One of the latest establishments to pop-up in the state of Oaxaca, Hotel Terrestre is an architect-composed invitation to discover the southwestern coast of Mexico. But the designer destination is not only a paradise for culture-loving travellers. Intimately situated between the glittering beaches of Puerto Escondido and its impressive mountain ranges, the hotel takes the experience of sustainable tourism to new heights. Relying entirely on solar power, Terrestre encourages its guests to temporarily breakup with technology and reconnect with nature, synchronising their days with the cycle of the sun rather than the demands of wifi networks, blue-lit screens and hand-held devices.
As the newest member of the Grupo Habita family of lifestyle hotels, Terrestre’s sustainable ethos and commitment to providing a “sanctuary of rest and relaxation” makes it an ideal getaway for rejuvenation. Architect Alberto Kalach and his team at Taller de Arquitectura X (known simply as TAX) took the client’s vision for the retreat and translated it into an idyllic contemporary oasis, constructed entirely of locally sourced materials including sand-coloured brick. Furthermore, the property embraces cooling methods achieved through innovative building techniques rather than relying on power hungry air-conditioning.
Hotel Terrestre in Mexico by Alberto Kalach/TAX
The hotel features fourteen villas, a standalone open-air restaurant, communal circular pool for treatments, a long swimming lane, and a striking hexagonal spa that contains a chilled water bathtub, steam, shower and outdoor shower. Each of the villas has its own private pool and is designed around an earthy palette of colours and textures. “Earth, wood, brick and concrete are delicately combined with clay and sand to immerse visitors in a unique spatial experience,” says the hotel team. “[It’s a place] where nature and architecture interact almost seamlessly.”
Custom-designed by celebrated Mexican architect and designer Oscar Hagerman, the furniture at Terrestre further enhances the one-of-a-kind sensorial atmosphere. The interior spaces of the villas merge harmoniously with the outside areas through a series of slatted timber doors and windows that open to lush private gardens and terraces, while also framing breathtaking mountain views or glimpses of the Pacific Ocean.
All the hotel’s amenities were produced by local hands and its spaces are infused with the ancient and mystical scent of copal (a light fragrance derived from the copal tree). Terrestre’s mood is inspired by an intimate dialogue with its natural surroundings – from its overall architectural statement to the smallest detail, the design blends quietly with the site’s seaside landscape. “Thus, water, flora, light, and air become intrinsic elements of Terrestre’s design,” explains the hotel team.
Beyond the stepped brick walls of the hotel, the Puerto Escondido region – one of the jewels in Mexico’s tourism crown – offers an endless array of both natural and cultural wonders for guests to discover. In addition to its pristine beaches (such as Zicatela Beach, renowned for its Mexican Pipeline surf break), Puerto Escondido provides an opportunity to experience the best of Oaxaca’s rich heritage. This includes impressive archeological sites and heart-stopping landscapes, world-famous cuisine, a burgeoning design scene and distinctive handicrafts.
Terrestre is situated alongside cultural spaces such as Casa Wabi, a sprawling compound with a Tadao Ando–designed centre that hosts artist residencies and exhibitions; a ceramic workshop space with a 22-metre-tall chimney designed by Taller de Arquitectura X / Alberto Kalach; and a permanent large-scale outdoor art installation by Mexican artist Bosco Sodi. Nearby are destination restaurants like Kakurega Omakase (also designed by Kalach) and small-batch mezcalerias such as Cobarde. If adventure calls, there are spots for activities including surfing, bird watching, meditating, hiking, horseback riding, luminiscencia experiences and bathing in natural hot springs.
kalach.com; terrestrehotel.com
Relying entirely on solar power, the hotel encourages its guests to temporarily breakup with technology and reconnect with nature.
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