rootstudio's 'hotel flavia oaxaca' is infused with native wood and curated gardens

hotel flavia oaxaca is designed with a sense of place

RootStudio, the Oaxaca City-based architecture and design practice led by João Boto Cæiro, has unveiled Hotel Flavia, a boutique hotel that blends into its natural surroundings. The project is an example of the studio’s ability to harmonize architecture with its environment, creating a space that evokes a strong sense of place. Located on the slopes of San Felipe Mountain within Oaxaca’s Cordillera de la Sierra Norte natural reserve, Flavia was conceived as a sculptural form that respects the terrain’s contours. The building’s design is a careful interplay of volumes, spaces, light, and shadow, complemented by the use of local materials such as concrete, timber, and glass. The result is a striking structure that appears to grow organically from the landscape.

images © Lizzet and Deslior

eleven unique guest rooms by rootstudio

The eleven guest rooms of Hotel Flavia have each been designed by the team at RootStudio with a distinct atmosphere, so that the complex offers a variety of experiences. The eclectic character of these rooms spans four double-height stories, and comprises a restaurant and panoramic swimming pool. From the subterranean Bunker room, flooded with natural light from above, to the dramatic Teatro room, designed for introspection, every guest room is curated with its own unique character. The use of local woods, such as in the Kundavi, Biblioteca, Cuarto de Máquinas, and Xolo rooms, adds warmth and texture to the interiors.

RootStudio crafts Hotel Flavia as a blend of architecture and nature in Oaxaca

curated landscaping for a garden retreat

Complementing the architectural design is the hotel’s landscaping, curated by Luis Zárate. A rich tapestry of cacti, pochote trees, pitayas, and aquatic plants transforms the gardens, courtyards, and terraces into lush oases. The hotel’s exterior is marked by the raw texture of concrete, which contrasts beautifully with the warm, inviting interiors. A carefully chosen earth-toned palette for the public spaces and suites further enhances the connection to the natural environment.

Hotel Flavia is completed as an immersive experience for guests. The project features a wellness area, a private function room, and an organic vegetable garden, inviting visitors to connect with Oaxaca on a deeper level. Local artists, including Sabino Guisu, Adán Paredes, and others, have contributed to the hotel’s aesthetic, infusing each space with a unique character.

the immersive hotel is designed as an interplay of volumes, light, and local materials