Art & Design A New Era of Design: The Coolest Places to stay in Puerto Escondido

02/28 2023

photo via Design Hotels

Now more than ever, Mexico has become a haven for digital nomads, snowbirds, eager travelers and expats living abroad. Puerto Escondido in particular has experienced substantial growth in recent years as a surf mecca with beautiful beaches, a large conscious community, a plethora of restaurants and incredible architecture. Many of the new design spaces redefine hospitality with a precise balance of environmental and architectural elements, with bold use of concrete and local materials. Here are some of our favorites…

Photo: Jaime Navarro

Casa TO

casato.mx

Ludwig Godefroy Architecture

@casato

Designed by Ludwig Godefroy Architecture, Casa TO arises from the idea of serene contemplation in a defined space, inspired by a Oaxacan temple. The boutique hotel has 9 rooms, six rooms on the ground floor have gardens, while those on the upper level offer a terrace and outdoor bath.

Photo: Fabian Martinez

Hotel Terrestre

Taller de Arquitectura X

@terrestrehotel

Designed by Mexico City-based Taller de Arquitectura X (TAX), Terreste was constructed with concrete and white mud bricks made by hand in Puebla, Mexico. The solar-powered hotel features 14 villas, each having its own garden, outdoor shower, rooftop and swimming pool to maximize views of the ocean and of the Sierra de Oaxaca mountain range.

photo via casona sforza

Casona Sforza

Alberto Kalach of TAX Architects

@casonasforza

Designed by architect Alberto Kalach of TAX Architects, the series of vaulted, brick arches overlook a circular swimming pool, surrounded by white sand and lush vegetation. The Adult-only hotel offers a restaurant, bar, and 11 suites, half of which have their own private pools.

Photo via Villas Lunaya

Villas Lunaya

Perma Casco Arquitectura

@villaslunaya

A private minimalist sanctuary just steps from the main beach and bustling restaurants of La Punta, the concept was realized with the help of Perma Casco Arquitectura. Each of the 4 private villas is complete with aircon, king size beds and private saltwater plunge pools.

Photo Via Punta Pajaros

Punta Pajaros

puntapajaros.mx

Alberto Kalach (TAX)

@puntapajaros

Located near Puerto Escondido, Punta Pajaros is an ecological and regenerative development designed by the architect Alberto Kalach (TAX) consisting of 8 independent villas spread over ​​20,000 m2. Each villa features its own private pool, kitchen, and living and sleeping areas.  Since conception, they have successfully helped recover the once barren landscape by reincorporating more than 20 thousand plants of native species.

Photo courtesy of Taller Alberto Calleja

Casa Altanera

Alberto Calleja Workshop

@casa.altanera

Located along a pristine stretch of the Pacific Ocean, Casa Altanera was designed by Venezuelan architect Alberto Calleja mixing Brutalism and traditional Mexican craftsmanship to create a uniquely modern residence consisting of 3 separate structures. Connected by wooden pathways, the spaces include a master bedroom, 4 independent bedrooms and a giant open-air palapa that houses the living room, dining area and fully-equipped kitchen that leads out to the pool deck overlooking the sea.

Photo via Design Hotels

Hotel Escondido

Federico Rivera Río

@hotelescondido

A Oaxacan oceanfront village of 16 palapa bungalows and private plunge pools surrounded by the natural desert landscape. The laidback adult-only resort has a spa, restaurant and 50m pool for guests to enjoy.

Photo: Edmund Sumner

Casa Naila

@casanaila

Sitting on a rocky point, the cross-shaped courtyard has four seven-meter-high volumes, with a pitched roof and palm bone skin that allows for transparency, and  permeability allowing cross ventilation and views to the outside. The private areas are connected by the central courtyard and the pool, creating a simple aesthetic and low maintenance house, with the capacity to accommodate up to 15 people. Rental includes two local chefs.

Photo by Jaime Navarro

Casa Volta

Ambrosi I Etchegaray

@casa.volta

The 3 brick vaults rising out of the dense vegetation are reminiscent of an abandoned temple. The materials of clay and reed lattice work together with the surrounding pond to keep the structure cool. Two of the vaults make up bedrooms while the third is the living area and kitchen.

photo: Rory Gardiner

Casa Ollama

Ludwig Godefroy

casa_ollama

Located on top of a hill in front of Zicatela beach, a wall surrounds the terrain completely, turning it into an open-sky fortress. The three bedroom private home has a pool in the center courtyard,

Photo: Tezontle

Casa Monte

Carlos Matos / TEZONTLE art collective

Located in a quiet bay north of Puerto Escondido, the silhouette of Casa Monte resembles a temple rising out fo the jungle. Designed by Fernando Farhán, the minimalist home features a pool in the center, as well as a kitchen, spacious bedroom, and deck. Each space is thoughtfully curated to allow for a restful and inspired stay.