There is a profound biological reason why you feel something different when you enter a space filled with plants, natural light, and earth-toned materials. Biophilic design applies that understanding to architecture and interior design. And at Café Hotel, in the heart of El Poblado, that philosophy is the backbone of the entire project.
What is biophilic design, and how does it work?
Biophilia describes the innate tendency of human beings to seek connection with other living beings and with nature. Biophilic design incorporates natural elements, light, vegetation, and organic materials to create environments that satisfy that need for connection.
The effects of biophilic design on well-being are well documented: the presence of real plants reduces cortisol levels, improves mood, speeds up physical recovery, boosts concentration, and reduces mental fatigue.
How Biophilia Is Expressed at Café Hotel
At Café Hotel, biophilic design is woven into architectural and design choices that influence how light enters the space, how materials feel to the touch, and how the spaces breathe.
- Living green walls featuring tropical plants selected for their ability to thrive indoors and purify the air.
- A natural lighting strategy that maximizes sunlight in the morning and reduces heat during the middle of the day.
- Natural materials such as wood, stone, and organic textiles that add texture and warmth without feeling artificial.
- A color palette inspired by the local vegetation: greens, earth tones, beiges, and neutrals.
- Interior garden design that creates microclimates of natural coolness.

Biophilia and relaxation: the connection that transforms the experience
Quality rest doesn’t happen just because you have a good mattress. It happens when your nervous system feels safe and calm enough to let go of its vigilance. Biophilic design works precisely toward that goal. Silence, light, and nature aren’t just decorative touches—they’re the conditions that make true rest possible.
Frequently Asked Questions About Biophilic Design at Café Hotel
Are the plants in the hotel real or artificial?
All the plants at Café Hotel are real, living plants. The hotel staff takes constant care of them to ensure they remain healthy and continue to enhance the space.
Does biophilic design affect the hotel’s indoor temperature?
Yes, in a positive way. Vegetation creates microclimates that naturally lower local temperatures and increase relative humidity.
The green that changes the way you relax
When you visit El Poblado and decide to stay at a hotel where plants grow on the walls and light streams in purposefully, you’re not just choosing where to sleep. You’re choosing the kind of space where you want to recharge, and that decision changes everything.