All photos courtesy of El Guayacán

El Guayacán

Playa Zipolite, Mexico
www.elguayacan.mx

Set high on a quiet hillside, where the jungle softens into sky and the sea glimmers in every direction, El Guayacán offers something beautifully rare: the feeling of arriving somewhere that immediately slows your pace. This adults-only retreat in Zipolite isn’t just a place to stay—it’s a place to breathe differently. To return to the essentials. To be surrounded by nature, held by design, and cared for with thoughtfulness.

Born from a shared vision, El Guayacán is the work of owners and hosts Martti Wichmann and Fridtjof Flucke, who came to Zipolite in 2017 and felt instantly at home. After years in hospitality, retail, and travel, they recognized what the town needed: a refined, design-conscious hideaway that would honor the land, respect the community, and offer a truly intentional guest experience. They searched carefully, eventually finding a secluded stretch of land between a creek and the sky—46 meters above sea level, with views stretching from the Pacific to the Sierra Madre del Sur.

The result is a space that feels both elevated and rooted. Created in collaboration with Permacasco Arquitectura, Juan-Carlos Rodriguez Artigas, and Thomas Flechel, El Guayacán is shaped by a deep understanding of local climate, materials, and atmosphere. Interiors are pared back yet warm, with native wood, whitewashed concrete, and hand-selected artwork that adds texture and soul. Indoor and outdoor spaces blur seamlessly. Light flows through every room. The 17-meter saltwater lap pool mirrors the horizon.

“The luxury of doing nothing, enjoying naked sunbathing, and the acceptance for all creatures that blossomed out of humanity make this place unique—but maybe not for everyone.”
— Martti Wichmann & Fridtjof Flucke, Owners and Managers

El Guayacán comprises six serene spaces, each with king-size beds and ocean-facing terraces. Some offer full kitchens and open-air bathrooms; one is a two-bedroom home perched at the property’s highest point, with sweeping views and total privacy. While each unit is unique, all share the same underlying intention: quiet, comfort, and a deep respect for context.

That same intention guides the property’s environmental ethos. Solar-powered, rainwater-fed, and built around a low-impact philosophy, El Guayacán was designed not as a retreat from nature, but as a gesture of care toward it. Rainwater is collected and reused throughout the site, easing pressure on the region’s scarce groundwater. Every detail—from construction to daily operations—reflects a commitment to sustainability as a lived practice, not a marketing line.

The surrounding town offers its own kind of magic. Zipolite, known for being home to Mexico’s only legal nude beach, is more than just free-spirited—it’s quietly radical in its embrace of openness, simplicity, and authenticity. There are no high-rises or resorts, only sand paths, sun-bleached cafés, and a local rhythm that resists hurry. El Guayacán sits just above it all: close enough to reach the beach on foot, but far enough to feel suspended in stillness.

A LOCAL RHYTHM, SHARED WITH CARE
Martti and Fridtjof are generous with their local wisdom, encouraging guests to explore the area as they first did—by walking, lingering, and letting the place unfold. Órale Café is a favorite for a slow breakfast, where freshly made juices and strong Oaxacan coffee welcome the day. Just down the road, Casa Mexoni is a treasure trove of handmade textiles, jewelry, and small-batch mezcal—each piece a reflection of the region’s craft culture. For lunch or dinner by the sea, Yemaya offers elevated coastal cuisine without pretense, just warm hospitality and a perfect view. A short walk leads to Playa del Amor, a secluded cove tucked into the rocks, while a longer stroll toward Punta Cometa delivers dramatic sunsets and a chance to sit with something far bigger than yourself.