T+L’s hotel review of La Valise – Mazunte, Oaxaca Mexico

As a child, I’d fall sleep to the sound of waves—pre-recorded ocean tracks, that is. Even though the sound of rhythmic waves was coming from a loudspeaker, it had a soothing effect. The sound was soothing, but when it wasn’t, I imagined where those waves would land: on distant shores or quiet beaches far from the daily noise. That imaginary place, it turns out, exists—and I found it on Mexico’s Pacific Coast.

Perched on a cliffside within the protected El Torón Reserve in OaxacaLa Valise is the place I imagined. The boutique retreat has six suites as well as a pentagon shaped villa. It is located in the jungle, near the small town of Mazunte. Mazunte is known for its untamable beauty and the sounds of the waves that echo against its jagged coastline.

La Valise Mazunte offers more than a place for guests to stay. It’s an invitation to become a part of landscape,” Yves Naman is the founder of Namron Hospitality, La Valise Hotels“parent company” told Travel + Leisure. “Every detail reflects beauty of this protected heaven. The coast of Oaxaca is breathtaking.

It all begins with the design. Mexican architect designed the project Alberto KalachThe hotel is seamlessly integrated into the landscape, almost as if the hotel were an extension. The hotel is built into the cliffs and feels more like an organic formation than something man-made. “Kalach has mastered the art of creating architecture which does not impose but rather belongs. Naman said that his works were celebrated around the world because they blended with nature and honored the land, rather than conquered it. “Together, architect Ignacio Urquiza“They imagined a pattern that looks as if the cliffs or the ocean itself had shaped it.”

The five-year project was planned as carefully as the design. “No machines touched this place. Only true craftsmen touched it,” he said. “Each stone and every beam of timber was placed with respect and purpose.”

La Valise Mazunte, the fourth property in Namron Hospitality’s La Valise Collection, joins properties such as Tulum, Mexico City. San Miguel de Allende. Naman’s project is a very personal one. He told T+L that “the first time I stepped foot in Mazunte I felt an incredible energy.” The vast Pacific stretched out before me and the ancient, unspoiled land was magnetic. It was not a land to change or reinvent but rather a land to honor.

Mazunte offers a tranquil escape from the commercial sprawl and resorts of major brands. Staying here feels like discovering an untouched paradise—one that forces you to slow down and listen. This hidden gem was my first stay. See for yourself what La Valise Mazunte is like.

The Rooms

Six suites and one villa are available at the hotel. Nestled in the forest and just a short buggy ride from the main grounds, the one-bedroom Villa Pentágonos is the hotel’s crown jewel—a retreat where nature and creature comforts coexist.

The lush entrance was secluded and I followed the stone steps to my private oasis. The first thing I saw was a minimalist lounge and an infinity pool with a pentagon shape that seemed to spill over into the sea.

Sliding glass doors lead to the pentagon shaped bedroom of the villa, which is equipped with all modern conveniences, including air conditioning, a ceiling-mounted fan, and charging ports. The room also has two sliding doors that lead directly to the ocean. The pentagon-shaped bedroom has a fourth sliding door, which opens to an outdoor terrace that offers even more expansive ocean views. It also provides access to the open-air bathroom of the villa. Behind a stylish partition, you’ll find cleverly concealed storage for luggage and towels. There is also a safe.

Villa Pentágonos is ideal for those seeking solitude, serenity, and a deep connection to nature. The immersion, of course, comes with the occasional visit from the local ecosystem (think bugs, birds, and critters)—but during my stay, it remained a peaceful, undisturbed retreat.

Food and Drink

Having only one restaurant, the hotel does not overcomplicate their food and beverage offer. You can order breakfast, dinner and an all-day meal to be delivered directly to your hotel room, or you can enjoy it on the communal terrace. The menu strikes the perfect balance—not too extensive, not too sparse.

Breakfast is a great way to start the day with a variety of flavors. Memalas With eggs, chicken, chilaquiles and huevos Rancheros Itacates. The morning spread includes fresh juices, smoothies and seasonal fruits, as well as coffee, tea and a pastry.

