Xique Boutique Hotel by estudio carroll in Puerto Escondido is pretty in pink

Few places evoke colour like Mexico. For those who seek local hues on their travels, the coastal town of Puerto Escondido on the Oaxaca coast (Mexico) delivers a muted coral. While Barragán’s original use of bold colours remains iconic, modern interpretations of Mexico’s colour maestro include the eye-catching shade of dusty pink seen in the Xique Boutique Hotel by estudio carroll. This hotel not only embraces a distinctive pink but also stands out with its unconventional design.

This three-storey structure, featuring eight guest rooms, a ground-floor restaurant and a rooftop pool, has corners rounded up just like splashing waves. This design is not only for visual appeal but also allows the breeze to flow through. “Our design approach for this project is based on three key principles: orientation, airflow and environmental sustainability” says the team at estudio carroll.

Designed to fit seamlessly into its site, the structure maximises space while preserving the lush vegetation around it. The south-facing facade is mostly solid to block out heat but includes round porthole windows and an arched entrance that add character.

The ground-floor restaurant, outfitted with natural wood and muted colours, opens to a patio through a large arched window with pivoting glass doors. A large staircase in the southeast corner serves as a natural chimney, helping to expel hot air.

On the upper floors, guest rooms feature west-facing balconies with palm wood doors that fold open to reveal views of the sea. The rooftop terrace, with its wooden lattice shading, ends in an infinity pool and is surrounded by cascading plants.

The building’s pink-toned chukum exterior not only adds a distinctive colour but also provides cooling and waterproofing benefits. Inside, macuil wood and clay slats contribute to the hotel’s unique design.

Also Read: Workshop, Diseño y Construcción revives the ruins of an old Yucatecan home with chukum and a serpentine staircase in Mérida

Estudio Carroll also focused on sustainability by incorporating a nearly 100-square-metre artificial wetland on the property. This wetland, one of only 160 of its kind in Mexico, uses natural processes to purify wastewater and support the surrounding garden, highlighting the hotel’s commitment to environmental responsibility.

FACT FILE:

Project Name: Xique Boutique Hotel

Design Firm: estudio carroll

Location: Puerto Escondido, Mexico

Area: 620 sq. mt.

Photography courtesy: Cesar Belio