June 20, 2025

Oaxaca’s Rural Coastline Features a Luxe Hotel That Melds Pre-Hispanic Pyramid Design with Cutting-Edge Sustainability, Leaving Architects in Awe

Kymaia Hotel exterior
Courtesy of Kymaia Hotel

Kymaia, nestled just 30 minutes from Puerto Escondido on Oaxaca’s lush coast, is where luxury takes a mindful walk on the wild side. This refined retreat strikes a rare balance, blending high-end comfort with a deep respect for nature and local culture. Designed by entrepreneur Ezequiel Ayarza Sforza and brought to life by the acclaimed Mexican studio Productora, Kymaia celebrates Oaxaca’s rich biodiversity through thoughtful architecture and sustainable practices.

Guest room at Kymaia Hotel
Courtesy of Kymaia Hotel

The hotel’s 22 suites are more than just rooms—they’re carefully crafted sanctuaries that embrace the surrounding landscape. At the peak, the four Ocean Front Suites boast panoramic sea views and private pools, perfect for unwinding with style. Down below, nine Senior Suites open to gardens and partial ocean glimpses, while nine Junior Suites perch higher up with ocean views and hot tubs for ultimate relaxation. Drawing inspiration from pre-Hispanic pyramids, this design is built with local materials like stucco, clay, and wood, evoking a sense of warmth and grounding that captures the spirit of Oaxaca.

Design details at Kymaia Hotel
Courtesy of Kymaia Hotel

Kymaia’s commitment to the environment goes beyond architecture. Its gardens—El Palmar, La Nopalera, El Humedal, and El Guayacán—are living mosaics of native ecosystems, inviting guests to wander through local wildlife, from dry fauna to scattered palm trees. This attention to detail turns the grounds into an immersive experience of natural beauty and regeneration.

When it comes to dining, chef Eduardo García leads the culinary charge with three standout restaurants: Septimus, Huachinango Bar, and the intimate underground La Cueva. Each spot offers dishes that marry fresh local ingredients with ancestral Oaxacan techniques, all served with a contemporary flair that honors the region’s flavors.

Plunge pool at Kymaia Hotel
Courtesy of Kymaia Hotel

Well-being is front and center at Kymaia, featuring a peaceful Shala for yoga, meditation, and Qigong, along with plenty of outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and surfing. Complementing this, Azumi Wellbeing Center offers a holistic wellness experience that reconnects body and spirit through ancient traditions and modern techniques in a serene, private beachfront setting. 

Signature treatments include the temazcal, an ancient Mesoamerican steam bath ritual enhanced with healing herbal infusions, and a variety of massages such as deep tissue, holistic, lymphatic drainage, and sports massages, all designed to promote deep relaxation, restore balance, and revitalize vitality in harmony with nature.

Pacific Ocean views from Kymaia Hotel
Courtesy of Kymaia Hotel

Sustainability is woven into every corner, from solar energy systems to responsible waste management, proving that luxury and care for the planet can—and should—go hand in hand. Take the beach-fringing, eco-friendly communal pool, for example—it masterfully doesn’t obstruct the setting one bit.

At Kymaia, nature isn’t just a backdrop; it’s the heart of the experience, inviting travelers to relax, recharge, and reconnect with the magic of the Mexican Pacific coast.

Top Takeaways

Location: Just 30 minutes from Puerto Escondido on Oaxaca’s lush Pacific coast (the official name of the area where the stay is located is called Tlachicón)

Rating: Five-star

The Vibe: Modern pyramids on the playa 

Food + Drink: Savor fresh, local ingredients prepared with ancestral Oaxacan techniques by Chef Eduardo García. Choose from three distinct dining venues—Septimus, Huachinango Bar, and the intimate underground La Cueva—all offering inventive dishes that celebrate the region’s flavors.

Amenities: Pools, yoga, meditation, hiking and cycling trails, surfing access, native gardens, solar energy, responsible waste management, and wellness activities such as Qigong and spa treatments.

Our Favorite thing about the hotel: The modern take on pre-Hispanic pyramids is pure brilliance. Seriously, if you're looking for an innovative design and sustainable measures incorporated into your hotel stay, this is your sanctuary. 

What’s Nearby: The hotel is remote, but in under an hour, you can reach some incredible spots. Just 15 minutes away, La Escobilla Sanctuary hosts thousands of olive ridley sea turtles from June to September, creating a stunning natural spectacle. About 30 minutes from the hotel, Zicatela Beach draws surfers with its powerful waves and lively promenade filled with seafood spots and sunset bars. And only 25 minutes out, Manialtepec Lagoon glows at night with mesmerizing bioluminescent waters—nature’s own light show on Oaxaca’s wild coast.

Any personal neighborhood recs? Take a scenic 90-minute drive to nearby Zipolite, a laid-back, welcoming gay beach with a relaxed vibe. Don’t miss Mazunte on the way, an Oaxacan beach town with straw-roofed buildings and a thriving expat community that somehow still feels genuine and tourist-absent.

Rooms: 22 thoughtfully designed suites, including four oceanfront suites with private pools

Pricing: Starting nightly rates from $458

Closest airport: Fly into Puerto Escondido, then enjoy a short 30-minute drive to Kymaia.

Other Articles You May Like

Kymaia Hotel

Brandon Berkson

Founder & Editor-in-Chief

Join 400,000+ Boutique Hotel Lovers

Join our monthly dispatch for insider hotel picks, destination tips, and under-the-radar gems — all curated by people who actually go there.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Follow Us On Instagram

@hotelsabovepar
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.