From afar, the trapezoid contours and tower may hint an ancient Zapotec temple complex, but up close Terrestre unapologetically oozes modern boutique hospitality, and it’s one that ticks all of our boxes. We’re talking Grupo Habita‘s striking new outpost, nestled in the rolling coastal hills of Oaxaca. Situated only a stone’s throw away from the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean and sunny beaches on one side, and the Tadao Ando-designed Casa Wabi cultural compound and other interesting cultural venues on the other, Terrestre adds to the equation with a sustainable and design-led nature and wellness concept of its own. Set in a pristine and lush jungle landscape, the property comprises seven contemporary brick buildings designed by architect Alberto Kalach and his Mexico City-based practice Taller de Arquitectura X. The property is fully solar powered and features cooling methods achieved through innovative building techniques instead of traditional electricity-powered air conditioning. The lodgings comprise 14 interconnected villas, all featuring a subdued yet sophisticated interior design by multitasking creatives Fernanda Romandia and Diana Backal.
The wellness aspect of Terrestre manifests in a holistic manner and is even reflected in a soothing colour palette that can be found across the premises. It’s not only captured by exteriors crafted from earth, brick, wood, concrete, and clay, but also by the many custom furnishings of Mexican architect and designer Oscar Hagerman. This has resulted in an interesting dialogue between the indoors and the outside, allowing guests to effortlessly connect with the surrounding nature, wind down and recharge in a more meaningful way. Architecturally, it has led to the diminishing traditional barriers, such as the use of glass. In each villa, new openings offer direct connections between bedrooms and private garden terraces with mountain views. A few steps below, each villa has an outdoor bathroom, and upstairs are private terraces furnished with hammocks, lounge areas, and pools stretching out towards the ocean. Bath amenities are also locally produced and are fragranced with a signature copal scent.
Moreover, each villa houses a small selection of books—for guests with a quick eye or those indulging in longer stays, a larger library can also be found near the reception area. Obviously, a stay at Terrestre comes with soothing perks. Straddled along the garden sits a standalone open-air restaurant serving both Mexican and Mediterranean dishes made from locally sourced produce. Mind you, the cuisine taps into the region’s rich ecology in an effort to help guests detox during their stays. A short walk away, a laid-back beach club serves health-focused drinks, ranging from ginger and cacao sods to turmeric and cayenne-pepper lemonades, and creates a separate hideaway for guests. The wellness area features a communal circular pool, a long swimming lane, and a full-fledged spa, featuring a chilled water tub, steam room, and both outdoor and indoor showers. As said, Terrestre‘s surrounding area is dotted with additional bonus treats, such as the aforementioned cultural compound, but also good restaurants, Mezcal distilleries, and a slew of spots for sports activities. Meanwhile on the premises, guests can readily immerse themselves in a ceramic workshop space with a striking 22-metre cone-shaped chimney—in brick of course.
Terrestre
Carretera Federal Salina Cruz, Santiago Pinotepa Nacional KM 113
71983 Puerto Escondido
Telephone: +52 1 553425678
Publishers Note
Just to be clear – superfuture® is a design blog and not a political commentator. No surprise there. The scope of our content has always been global and borderless, however that can often mean covering projects in countries where we will not agree with the politics or actions of those countries. In a world that’s as screwed up as ever right now, the focus of our support is to those designers, architects and other creatives who aim to make the world a more liveable one – as opposed to people that try their hardest to destroy it. So if a project hits our desk and we like it based on its design credentials, we may choose to publish regardless of its location or creators nationality. superfuture® has always been inclusive and hopes for all current wars, aggression, violence, hate and extremism to end.
