TULUM, Mexico – In the idyllic beaches of Tulum, where today tourists enjoy white sands and crystal-clear waters, lies a property with a history that contrasts sharply with its serene surroundings. This is Casa Malca, a luxurious boutique hotel that once belonged to one of the most infamous figures in modern history, Pablo Escobar.
In the 1980s and early 1990s, Tulum was a far cry from today’s popular tourist destination. This relative obscurity attracted the Medellín cartel leader, who was notorious for amassing a vast portfolio of properties around the world. Among these was a mansion hidden away in the then-quiet town of Tulum, Mexico. The property was meant to serve as a secluded retreat where Escobar could lay low and conduct meetings with other drug lords away from the prying eyes of law enforcement.
Construction on the mansion is believed to have been completed in 1992, just a year before Escobar was killed in a shootout with Colombian authorities. At that time, Escobar was a fugitive, having escaped from La Catedral, the prison he had built for himself, and was the target of a massive manhunt by the Colombian government. As a result, the Tulum property was abandoned, left to deteriorate in the years following his death.
For years, the mansion sat vacant, a relic of a dark past, until it caught the eye of Lio Malca, a New York-based art dealer with a passion for contemporary art. Malca purchased the property from the Mexican government and embarked on an ambitious project to transform the decaying mansion into a world-class luxury hotel. His vision was to erase the lingering traces of its infamous former owner and replace them with an atmosphere that celebrated art and tranquility.
Malca’s extensive renovation of the property created a space that not only offered luxurious accommodations but also served as a living gallery showcasing some of the best contemporary art from around the world. To achieve this, Malca filled the hotel with works by renowned artists like Keith Haring, Kenny Scharf, and Jean-Michel Basquiat, whose paintings and sculptures are displayed throughout the property. The result is a unique blend of art and hospitality that draws visitors worldwide.
Casa Malca officially opened its doors to the public in 2015, instantly becoming one of Tulum’s most talked-about destinations. The hotel offers 42 rooms, each designed with a minimalist aesthetic that complements the natural beauty of its surroundings. Neutral color palettes, washed cement floors, and large windows flood the rooms with light, creating a serene environment that invites guests to relax and unwind.
One of the hotel’s standout features is integrating art into every aspect of the guest experience. In addition to the permanent collection of contemporary art, Casa Malca hosts rotating exhibitions, ensuring that repeat visitors always have something new to discover. The hotel’s public spaces, including its two pools, are designed to be both functional and artistic. One pool, shaded by towering palm trees and surrounded by hammocks, offers a tranquil retreat, while another, located in a cool, quiet cavern, provides a more intimate setting.
In addition to its art and design, Casa Malca has also earned a reputation for its culinary offerings. The hotel’s main restaurant, Filosofía, serves a menu that blends traditional Mexican flavors with international influences, using only the freshest local ingredients. Under the guidance of chef Jonathan Carbajal, the restaurant has become known for its innovative dishes that highlight the best of Yucatecan cuisine while introducing guests to new culinary experiences.
Casa Malca is not just a hotel; it is a destination in itself, offering guests a chance to experience Tulum in a luxurious and culturally enriching way. The property’s transformation from a symbol of illicit wealth to a beacon of art and hospitality is a testament to the power of reinvention and the ability to create beauty from even the darkest of pasts.
The success of Casa Malca has solidified its place as one of Tulum’s premier destinations. It is a place where history, art, and luxury converge, offering visitors an experience that is as intellectually stimulating as it is relaxing. As Tulum grows in popularity, Casa Malca stands out as a symbol of the town’s unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and artistic innovation.
