CAAM Arquitectos has completed the adults-only Suuel hotel in Puerto Escondido, Mexico, creating a boutique property that brings beach culture directly into its design through a unique sandy inner courtyard. The Oaxacan seaside hotel is designed to be "discovered through the feet," according to the Mexico City-based architectural studio, emphasizing a tactile and immersive guest experience.
The hotel's exterior features dark grey chukum cladding, a traditional local construction material, and is surrounded by nim trees that provide natural shade while partially concealing the building. The design intentionally blurs the boundaries between public and private spaces, welcoming both guests and passersby into open street-facing bar and restaurant areas. "The design concept and location of Suuel are based on the strength of Puerto Escondido's beach culture and its profound influence on the way of life of Suuel's creators," explained CAAM Arquitectos.
The architects incorporated a central "sand garden" that literally extends the nearby beach culture into the property, creating an authentic connection to the coastal environment. The venue's kitchen opens directly to the public, connecting seamlessly with the bar and outdoor spaces, allowing "barefoot curious wanderers to peek inside and decide to enter," according to the design team. This approach reflects the studio's commitment to honoring local traditions while creating contemporary hospitality spaces.
Architectural elements throughout the property emphasize openness and natural ventilation. Along the street, a porous partition made of angled bricks allows views and ocean breezes to flow into the open-air bar and lounge areas. Wood-wrapped columns divide these spaces from a sunken lounge decorated with cushioned seating, small tables, and tropical plants. Large wood-wrapped louvers separate outdoor areas from interior spaces while maintaining visual connections.
The hotel's nine spacious guest bedrooms are accessed through a central staircase system featuring half-flights that creates a focal point for the interior design. This staircase connects the staggered levels of the building on either side, with rooms accessible via landings and semi-enclosed breezeways that promote natural airflow. "As one ascends to the rooms, the architecture is continuously recognized and discovered through the feet," noted CAAM Arquitectos, emphasizing the sensory experience of moving through the space.
A distinctive stepped motif appears throughout the property, serving both functional and decorative purposes in elements such as shower partition tops and headboards. The lower-level rooms feature covered terraces minimally furnished with stone tables, built-in seating, and large terracotta plant pots. Upper-floor suites open through sliding and folding doors to spacious wraparound balconies complete with private outdoor plunge pools and comfortable loungers.
Interior design emphasizes local craftsmanship while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic. Characterful furniture and textiles are used sparingly in guest rooms, highlighting regional craft traditions without overwhelming the spaces. Textured plasterwork, wooden louvered shutters, and a natural color palette contribute to the locally-influenced design approach that celebrates Puerto Escondido's cultural heritage.
"Suuel is the result of decades of loving Puerto Escondido," stated CAAM Arquitectos. "It is a grand dream with a human scale, reflecting the belief that it can grow differently, with special spaces that preserve one of the most powerful beach cultures in Mexico, thus ensuring its longevity." This philosophy reflects the broader transformation of Puerto Escondido from a sleepy port town to a sought-after tourist destination.
The hotel joins a growing collection of unique accommodation offerings that have opened in Puerto Escondido over the past decade, including Casa Yuma hotel built from "vegetal concrete," Casa TO designed to reinterpret local historic temples, and Hotel Terrestre comprising solar-powered villas. The region has also developed a rich cultural scene with arts programming led by institutions like Casa Wabi and Meridiano.
Founded by architect Camilo Moreno, CAAM Arquitectos collaborated with interior design studios Squadra Studio and Krim on the project, with construction completed by Cimera for client Circle Development. The firm recently completed other notable projects including a Japanese restaurant featuring a vaulted metal roof in Querétaro, demonstrating their versatility in contemporary Mexican architecture. Photography of the completed Suuel hotel was captured by Fernando Farfán, showcasing how the design successfully integrates beach culture with sophisticated hospitality architecture.
