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The colonial city of Antigua, Guatemala, sitting in the shadow of the towering Volcán de Agua, is welcoming a new subset of travelers seeking luxury. Villa Bokéh Guatemala has long been a dream destination for backpackers seeking affordability and adventure, keen on scrabbling up smoldering volcanoes and riding colorful chicken buses, but until recently it has rarely been considered by luxury travelers. That perception is shifting fast: as Guatemala celebrates a near double-digit surge in international arrivals this year, it's also celebrating a wave of recognition for its growing luxury hospitality scene Last month, four Guatemalan hotels were recognized by the MICHELIN Guide with the country's first-ever MICHELIN Keys, identifying hotels of particularly exceptional quality and guest experience. Just days earlier, The World’s 50 Best named Guatemala as the first Central American destination to host Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants, set to take place later this year. It’s a moment that affirms what all those intrepid backpackers have known for decades: Guatemala has much more to offer than meets the eye. Now, luxury-minded visitors are seeking out its volcano-studded landscapes, multicultural heritage, and warm hospitality, finding a level of comfort and sophistication that even a decade ago would never have been expected. Rimmed with volcanoes, Lake Atitlán is one of Gutemala's most impressive destinations, offering experiences for everyone from intrepid backpackers to wellness-minded or culturally curious luxury travelers. Casa Palopó Guatemala’s growing reputation with luxury travelers is distinct from that of nearby destinations like Mexico or Costa Rica. Demi Roberts, senior travel designer for Jacada Travel, characterizes Guatemala's evolution in luxury travel by its "intentional, quality growth rather than rapid expansion in terms of its options for luxury travelers. This slower pace has become a key part of its appeal." "Guatemala's strength lies in its diverse experiences," she says. "It provides travelers with a more exclusive, unhurried and intimate experience that speaks to the luxury traveler seeking immersion and quiet exploration. While Guatemala's tourism sector may be smaller, its offerings are often deeper, attracting visitors who value cultural richness and solitude over mass accessibility." Kinnik sits along the shores of Lake Atitlán, and uses ancient Mayan woodfired cooking traditions to highlight a diversity of tasty dishes. One facet of that immense cultural richness is reflected in its cuisine. These days, the culinary prowess of a destination isn't just an added benefit for luxury travelers—it's often the main focus of a trip. Last year, a Virtuoso survey found that 70% of its luxury travel advisors saw an increase in demand for culinary-focused travel, with 20% of advisors reporting that clients were booking trips with culinary experiences as the main focus. Guatemala's choice as the first Central American host destination of Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants speaks volumes about its growing international profile as a culinary hotspot. Three Guatemala City restaurants—Sublime, Mercado 24 and Diacá—are already part of the list of the best restaurants in Latin America. In the lead-up to the awards ceremony in Antigua, there will be a series of signature sessions at the city's top restaurants featuring chefs from some of the best kitchens in the world: Nuema in Quito, Niño Gordo in Buenos Aires, Boragó in Santiago, and Alcalde in Guadalajara. Casa Palopó sits overlooking Lake Atitlán Casa Palopó Culinary experience aside, luxury travelers expect a divine place to stay, and the country's growing coterie of luxurious boutique hotels and resorts offers more options than ever. This year, the MICHELIN Guide announced MICHELIN Keys for hotels in Central America and the Caribbean for the first time, awarding four hotels in Guatemala with the esteemed designation. For Guatemala to boast four MICHELIN Key properties is an impressive achievement, especially compared with other destinations renowned for their luxury travel appeal. In Anguilla, three hotels earned MICHELIN Keys; in Grand Cayman, two; and in the British Virgin Islands, just one. Thoughtful design details at Casa Palopó. Casa Palopó Among Guatemala's MICHELIN Key winners is Casa Palopó, a private home turned boutique hotel that became an early leader in luxury travel in the country when it debuted in 2000. Lifted above the shores of Lake Atitlán, Casa Palopó offers sweeping vistas over the water towards the volcanic peaks that stand regally over region. It’s hard to imagine a more picturesque view of a destination that has garnered a comparison to Lake Como, one it handily earns. Dreamy destination aside, Casa Palopó boasts all the amenities luxury travelers would hope for: poolside spots for cooling dips, culinary experiences that marry Guatemalan flavors and locally-sourced ingredients in inventive ways, and a thoughtful menu of bespoke excursions and experiences to choose from. There’s even a helicopter pad for guests looking to be whisked to the lakeside paradise straight from the international airport, and a brand new spa set to debut any day now. Amenities aside, Casa Palopó gives guests a rich sense of place that feels like a perfect fit for its origin as a private estate. Each of its 15 rooms is individually designed with handpicked pieces of art and decor sourced locally and inspired by artisan craftsmanship. The experience is woven together by warm, attentive hospitality that’s felt from arrival to departure. Each thoughtfully designed room at Villa Bokéh weaves in locally crafted decor pieces and textiles, plus photography and art highlighting the beauty of the region. Villa Bokéh Casa Palopó is joined in its MICHELIN recognition by Villa Bokéh, its newer sister property tucked away on a lush, grassy estate between the colonial town of Antigua and the towering Volcán de Agua. The hotel debuted in 2021 to much acclaim, quickly becoming the stay of choice for the rapidly growing luxury travel segment drawn to this colorful, UNESCO-protected city. It is now also one of the top choices for destination weddings in the region. With its sleeker more cosmopolitan feel, no doubt influenced by its proximity to the vibrant heart of Antigua, Villa Bokéh shares Casa Palopó’s heartbeat of service, attention to detail, and divine style and cuisine. Casa Palopó and Villa Bokéh are still Guatemala's only two Relais & Chateaux properties, a distinction that makes their MICHELIN recognition feel all the more well deserved. The Mayan ruins of Tikal, located near Lake Peten Itzá in northern Guatemala, are considered one of the most impressive Mayan sites in the region. VW Pics/Universal Images Group via Getty Images Most travelers tend to stick to Antigua and Lake Atitlán, but additional destinations are emerging in more far-flung corners of the country with added reasons to draw luxury travelers farther afield. Surrounded by the deep, dense jungles of the north of the country, destinations like Flores on Lake Petén Itzá serve as gateways to some of the most impressive ancient sites of the Maya, like the famed pyramids of Tikal. Nearby is Francis Ford Coppola's eco-friendly hideaway, La Lancha, another one of Guatemala's MICHELIN Key properties. Close by, Bolontiku Hotel, newly a part of the esteemed Cayuga Collection of sustainable luxury properties in Central America, welcomes guests in a level of sophistication that would have been unthinkable here just a few years ago. An infinity pool with views of Lake Atitlán at Casa Palopó. It sits beside a helicopter pad, which offers quick access for guests traveling through the international airport in Guatemala City. Casa Palopó Those who have already had the pleasure of exploring Guatemala know that the country's allure is undeniable, and as the definition of luxury continues to evolve, it's destinations like this that are emerging with increasing appeal. "Guatemala certainly has its share of impressive properties," says Roberts, "but we define luxury through an experiential lens. Rather than focusing solely on amenities, true luxury is measured by the exclusivity and depth of the experience itself." Now, with a few key trailblazers at the helm, Guatemala is poised to welcome a new kind of traveler, one who has long been craving a deeper experience, even if they hadn’t realized it until now. Editorial StandardsReprints & Permissions
