Villa Maria Matilda emerge out of the vegetation on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, seemingly stranded between sand and jungle. Sleeping up to 10 people across two spaces separated by a plant-lined walkway, this villas is an idyllic escape for groups of friends or big families.
Villa Maria Matilda was designed by the award-winning firm Gaeta Springall Arquitectos, surrounded by planting selected by legendary architect Alberto Kalach. The homes’ materials respond to the site, seeking to incorporate themselves into the landscape while remaining resilient to the elements.
Both units are divided in two, like a yin and yang figure; half of the house is conceived as a gallery space to frame nature outside, while the other is oriented towards the intimate interior space. Sliding walls keep the interior spaces in constant flux; these handmade wooden panels allow inhabitants to control the configuration almost entirely, making each experience of the homes unique.
Villa Maria Matilda is made up of two separate villas on the same plot. Casa Maria has 2 bedrooms, each with a king-size bed plus space for an additional 2 single beds for children or larger parties. Casa Matilda has 2 slightly smaller double bedrooms, each with a king-size bed. In total, the property can sleep up to 10 people.
Both homes have living and dining areas with basic kitchens. Casa Matilda faces directly onto the ocean, with an infinity pool positioned alongside the property framed by lush jungle planting. A walkway connects the villa directly to the beach. Casa Maria is set further back, also with its own pool set among the jungle and a boardwalk for access to the beach path. An extra feature is the roof terrace, which is the perfect spot for a secluded sundowner.
The villa is located in the exclusive beach-front neighborhood of Punta Pajaros, 30 minutes from Puerto Escondido Airport (PXM) and 45 minutes from downtown Puerto Escondido. The neighborhood—if you could call it that, considering its simplicity and isolation—features three small restaurants (that close early), a mezcal bar, and a handful of art galleries.
Punta Pajaro’s crown jewel is Bosco Sodi’s famed Casa Wabi, an art studio and exhibition space built by Japanese architect Tadao Ando. Rent a car or take a taxi to get here; don’t plan to go anywhere. This is a spot to relax and forget the world.
