Hidden on a pristine beach in the Oaxaca surf town of Puerto Escondido, Hotel Escondido is the latest addition to a roster of standout Mexican boutique hotels created by Grupo Habita (which also owns the Hotel Americano in New York). Escondido follows the same formula as the others: small scale, good design, and just enough luxury. That translates to guest quarters in 16 beachside palapas with air conditioning and private pools. For outdoorsy types, there are world-class surfing and birding. A hotel beach club and underground bar also await.
Photos via Grupo Habita.
Above: Federico Rivera Río of CHK Arquitectura designed the interiors using a largely neutral palette with accents of Mexican-inspired color.
Above: The floors of each palapa are inlaid with tropical hardwoods. We love the way the painted striped floor defines the space around the bed—it's something to try at home.
Above: The rooms have a modern rustic look, with simple furniture and local finds on display.
Above: Though the palapa rooftops are a nod to traditional Oaxacan design, each 375-square-foot hut is equipped with modern luxuries, including air conditioning, polished concrete baths, and private decks with plunge pools.
Above: Set directly in the sand, a 50-meter pool and wood deck run parallel to the ocean.
Above: Though the hotel has a restaurant and "acoustically isolated" hidden underground club, the property is tranquil and sparsely populated—at least so far.
Above: An ideal spot for après-surf lounging.
Above: The small town of Puerto Escondido is known for world-class surfing. Nearby are opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and birding.
Below: Hotel Escondido's location on Oaxaca's Pacific coast. Visitors fly into Puerto Escondido Airport or Huatulco Airport, both of which have flights from Mexico City. For rates and booking information, visit Hotel Escondido.
Read about the other Grupo Habita hotels in Mexico in A Midcentury Classic Is Reborn in Acapulco, Hotels & Lodging: Hotel Condesa DF in Mexico, and Hotels & Lodging: Hotel Azucar in Veracruz.