On the Pacific edge of Puerto Escondido, where surf culture, tropical calm and Oaxacan tradition intersect, Mantra Hotel Boutique offers a considered approach to rest. Located in Punta Zicatela, just a short walk from Playa Zicatela, this 12 room boutique retreat is conceived as a place for wellbeing, privacy and connection, balancing contemporary design with a sense of place.
Designed by architect Miguel Ángel Ramos, Mantra’s architecture draws directly from its surroundings. Slate walls sourced from the Sierra meet parota wood beams to form a striking entrance that sets the tone for the hotel’s material language throughout. Neutral hues, natural textures and local craftsmanship run through corridors, stairways and interior gardens, illuminated by artisanal lighting and objects curated by Dialecto Colectivo. Handmade elements and collaborations with Oaxacan workshops give the hotel an authentic touch.
Accommodation is arranged across four categories: Essentials, Duos, Mini Suites and Studios. Essentials are calm, pared-back rooms for one or two guests, with balconies, cross ventilation and warm wood details. Duos are designed for sharing, with two double beds and views over the garden or street. Mini Suites introduce individual character through features such as ocean views, double-height ceilings or private jacuzzis, while the Studios, Durga and Prana, provide generous space for longer stays, with a flexible layout suited to slow living.
Wellbeing is woven into daily life at Mantra. A rooftop sauna and steam room sit alongside a programme of personalised massages, from rebozo and bamboo techniques to hot stones and Chinese spheres. Yoga and guided meditation sessions take place on the viewing terrace, allowing guests to shape their stay around restoration and reflection.
The rooftop also serves as the social heart of the hotel. Here, a glass-bottom pool, sun loungers and a bar create a relaxed setting for mezcal-based cocktails, craft beers and light bites such as guacamole with chapulines or beet hummus with chipotle. As the sun drops over Punta Zicatela, the space shifts to cosy, communal atmosphere.
With its small scale, attentive service and thoughtful design, Mantra Hotel Boutique presents a slower way to experience the dramatic beauty of Puerto Escondido.
Photography, Ximena Morfín / courtesy Hotel Mantra Puerto Escondido.
