Puerto Escondido, Mexico, has always held a certain charm, but nothing prepared me for the serene beauty of Casona Sforza. Sitting quietly along La Barra de Colotepec, this boutique hotel isn’t just a place to stay—it’s an experience that lingers long after you’ve left.
The mix of its stunning arched architecture, earthy tones, and the endless blue of the Pacific creates an atmosphere that feels both luxurious and grounding. From the very first glance, I knew this wasn’t going to be just another hotel review. This was something special.
The moment you step onto the property, there’s an undeniable shift—a quiet that wraps around you, even with the gentle sounds of the ocean nearby. The warm, golden hue of the hotel’s brick exterior glows under the Mexican sun, creating the perfect backdrop for every photo I took.
Trust me, you’ll find yourself reaching for your camera more times than you’d expect. But beyond the photogenic charm, Casona Sforza feels personal. It’s like the walls carry whispers of relaxation, urging you to slow down, breathe deeply, and just be.
Let me take you through my stay at this stunning property where every detail tells a story of Mexican craftsmanship and sustainable luxury.
Location and Getting There
Set along the quiet shores of Puerto Escondido, Casona Sforza sits in perfect isolation from the usual tourist crowds. The hotel’s location on La Barra de Colotepec beach gives you front-row seats to spectacular sunsets and peaceful morning walks where you might be the only person for miles.
Getting to the hotel involves a short drive down an unpaved road, which might feel bumpy but adds to the sense of heading somewhere special. During my stay, I rented an ATV to zip between the hotel and town, which turned out to be a fun adventure in itself.
The distance from town creates a peaceful bubble around the property. You won’t hear any traffic noise or party sounds here – just the gentle rhythm of waves and rustling palm trees.
The beach right in front of the hotel has strong waves, making it perfect for advanced surfers. If you’re looking to learn surfing, the hotel can arrange private lessons at nearby beginner-friendly spots.
First Impressions and Check-in Experience
From the moment I pulled up to Casona Sforza, I knew I was somewhere special. The striking architecture of curved buildings in different heights created an impressive sight against the blue Mexican sky.
A staff member named Roberto greeted me by name before I even reached the entrance, whisking away my bags while another offered a cool, refreshing drink. The check-in process felt more like being welcomed into someone’s home than arriving at a hotel.
The lobby area flows seamlessly into open-air spaces, letting the ocean breeze drift through. Mexican handicrafts and locally made furniture create a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere that immediately puts you at ease.
Every staff member I met during check-in spoke excellent English and shared helpful tips about the property and surrounding area. They set up a WhatsApp group for easy communication during my stay, which proved incredibly convenient.
The orientation tour showed me how thoughtfully designed the entire property is, with each curved building positioned to catch the best views and breezes while providing privacy for guests.
Rooms and Comfort
My upper-floor suite took my breath away with its soaring vaulted ceiling and private balcony overlooking the ocean. The room felt spacious and airy, with natural light streaming through large windows.
The bed deserves special mention – perfectly firm mattress, crisp white sheets, and pillows that felt like clouds. I slept better here than I have in months, lulled by the sound of waves through the windows.
Local touches appeared everywhere: handwoven rugs on the floor, palm leaf lamps casting pretty shadows on the walls, and curtains made by Mexican artisans. The overall effect felt both luxurious and authentic.
The bathroom featured a rain shower with excellent water pressure, organic toiletries, and plenty of fluffy towels. Small details like the hand-painted tiles and carved wooden mirrors showed amazing attention to detail.
Despite the natural cooling design of the building, the air conditioning worked perfectly when needed. The room stayed cool and comfortable even during the hottest part of the day.
Food and Dining
The farm-to-table restaurant at Casona Sforza serves some of the best food I’ve tasted in Mexico. A husband-and-wife chef team creates magic in the kitchen using organic ingredients from local producers.
Breakfast became a daily highlight, with fresh fruits, house-made pastries, and Mexican classics prepared with modern flair. The coffee, sourced from Oaxacan farms, was exceptional.
One evening, the staff arranged a private sunset dinner on the beach for me. They set up a beautiful table right on the sand, with candles and flowers. The catch of the day was grilled to perfection.
The bar area offers creative cocktails using local spirits and fresh ingredients. I particularly enjoyed their mezcal-based drinks, which paired perfectly with sunset viewing from the pool area.
The wine cellar stocks an impressive selection of Mexican and international wines. The sommelier helped me discover some excellent Mexican wines I hadn’t tried before.
Service Excellence
Throughout my stay, the staff at Casona Sforza showed an incredible level of attention without ever feeling intrusive. They anticipated needs before I even realized I had them.
When I mentioned wanting to see dolphins, they arranged an early morning boat tour. My driver helped ensure I got on the right boat, and I saw both dolphins and whales – an unforgettable experience.
The housekeeping team maintained the room perfectly, always seeming to know exactly when to service it without disturbing me. Fresh towels appeared as if by magic, and turn-down service included lovely little surprises each evening.
The WhatsApp communication system worked brilliantly for everything from ordering room service to asking about local activities. Response times were always quick and friendly.
A particular highlight was the beach massage service. The therapist set up right by the ocean, and the combination of expert treatment and natural sounds created pure bliss.
Facilities and Activities
The circular infinity pool became my favorite spot for afternoon relaxation. Comfortable loungers surround the pool, and attentive staff bring fresh towels and drinks throughout the day.
Private yoga sessions are available on a deck overlooking the ocean. My morning yoga class with the sound of waves in the background felt incredibly peaceful and centering.
The hotel offers various activities like surfing lessons, horse riding on the beach, and guided tours of the area. Each experience is thoughtfully curated and well-organized.
For those interested in wellness, the massage services and holistic treatments use natural products and traditional techniques. My beachside massage ranks among the best I’ve ever had.
The property includes several beautiful spots for photography, reading, or simple relaxation. I particularly loved the quiet corners tucked away among the curved buildings.
Final Thoughts
My week at Casona Sforza showed me what true luxury hospitality looks like. The combination of stunning architecture, thoughtful service, and peaceful location creates something truly special.
From the excellent food to the comfortable rooms and attentive staff, every aspect of the stay exceeded expectations. The price point (starting at €240 per night in low season) feels very reasonable for the quality of experience you receive.
If you’re looking for a peaceful escape that combines natural beauty with architectural excellence and genuine Mexican hospitality, you’ll find it here at Casona Sforza. Pack your camera – you’ll want to capture every moment.