NICO is a Micro Hospitality concept with the autonomy and flexibility of an AirBnB while offering a level of service typical of the
finest boutique hotels.
NICO Loma Alta OUR FIRST PROJECT
NICO was envisioned by married couple Robert Humble and Nicole Johnson
(Nico) as a means of expressing their interest in distinct design and adventurous
travel.
Robert is principal of Seattle based architecture and development firm Hybrid and
his projects have been internationally recognized for their distinct design point of
view and their interest in communicating a sense of place and community creation
in the service of shared experiences.
Nicole is a registered ICU nurse with a passion for travel and experiencing what the
world has to offer. She is host and producer of the Found Down podcast as well as
the founder of Unwound Retreats offering travel and wellness experiences to
health care providers.
Like many of us, the pandemic led Nicole and Robert to re-evaluate their priorities
and create opportunities to live their best life. NICO Loma Alta is the realization of
those dreams.
FEATURED IN
Sayulita
Loma alta
Backing up the jungle on a quiet residential street, NICO is a five-minute walk from the central plaza and beach of Sayulita, Mexico, Through our on-site service provider (Sayulita at your Service) guests can arrange for airport transportation, daily cleaning and laundry services as well as bartenders, chefs, voga instructors, massage therapists, surfing instructors or excursions to local landmarks or destinations.
Preferential booking is given to families, friends or colleagues who wish to rent the complex in its entirety. Individual suites are available for booking typically 6 weeks before travel date.
A creative collaboration between Seattle based Hybrid Architecture and Mexico City based Palma, the site planning of NICO Loma Alta was derived to take full advantage of its steep topography and verdant jungle setting. It’s five levels offer immense privacy and the creation of a vertical courtyard housing typology.
The structure and materiality take cues from Mexico's tradition of concrete and block infill construction. With exposed concrete construction and steel framed windows, NICO creates an inspired industrial aesthetic.
With reference to Donald Judd, NICO's cabinet and furniture design are works of art themselves. Furnishings and fixtures have been designed by acclaimed Mexican artists and help add to its unique sense of place in the built traditions of the region.
ARCHITECTURE
Hybrid is an interdisciplinary studio based in Seattle, Washington. With a focus in high density low and mid-rise housing typologies the firm has spent decades understanding what constitutes ‘Livability’ in dense urban environments. Self proclaimed Urbanist's the firm's aim has always been to bring an elevated design experience to middle and working class people and to target housing towards a "missing middle" crowd. The same approach is applied to their other interconnected studios: Hybrid Development, Hybrid Assembly and Hybrid Space.
Palma is an architecture office located in Mexico City and Sayulita. In the office they are concerned with devising comprehensive and individual solutions to each architectural problem. Based on a detailed analysis of the immediate context and through a design process open to experimentation and exploration, they undertake the search for an architecture of atmospheres with a unique identity, that move and belong.
In 2021 they were named as one of the 20 up and coming emerging practices in the world by Wallpaper* magazine in its annual Wallpaper* Architects' Directory listing.
Palma received the 2021 League Prize from the Architectural League of New York, which, established in 1981, seeks to recognize the exemplary and provocative work of young North American practitioners.
Their work has been published in various national and international media.
Década is a small interior Design Studio based in Mexico City. It's long history was founded by two Mexican entrepreneurs more than 12 years ago.While they keep a showroom focused mainly on mid-century pieces, the Studio has no boundaries when it comes to interior design.Decada takes on projects from all over the world. They choose those that truly captivate their attention and connect with their creativity, one of which Nicos is certainly a part of.
Roberto Michelsen Engell is a Mexican architect who’s work focuses in playing with the limits between art, architecture, design, landscape and music. He engages projects with a collaborative and experimental approach in order to respond creatively to a wide range of scales and materials. He enjoys designing very much.
Trama is a graphic design studio based in Mexico City. For the last 10 years, it has helped clients navigate through the design process to create a positive dialogue between brands and end users. From concept to the final product, it aims to create visual systems that work and stand out.
Mariana de Alba is a graphic designer and collage artist who lives and works in Mexico City. She explores collage through different media from analog or digital collage to animation, video and sound. Her work has been exhibited in Germany and Mexico.
Sayulita Mexico’s most community-minded full-service Vacation Rental, property management, real-Estate, and concierge company. We live to serve both our clients & community with all we have to offer. Sayulita At Your Service is your new best friend. let’s hang out
NICO consists of 5 Suites that can be rented independently or as one large collective home. All the suites share two expansive common areas, the central and the rooftop terraces. Click below to learn more about the individual suites and the collective common areas.
NICO has two common amenity areas in the complex. The Central Terrace has a large gathering space with views to the jungle, heated salt water lap pool, chef's kitchen and bar as well as a private powder room. This space was designed for large gatherings and can easily accommodate parties of 30 or more.
Common areas
The Rooftop Terrace of NICO has a heated salt water plunge pool, barbeque area, fire pit and absolutely incredible views to the Pacific Ocean and rolling hills of Sayulita. An awesome location to take in the sun or enjoy a starry night.
Rooftop Terrace
Perched over the jungle, The Horizon Suite is easily accessed from street level and is the largest of our suites. Offering views of the jungle canopy and Sayulita’s famous surf breaks, the Horizon Suite has a large bathroom, kitchenette and open floor plan.
2 Guests 1 King Bed (or two twins)
Air Conditioning Private Bath Kichenette Secure Storage
Horizon Suite
On the same level as the Central Terrace, The Terrace Suite provides easy access to NICO’s incredible common amenities and central kitchen. With its inspired bathroom and compact kitchenette The Terrace Suites wood plank flooring expands the space to the terrace beyond.
2 Guests 1 King Bed (or two twins)
Air Conditioning Private Bath Kichenette Secure Storage
Terrace Suite
With floor to ceiling windows wrapping the corner, this large and open suite includes a generous living area, large kitchenette and shower with views to the jungle.
2 Guests 1 King Bed (or two twins)
Air Conditioning Private Bath Kichenette Secure Storage
Papelillo Suite
The Palma Suite gives tranquility from the hustle and bustle of Sayulita. With private bath and compact kitchenette, this suite also features a living area with windows wrapping three sides and adjacent private terrace.
2 Guests 1 King Bed (or two twins)
Air Conditioning Private Bath Kichenette Secure Storage
Palma Suite
The ultimate jungle retreat! Located on the lowest level of NICO, the Jungle Suite spills directly into the dense landscaping. Full height shutter/doors can be retracted to expand the space to the private jungle patio. The large central bathtub and inspired floor plan contribute to the spa-like quality of this unique suite.
2 Guests 1 King Bed
Air Conditioning Private Bath Kichenette Secure Storage
Jungle Suite
Sayulita
NICO chose Sayulita as the launch point for the brand's pilot project because of the small town vibe and authenticity.
Visiting Sayulita you will not find any large all-inclusive hotels, chain restaurants or mega stores. The downtown plaza is filled with local art, surf shops and restaurants reflective of Mexico's coastal lifestyle where shirts are optional and surfing is the norm. You will find both foreigners and locals vacationing together on the beach and a colorful array of many walks of life.
Known for its strong and consistent surf break Sayulita has been a favorite amoungst those in search of vibrant beach towns with amazing weather year round. A direct flight from many US West Coast cities has made this a popular destination for many West Coasters in search of a quick and convenient getaway.
