Villa Bokéh, Antigua

The perfect ambassador for stylish Guatemalan romance, Villa Bokéh is like something out of a film. This colonial-style hacienda sits just outside downtown Antigua – tucked away enough to indulge in a secluded retreat, yet moments from the buzz of the city’s pastel-painted facades. Within the property’s pristine white walls, every room is a lesson in chic. It’s intimate; a home away from home. Outside, sip a fresh morning coffee amongst lush garden greenery and sit beside your balcony’s private fire pit as the sun slowly sinks behind the Volcán de Agua. This is boutique luxury in every sense.

LOCATION

Villa Bokéh lies on the outskirts of the colonial city of Antigua – just a short ten-minute drive from its candy-coloured cobbled streets, and one-hour from Guatemala City’s La Aurora International Airport. Framed by spectacular views of the Volcán de Agua rising the distance, the property is set within six acres of verdant, manicured gardens – filled with flourishing tropical flowers and narrow paths that wind around its lake and branching lily ponds. Welcome to your haven in the Guatemalan Highlands.

YOUR ROOM

Villa Bokéh’s sixteen rooms and suites – each named after a different colour – are entirely exquisite, designed with a nod to their eponymous shades. They’re full of stylish touches crafted by local artisans – from woven throw pillows to hand-carved bed frames – and artworks from or inspired by Guatemala, including black-and-white photographic portraits of Antiguan locals by Mitchell Denburg. You’ll even find a pillow menu atop your bedside table (we’d recommend lavender-scented, for the most relaxed night’s sleep you’ll possibly ever have).

Flooded with natural light, the Indigo suite – complete with mezzanine – is especially gorgeous. Deep blues and crisp whites give it a fresh feel, all opening out onto a balcony that brings the gardens right to you. Not to mention the volcano views from its freestanding bathtub.

WHY WE LIKE IT

We like – love, really – everything about Villa Bokéh. From its warm, attentive team of staff to its glimmering outdoor pool lined with blue parasols and contemporary restaurant, Bokéh 3.1 – run by chef Marco Sáenz, who champions uplifting local purveyors of Indigenous ingredients.

Even the outdoor poolside bathrooms here are beautiful – adorned with intricately hand-painted tiles and individual cylindrical washrooms that are illuminated by spirals of tea lights come dusk. And there’s a collection of gnomes hidden throughout the gardens for younger guests in need of some treasure-hunt-shaped entertainment. They’ve thought of every detail, big or small. And it makes for a truly perfect stay.