Interior Design by Hana Waxman Design
Photography by Cesar Béjar

On a beachfront site on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, this holiday haven gets a bold reinvention, transformed by Hana Waxman Design into a paradisical escape as striking as its stunning surrounds.

When undertaking an extensive remodelling of a family-focussed holiday home on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, Hana Waxman knew two things were non-negotiable: opening the residence out to the sand and sea beyond, and creating an expansive yet inviting space for extended family gatherings.

“the kitchen and living spaces were afforded generous new proportions — opened up to seamlessly blend not only entertainment areas, but the interior of the residence with its stunning surrounds.”

The resulting design saw a stunning transformation of the beachside home in Punta Mita — a luxury resort town on the southern side of Mexico, known for its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and everlasting sunsets.

Remodelling the residence into a serene retreat for a family based in Greece, the focus fell on indoor-outdoor living and direct connections to the captivating landscape just beyond the home’s walls. Given the residents’ Greek heritage, ample space for cooking and entertaining were integral to the design, with the couple explicit in their desire to create a relaxing haven for family, with food-focussed gatherings and events taking centre stage. As such, while the property’s existing structure was largely preserved, the kitchen and living spaces were afforded generous new proportions — opened up to seamlessly blend not only entertainment areas, but the interior of the residence with its stunning surrounds.

In fact, one of Casa Kyma’s defining features is its ability to blur boundaries. Designed for relaxation, the residence unfolds in a way that invites its occupants to move effortlessly from the pool to the ocean, or enjoy lounging between the comfort of the indoor living areas, terraces, and private, internal courtyard.

“Travertine stone and tropical hardwood were used extensively throughout, creating a textural contrast that reflects the natural surroundings .”

The design focuses as much on cosy corners as it does convivial spaces for entertaining, each pocket finding a glimpse of the expansive views, opening up to the beach beyond. Here, the ocean is an ever-present part of the experience of home. Ample glass creates panoramic tableaux of the Pacific throughout the house, while the open-plan design ensures that every area of the home feels connected to the coast in a way that doesn’t just allow for relaxation, but demands it.

The entrance instantly sets the tone for this link to nature, as a walkway leading to large glass doors offers a glimpse into the living room and ocean beyond. The layout enhances this experience, with an internal courtyard, complete with fire pit and ample casual seating, which nods to the Hacienda-style architecture typical of the region, where outdoor spaces are an essential element of the home.

Bedrooms are warm, tactile retreats, positioned to take advantage of the ocean views — with custom-made beds oriented to allow inhabitants to wake up to the sight of the ocean. The ensuite bathrooms are just as thoughtful in their design, with sliding glass doors that lead to outdoor bathing areas, affording residents and guests yet another touchpoint to nature.

When it comes to the home’s materiality, Punta Mita’s tropical environment set the tone, with Waxman employing hardy materials that could withstand the region’s often-harsh climate. Travertine stone and tropical hardwood were used extensively throughout, creating a textural contrast that reflects the natural surroundings — from the white sand beaches to the lush and wild jungle. Both functional and aesthetically striking, the thoughtful selection of materials speaks to people and place, honouring both beautifully, and creating the perfect foundation for artistic accents.

Furniture and décor was primarily sourced from local artisans and designers, celebrating the region’s artistic heritage and adding a rich layer of depth and meaning to the home. The elegantly proportioned dining table from Atra Studio anchors the space, sitting beneath an arresting, sculptural pendant light — both of which ground the design in its setting.

Ultimately, in Casa Kyma, Hana Waxman Design have struck a careful but confident balance between contemporary design and laid-back living. The resulting family retreat not only reflects the vision of the designer and homeowners, but honours nature in a way that makes it feel like an extension of the home. This beachside sanctuary offers a tranquil escape, where the family can gather and enjoy the simple pleasures of seaside living, while being enveloped in thoughtful design and the cultural richness of Punta Mita.