ABOUT THE PROPERTY

Set on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, in the fishing village of Chuburná Puerto, 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 Tiffany Thompson, an entrepreneur who specializes in art and culture programming, and her partner, Ted Habiger, an award-winning chef, it's a place to host and showcase artists.

Casa Ocea is available to rent as a vacation home, but the owners also host artists in residence. The house 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 Merida 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 guests if needed. 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.

This villa for rent in Mexico is a unique and exciting destination for artists and art lovers alike.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

If you'd rather watch movies indoors, there's a screen on the second floor, as well as a gaming table. The property manager can arrange for the kitchen to be stocked on arrival, a personal chef if needed, massages at home, and jet ski rental for one day or your whole stay.

The artist residency program is open to established contemporary artists and musicians and offers a six-day stay in exchange for a previously made artwork.

AROUND

The house sits along the coast in the active fishing village of Chuburná Puerto, 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. There is a small pop-up shop across the street that sells items like soda and chips, and a delightful farmers' market nearby on Mondays, but you can purchase basic groceries in Chuburná or Chelem.

The owners recommend renting a car. There are well-stocked supermarkets in Progresso (15 mins) and Mérida (45 mins). The city of Mérida is a gem: one of 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.

LOCATION

Chuburná Puerto, Yucatán, Mexico. Nearest airport: Merida (45 minutes).