Guatemala Makes History in Luxury Tourism with Michelin Key for Villa Bokéh and Casa Palopó

Guatemala made history in luxury hospitality as Villa Bokéh and Casa Palopó received Michelin Key awards in Paris, highlighting the country’s growing prominence in world-class tourism. Villa Bokéh, nestled among the volcanoes of Antigua, earned two Michelin Keys, while the vibrant lakeside retreat, Casa Palopó, received one. Both properties, part of Grupo Alta, are the first in Guatemala and among the first seven in Central America to achieve this distinction.

Nancy Cifuentes, leader of Grupo Alta, reflected on the milestone: “When we started this journey, many asked if Guatemala could compete with the world’s top destinations. Today, the answer is written in Paris: Guatemala doesn’t just compete, it shines on its own.”

The Michelin Key: The New Standard of Luxury

The Michelin Key is the hotel industry’s equivalent of the iconic Michelin stars for restaurants. Each property is anonymously assessed across five criteria: design excellence, service quality, personality, perceived value, and connection to the local environment.

• Two Keys Michelin: Recognizes an exceptional stay with unique personality, expert management, and design that creates a memorable experience distinct from other hotels.
• One Key Michelin: Highlights a truly exceptional stay where comfort, distinctive personality, and an outstanding proposition guarantee a memorable experience.

Villa Bokéh: Authentic Excellence Among Antigua’s Volcanoes

At Villa Bokéh, every detail tells a story of Guatemala. Handwoven textiles, artworks by local artists, and gardens that resemble fairytales create an immersive experience. But what impressed Michelin inspectors most was authenticity.

Chef Marcos Sáenz, who brought his experience from Michelin-starred Mugaritz in Spain, explains: “We are not trying to be a European hotel in Guatemala. We celebrate who we are, proudly and without compromise.”

Casa Palopó: The Lake That Captivated Michelin

Set against the vibrant backdrop of Lake Atitlán, Casa Palopó is a colorful celebration of Maya culture. Chef Jorge Peralta, trained in world-renowned kitchens including Paco Roncero’s two-Michelin-star restaurant, returned to Guatemala with a mission: elevate Guatemalan cuisine to the global stage.

“Every dish we serve is a love letter to Guatemala,” says Peralta from 6.8 Palopó, where local ingredients are transformed into memorable culinary experiences.

A Milestone Beyond Two Hotels

This recognition transcends Grupo Alta. It validates Guatemala’s place in the elite world of luxury tourism and showcases the talent of local artisans, chefs, designers, and hotel teams.

Cifuentes reflects: “Every time a guest marvels at Guatemalan textiles, every time a local artisan fulfills an order, every time someone discovers the beauty of our country through our hotels, we are fulfilling our purpose.”

Grupo Alta is now the only Central American hotel group with two properties recognized by the Michelin Guide. Both hotels are also part of Relais & Châteaux, positioning Guatemala as a must-visit destination for travelers seeking authentic and exceptional experiences.

An Invitation to the World

Villa Bokéh and Casa Palopó have always welcomed guests seeking more than just a place to stay. With Michelin Keys, the world is invited to experience Guatemala’s beauty, authenticity, and unmatched excellence.

“Welcome to Guatemala. Welcome home,” concludes Cifuentes.

The recognition of Villa Bokéh and Casa Palopó with Michelin Keys not only elevates Grupo Alta but also reinforces Guatemala as a rising star in the global luxury tourism market. With its unique blend of culture, nature, and world-class service, the country now offers travelers an unforgettable experience where authenticity and excellence go hand in hand.

About Grupo Alta in Guatemala

Grupo Alta is a benchmark in luxury hospitality in Guatemala. Its properties stand out for their design, exceptional service, and cultural authenticity. Each hotel offers a unique experience that combines elegance, gastronomy, and local experiences, positioning the group among the most distinguished names in Latin American tourism.