Hotel Bo

San Cristóbal de las Casas is nestled in a picturesque valley near Mayan archaeological zones, and its Spanish Colonial heart is bursting with Baroque churches and Neoclassical buildings. Throw in a dash of Moorish influence and, more recently, the Zapatistas, and you’ve got a heady historical brew. Hotel BO distills the cultural elements that have been in flux here for centuries, while at the same time paying tribute to the elements that shape the landscape — water, fire, air and earth.

If that sounds a bit new-age, rest assured that you won’t find a backlit crystal anywhere in the hotel. Quite the opposite, in fact: the grounded, forward-thinking design carves up the public spaces in clean-lined modern style (don’t miss the sleek geometry of the courtyard pool, interrupted by a single tree). The 22 guest rooms steer clear of minimalism, however — they’re vibrant without being riotous, their bright colors tempered by plenty of handsome local wood. Several rooms offer private solariums or terraces, and the panoramic views deliver some of the most vital scenery in Chiapas.

Between the breezy aesthetics of the open-plan areas and the laid-back warmth of the rooms — woolen throws, for example, round out the décor — it’s easy to forget about design-hotel pretension altogether, and convince yourself that Hotel BO is really just an all-inclusive garden party. And at Lum, the hotel restaurant, chef Ricardo Muñoz Zurita isn’t about to dissuade guests from this idea, as he pairs classic Mexican cuisine with expertly selected wines and tequilas.

How to get there:
Hotel Bo is located 40 minutes by car from Angel Albino Corzo International Airport.