La Higuera, a clifftop architectural retreat, Troncones, Mexico

A Cantilevered Cube Above Manzanillo Bay, Troncones, Guerrero

Carlos Desormaux of S-Mart Home, who builds exclusively in Zihuatanejo and refuses to repeat a design, cantilevered the structure of this home off a steep hillside above Manzanillo Bay. It features aluminum cladding in a deep rust tone, floor-to-ceiling lattice panels fabricated in Yucatán, and a rooftop plunge pool. The house was named for the ancient strangler fig gripping the rock beside it, the tree the architecture was built around. For couples or close friends prepared to trade convenience for an experience that is genuinely site-specific, La Higuera delivers something most coastal Mexico rentals don't.

Construction began in 2023 on a plot that required the owners to crawl to reach it. The brief was a cube within a cube, with deep foundations, cantilevered supports, and all structural engineering hidden beneath the floor plate. The exterior panels (sliding lattice in a matte aluminum finish) open the building entirely to its surroundings. The final rust tone was selected from six samples, tested at different hours of the day.

Interiors were handled by Rebecca Martin, the owners' daughter, through her Troncones-based studio Casa Manantial, which sources handmade and one-off pieces across Mexico. Of particular note are a painting by Manuel Reyes and Jan Pleitner, wooden lamps by Rafael Weber, and a seven-foot two-inch marquetry surfboard by Welsh artist Emma Wood (made from sustainably sourced paulownia). The lower level holds the open-plan kitchen, living, and dining space, fully open to the terrace and sea. Upstairs, two bedrooms are air-conditioned, each with views that pull attention outward. Shower rooms are stocked with Laguna Cyprien products from Mexico City, and bathrobes by the same brand.

The main terrace wraps two sides of the structure, opening across Manzanillo Bay to the north and along the coast toward La Saladita to the south. A shallow reflecting pool runs the length of the terrace's north edge, with a native roble (oak) tree rising through its surface. It was left in place during construction, and is now the terrace's defining element. Above the living level, an internal staircase leads to a built-in lounge for stargazing before reaching the rooftop, where a plunge pool sits at the highest point of the house.

Beyond the building, Natalie Clark of Flor & Ser Paisajismo restored the hillside, with 200-plus native species, grey water from the house reused for irrigation, and a network of level switchback trails cut to slow water flow in the rainy season.

Layout

This vacation home for rent in Troncones, Guerrero, Mexico sleeps up to four guests. Two bedrooms occupy the upper level of the cantilevered cube, positioned symmetrically above the main open-plan living space. The ground level holds the kitchen, dining, and sitting areas, all opening onto the wraparound terrace. A further internal staircase leads to a built-in lounge deck and, above it, the rooftop plunge pool. The site also includes a yoga and lookout platform reached by a 20-minute trail through native forest. There are two en-suite shower rooms plus a separate guest cloakroom.

- Bedroom 1 — King, en suite

- Bedroom 2 — King, en suite

Experiences

Private yoga sessions, surf lessons, kayaking tours, and guided birdwatching can all be arranged. On-request catering is available from private chefs using locally sourced ingredients. The property also includes a challenging 20-minute trail through dense native forest to a hilltop yoga and lookout platform.

Good to know

La Higuera is adults only (18 and over) and accommodates a maximum of four guests. No pets. The site involves steep steps, significant level changes, and uneven terrain throughout. It is not suitable for guests with limited mobility. A car is strongly recommended. The nearest main town is Zihuatanejo which is approx 40-45 mins away. In the village of Troncones, there are mini markets, shops and an ATM plus pharmacy, all under 10 minutes drive. Mobile signal can be intermittent. A gardener and daily maintenance staff attend the property.

Amenities & services

Rooftop plunge pool, reflecting pool, wraparound terrace with Pacific views, air conditioning in bedrooms, ceiling fans in living spaces, open-plan kitchen, Laguna Cyprien bath products, Laguna Cyprien bathrobes, bed linen and towels provided, pool towels and beach towels provided, hairdryers, private parking, secure gated entrance, grey-water irrigation system, 75% native forest, switchback trail to hilltop yoga and lookout platform, Wi-Fi Starlink. On request: private chef, yoga, massage, surf lessons, kayaking, guided birdwatching.

Around

Troncones is a fishing village of a few hundred people on the Guerrero coast. The beach is long and largely uncrowded. The surf is consistent and watched over by an established community of local instructors. Restaurants line the shore, most of them open-air, serving fresh huachinango (red snapper) and Guerrero-style pozole. The village has a wine shop, small grocery stores, a pharmacy, and an ATM, though cash from Zihuatanejo is advisable. Zihuatanejo, 45 minutes south, offers a working fish market, a beautiful bay, and a historic center worth an afternoon. A car is essential.