Barcelona-based architecture firm DNA, led by CEO and Principal Architect Aryanour Djalali, has unveiled initial renderings of Cocoon Hotel & Resort – a mixed-use development in Tulum comprising three residential and two hotel buildings with a total of 204 apartments, 167 guestrooms and 16 private villas.

Inspired by the region’s sea and exotic forests, DNA set out to achieve a balance between mind, body and soul, conceiving a true escape from everyday life that allows for maximum disconnection and relaxation. As such, the resort’s spa-wellness areas, as well as its saunas and community swimming pools, play a key role in the narrative. The idea is to create ‘cenotes’ – natural freshwater ponds traditionally used by the ancient Maya civilisation for sacrificial offerings – where guests can relive the experience of a Mayan ritual.

Elsewhere across the 46,181m² complex, guests are immersed in Mexican culture and the surrounding landscape by way of biomimicry architecture and communal spaces integrated into nature, from jungle gardens and outdoor villa terraces to multipurpose pavilions, lounge areas and a restaurant, not to mention a panoramic Nest structure offering unrestricted views of Tulum.

DNA’s scheme places significant emphasis on sustainability too, respecting the region’s ecosystem and biodiversity by using natural materials that minimise the impact of building and reduce the generation of waste. A water collection concept will see rainwater recovered for sewage treatment, while solar panels will be implemented to achieve eco-friendly electricity. In addition, a dry construction system will eliminate the need for wet binders and result in a shorter execution time, increasing both its safety and sustainability.