Puerto Gaviotas

Bacalar has seen a significant rise in ecotourism in recent years, attracting mostly young travelers and couples in search of nature, serenity, and unique experiences. The Bacalar Lagoon, often called the "Lagoon of Seven Colors", is a vital natural landmark in the region, celebrated for its pristine waters and ecological richness. In this setting, Puerto de las Gaviotas emerges as a new hospitality proposal, where architecture meets the lagoon's natural beauty. 

The project envisions a hotel complex set within the Bacalar Lagoon, designed in three construction phases. The first stage, which was the central focus of the competition, introduces the core architectural and conceptual ideas. 

The initial phase centers around a series of "palafitos", traditional stilted structures, carefully designed to float above the water and trace the shoreline. Complementary elements include a restaurant, a spa, and administrative facilities hosted on land. The aim is to integrate comfort and luxury with ecological sensitivity, using architecture to create harmony between built and natural environments.

The main organizing gesture is a large elliptical port enclosing a cluster of native vegetation, rocks, and habitats for local fauna which centers the distribution of the main in water features such as boat port, diving amenities and the arrangement of the palafitos which extend diagonally from the shore into the lagoon, optimizing cross-ventilation and preserving uninterrupted views of the water. Their layout follows the irregular, rugged contours of the terrain, enhancing both environmental integration and spatial experience. 

Palafitos

The hotel features 16 stilted units suspended above the water, designed with sustainability and guest comfort in mind. Each palafito incorporates a double-roof system that facilitates passive cooling through natural airflow, reducing dependence on mechanical ventilation and lowering environmental impact. Interiors are open toward the lagoon, creating a strong visual and experiential connection with the surrounding environment.

The water-based accommodations are divided as follows:

8 small units (5x5m or 7x7m including roof area) on the eastern side, each designed for 2 guests.

8 medium units (6x6m or 10x10m including roof area) on the western side, each accommodating up to 4 guests.

Additionally, 8 large units (8x8m or 12x12m including roof area) are positioned along the shoreline, each capable of hosting up to 8 guests, ideal for families or small groups. The arrangement follows the irregular shoreline and enhances privacy while maximizing views and cross-ventilation.

Modular Port System

The port features a two-level modular structure engineered to adapt to changing water levels. The lower section floats with the tides, ensuring continuous access to the water, while the upper level remains fixed, offering a secure connection to the rest of the resort. This design not only enhances functionality and safety during seasonal variations but also provides resilience against extreme weather events such as hurricanes.

Aquatic Lounge & Dive Area

An expansive overwater platform serves as an aquatic playground, equipped for swimming, diving, and sunbathing. This recreational space encourages direct interaction with the lagoon in a controlled, safe, and architecturally elegant environment. The platform is also positioned to minimize ecological disruption to the lakebed and surrounding flora.

Restaurant

The restaurant is designed to welcome both resort guests and outside visitors. It features a bar and quick-service counter facing an infinity pool, which is integrated naturally into the terrain. The building is sheltered by an expansive roof structure that folds like an envelope, lower on the sides, to provide sun protection, and higher in the center to allow for optimal air circulation. This passive cooling strategy also gives the space a light, open-air feeling while maintaining comfort in the tropical climate.

Distributed Bar Areas

To ensure convenient service throughout the resort, small bar and snack stations are integrated into the spa, restaurant, and administrative areas. This decentralization allows guests to enjoy refreshments without crossing between zones, enhancing both service efficiency and user experience.

Motor Lobby & Reception

The entrance sequence is composed of two key modules:

A main lobby that welcomes guests into the resort experience with panoramic views and organic materials.

A secondary waiting station, designed for tour pickups and shuttles, streamlining the flow of guests and providing shaded rest areas.

Puerto de las Gaviotas is designed with a deep commitment to preserving the ecological integrity of the Bacalar Lagoon and its surroundings. Every aspect of the project prioritizes minimal environmental impact and long-term sustainability. The palafitos are constructed on stilts to avoid contact with the lakebed, allowing water and aquatic life to flow undisturbed beneath them. Solar panels are discreetly integrated above each unit to provide clean, renewable energy, reducing the resort’s carbon footprint and dependency on the local power grid. Waste management is handled through a closed-loop system: all gray and black water is treated offsite through eco-certified processes, and no sewage is released into the lagoon. Additionally, an advanced solid waste separation and recycling program ensures that no trash is left behind supported by a zero-waste policy that includes staff training and guest engagement. The buildings use natural ventilation, native materials, and non-invasive foundations to minimize disruption to local flora and fauna. These measures, combined with a limited-capacity, low-density layout, ensure that the lagoon’s unique color, biodiversity, and ecosystem remain pristine for generations to come.