Swell Guatemala

Swell is a Surf and Lifestyle boutique hotel that has recently opened its doors in El Paredón, a coastal village that has quickly become the destination of choice for surfing in Guatemala. Nestled upon the untouched volcanic black sand beach of the Guatemalan Pacific Coast, this 8-suite hotel is an inspired “barefoot boho-chic” retreat, elegantly designed for laid back travelers with discriminating taste.

Architect Elan Ibghy and designer Marie Bonnefond sensitively blend contemporary with rustic, contrasting polished concrete geometry with local craftsmanship, natural wood textures and colorful Guatemalan textiles. The thoughtful spaces and natural materials, animated by hammocks and cozy nooks within a luxurious tropical garden, promote pure relaxation.

The locally inspired thatched palm roof dominating the entrance of the hotel immediately leads guests to enter a stylish indoor-outdoor lounge area of handcrafted wooden sofas and swings around an inviting bar made of locally sourced Guanacaste wood. The contemporary aesthetic of the furniture, designed by the owners themselves and handcrafted by a talented local carpenter, exudes a modern elegance to this main space. The natural textures and exotic touches make for a relaxed, convivial environment where guests can sit back and socialize.

Set between a tropical garden and a cozy open lounge area, the guests are greeted by the commanding sight of an impressive 20 meters turquoise-blue swimming pool surrounded by a natural pine wood deck. The defining signature architectural feature of the hotel is a series of polished white structural elements that animate one side of the pool’s length, poetically articulating the 4 Swim-Up Suites. Each of the four rooms features its own private pinewood terrace and swim-up platform for exclusive morning wake-up swims and afternoon lounging. These suites offer a contemporary environment of clean polished concrete interiors and built-in shelves, contrasted by the warmth of local wood furniture and handpicked Guatemalan textiles. All of the rooms enjoy the luxury of their own open-air private bathroom offering a tropical shower under the stars surrounded by lush palms.

The thatched roof bungalows, that characterize the other suites, vary in style and amenities to adapt to the traveler’s taste. These locally inspired structures offer the unique experience of sleeping under a traditional roof of woven palm leaves, cradled by the sound of the ocean waves, and are designed with intimate terrace lounges set within landscaped tropical gardens.

The lush gardens that permeate Swell inspire an oasis-like beach atmosphere, offering a vibrant array of colorful bougainvillaeas, hibiscus, lemon trees, and a wide variety of palms. Several murals by artists Pepallama & Thomas Meissner present a geometric and tropical animation to the hotel’s communal spaces and emphasize the exotic laid-back vibe of the overall environment.

For a Guatemalan getaway that balances boho-chic with elegance and design, Swell is the ideal combination of a cozy home-like feeling with the personalized guest attention and service of a boutique hotel.

Design: Elan Ibghy
Interior Design: Marie Bonnefond
Photography: Zac White, Marie Bonnefond, Anna Gabba, Alex St-Jean, Elan Ibghy, Gracesea Visuals