Kymaia Hotel: A Modern Take on Pre-Hispanic Pyramids

Mexican architecture studio Productora, in collaboration with The Book of Wa, has unveiled the Kymaia Hotel, a boutique retreat on Mexico’s southwestern coast. Located near Puerto Escondido, the hotel’s striking design draws inspiration from pre-Hispanic pyramids, blending cultural heritage with modern sensibilities.

GALLERY  

Founded by entrepreneur Ezequiel Ayarza Sforza in 2024, the Kymaia Hotel spans 14,400 square metres, with 3,800 square metres dedicated to structures designed as a dialogue between architecture, nature, and culture. Productora sought to create an environment that integrates harmoniously with Oaxaca’s coastal landscape, using materials and forms that echo the region’s rich history.

The hotel’s 22 suites are constructed from pigmented concrete blocks in a warm sand tone, chosen to blend seamlessly into the natural surroundings. The use of muted natural wood further enhances this connection. The four oceanfront suites, each measuring 51 square metres, feature private pools, while the remaining structures are built on earth and clay slopes, reflecting the pyramidal forms of Mesoamerican architecture.

Senior suites, located on the ground floor, offer partial sea views and are surrounded by lush gardens, while junior suites on the upper level feature ocean views and private hot tubs. Designed to blur the boundaries between interior and exterior, the suites incorporate large windows, terraces, and light-filtering shades that facilitate a seamless connection with the landscape. The design combines Mexican and Japanese architectural influences, resulting in clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic.

Custom-made furniture and textiles preserve Oaxacan traditions, while the colour palette, inspired by the surrounding flora, enhances the sense of place. The communal spaces, including two restaurants, are sheltered beneath a monumental palm-thatched roof crafted by local artisans. Supported by guapinol wood columns, this structure adds a rustic touch to the hotel’s sophisticated yet understated design.

Shaded pathways weave through the property, offering moments of tranquillity and reinforcing Kymaia’s commitment to sustainable tourism. The project incorporates solar energy systems and water management initiatives, including wastewater treatment through surrounding wetlands, contributing to the regeneration of the tropical forest ecosystem.

By balancing historical influences with contemporary sustainability, Productora’s Kymaia Hotel is a striking example of how architecture can both honour tradition and embrace modern environmental responsibility.

Images by Kymaia via Dezeen

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