For many years, Puerto Escondido was known primarily for surfing, untouched beaches, and a far more laid-back energy than other tourist destinations in Mexico. In recent years, however, Oaxaca’s coastline has quietly transformed into one of the most important settings for contemporary architecture, design, and hospitality in Latin America. What was once simply a beach destination has evolved into a meeting point for architects, artists, designers, and travelers seeking a deeper connection to landscape, nature, and the slower rhythm of the Pacific.

A significant part of this transformation came from projects that understood the true appeal of Oaxaca was never about imposing monumental structures onto the environment, but rather creating spaces capable of coexisting with it. Architects such as Tadao Ando, Alberto Kalach, Ludwig Godefroy, BAAQ’, and Ambrosi | Etchegaray began developing projects where natural ventilation, local materials, the relationship with light, and integration with the landscape became far more important than traditional ideas of luxury.

Today, Oaxaca’s coast is home to some of the most compelling hotels, residences, and cultural spaces in Mexico, shaping a distinct visual identity defined by pigmented concrete, handcrafted textures, reinterpreted palapas, and architecture designed to be felt—not simply admired.

Casa TO

Designed by Ludwig Godefroy, Casa TO quickly became one of the most iconic hotels in Mexico. The project was conceived as a contemporary reinterpretation of an Oaxacan temple, where concrete, water, and natural light create a deeply contemplative experience. Its monumental reflecting pool and silent atmosphere completely transformed the visual identity of Puerto Escondido.

Hotel Terrestre

Designed by Alberto Kalach and Taller de Arquitectura X for Grupo Habita, Hotel Terrestre is one of the most important examples of sustainable hospitality in Mexico. The hotel operates entirely on solar energy and was designed to integrate into the Oaxacan landscape through natural ventilation, local materials, and open architecture that eliminates the need for air conditioning.

Casona Sforza

Also designed by Alberto Kalach, Casona Sforza stands out for its monumental brick vaults opening directly toward the Pacific Ocean. The project was conceived with complete respect for the natural environment and has become one of the clearest examples of the quiet luxury that now defines Oaxaca.

Casa Naila

Designed by BAAQ’, Casa Naila is one of the most recognized homes in contemporary Mexican architecture. Its triangular structures reinterpret Oaxaca’s traditional palapas through a more sculptural and open relationship with the sea.

Casa Volta

A project by Ambrosi | Etchegaray, Casa Volta emerges from the coastal vegetation as a sequence of brick vaults, reflective pools, and columns mirrored over water. The architectural experience revolves around contemplation and the dialogue between landscape and structure.

Casa Altanera

Designed by Taller Alberto Calleja within the Onda Oaxaca development, Casa Altanera was conceived to integrate into the area’s natural reforestation process. The architecture occupies only a small portion of the land, allowing the surrounding vegetation to remain the true protagonist.

Hotel Escondido

Long before Oaxaca’s current architectural boom, Hotel Escondido already represented a new way of experiencing the Mexican coast. As part of Grupo Habita, the hotel helped introduce a relaxed aesthetic centered around palapas, private pools, and a far more organic connection to the landscape.

Hotel Humano

Hotel Humano represents a more social and creative side of Puerto Escondido. With a contemporary minimalist aesthetic, the hotel quickly became a gathering point for artists, photographers, designers, and surfers in Punta Zicatela.

Casa Tiny

Near Puerto Escondido, beside one of Mexico’s coastal pipelines, sits Casa Tiny, a minimalist residence designed by Aranza de Ariño. Surrounded by vegetation and just steps from the beach, the concrete-and-wood structure includes a kitchen, bathroom, and open mezzanine bedroom. Adjustable shutters connect the interior to a terrace surrounding the pool, creating a home designed for disconnection and immersion in nature.

Casa Monte

Designed by Carlos H. Matos, Casa Monte combines the solidity of concrete with the untamed landscape of native cacti. Open to its surroundings and without rigid boundaries between indoors and outdoors, the residence allows the breeze and scenery to move freely through the space, creating an atmosphere that feels austere, serene, and deeply connected to its environment.

Casa Zicatela

Casa Zicatela was conceived as a retreat from the rhythm of Mexico City. Inspired by traditional countryside homes, the concrete residence is organized around a central garden that connects the interiors with the surrounding landscape, integrating sea, mountains, and nature into an atmosphere of rest and contemplation.

Casa Cosmos

Another standout example is Casa Cosmos, designed by Monterrey-based studio S-AR for artist Claudio Sodi and architect Aranza de Ariño. Conceived as a refuge fully open to nature, the residence combines concrete, wood, and flexible spaces that maintain a constant dialogue with the rugged landscape of Punta Pájaros.

Punta Pájaros

Much of Oaxaca’s new architectural movement emerged around Punta Pájaros. This coastal area is defined by low-density developments, architecture integrated into the landscape, and a far more natural relationship with the Pacific Ocean.

Some of the region’s most important projects are located here, surrounded by dunes, tropical vegetation, and nearly untouched beaches.

Art, Design & Creative Scene

Casa Wabi

Designed by Tadao Ando alongside BAAQ’, Casa Wabi is arguably the most important cultural project on Oaxaca’s coast. Founded by artist Bosco Sodi, the foundation became an international reference point thanks to its contemplative architecture and profound connection to the Pacific landscape.

Meridiano Art

Founded by curator César Cervantes, Meridiano Art connects contemporary art, design, and architecture through exhibitions and creative projects that reflect the evolving cultural energy of Puerto Escondido.

HOTexperience

Kakurega Omakase

Grupo Habita elevated Puerto Escondido’s dining scene with Kakurega Omakase, an intimate space that merges local ingredients with the precision and aesthetics of Japanese cuisine. Designed by Bosco Sodi, Luis Urrutia, and Alberto Kalach, the restaurant hides within nature beneath an elegant palapa accommodating only 12 guests, where chef Keisuke Harada creates a different omakase menu each day.

Bar Cobarde

In Oaxaca, mezcal is an essential part of the experience, and Bar Cobarde celebrates it through an intimate concept designed by Aranza de Ariño. Beneath a simple yet refined palapa, the bar offers artisanal mezcals with profiles ranging from smoky and earthy to bright and fresh. The experience is complemented by seasonal small plates prepared with ingredients sourced from local markets.

Temazcal Papelillo

Temazcal Papelillo is a sauna and temazcal inspired by the reddish trees native to Punta Pájaros. Designed by Tezontle, the space blends architecture and nature into an almost ritualistic experience of heat, stone, and deep stillness.