Casa Bautista

A sustainable, high-end retreat nestled in a protected jungle in Mexico.

Opened in 2021, Casa Bautista is an eco-friendly, sustainable retreat that welcomes guests in a verdant paradise. Located in the heart of the protected Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, one of Tulum’s Unesco Heritage sites, the villa offers travelers the opportunity to relax in a lush setting in the middle of nature. Entrepreneur Ezequiel Ayarza Sforza envisioned and designed the house along with Mexico City-based architecture firm Productora. Casa Bautista features a blend of brutalist and surrealist elements as well as traditional accents that celebrate vernacular architecture.

The L-shaped building stands on triangular pilotis that minimize the structure’s impact on the land and allow it to blend into the jungle at the same time. The team used a special blue-tinted concrete for the build. “The whole project was poured from concrete with an organic blue color that reacts to the sunlight as it moves across the house, generating a changing spectrum of tones that range from sea blue to the pink of the sunset,” says the Productora team. Built by local carpenters, the tzalam wood terraces and pergolas have rich brown colors that complement the blueish hues of the concrete. Apart from offering shade from the sun, the terrace areas also expand the living spaces and provide cross-ventilation.

A sculptural spiral staircase links the villa’s three floors. On the ground level, there are five rooms, each with a direct connection to the jungle and the sea. The owners rent the house for private stays and special events. Guests can choose between two master suites, two double rooms, and one studio. They also have access to a common dining room and a jacuzzi that overlooks white sand dunes. The rooftop terrace features a large pool, a barbecue area, and a dining space. Here, guests have access to the best views that encompass the surrounding jungle and the beach. A tower houses a flexible space that can serve either as a work or meditation area.

The retreat also uses solar and wind energy, offering a sustainable travel destination in the gorgeous area of Tulum. Furthermore, the retreat is part of the Pueblo Del Sol project that supports indigenous communities. As guests enjoy artisan coffee and Oaxaca organic honey, every stay at Casa Bautista supports the project. Photography© Onnis Luque.