Tag Archives: nature

Water Near San Miguel: Places to Recharge, Relax, and Cool Off

July 17, 2026 The Eye Mexico Leave a comment

By Alicia Flores—

While San Miguel de Allende sits high in the semi-arid highlands of central Mexico, water remains an important part of the region’s landscape and culture. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, recreation, or simply a break from the summer heat, there are several ways to connect with water nearby.

La Gruta Spa
Perhaps the region’s best-known thermal water destination, La Gruta offers a series of mineral-rich thermal pools surrounded by gardens and stone pathways. Its signature feature is a tunnel leading into a domed steam grotto where warm mineral water cascades from above. Many visitors describe the experience as both physically restorative and deeply relaxing.
http://www.lagruta-spa.com.mx

Escondido Place
Located adjacent to La Gruta, Escondido Place features expansive thermal pools fed by natural hot springs. Popular with families and locals alike, it offers a more spacious setting for swimming, soaking, and spending a leisurely afternoon.
http://www.escondidoplace.com

The Presa Allende (Allende Dam)
Just outside the city, the Presa Allende provides one of the area’s largest bodies of water. Birdwatchers visit for migratory species, while kayakers, sailors, and fishermen enjoy the reservoir’s calm waters. Several restaurants along the shoreline offer panoramic views, particularly at sunset.

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Charco del Ingenio
Although not a swimming destination, this botanical reserve highlights the importance of water in the region’s ecosystem. Seasonal reservoirs, wetlands, and natural springs support an impressive diversity of plants, birds, and wildlife. Walking the trails offers a chance to experience the quieter, contemplative side of water.

Temazcal Experiences
For those interested in traditional forms of renewal, several wellness centers around San Miguel offer temazcal ceremonies. Combining heat, steam, water, and guided ritual, these Indigenous sweat-lodge traditions have been used for centuries throughout Mexico for purification and reflection.

A Simple Prescription: Sit Beside Water
Not every encounter with water requires a swimsuit. Enjoying a quiet meal overlooking the Presa, listening to a fountain in one of San Miguel’s gardens, or watching summer rains arrive across the countryside may provide many of the same calming benefits researchers now associate with “blue spaces.”

As modern science continues to explore water’s effects on mental and physical well-being, San Miguel offers plenty of opportunities to experience what generations before us already understood: sometimes healing begins simply by spending time near water.

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Water Does More Than Just Hydrate; It Heals

July 13, 2026 The Eye Mexico Leave a comment

By Kary Vannice

Long before anyone measured cortisol in a lab, people were wading into rivers, lakes and streams to let go of what they were carrying. When we think of the health benefits of water, we usually think only of drinking it to stay hydrated. But water does more for us than simply keep us alive. For thousands of years, people have turned to water for more than just survival. They have sought it out for comfort, healing, renewal, purification, and perspective.

In Judaism, the mikvah is a ritual bath used not for hygiene but for spiritual cleansing and transformation. In Islam, wudu prepares the body and mind for prayer through ritual washing. In Hinduism, bathing in the Ganges is believed to purify the soul and release old burdens. Christian baptism symbolizes death and rebirth, the letting go of one identity and the emergence of another.

And here in Mexico, water has played a similarly powerful role.

The Maya viewed cenotes as sacred portals to Xibalba, the underworld, places where communication between worlds was possible. The temazcal, used by the Maya, Aztecs, and Toltecs, combined water, steam, heat, and ritual to support purification and renewal. Throughout Mexico, thermal springs became places where people gathered for both physical healing and spiritual restoration.

Each of these practices emerged independently, in cultures separated by oceans and centuries, often with no contact at all. And yet they kept landing on the same instinct: that water engages human emotion. It changes us and it heals us.

The religious historian Mircea Eliade spent much of his career studying these patterns, and he noted something simple but profound, that across an enormous range of spiritual traditions, water consistently shows up as the element that dissolves, washes away, purifies, and renews.

Only recently has science begun building a vocabulary for what these traditions always knew to be true. Researchers have identified a measurable shift that happens in the nervous system when someone is near water. They experience lowered stress hormones, a calmer body, a different quality of attention.

Marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols coined the term Blue Mind to describe this mildly meditative state. He described water as something that quiets all the surrounding noise and distraction and reconnects us to our own thoughts.

Researchers studying so-called “blue spaces” have reached similar conclusions. These environments, which include oceans, rivers, lakes, wetlands, and coastlines, are increasingly associated with improved mental wellbeing.

Environmental psychologist Mathew White of the University of Exeter has found that people who spend time near water often report greater happiness and lower levels of psychological distress. Some studies even suggest that people who live near coastlines experience higher overall wellbeing than those who live farther inland.

It seems modern-day science is “discovering” what our ancestors knew all along. But water’s influence doesn’t stop with the mind.

Research suggests that ocean swimming can reduce stress, lower anxiety, improve mood, stimulate circulation, and support overall health. Seawater contains minerals that benefit the skin, while ocean air carries microscopic sea particles that contribute to respiratory health and a greater sense of wellbeing.

Thermal waters also offer many health benefits. Long valued by cultures around the world, mineral-rich hot springs can relax muscles, improve circulation, reduce joint stiffness, and ease chronic pain. And people who soak in thermal waters often describe not just physical relief, but also mental restoration and renewal.

