Santa Teresita Hotel and Thermal Spa

Guests soak in water warmed by the Pacaya volcano, a short drive from Guatemala City. The property sits at Amatitlán, on the Michatoya river, inside a wider complex of pools, restaurants, and gardens. Kawilal Hotel keeps eighteen rooms, six single and 12 double, each topped with a green roof that lowers indoor temperature without air conditioning. A newer wing, Hábitat, converts shipping containers into four rooms for two, each with a private deck. Guests staying at Kawilal get their own pool and jacuzzi, apart from the public thermal pools open to day visitors. Three restaurants operate across the grounds: Mengalas for breakfast and terrace dining, ST for grilled meats and ceviche near the family pools, and Palmas inside the thermal beach area. A spa runs water-based treatments and massage alongside a thermal circuit and steam baths. Check-in runs from 3pm. The result reads less like a resort than a working demonstration of low-energy building, dressed up with hot pools and a churrasco menu.