Stay at Casa Malca – Pablo Escobar’s private estate

Imagine a world of luxury and opulence with a side of notorious gangs and drug trade. Well that is exactly what you will get at this next hotel we just can’t wait to show you. This five-star boutique resort was previously Pablo Escobar’s private estate and it is every bit as grandiose as you could imagine.

When we bring up Tulum in Mexico at Unmissable HQ, it gets a mixed reaction. A short distance from Cancun, Tulum ruins are teeming with tourists. But there is a side of Tulum that’s not as Instagram-famous. The town of Tulum is a picturesque hotel-lined settlement where dense jungle meets calm sea forming an absolutely perfect spot to relax and unwind. It’s no wonder the notorious leader of the infamous drug cartel chose here to build his secluded private playground.

The estate was abandoned when Escobar died in 1993 and sat in relative mystery for decades. In 2012, it was accidentally discovered by New York hotelier Lio Malca. While travelling around Mexico in the last year of the Mayan calendar, he fell ill a few towns away from Tulum. He found himself in a small seaside town during his recovery. As soon as he stepped out onto the beach from his cabin post recovery, he was hooked. He immediately started looking for a property.

After looking around at a number of properties, he fell in love with this one. But because it was seized by Mexican government after Escobar’s death, he was told it was not for purchase. Of course, where there is a will there is a way. And so Lio Malca succeeded in the purchase of his first Tulum getaway.

With his own friends and family flocking to the 9 bedroom estate, he knew that this is a property he couldn’t hide away. And so he expanded. The hotel is now 42 suites, all built in the same style as the original structure.

The modern, spacious rooms feature king sized beds and floor-to-ceiling windows. Many of them are set steps away from the beach. From rain-showers to hammocks scattered throughout the property, Casa Malca aims to deliver a sensory experience mimicking its surroundings.

There is no shortage of cultural and adventurous experiences here. With fresh water cenotes and Tulum ruins within reach, you’ll feel truly a part of Mexican paradise. It’s astonishing how well this luxurious estate fits into its jungle surroundings, but it sure adds to the feeling of secluded paradise.