The menu includes a variety of snacks, such as guacamole or beet-hummus fries and babaghanoush, salads, like a Thai quinoa, a pineapple and cucumber salad and shrimp aguachile; a seafood bar, with tuna tostadas and ceviche with hibiscus, and shrimp tacos. Desserts include chocolate, ice cream and a variety of fruit. Tomal Enjoy a cheesecake buñuelos and creme brulée.

Dinner expands on the all-day offerings with entrées like the local catch of the day, pescado a la tallaSweet potato and shrimp-stuffed eggplant enmoladas. The beverage list includes mezcal as a tribute to Oaxaca, along with a selection of white and red wines from Mexico.

Activities and Experiences

At La Valise Mazunte, the views alone feel like an experience—and worth taking time to absorb. Beyond the views, the hotel has a range of activities that will help you discover the land and ocean. Guests can enjoy sunset yoga, a mezcal sampling, a sea turtle hatching or a visit to the beach. temazcal Ceremonies or horseback rides along the shoreline are also available. The tides will determine whether guests can access a private beach with palapas. (During my visit, a strong current of water had temporarily moved the ocean toward the cliffs and reclaimed part of the beach.

Naman recommends Punta Cometa for those who want to venture beyond the property. He said, “At sunset is a wonder that few people discover.” “The sea is endless, the sky is golden, and time appears to have stopped.” He also recommends early-morning hikes, for the birdsong and beautiful views. He added, “These aren’t attractions.” These are moments of soul-touching beauty.

I really enjoyed the tasting. Ruu Piiil Mezcal That taught me about the past and present mezcal production. I also took part in a calming sunset meditation session and witnessed the release of baby sea turtles—an unforgettable experience organized with local eco-tourism center La Ventanilla.

The Spa

The spa menu offers a curated selection of treatments from reflexology to stone massages, plus a facial option—all available en suite. The natural rhythm of ocean waves will provide the perfect ambiance. What sets this experience apart is its seamlessness: no changing rooms, no transitions—just roll off the massage table and straight into a blissful nap, if you wish. (Yes, this is me projecting what I did.

Offers for Families

Naman says that the hotel is only accepting guests 12 and older. The decision was made to “preserve this tranquil sanctuary.” There are no amenities specifically designed for teens. However, the hotel offers all of its offerings to guests in the 12- to 18-year-old age range.

Accessibility, Sustainability and Sustainability

The hotel’s operations are based on sustainability, which includes sourcing local ingredients and partnering with local farmers and fishermen to recycle waste and reduce environmental impact. Naman explained that the buildings are made from local stone and timber, with low impact techniques to ensure as little disturbance as possible of the land. “Our low-impact construction methods ensure minimal environmental disruption.”

Located within El Torón, a 30-hectare nature reserve dedicated to wildlife protection and ecological restoration, the property was designed to blend in and leave only a small footprint. “We don’t just operate sustainably; we are actively contributing towards the preservation of this exceptional ecosystem,” Naman continued.

Naman advised guests with mobility challenges to do some extra research before their trip. He said that the cliffs, which make this place so beautiful, also present challenges. We invite guests who have mobility issues to contact our concierge, so that we can offer the best support and guidance for their stay. While a golf cart can help guests navigate the steep terrain, certain areas are still difficult for those with mobility issues.

Location

La Valise Mazunte sits quietly within the protected El Torón Reserve, a secluded pocket in Mazunte. It’s a short drive from the Puerto Escondido Airport, and just over four hours away from Mazunte. Oaxaca de Juárez. The town of Mazunte is only a 15-minute drive away, while the village of San Agustinillo nearby is under 20 minutes.

Book Now

La Valise Mazunte belongs to Small Luxury Hotels of the World, a global network of boutique hotels. Guests that join SLH’s complimentary program will receive exclusive perks such as early check-in or late check out, discounted rates and access to members-only club rate. Other perks include free WiFi, bottled waters, and breakfast for 2. Singing is free of charge at slh.com.

You can book a stay at La Valise Mazunte starting at $400. lavalisemazunte.com.

Each T+L Hotel Review is written by a reporter or editor who has visited the hotel. The hotel chosen must also align with our standards. core values.