Since its origins in the early 20th century, the Michelin Guide has been a global benchmark for culinary excellence. While its initial editions also recommended hotels, it wasn’t until 2024 that they received their own distinction with the introduction of the Michelin Key. This new category recognizes the most exceptional hotels, evaluated based on their design, service, character, and attention to detail.
Currently, only five countries have this distinction, and Mexico is one of them, with 87 awarded establishments. Among these are the standout Casona Sforza in Puerto Escondido and Cigno Hotel Boutique in Mérida.
CASONA SFORZA
PUERTO ESCONDIDO, OAXACA
image © Alex Krotkov
Located in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Casona Sforza is a boutique hotel that embraces a hospitality concept where comfort and elegance blend seamlessly in an environment where nature and design engage the senses.
Envisioned and created by entrepreneur Ezequiel Ayarza Sforza and renowned Mexican architect Alberto Kalach, the project reflects a commitment to environmental care, a revaluation of roots, and the development of the local community. Both the common areas and the 11 vaulted suites stand out for their bohemian aesthetic, featuring neutral tones, tropical woods, and natural textures.
The lodging experience is enhanced by the culinary offering of La Bóveda, the hotel’s restaurant led by chefs Vanessa Franco and Andrés Trujillo, which showcases locally sourced products. Casona Sforza also offers guests yoga sessions, holistic massages, surfing lessons, and nature-based activities to immerse them in the destination.
CIGNO HOTEL BOUTIQUE
MÉRIDA, YUCATÁN
Situated in the popular Barrio de la Ermita in Mérida’s Historic Center, Hotel Cigno is just steps away from La Ermita de Santa Isabel. The stately architecture of this 19th-century mansion offers a sophisticated vernacular experience, with elements paying homage to the past and legacy of the ancestral cultures of the Yucatán Peninsula. Its 10 rooms and suites provide comfort in a serene, unpretentious atmosphere.
The stay is further enriched by the culinary offerings of Cocina, the hotel’s restaurant, which features authentic flavors of local cuisine paired with a select variety of wines from the Aljibe wine cellar.
