- Sève is scheduled to welcome its first guests on December 1, 2026, in Chemuyil, approximately 20 minutes north of Tulum.
- Nine canopy lodges will feature rooftop terraces and indoor-outdoor living, with private natural pools in the Master Lodges.
- Highlights include Orchidée Spa, a three-level wellness tower, and Herbario restaurant, led by chef Josafat Zalapa.
Rooftop terraces tucked into the canopy, trees growing through carefully placed openings in roofs, and a restaurant shaped by the region’s ingredients: Sève is preparing to introduce an intimate jungle stay to Mexico’s Riviera Maya. Scheduled to open on December 1, 2026, the independent, family-owned hotel will occupy more than 12 acres of forest in Chemuyil, approximately 20 minutes north of Tulum.
With just nine lodges, Sève has been conceived around privacy and proximity to the landscape. Its name comes from the French word for sap, a reference to the trees that have guided both its architecture and its approach to hospitality. The opening will add a small-scale option for travelers interested in the Riviera Maya’s forested interior, with wellness and contemporary Mexican cooking central to the experience.
Architecture Shaped by the Forest
Sève is the vision of Lola Hilsenkopf, her mother, Chantal Abad, and her partner, Alexandre Thobois. Working with architect Franck Guevin, they developed the retreat over several years, beginning with time spent studying the land itself.
The resulting design follows the contours of the forest. Buildings curve through the vegetation, and roof openings make space for existing trees. According to the project team, no straight architectural line extends for more than 40 meters, a deliberate approach intended to soften the presence of the structures within their surroundings.
The zapote tree provided a particularly meaningful source of inspiration. Its bark can bear zigzag scars left by chicleros, who harvested the tree’s sap to make natural chewing gum. Those markings informed details in the hotel’s design, connecting the buildings to a history already visible in the landscape.
The developers say Indigenous experts helped identify native species before construction and that the placement of buildings was planned to preserve vegetation and wildlife corridors. The aim was to leave space for the forest’s resident monkeys and birds alongside the new retreat.
Nine Canopy Lodges with Rooftop Terraces
The accommodation will extend that connection to the outdoors. Each of Sève’s nine canopy lodges will have an expansive rooftop terrace with suspended lounging nets, offering a place to settle into the treetop setting. Floor-to-ceiling glazing, open-air living spaces, and indoor-outdoor bathrooms will frame the surrounding greenery.
The Master Lodges will also feature private natural pools. That distinction is useful when choosing accommodation: rooftop space is part of the wider lodge concept, while the private pool is a feature of the Master category.
Interiors will bring together materials and craftsmanship from across Mexico. Yucatán limestone, known locally as laja, and reclaimed zapote wood will sit alongside hand-carved onyx sinks from Puebla, woven rugs from Teotitlán, and hammocks made in Chemax. Decorative pieces from Tepoztlán and the Maya village of Francisco Uh May will add further regional character.
Wellness from the Forest Floor to the Treetops
Orchidée Spa will be a central part of the stay, with glass-walled treatment spaces looking into the forest. Its planned hydrotherapy facilities include a sauna, hammam, cold room, ice bath, and freshwater lagoon-style swimming pool. Treatments will draw on Maya traditions as well as contemporary practices.
The Mirador will offer a different perspective on the setting. This three-level, open-air tower rises from the forest floor into the canopy, creating spaces for sunrise yoga, Pilates, meditation, workshops, and group gatherings. At the top, views open above the trees, with the rooftop also intended for private candlelit dinners.
Nearby, La Source will provide space for quieter activities. A sculptural temazcal designed by a local artist will serve as a ceremonial focal point, accompanied by an installation inspired by giant mangroves. Suspended platforms will accommodate breathwork, guided meditation, and time for contemplation.
Guests seeking a more structured stay will be able to explore three multi-day wellness programs: Flow, Pulse, and Break. These will combine guided movement, meditation, and spa treatments, with additional private workshops and personalized fitness sessions. The hotel also plans to work with practitioners from nearby communities on a rotating calendar of experiences.
Contemporary Mexican Dining at Herbario
Sève’s culinary offering will be led by Michoacán-born chef Josafat Zalapa at its signature restaurant, Herbario. His experience includes Boragó in Chile, Martín Berasategui in Spain, and Alinea in the United States, as well as a role at HA at Hotel Xcaret México alongside Carlos Gaytán.
At Herbario, the proposed menu will respond to seasonal harvests and regional biodiversity. Working with local farmers and fishermen, Zalapa plans dishes such as corn with cacao and chile, local catch with recado and citrus, and combinations of jungle vegetables, herbs, seeds, and corn.
The direction gives food a substantial role in the hotel’s identity. Mexican regional recipes and ingredients will guide the cooking, with smoke, acidity, and earthy flavors reflecting the setting around the restaurant.
A Small Hotel with Specific Environmental Commitments
The developers describe solar power as the source of the property’s electricity and say automobiles will be excluded from the grounds. Guests will move around using walking paths, bicycles, and electric golf carts.
Reclaimed wood will be used in the restaurant’s wood-fired oven and the spa’s sauna, while remaining wood will be turned into mulch for the gardens. Local workers and Mexican artisans have also contributed to the construction and interiors.
These are commitments described by the hotel ahead of opening. Along with the preservation of mature trees and the modest number of lodges, they form an important part of Sève’s proposed approach to the site.
Discovering Chemuyil and the Riviera Maya
Chemuyil’s jungle setting and surrounding cenotes give the hotel a natural focus for a slower stay. Travelers can leave space for the spa, dining, and time on their rooftop terrace, then explore farther afield as their interests dictate.
For ideas to combine with a visit, explore DRIFT’s guide to things to do in Tulum and broader Riviera Maya travel inspiration.
Sève is scheduled to open on December 1, 2026. Accommodation and opening information are available through the official Sève website.
