Hotel Flavia: A Sculptural Retreat in Oaxaca

Set on the slopes of San Felipe Mountain in Oaxaca, Mexico, Hotel Flavia by RootStudio feels less like a conventional boutique hotel and more like a sculpture emerging from the landscape. Designed by João Boto Cæiro, the project follows the natural slope of the site, creating a distinctive balance between architecture, nature and light.

Raw concrete defines the exterior, giving the building a bold, almost brutalist presence. Inside, however, the severity of the concrete is softened by local timber, earthy tones, glass and tactile materials. The interplay between light and shadow, enclosed and open spaces, creates an architectural experience that constantly changes as guests move through the building.

The hotel’s eleven guest rooms have each been designed with their own distinctive atmosphere. From the underground Bunker Room, naturally illuminated from above, to the more theatrical and introspective Teatro room, each space explores different combinations of materials, textures and light. Some are defined by the warmth of local wood, while others focus on the contrast between surfaces and textures.

The landscape plays an equally important role. Designed by Luis Zárate, the gardens incorporate native species including cacti, pochote and pitaya, together with aquatic plants, creating courtyards and terraces that extend the architecture into its natural surroundings. The vegetation is not simply decorative, but an integral part of the overall composition.