On a narrow strip fronting a protected bay in Tulum, Mexico, this self-sufficient villa hotel seamlessly merges home and nature. A central path guides you from a mangrove marsh, through a palm grove, and straight into the main living space, which can be fully opened to the elements before continuing to the beach beyond.
The villa’s eco-friendly design incorporates on-site waste processing and rainwater collection via artificial wetlands. Overhead, a solar array provides photovoltaic power while shading the panoramic roof lounge. On the upper level, bedrooms open onto planted terraces that mitigate stormwater flow, while custom louvered doors capture natural breezes to cool the home. Every building material is locally sourced, from the regional timber used for the sliding doors to the vibrant, hand-painted “pasta” cement tiles.