Hotel Snapshot
Casa Yuma rises up from the golden sand of Oaxaca’s Pacific coastline like an oasis. Just outside the buzzy surf town of Puerto Escondido, the 25-room property is serene and secluded, with eye-catching design that feels at once modern and ancient. By day, its stretch of gentle ocean and runway-length pool trade turns as the hangout for a stylish set of guests. Come nightfall, the fire table in a lounge dug out from the dunes beckons.
Design & Character
With its sites all spread out in the sand, shoes are an intrusion on-property. The structures follow a similar theme, calling on natural elements and local materials to evoke a throughline with their extraordinary surroundings. A soaring palapa with a thatched palm frond roof welcomes guests at the front of the property as the lobby and lofted co-working space. Rooms are set in simple white buildings plastered with chukum, a protective resin dating back to the Mayans that adds an earthy patina.
The Rooms
Casa Yuma’s all-king rooms are airy and bright, with light that streams in from tall glass sliding windows. Artisan furnishings, like handwoven rugs and colorful cement tiles, reflect Oaxaca’s role as a capital for extraordinary Mexican crafts. Floating staircases outside of a select few reservations lead up to rooftop terraces with unparalleled views.
The Food & Drink Situation
Chef Francisco Martínez Cruz, just returned to his homeland from a stint in kitchens across Asia, is in charge of Casa Yuma’s restaurant, Mesa del Sol, set in an open-air dining room by the water. A large comal in front of the kitchen is the heart of a breakfast menu with warm masa and egg dishes, like a tetela filled with tender suadera and mole negro. The dinner menu is especially exciting, blending flavors from China and Vietnam with Mexican classics, like a tuna crudo in a rich and tangy tamarind hoisin sauce. Mezcalitas—picked from a half dozen tropical flavors – are a signature cocktail best taken in the firepit lounge.
Amenities
The 25-meter swimming pool is a central attraction around which much of the hotel’s social life revolves. Set between cacti and palm trees and a stone’s throw from the ocean, it’s an idyllic place to laze with a magazine and a michelada. But, of course, the expansive beachfront is why you’re here, and oversized daybeds are an enticing option. For those looking to send a few emails in peace, a co-working space in a loft above the lobby is quiet and well-appointed—an enviable backdrop for a Zoom call.
Spa & Wellness Scoop
A spa cabin is tucked away inside the greenery of the property, with a pair of beds and curtains that let in the breeze. With the lapping waves as the soundtrack, massages are personalized and luxurious, with hot and cold stone varieties as well as cupping.
Location & Neighborhood Recs
The hotel is about 30 minutes driving from the Puerto Escondido airport and less than 20 minutes from Puerto’s most happening neighborhood, La Punta, on the southern end of the Zicatela Beach. There you’ll find a boho surf scene getting its first taste of luxury. La Casa del Surfer is the place for fresh fish tacos, and Punta Vida, right on the water by the always crowded volleyball courts, is a low-frills spot for barbecue, dancing, and a dazzling view of the sunset. For an exceptional cocktail and elevated Mexican dining, Atarraya is the best place in town.
Fast Facts
Location: Outside of Puerto Escondido, Mexico
Vibe: Sun-soaked beach retreat
Rating: 5-Star
Room Count: 25
Pricing: Rooms start at $325 per night
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: The firepit lounge dug out from the sand, perfect for a morning coffee or sundowner mezcalita
Dining: Asian-influenced coastal Mexican cuisine at Mesa del Sol
Amenities: 25 meter pool, secluded beachfront strip, spa cabin, co-working loft
Nearby Attractions: Zicatela Beach, La Punta neighborhood dining and nightlife
Airport: About 30 minutes driving from the Puerto Escondido airport (PXM)
