Introducing, Papaya Playa Project, a design hotels raw-luxe camp hitting Tulum, Mexico from December 6, 2011 to May 5, 2012

Our decade has been described as the Turbulent Teens. In reaction to uncertain economic dynamics, unparalleled original solutions in the space of art and design have cropped up, one of the most popular being the pop-up retail and art phenomenon. An instant success, the idea plays with exactly what we are looking for right now: functionality, value, story and innovation. While this concept has been around for a while, Design Hotels™ Founder and CEO Claus Sendlinger sees its shift to hospitality as a natural and inevitable progression. Having sought far and wide for a place to create an authentic, nurturing experience, the 900 meter stretch of oceanfront paradise cocooned on the Caribbean coast of the Mayan Riviera was the perfect spot to create the Papaya Playa Project. Together with Emilio Heredia, owner of the existing Papaya Playa beach bungalow resort, Design Hotels™ is initiating the ultimate pop-up camp.

So from December 6th, the authentic-pleasure seekers have a new raw-luxe camp they can sink and rub their feet into. Ninety-nine cabañas have been renovated at the Papaya Playa Project by the Design Hotels™ creative team. Integrating local materials and building techniques, they encourage its residents to soak in the warmth of the elements, both physically and mentally. The separation between man and nature diminishes in these rustic spaces while the perception of small indulgences – like high thread count sheets, flowing mosquito nets and thick towels – is heightened.

The ultimate luxury in most of the cabañas, is the private porch, where hammocks gently swing guests into sync with Tulum’s laid-back rhythm.

The Rurban Mantra – a rural setting with an urban spirit
The Papaya Playa Project experience is not a typical beach holiday. Together with a group of like-minded partners, Design Hotels™ is staging a communal playground, offering a raw, white canvas for a community seeking reconnection with nature and within themselves. KaterHolzig, the most recent offspring of Berlin’s legendary Bar 25, will serve up seasonal local food from the grill and fresh breads from the custom-built clay oven. To guarantee that the Papaya Playa Project cuisine retains its creative flair abroad, they’re bringing their head chef from their popular Berlin restaurant for the course of the project. Their Beach Shack bar & lounge and the Papaya Recording Studio will be the epicenter for their international network of DJs and performing artists. Making sure the legacy of Mayan rituals are duly celebrated, an event series will take place around each full moon. These are curated by Mamapapacola, the creative agency known for their offbeat ideas, together with the events arm of the Kater-Holzig team. 42°RAW, already making waves in organic gastronomy, will provide nutrient rich, food-on-the-go. The Mini Super boutique brings together the best products from international artists and designers to create a unique and ethical shoppers’ delight. It specializes in eccentric finds from solar-powered gadgets to unusual jewelry designs, beach wear, accessories, and handicrafts from the region and beyond. To complete the holistic circle, So Happy Neo Spa will use Mayan shaman secrets to pamper body, mind and soul.

The Papaya Playa Project – a  Communal Experience

All communal areas within the Papaya Playa Project like the restaurant, bar and beach club encourage a feeling of solidarity within the Papaya Playa community and are a cultural playground for food, music and spontaneous action. An important theme of the project, integration here is about being glocal – a fusion of global and local. Inspiring and being inspired, original thinkers come together to perform, present or simply communicate in their chosen fashion. There’s a natural amphitheater on the beach which will play stage to those willing to share and experience with international music, readings, inspiring lectures and more. Guests can also reserve the space for private events. Being hooked up to the best DJs in the world, means music is definitely a focus here with impromptu jam sessions in the sand, relaxing ambient tunes at the spa as well as all-out parties from time to time.

Accommodation at Papaya Playa – The Luxury of Simplicity

The 99 cabañas within the Papaya Playa Project are all ecological and built with local materials. Their simplicity and no-frills furnishings lend them their special charm. Renovated by the Design Hotels™ creative team, fresh colors, cozy beds with highest quality sheets and thoughtful details make for a comfortable stay. Approximately half of the cabañas are outfitted with private bathrooms and the others share a central bathhouse. A highlight of the newly renovated communal bathhouse is its own bath concierge offering guests plush, fresh towels and a selection of indulgent bath products.

1 Casa Kater, a private house set amidst the flora and fauna of the jungle with 5 bedrooms, an outdoor living room and a private bathroom featuring an outdoor shower.

3 Casitas, spacious oceanfront living with stunning views, a private terrace and a large private bathroom.

21 Oceanfront Cabañas with private bathrooms, solid structures perched on a rocky ledge with stunning views and private terraces.

32 Oceanfront Cabañas with shared bathrooms, mostly wooden structures perched on a rocky ledge with stunning views. Most have private terraces and guests have access to a communal bathhouse.

16 Garden Cabañas with private bathrooms, solid structures located slightly back from the beachfront with garden or partial ocean views and private bathrooms.

4 Jungle Cabañas with private bathrooms, modest solid or wooden cabanas set amidst the flora and fauna of the jungle with a modest private bathroom.

13 Shared Jungle Cabañas, modest solid or wooden cabanas set amidst the flora and fauna of the jungle with access to a communal bathhouse. Each has
two bunk beds and guests are allocated at the time of booking.

9 Crash Pads, the most economical way to experience The Papaya Playa Project, these extremely basic wooden structures are set in the property’s jungle with either sand or wooden flooring with access to a communal bathhouse.

Food and Beverage at the Papaya Playa Project

Restaurant & Bar by KaterHolzig :
Overlooking the beach, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, the camp’s main restaurant features fresh, local ingredients that are whipped into flavorful dishes with an international flair. Pizzas and freshly baked bread are served straight from the clay oven, while just-caught fish, and a variety of meats are prepared on the open-air grill.

The Beach Shack by KaterHolzig :
Located directly on the beach, with a bar and lounge area, The Beach Shack serves drinks and snacks from late morning until late evening.

Raw Food Bar by 42° RAW :
Straddling a rocky ledge and spilling onto the Caribbean white sand, the Raw Food Bar serves healthy, plant-based snacks from late morning to late afternoon. A breakthrough concept in good food, nothing is cooked above 42 degrees Celsius to avoid denaturation of food and loss of enzymes and vitamins. Originating in Copenhagen, 42°RAW already has a huge following in Europe and will soon open its doors in New York.

Location of the Papaya Playa Project
Only one hour and 15 minutes by car from Cancun International Airport (130 km, 80 miles).

Papaya Playa Project rates
USD $25 – $675

Papaya Playa Project Address
Km 4 point 5 Carretera
Tulum- Boca-Paila
Quintana Roo, ROO 77780
Mexico

Visit  www.papayaplayaproject.com or email info@papayaplayaproject.com for further information and reservations at the Papaya Playa Project