ECO RETREAT IN MEXICO
09 Jul 2012
This eco retreat in Mexico was designed to pay homage to the organic beauty of the landscape – from stark desert to lush vineyards.
Set amongst boulders on a secluded hill in the heart of Baja California lies Endémico, the first member hotel for Design Hotels in Mexico’s premier wine growing region, which opened June 29.
Endémico, Spanish for endemic (meaning native to a specific region or environment), was designed to highlight the isolation of the desert and pay homage to the organic beauty of the landscape - from stark desert to lush vineyards. Accordingly, a team of hand-selected local tradesmen worked in collaboration with Gracia Studio to create 20 luxury cabins, which blend seamlessly with their stunning natural surroundings.
Hotel owners Carlos Couturier and Moisés Micha, the partnership behind the highly innovative Grupo Habita portfolio of hotels, are avidly committed to investing in the regions in which they build their hotels, on an environmental, social, economic, and cultural level. Here, the eco-friendly cabins are raised off the ground to minimise their impact on the landscape and are constructed from Corten steel and wood to ensure that they weather over time.
The rustic tranquillity of the environment also inspired the refreshingly understated interior design of the cabins, which all feature simple yet chic furnishings. Minimal the cabins may be, but modern comforts and luxurious touches have not been overlooked. Private terraces offer unobstructed views over the Valle de Guadalupe and the traditional clay fireplaces, known locally as kivas, allow guests to sit under a blanket of stars and sip regional wines while being warmed by a roaring fire. From the pool, guests can soak up the calming solitude, while gazing out over the vast expanse.
The simplicity of these chic and eco-friendly cabins let the natural beauty of the surroundings take pride of place.
Endémico is situated in the village of Valle de Guadalupe, just a 90 minute drive from San Diego, California. The region is also known as “El otro México” (the other Mexico), being neither a part of California, yet nothing like mainland Mexico. The area, with its old fishing and mission towns, offers an interesting blend of modern and traditional Mexico and cultural traits from across the nation, causing an exciting cultural and artisanal melting pot of activities.