Casa Ocea

A Creative Space for Artists and Art Lovers

Casa Ocea is a little of everything. Set on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, in the fishing village of Chuburná Puerto, it has a breezy beach vibe: sands sprinkled with seashells, turquoise waters with dolphins that pass by morning and evening, swaying palms, and tropical birds.

But it's also a fusion of cultures, with a bold creative vision. Enter through the imposing double wooden doors, and you'll find a home that's brimming with traditional Yucatán flavor and filled with contemporary art from all over the world. Founded in 2021 by an entrepreneur who specializes in art and culture programming, and her partner who is an award-winning chef, it's a place to host and showcase artists.

It's available to rent as a vacation home, but the owners also host artists in residence, and the house is filled with the works of art they leave behind as gifts to the Casa Ocea collection.

Take a quick tour of this villa for rent in Mexico, and you'll notice the exceptional details: the golden-faced girl on the wall of the living room, the striking arc of the stairwell, the eclectic carved wooden furniture, the woven rugs, the tiny wooden chairs ascending a bedroom wall…

It's a space born from collaboration. The owner worked with local craftsmen to create the Mayan-inspired dining table and chairs, the stairwell, the outdoor ping-pong table, and the gorgeous kitchen created from chukum, an ancient stucco technique native to the Yucatan Peninsula. Rugs were designed by the owner and created by one of Teotitlan's premier weavers, Bulmaro Perez Mendoza, who uses pure wool and natural dye to create unique designs, again with Mayan inspiration.

The house was designed for ease of movement between indoor and out. The living room faces the ocean and spills onto a terrace with checkerboard tiles and a sparkling pool that, in turn, leads to the shoreline. The terrace is like a sculpture garden in itself, with elegant carved chairs and chaises longues, swinging hammocks, plus that handmade ping-pong table (which converts into a dining table). A second terrace facing the palm-filled garden has another dining area, hammock and playful mural, and is intended as a quiet place for reading and relaxation.

There are four en-suite bedrooms, each with balcony access, either overlooking the ocean or the garden. An office can accommodate two further guests if needed. Ascend to the third level, and you'll find a roof terrace with 360-degree ocean views. If the mood grabs you, you can project movies on its walls and watch them under the stars, with crashing waves as the soundtrack.

This villa for rent in Mexico is a unique and exciting destination for artists and art lovers alike.

Additional Features

If you'd rather watch movies indoors, there's a screen on the second floor, as well as a gaming table. The manager can arrange for the kitchen to be stocked on arrival, a personal chef if needed, massages at home, and jet ski rental for one day or your whole stay.

The owners offer chef-led gastronomic getaways, including tours of top kitchens and markets in the region. You can also book tours of Merida's historic center, swim in a cenote, and explore ancient ruins.

The artist residency program is open to established contemporary artists, musicians, videographers, and photographers, and offers a six-day stay in exchange for a previously made artwork. There are a maximum of 12 residencies per year, and the 2021-2022 season is fully booked.

Around

The house sits along the coast in the active fishing village of Chuburná Puerto, which is populated by indigenous Mayans and a few ex-pats. Walk out of the front gate, and you can flag down passing car vendors for coconut juice, ice cream, fresh fish and baked goods. Flag down passing boats for crabs and fish. Grab a kayak and get out on the water. Street tacos are also highly recommended. There is a small pop-up shop across the street that sells items like soda and chips, and a delightful farmers' market nearby on Mondays, but you can purchase basic groceries in Chuburná or Chelem.

The owners recommend renting a car for multiple reasons, including going out to eat at the many small fish restaurants nearby. There are well-stocked supermarkets in Progresso (15 mins) and Mérida (30 mins). The city of Mérida is a gem: one of the safest cities in Mexico, with a provincial atmosphere and cosmopolitan flair. For history buffs, it's a treasure trove made up of a colonial center, archeological sites, and haciendas. The property enjoys a handmade ping-pong table and rooftop terrace for showing movies.

Location

Chuburná Puerto, Yucatán, Mexico. Nearest airport: Merida (45 minutes).

Best Time to Visit: November through May for best weather.