abstract:A palapa (a Spanish word of Mayan origin, meaning "pulpous leaf") is an open-sided dwelling with a thatched roof made of dried palm leaves. It is very useful in hot weather and, therefore, very common in Mexican beaches, such as in Acapulco.
The 11 rooms in the original buildings have a history-steeped charm, but I was more taken with the four Maya cottages, which have mosquito-netted swinging beds under palapa roofs, open-air bathrooms, and gracefully simple decor.
