Latest news with #AlbertoKalach
Vogue
07-08-2025
- Vogue
From Puerto Escondido to Mazunte, Tropical Brutalism Is Sweeping the Oaxacan Coast
Nearby is Castillo de Arena by Alberto Kalach, which opened at the end of 2024. The 10-room property consists of three tri-level Brutalist towers to make a combined silhouette evoking a sand castle rising from the jungle, with each level connected to a central courtyard where two ancient ceiba trees provide a natural canopy above a reflecting pool. Just across the dirt path is Xique, an eight-bedroom property by locally based Estudio Carroll. Last but not least, there's Casa Yuma, a 25-room property built by Mexico City-based architect Ricardo de La Concha and interior designer Sara Skalli that seamlessly integrates the property into the serene surroundings through design: a limestone and resin finish known as chukum is applied to walls and paired with wood, brick, and cement, creating a minimalistic structure that extends along the beach while preserving the natural landscape. Photo: Jasson Rodriguez / Courtesy of Casa Yuma Photo: Jasson Rodriguez / Courtesy of Casa Yuma With direct flights now connecting Puerto Escondido to Houston—and service from New York and Los Angeles launching soon—the area's evolution as an architectural destination shows no signs of slowing, especially with the opening of Kymaia, where I spend the final days of my trip nestled between Mazunte and Puerto Escondido. The 22-room boutique property, designed by architect Ezequiel Ayarza Sforza, dissolves seamlessly into the Oaxacan topography. Though each two-story suite structure is scattered throughout the landscape, and though they're meant to evoke Japanese design principles, I can't help but see echoes of ancient Mexica temples in their stepped profiles. Photo: Courtesy of Kymaia Photo: Courtesy of Kymaia This architectural approach—raw concrete, exposed wood, unglazed clay—feels like a natural evolution of Oaxaca's centuries-old design traditions. The same hands that shape the region's famous barro negro pottery and weave textiles dyed with cochineal from local cactus insects now work with architects to create these contemporary structures. The materials may be cast in modern forms, but the philosophy remains unchanged: work with what the earth provides, let the elements guide the design, honor the craft of transformation. The Oaxacan coast may be growing and changing at a rapid pace, but at least the type of development feels like it was meant to be here all along.
Grazia USA
04-08-2025
- Grazia USA
The GRAZIA Retreat: Hotel Terrestre In Puerto Escondido, Mexico
Photo: Supplied Escape to a raw and radiant destination where sustainability shapes every detail and nature is your true host. Tucked into the mountains of Puerto Escondido, this off-grid hideaway invites you to explore elemental architecture, ancient bathing rituals, and the quiet thrill of disconnection. Photo: Supplied Oftentimes, we find ourselves lost in the constant buzz of our phones – we answer emails in bed, take meetings in transit, and scroll between bites of breakfast. Even our vacations are marred by unwanted emails and the unspoken pressures to capture envy-inducing Instagram content. So, where do you go when you need to disconnect and reset? Tucked away in Mexico's mountains of Puerto Escondido lies Hotel Terrestre, where you can do exactly that. Every element of this villa-only sanctuary is rooted in one thing – sustainability. Not only does it operate completely off the grid, relying only on the cycle of the sun to keep it up and running, but everything from the materials used to its innovative construction, designed to negate the need for air conditioning, contributes to this overarching ethos. Not to mention, all the amenities and furniture are produced by local hands, with the aim of supporting local businesses. Photo: Supplied Each of Terrestre's 14 villas has been carefully designed to pay homage to its natural surroundings. With renowned architect Alberto Kalach at the helm, alongside his team at Taller de Arquitectura, every design feature draws inspiration from four intrinsic elements: water, flora, light, and air. From its palette dominated by brown hues, mimicking the sand surrounding the hotel, to the raw and earthy textures of wood, bricks, and clay used to build its walls and furniture, visitors are invited to a unique spatial experience where nature and architecture interact almost seamlessly. Since guests here are 'strongly encouraged' to put down their phones and reconnect with nature, it's only fair that they're spoiled with amenities and activities with which to occupy themselves. Choose between climbing up to the Mirador, where you'll enjoy breathtaking vistas overlooking the Pacific Ocean, or head to the hammam, where you can experience four ancient bathing traditions, each in its own chamber. For those who simply want to drift in bliss, consider taking a dip into the deep, warm waters of the bathing pool that boasts views of Terrestre's luscious gardens, or do so discreetly in your private pool that comes with every villa. Adventurers will also find plenty to do, from surfing and horse-riding to bioluminescent lagoon tours and sunrise hikes. Photo: Supplied When it comes to dining, the open-air restaurant serves fresh, flavour-forward Mexican and Mediterranean dishes, made to satisfy any epicurean craving. Though the menu changes with the season, roasted vegetables, zesty ceviches, and drinks that sparkle with sun-ripened fruit and local botanicals are its frequent stars. Paired perfectly with this is an expertly curated wine list, along with a cocktail menu perfect for golden hour. Whether you come for the design, the nature, or the stillness, a stay in Hotel Terrestre will never disappoint. This is a place where every texture, every scent, every ray of sunlight is part of a curated experience, offering exactly what it claims to do – 'A sacred pause for body and soul.' topics: Holiday Travel, INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL, SUMMER TRAVEL, the grazia travel guide, TRAVEL, travel 2025, Travel Guide, Holiday Inspiration, holiday guide, best luxury hotels, luxury hotels, chic hotels, boutique hotels, GRAZIA 14
