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DESIGNED BY renowned Mexican architect and interior designer Marco Aldaco, this property graced the cover or Architectural Digest when it was first built in 2004. The name means "Rising sun' in the local dialect and this villa is definitely a shining example of architectural imagination at its best. The extraordinary 13 Acre estate spreads out high over a peninsula with a private track that wends its way down to the water where the boat and diving masters can take you on snorkelling and picnic expeditions.
The rust- orange architecture is inspired. Aldaco told Architectural Digest that he likes to design houses that "collaborate with nature to create vivacious designs" . He has succeeded here. A palm-lined pergola walkway links the three main areas - an enormous palapa (thatched roof living area), dining areas and bedrooms. A main bedroom is set away with a sunken hammam. Two infinity pools collide, cascading into one another -deep turquoise bowls that merge seamlessly with the colour of the sea.
There are nods to Mexican design here and to traditional Caribbean cool in the rich ochre walls and the thatch. There are also smatterings of Asia in the teak furniture and artefacts. The murals on the bedroom walls are cute and modern but somehow it all blends together and works beautifully.
Most important of all there are numerous terraces on which to have early evening cocktails as the walls of the villa turn sunset red. There is a permanent staff at you beck and call and a nanny can be arranged for nights out. But why would you want to leave?
Prue Rushton & Hilary Doling 28/3/10
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