Owner: Grupo Habita
Hotel operator: Design Hotels/ Marriott International
Architecture: Jorge Hernandez de la Garza
Interior design: Plantea Estudio
Furnishings: made on design and manufactured by local artisans
Lighting design: Lucas Salas Bassani Antivari
Graphic design and identity: Ciao Lobby
Artworks: Lucio Muniain
Photos: Rafael Funciono, Edmund Sumner
In one of Mexico’s most popular surfing destinations – La Punta Zicatela in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca – Hotel Humano welcomes guests to kick off their shoes in a luxurious yet simple setting. As Grupo Habita‘s latest opening, the experiential concept developed by Ciao Lobby, a creative studio specializing in hospitality, immediately allows guests to easily immerse themselves in the local culture. Simultaneously, it fosters a cozy atmosphere for locals seeking moments of relaxation, perhaps after tackling the Pacific coast’s renowned waves.
Architect Jorge Hernandez de la Garza designed a series of buildings that foster an intense dialogue between indoor and outdoor spaces. This is achieved through carefully chosen materials like concrete, valued for its thermal properties that keep interiors cool as temperatures rise, alongside raw clay tiles and bricks, and tropical wood. Everything is handcrafted, produced in local workshops, and assembled by local artisans.
Plantea Estudio‘s interior design seamlessly integrates into the architectural context, where local culture (including surfing) plays a significant role. A color palette ranging from wine red to dark orange and off-white emphasizes the fresh feel of the natural environment surrounding the hotel. Custom textiles and screens blend with tropical wood furnishings and doors, all entirely custom-made using regional artisanal techniques.
Clever construction techniques, such as double-height ceilings and the permeable lattice structures of the central courtyard, seamlessly blend indoors and outdoors, perfectly integrating the lobby with street life. Here, lush tropical vegetation surrounds a spacious pool, creating a natural connection to the local landscape. The designer also designated the panoramic terrace as an essential part of hotel life, nurturing social interaction.
This approach is evident in the 39 rooms, including 8 suites, where various levels of privacy are achieved through the use of walls and curtains (with restrooms discreetly positioned separately). The result is a refined yet welcoming ensemble, made even more special by the unique drawings of Mexico City artist Lucio Muniain.
Summer 2025 will also see the inauguration of the Beach Club, featuring six private bungalows with ocean views, a beachfront pool, and a sun terrace with loungers and hammocks. Guests can also look forward to a fresh seafood restaurant, inviting them to truly savor the location.
