Casa De ELLA

A Soulful Hideaway at the Heart of Oaxaca

Inspired by the quality of “wabi-cha,” where simplicity is at the forefront of aesthetics, rituals and ethics, this historical property in Oaxaca offers an intimate, artful stay, with a tasting experience that showcases De ELLA brand mezcals.

Book an overnight stay with a tasting experience included, or stay for longer to soak up the atmosphere. All of the property’s Zapotecan furnishings and collectibles have been handcrafted using water and soil from the sacred valleys around Oaxaca, creating an intense connection with the past and with nature at large. De ELLA’s Black Clay Collection emerged from the fires of a unique tree resin, the work of eighth-generation artist Lalo Martinez, unknown anywhere else in the world.

The property contains a hidden, elemental room built solely of raw earth, water and agave fibers recycled from the mezcal distillation process. The sacred space includes a floating altar, a private bedroom and bath rentable as an integral part of an overnight tasting experience.

Experiences

De ELLA mezcal is 100% organic and natural, handcrafted in small batches and limited editions only, composed of fire, water, air and wild, pure, hand harvested agave espadín piñas.

The overnight experience includes a stay for one to four guests, a mezcal tasting, and a complimentary bottle of De ELLA Espadin mezcal, winner of the Double Gold World Spirits Competition, 2022.

A mezcal tasting for up to 30 people in the chef’s kitchen is also available. It's an inspired sampling ceremony designed to transport guests beyond what one tastes at first sip of the traditionally crafted mezcal.

Other on-site experiences include curated dinners and plant ceremonies. Please inquire for further details.

Around

Oaxaca de Juàrez, the capital city of the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca, is a celebration of indigenous culture and home to heady mezcal, the smoky, ancestral sister spirit to tequila. Oaxaca is also home to rich, dark molés, both recipes making the city one of the most popular culinary destinations in the world of food/beverage travel. Iconic architecture meets diverse pre-Colombian cultures, and a buzzing, contemporary nightlife, and the city offers a dazzling blend of indigenous, Spanish colonial and modern Mexican influences in its foods, arts, culture, textiles, handicrafts, and lifestyle.

The city is also great for adventurous types, who can roam the Sierra Madre Sur mountains and valleys, discovering local villages with distinct traditions and handicrafts (rug weavers in Teotitlan, clay ceramic potters in San Marcos Tlapazola, alebrije makers in San Martin Tilcajete). Day hikes are punctuated by waterfalls, and there are dozens of trails just outside of the city that wind through verdant valleys, high sierras, and to dramatic overlooks like San Felipe del Agua, perfect spots for sunset watching. Mountain bikers consider the area one of Mexico’s best for fat tire riding, and the city is home to paths of varying levels, including expert.

Ancient ruins can be found outside city limits. There’s a famous 2,000-year-old tree named El Tule outside of town. And Oaxaca’s pedestrian friendly Centro Historico is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its stunning architecture. Beaches along Oaxaca’s coast include the best-known, Puerto Escondido, along with the snorkeling destination of Bahias de Huatulco. The latter is home to nine bays and 36 beaches that offer great snorkeling and scenery. Nearby Zipolite is a famous white sand nude beach, with dozens of beachfront restaurants and wellness/yoga studios, and San Agustinillo is close to the wildlife-rich Laguna Ventanilla, home to annual sea turtle nesting.

Location

Oaxaca, Mexico. Nearest airport: Oaxaca (20 minutes from downtown)

Best time to visit

Year-round