Jungle Keva: Boutique Eco-Luxury in Tulum

Situated in the lush Mayan jungle of Tulum, Mexico, Jungle Keva is a boutique hotel designed by Jaque Studio in 2019. This small, five-lodge property seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings, preserving 70% of the existing vegetation and using local, low-maintenance materials to create a warm, rustic atmosphere. Featuring a double-height main room, mezzanine, and indoor-outdoor bathrooms, the lodges are designed to connect guests intimately with the stunning jungle landscape.

Secluded tropical retreat with modern wooden architecture, pool, and lush greenery.
An ornate wooden roof structure with intricate bamboo paneling and pendant lighting in a rustic kitchen interior.
Rustic wooden beams, geometric patterns, and large windows create a warm, inviting space.
Rustic A-frame structure with intricate wooden beams, framing a hammock and lush outdoor view.
A spacious, open-concept interior with a soaring wooden ceiling, loft, and earthy tones.
Minimalist bedroom design with wooden beams, rope lighting, and neutral tones.
Indoor space with exposed stone walls, wooden beams, and an accent of potted plants.
Sleek, modern bathroom with wooden accents, freestanding tub, and bamboo screen divider.
Peaceful outdoor lounge area with wooden furniture, thatched roof, and lush greenery.
Stunning wooden architecture with slatted screens framing lush garden and pool.
A cozy, rustic balcony with a thatched roof, hammock, and potted plants creating a serene, natural ambiance.
Wooden structures with thatched roofs set against a lush, forested background.
A modern, wooden structure nestled among lush greenery, with a tranquil pool and seating area.
A modern, open-concept building nestled among lush, verdant trees, featuring intricate wooden lattice work.

About Jungle Keva

Nestled in the heart of Tulum, Mexico, Jungle Keva is a captivating boutique hotel designed by Jaque Studio in 2019. Remarkably, the project preserves 70% of the existing vegetation, seamlessly integrating the natural environment into the design.

Featuring five 538-square-foot (50m2) lodges, each boasting a double-height room, mezzanine, terrace, and indoor-outdoor bathroom, Jungle Keva offers a unique and immersive experience. Moreover, the social areas, including a dining space and yoga pavilion, hover over the pool, which appears to be extruded from the ground amidst the lush vegetation.

Local Materials, Timeless Elegance

Crafted with locally-sourced materials and natural textures, Jungle Keva exudes a warm and inviting atmosphere. The use of “chukum,” a Mayan stucco characterized by its distinctive color and durability, lends the buildings a sense of authenticity and timelessness.

A Harmonious Blend of Old and New

The project’s design approach is a thoughtful synthesis of vernacular architecture and modern sensibilities. By scattering the various volumes across the site, Jungle Keva creates a village-like atmosphere, seamlessly blending with the Mayan jungle surroundings. The search for pure forms and natural materials results in a simple, yet captivating aesthetic that resonates with the local context.

Sustainability and Social Consciousness

Ultimately, Jungle Keva embodies a sustainable and socially-conscious design ethos. By preserving the majority of the existing vegetation and using low-maintenance, natural materials, the project minimizes its environmental impact. Furthermore, the design’s social and economic considerations ensure a harmonious integration with the local community.

Photography by César Béjar
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- by Matt Watts

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