Jardín Paraíso is the soulful new space at Motel Mexicola Canggu, with clever nods to nature, ancient rituals and Yucatán traditions.
While Motel Mexicola Seminyak will always be the Mexico City-inspired OG, its younger sibling – Motel Mexicola Canggu – brings a fresh dose of Yucatán cool. It’s still unmistakably Mexicola, with its colour-drenched interiors, a flavour-packed Mexican menu, and of course, those epic margaritas. But you won’t find another bar like this – not in Canggu, not in Bali.
Mexicola Canggu is in a league of its own: margaritas, mezcal, and Micheladas flowing all night. Nostalgic music play under an open sky, and there are plenty of comfy spots to sink into, plus endless nooks to let loose and socialise. It’s casual but curated. Rowdy but artful.
Stepping in, I felt like I’d instantly landed on the Yucatán Peninsula. Think terracotta tones, jungle greens, and Mexicola’s unmistakable style. And just when I thought this place couldn’t get any cooler, I stepped through the vines to Motel Mexicola’s brand new garden-inspired space: Jardín Paraíso.
Introducing Jardín Paraíso: The soulful new space at Motel Mexicola Canggu
Jardín Paraíso at Motel Mexicola Canggu is a brand new garden sanctuary tucked behind the main restaurant. It’s all open-air and drenched in natural light during the day. By night, it glows with mysticism and magic. I was lucky enough to score a sneak peek, and I can honestly say it’s one of the most impressive (and thought-provoking) spaces I’ve seen in Canggu.
Like stepping into another world, there are untamed vines tangled with hand-painted tiles, and a rotunda bar framed by flickering lanterns. You can tell that every corner has been carefully considered: towering palms, ancient symbolism and sacred geometric murals. It’s a clever mix of tradition and nature. It feels raw, immersive, and somewhat ceremonial.
But the main thing I noticed when I stepped into this new realm, is how different it feels to the main area. The front of Motel Mexicola is vibrant and high-energy, whereas Jardín Paraíso is lush, calm and full of soul. I think it’ll be the perfect spot to host a daytime gathering, or a chilled catchup with mates over cocktails.
When The Jardin opened, it felt like the gates of paradise gently swung wide. A hidden garden surrounded by lush jungle, touched by the magic of Mayan mysticism.
– Nicolaza Que Pasa, Owner of Motel Mexicola.
Garden vibes, street food soul
If you didn’t already know, Mexicola is home to some of the best Mexican food in Bali. And at Motel Mexicola Canggu, the kitchen team pays proper respect to the bold and distinctive flavours of Yucatán’s street food, using ingredients and techniques that stay true to the real deal.
I started with the guacamole and Baja Fish Tacos, finished with just the right kick of lime. The sashimi-grade yellowfin tuna ceviche was a standout too, lifted by grilled pineapple, mango, and a fiery habanero dressing that hit all the right notes.
Turns out, the Canggu location is the only Mexicola address with a traditional underground earth oven (AKA the pib), and you’ll taste the difference. I got to try pib-smoked tuna tacos, a melt-in-your-mouth pib-braised pork quesadilla, and the slow-braised lamb Borrego Tostadas, stacked high with a spicy herb salad, sweet agave glaze, and pickled onion. The standout for me was the smoky Carne Asada, finished with a scoop of homemade arroz con leche.
Can’t decide what to order? Go for the Feed Me menu for the full authentic experience.
Cocktails, mezcal and day-to-night vibes
No Mexicola experience is complete without a cocktail in hand. The drinks menu is curated by ‘agave whisperer’ and Beverage Director Denny Bakiev, and it delivers. From frozen margs made with 100% blue agave tequila (by the glass or the jug, depending on your mood) to mezcal-forward mixes that pack a punch, the vibrant drinks really do match the setting.
My personal recommendations? The Piña Colada (as creamy and tropical as it should be), and the La Bonita, which goes down dangerously easy. There’s even a watermelon margarita seltzer if you’re after something lighter.
Coming Soon: Motel Mexicola Uluwatu
But wait, there’s more! In 2026, the Mexicola Group is opening a brand-new location in Uluwatu – and you’re the first to hear about it. While the details are still under wraps, what we do know is this: it’ll take you straight to Baja California, with Mexicola’s bold flavours and Uluwatu’s coastal magic.
But for now, all eyes are on Jardín Paraíso. It’s fast becoming Canggu’s hottest new hangout.
Canggu address: Jl Pantai Batu Bolong No. 117X, Canggu
Opening hours: Daily, from 11am.