Entrepreneur Ezequiel Ayarza Sforza’s love for Oaxaca, Mexico, is reflected in Pueblo del Sol, the sustainable, humanitarian project he started dreaming about in 2010 as a way of bringing positive, long-term change to the region’s indigenous communities. To keep Pueblo del Sol, an educational system melding organic agriculture, cultural activities, and arts and crafts classes financially afloat, Sforza turned his attention to a complementary hotel, and in late 2020, the arch-laden Casona Sforza opened in Oaxaca’s Puerto Escondido.
Spearheaded by Mexico City architect Alberto Kalach of Taller de Arquitectura X (TAX), Casona Sforza is an 11-suite hideaway overlooking the Pacific Coast that truly connects with its surroundings through a series of asymmetrical, clean-lined structures built from locally produced sand-yellow bricks that “receive and reflect the sun’s rays,” says Ayarza Sforza. “The bricks also help with ventilation to keep the rooms cool without wasting energy on air conditioning.” Additionally, the suites’ barrel ceilings are earthquake-proof and help improve air circulation.
Interiors, by Mexico City-based studio MOB, take cues from the architecture, too, weaving together natural materials like macuilli and parota woods, palm leaves, traditional cotton textiles, and raw linen. Bathrooms are also adorned with freestanding tubs crafted out of clay. Fittingly, many Pueblo del Sol artisans, including potters and cabinetmakers, lent their savvy to the hotel as well, designing the likes of mugs that guests sip their morning coffee from.
The pool, the heart of the property, is reached via a custom stone path, but another popular spot to congregate at is the chef’s table that holds court at Cuisine at Casona Sforza, the restaurant that further epitomizes the hotel’s ecological focus by putting fresh produce grown onsite in the spotlight. “The project reflects the commitment to environmental care, reevaluation of roots, and the development of the local community,” explains Ayarza Sforza.