Legend has it that Casa Malca, an old mansion on a huge plot of land located on Mexico’s Riviera Maya, belonged to Pablo Escobar, the famous international drug lord who used it for meetings with Mexican drug traffickers.
“On the streets, people assure you that the house is still part of Escobar’s family,” says Ana Prado Contti, a Brazilian luxury real estate broker.
The mansion was discovered in 2003, a decade after Escobar’s death, and it was purchased by the Colombian negotiator in 2012, taking another two years of work to preserve the original aspects of the construction and become a space for tourists and lovers of art.
The grounds of Casa Malca, above, which have been developed and now boast 41 suites such as the one below
Ana once had the chance to stay at the hotel, now owned by the Colombian art dealer Lio Malca.
“Several celebrities have been there, such as actress Cara Delevingne and model Elle Macpherson,” she says.
“Lio has preserved the bucolic charms of the place and has included several works of art signed by renowned artists such as Jeff Koons, Basquiat, Keith Haring, and a rare sculpture by artist KAWS.”
The works of art are scattered in the internal and external areas, among Persian rugs, paintings, sculptures, books, and furniture. “The few rooms were transformed into 41 suites”, she explains.“There is a concierge area made with tree trunks, framed by two swings hanging from the beams next to white curtains made with vintage wedding dresses. Guests and hotel staff also communicate via WhatsApp at any time of the day.”
What once had reinforced walls to withstand gunfire – and a tunnel to hide and escape – now has indigenous buildings for meditation, as well as a private cenote in the pool area and a spa.
Ana Prado Contti is from Brasília but found in the US market the opportunity to grow as a realtor. Living in Miami, she specialises in the luxury construction trade (@imoveis_de_luxo_miami) and holds the title of Luxury Home Marketing Specialist by The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing.
Images courtesy of Kiko Gaspar Communications
