Casa Cuachalala, a villa for rent in Oaxaca, Mexico

Oaxacan Coastal Beach Retreat in a Nature Reserve

A Oaxacan coastal gem, this cluster of waterfront pavilions was designed as a sea-facing architectural statement by Ignacio Urquiza and Ana Paula de Alba, offering outdoor adventure, chef-prepared cuisine, and a private beach punctuated by a waterfront infinity pool. Wellness services (yoga, massage, meditation) add to the staffed amenities, and the home melds seamlessly into its vibrant landscape, with panoramic Pacific views.

The property’s common areas are open-air and beachy, with big timbers and exposed rock walls, and stony passageways angling across the clifftop lot. The stark infinity pool is tucked into the coastal cliff face, and there’s a wooden shade deck lined with Adirondack chairs and hung with hammocks set right on the sand, a step from the sea, on the private beach below the house.

Located at the heart of a 30-hectare, Pacific coast preserve, the property is ideal for outdoor exploration, with hiking, surfing, whale watching and beachcombing right outside its doors.

Bedrooms

Ocean King Suite: A king-sized bed, one baby sofa, and a private terrace overlooking the ocean

Ocean Deluxe Suite: Two queen-size beds, one baby sofa, and a private terrace with jungle and ocean view

Jungle King Suite: King-size bed or two individual beds, with a built-in tub and a view of the jungle

Jungle Bunk Suite: Two queen-size beds with two bunk beds overlooking the jungle

Around & experiences

Sea-facing, this Pacific Coast sanctuary is located on the Oaxacan coastline within the El Torón Reserve near Mazunte, a vibrant coastal town known for breathtaking beaches, rich biodiversity and an easygoing atmosphere. Offering both adventure and low-key relaxation, Mazunte’s lush, jungle-clad coastline has unspoiled beaches, technicolor sunsets and secluded coves. Dolphins, sea turtles and whales swim its coastline, and boat trips to take in the area’s rich marine wildlife are available from Mazunte guides.

The town’s Playa Mazunte is its most popular beach, but the secluded coves of Playa Mermejita are not to be missed for their lush backdrop and empty, jungle-accented sands. Mexico’s National Turtle Center is located here, and other eco-tourism opportunities include waterfall visits, birdwatching tours and sustainable agriculture experiences. Hikers can take to the lush hills surrounding the house and town, then relax post workout with a yoga class on the sand or a holistic, in-house massage. Mazunte is a pueblo mágico, recognized for its natural beauty and vibrant culture, and this being Oaxaca, its stellar gastronomy. In town, there are beachfront bars with live music and restaurants. And on site, the essence of Oaxacan cuisine is offered via a personalized menu of local ingredients and traditional cooking techniques.