Referencing everyday Mexican culture, with its homages to the petrol industry, ‘cantinas’ and public schools, and using an eclectic mix of recycled materials, found objects and exposed plumbing and electrical ducts, Playa del Carmen’s fabulous Hotel Básico is as wildly original a property as we have seen in some time.

The 15, open plan bedrooms feature in-room bath tubs and super-stylish high beds, with the likes of autographed footballs, magazine drawers, floating tires for swimming and complimentary beach club passes – live beach conditions are streamed directly to each rooms plasma – being hidden underneath. DJs and projections of tropical films can be found on the rooftop bar and pool area, whilst the decidedly cool ‘cantina’ style restaurant offers up some mouth-watering Veracruzan delights.

Appealing to a young, style-savvy crowd, Hotel Básico is afforded the right to play with traditional hotel conventions, and in doing so, has redefined the boundaries of design hotels, traditions and style with an utterly unique approach to hospitality…