed to resonate into every water molecule of your body. The wood planks below me seemed to vanish; I floated on water as the humming of the bowls swirled around me, surrounding me with a profound sense of peace.
Master Beachfront Bungalow
The Sian Ka’an Biosphere, with scores of hidden Mayan structures, is unforgettable. Casa Chablé’s commitment to sustainability – 80% of its energy is solar, for instance – and environmental respect means that your stay is not just luxurious but also mindful of its impact. The balance of opulence and eco-consciousness creates a unique sanctuary where you can fully immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the Mayan Riviera.
I keep thinking about the Mayans – about their claim that this sacred place is where the sky itself came into existence. It feels like standing at a threshold, caught in the in-between. Between the bioluminescent bay and the Caribbean Sea; between luxury and sacred land; between awe and fantasy; and between the comforts of modernity and the ancient spirituality of centuries ago.
by Regner Ramos
Rates at Casa Chablé beginning at £717 per night, based on double occupancy: casachable.chablehotels.com