ABOUT THE PROPERTY

Set on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, in a humble fishing village, Casa Ocea has a breezy beach vibe: sands sprinkled with seashells, turquoise waters with dolphins that pass by some mornings and evenings, swaying palms, and tropical birds.

Casa Ocea is a fusion of cultures, with a bold creative vision. Enter through the imposing double wooden doors and discover a home that's brimming with traditional Yucatán flavor and filled with contemporary art from around the world. Founded in 2021 by an entrepreneur who specializes in art and culture programming, and her partner, an award-winning chef. Casa Ocea is a place to host and showcase artists.

Casa Ocea is filled with the works of art the artists contribute to the Casa Ocea collection. The golden-faced Mayan woman on the wall of the living room, the striking arc of the stairwell, the eclectic carved wooden furniture, the hand-woven rugs, the tiny wooden chairs ascending a bedroom wall are exceptional details.

It's a space born from collaboration. The owner worked with local craftsmen to create the Mayan-inspired dining table and chairs, the stairwell, the outdoor ping-pong table, and the chef-designed kitchen created from chukum, an ancient stucco technique native to the Yucatan Peninsula. Rugs were designed by the owner and created by one of Teotitlan's premier weavers, Bulmaro Perez Mendoza, who uses pure wool and natural dye to create unique designs, again with Mayan inspiration.

The house was designed for ease of movement between indoor and out. The living room faces the ocean and spills onto a terrace with checkerboard Mérida pasta tiles and a sparkling pool that, in turn, leads to the shoreline. The terrace is like a sculpture garden in itself, with elegant carved chairs and chaises longues, swinging hammocks, plus that handmade ping-pong table (which converts into a dining table). A second terrace facing the palm-filled garden has another dining area, hammock and playful mural, and is intended as a quiet place for reading and relaxation.

There are four bedrooms, each with private baths and balcony access, either overlooking the ocean or the garden. An office can accommodate two further artists if needed. (8-10 people max). Ascend to the third level, and you'll find a roof terrace with 360-degree ocean views. If the mood grabs you, you can project movies on its wall and watch them under the stars, with crashing waves as the soundtrack.

AROUND

The house sits along the coast in a sleepy fishing village, which is populated by indigenous Mayans and a few ex-pats. Walk out of the front gate, and you can flag down passing car vendors for coconut juice, ice cream, recently caught fish and baked goods. Flag down passing fishing boats for crabs and fish. Street tacos are also highly recommended.

The city of Mérida is a gem: noted as the safest cities in Mexico, with a provincial atmosphere and cosmopolitan flair. For history buffs, it's a treasure trove made up of a colonial center, archeological sites, and haciendas.