Casa Amate in Mérida: Immersive Culture in the Heart of Yucatán

MÉRIDA, YUCATÁN, MEXICO. Offering warm, genuine hospitality inspired by the welcoming spirit of the region, Casa Amate in Mérida creates a unique lodging concept. This experience unfolds across two distinctive properties in the city’s most iconic neighbourhoods, where thoughtful design and a vibrant retro aesthetic come together to create an unforgettable atmosphere.

A Tribute to Mayan Roots

With two distinct locations—Casa Amate 61 and Casa Amate 62—the project welcomes contemporary travellers and digital nomads into spaces where design, comfort, artisanal heritage, sustainability, and meaningful cultural connection converge.

The hotel’s dual nature subtly evokes the Mayan cosmogony described in the Popol Vuh, in which twin gods Hunahpú and Ixbalanqué star in an ancestral epic. Its name pays tribute to the amate tree, native to Mexico’s tropical regions. Revered since pre-Columbian times for its bark, used to make paper, the amate symbolises deep roots and ancestral memory.

Considered sacred in pre-Hispanic times and believed by the Mayans to be the dwelling place of the Maize God, the amate takes on new meaning through these twin locations. Situated 2.5 km apart, each honours the past while celebrating the vibrant present of Mérida.

Distinctive Locations in the Heart of the City

Casa Amate 61 nestles on Calle 61 in the bohemian La Mejorada neighbourhood, home to the Folk Art and Yucatecan Song Museums. In contrast, Casa Amate 62 is located on Calle 62 in Santa Ana, just steps from the iconic Paseo de Montejo and close to the city centre and Santa Lucía Park.

The architectural development is the result of a meticulous, sustainability-driven restoration of century-old vernacular structures. These have been harmonised with the clean geometry and lines of Art Deco, culminating in a distinctive aesthetic expressed through signature arched latticework.

Sustainable Design and Art Deco Aesthetics

Led by architect Fernando García and the firm OWN, known for its sustainable design principles, both properties make use of high ceilings suited to the Yucatán climate to optimise energy performance. Local materials and ancestral techniques such as chukum—a natural, resin-based plaster—were used to create the unmistakable colours that distinguish each property.

Casa Amate 61, with its cheerful pastel-pink façade evoking the energy and creativity of Mexican culture, opened in May 2024 as a premium hostel. It offers four private suites—two with shared bathrooms—and four bunk rooms each for up to six guests. The three-story building features a central courtyard with a lap pool, murals reinterpretating local landmarks, a second courtyard with micro-environments for relaxation, and a rooftop terrace with two plunge pools.

Casa Amate 62, featuring a bold blue hue, is a refined two-story property boasting 19 private rooms and two shared rooms with four bunks each. Just steps from the iconic La Negrita cantina, this boutique hotel offers two pools: a lap pool at the centre of the building flanked by jacuzzis, and a rooftop pool with a solarium and cosy outdoor cinema.

Interiors Inspired by Local Craftsmanship

The warm, refined interiors of both properties were designed by Mex&Co Studio Design, led by Steisy Echeverría. She curated a selection of furniture crafted from tropical woods like tzalam and cedar. The collection celebrates fine local woodworking from a contemporary perspective, enriched with handcrafted textiles, petatillo fabrics, Ticul clay vases, and ornamental pieces made by artisans preserving ancestral trades.

Personal care amenities feature a custom line of products made with melipona bee honey, supporting fair trade practices with local beekeepers. This initiative forms part of the wider sustainability and conservation vision, which also includes support for the preservation of endemic species, such as the tapir sanctuary in Kinchil.

A Hub for Digital Nomads and Community

Forging meaningful connections with guests is a cornerstone of the philosophy here. A team of local volunteers offers personalised recommendations for discovering Mérida’s authentic side. For tailored experiences, guests can explore Amate Experiencias, a curated programme featuring cenote excursions, archaeological site visits, and personalised thematic tours.

Spaces are designed to encourage community and creativity. Programming includes free yoga classes, outdoor movie nights, and special workshops—such as floral arranging—available for an additional fee. For digital nomads, Casa Amate 61 features a dedicated coworking space designed for comfort and productivity.

Both properties are open to locals and visitors alike, offering amenities such as a bar, café, and bakery—the latter exclusive to Casa Amate 62. Guests can also purchase a Day Pass to enjoy the facilities and services, ensuring everyone can experience this reimagined vernacular architecture through a retro-contemporary lens.

Experience the Magic of Mérida

Ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Yucatán? Whether you are drawn to the social energy of the pastel-pink hostel or the refined tranquillity of the boutique hotel, Casa Amate in Mérida offers the perfect sanctuary. Embrace the local rhythm, connect with the community, and find your home away from home in the cultural heart of Mexico.

Book your stay:

• Casa Amate 61 (La Mejorada): www.casaamate.com
• Casa Amate 62 (Santa Ana): www.casaamate62.com

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