By Jane Bauer

There are some spaces that demand to be noticed. They envelope you with their form and invite all your senses to awaken. The following are spaces that I believe stand out for their use of materials, their consideration for the area they inhabit and each one of them inspires me. As Philip Johnson wrote “All architecture is shelter, all great architecture is the design of space that contains, cuddles, exalts, or stimulates the persons in that space.”

Guelaguetza Gazebo- Public spaces are often misused and abused; picturesque fountains that have never seen a drop of water, grass you can’t step on- let alone lie on to read your book and rusting playground equipment that rarely receives the proper maintenance. The Guelaguetza Gazebo located on Blvd. Benito Juarez across from Marina Chahue is an anomaly. Firstly, it is impeccably maintained, blooming ginger flowers and palms surround the large gazebo. Secondly the water in its fountain is always running and thirdly it is perfectly designed as a little oasis on one of Huatulco’s busiest stretches of road. I encourage you to visit it, bring a book, a yoga mat or just sit and enjoy.

Zicaru- As far as private homes go, Zicaru, located in Conejos, is the most zen. The bamboo palapa is unlike any other you will find along the coast. It was designed by Simon Velez who designed the Nomadic Museum for the Ashes and Snow exhibition. The entrance leads you into the house over large river rocks that are found throughout the design. Breathtakingly beautiful in its simplicity and use of natural elements this is a house that invites you to put your feet up.

Casa Volare- It is a huge challenge to take something ordinary, envision the spectacular and then make it happen. But Casa Volare in Punta Santa Cruz is proof that it can be done. The owner’s reimagined the space into a masterpiece- the Jungle Room is an entertainment lair, conducive to gathering together to watch the big game or for early morning yoga. The décor showcases great taste trophies of the well-travelled. A superb renovation! http://web.me.com/swanfun/Site/casa_volare.html

Cumana- Located near Puer to Escondido this house is a whimsical dream. From the infinity pool that stretches towards the ocean to the wooden tree trunk tables this house says sit down and stay forever. It is no wonder the house owner’s friends have named it ‘casa de los amigos’. We love this space so much we used it on the cover!

La Casa Tijera- Located down a dirt road near the Pochutla crossroads and perched on a cliff above Playa Tijera this house offers a lot of privacy. The walls were built using over 5700 used tires, it is run fully on solar energy and it’s main water source is it’s own well- the construction exemplifies off the grid enviro-chic!

Casa Aamori- A new boutique hotel in San Agustinillo with 10 rooms, each designed and themed to an exotic travel destination; the Africa room, the Bali room, the Morrocan room. Using beautiful wood throughout, the owners showcase their great taste in furnishings and unique vison for a beach getaway. Reservations: patriciaagustin02@hotmail.com

The River House- My husband and I dreamed up this little oasis on the Zimatan river as a simple weekend cottage. Wanting privacy from the surrounding village but a feeling of openness, we took inspiration from Alice in Wonderland when she first opens the door to the garden. We built a high wall that serves as the back wall for the house and we really wanted guests to be surprised when they stepped in. www.theriverhouse-huatulco.com