Even the sound of water appears to have beneficial effects on us. The rhythmic crash of waves, the gentle fall of rain, the steady movement of a river. These sounds calm the nervous system and promote deeper sleep.

Since ancient times, water has been used as medicine physically, emotionally, and spiritually. What’s telling is not that just a few cultures discovered this, but that nearly every culture has.

The Maya sought wisdom and connection through sacred cenotes. Romans built elaborate bathhouses devoted to healing. Indigenous peoples throughout the Americas used water and steam for purification and transformation. Today, that instinct has simply found a new vocabulary. Doctors in the UK are now writing “Bluescriptions”, as part of a growing program that uses nature to treat anxiety, stress, and other mental health struggles.

Because water is all around us, anyone can write their own Bluescription. Just consider which form of water would offer the most support, drinking it, bathing in it, swimming in it, listening to it, watching it, walking near it, or even just picturing it in your imagination. Each of these has demonstrated real benefits for better health. The idea is surprisingly simple: water doesn’t have to be extraordinary to be healing. It simply has to be present.

Kary Vannice is a writer and energetic healer who explores the intersections of culture, consciousness, and daily life in Mexico.

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Huatulco

Masters of Flight: The Brown Pelicans of Oaxaca’s Coast

July 6, 2026 The Eye Mexico Leave a comment

By Julie Etra—

Brown pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis) are a common and delightful sight along Mexico’s Costa Chica. I never tire of watching them swoop and glide effortlessly along the coastline, skimming just above the waves as if gravity barely applies to them.
Brown Pelican Basics.

Taxonomy
Based on fossil records, they have been around for at least 30 million years but have remained morphologically and physiologically unchanged. Their seemingly bulky body is perfectly suited to the coastal ecosystems in which they reside, including their feeding habits. Although references vary there are five to seven species of pelican worldwide. The Oaxacan coast is unusual because two subspecies may be found here: the California brown pelican (P. o. californicus) and the Eastern brown pelican (P. o. carolinensis), although most of the birds seen locally are believed to be P. o. carolinensis. Their differences are subtle, so next time you see one pay attention. They rarely venture more than 20 miles out to sea or far inland and are non-migratory.

They are relatively uniform in appearance, with of course the large white pelican being the exception (this is a fresh or brackish water species). They typically live 15-30 years in the wild although mortality is high in the first few years of life and are sexually mature at three- five years of age. Populations have rebounded dramatically from the brink of near extinction due to the pesticide DDT, which weakened the shells of their eggs, and was banned in the United States in 1972. Today their numbers are estimated to exceed 370,000.

Feeding
Brown pelicans primarily eat fish, particularly sardines and herrings but also an occasional crustacean, egg, or amphibian. When I head out to snorkel at Playa La Entrega and see circling pelicans and cormorants, I know there is most likely a huge school of Pacific herrings, known locally as sardinas (such a beautiful sight to see). They fish by plunge-diving headfirst, with their wings tucked behind their backs, and stunning their prey before they are scooped up. Their big gular pouch is highly elastic and is perfectly suited for fishing. It can hold up to three gallons of water, which it drains before swallowing its prey. The pouch is also highly effective for regulating heat given its elasticity and large surface area.

Reproduction
Nesting ranges from Sinaloa south through Nayarit, Jalisco, and Guerrero, and finally the coastal shores of Oaxaca. They are gregarious birds and nest in colonies.
Nests are a messy but elaborate affair when built in thickets, such as dense stands of mangroves, a platform made of sticks and branches, or a simple version directly on the ground. Nesting typically occurs late fall through early June and is accomplished mostly by the females. Clutch sizes vary but typically consist of two or three oval, chalky white eggs, with both the male and the female sharing incubation and rearing responsibilities. Eggs are incubated under their large, webbed feet for 28- 30 days. The parents feed the young by regurgitating their partially digested catch into the awaiting, gaping beaks. At about 63 days they fledge from the nest and form small groups known as pods. I have never seen a pelican nest, and much to my surprise neither has the expert local guide Cornelio Ramos.

Flight
This to me is the most fascinating aspect of brown pelican behavior. I see them flying in V formations, in single file, and sometimes alone, often skimming just inches above the water’s surface. What appears effortless is actually a remarkable combination of aerodynamic strategies that allow these large birds to travel long distances while conserving energy.

Wave-Slope Soaring
Brown pelicans take advantage of wind generated by ocean waves. As wind pushes up against the face of a wave, it creates a small updraft. Pelicans position themselves in this sweet spot and essentially ride the moving air, reducing the effort required to stay aloft. This technique, known as wave-slope soaring, can reduce their energy expenditure by as much as 60 to 70 percent.

Ground Effect
When flying closer to the water than the length of a single wingspan, pelicans benefit from a phenomenon known as ground effect. A cushion of compressed air forms between the bird’s wings and the water’s surface, creating additional lift and reducing drag. This allows them to glide efficiently with minimal wingbeats, producing the elegant, low-level flight that is so characteristic of the species.

V-Formation Flying
When traveling in groups, pelicans often adopt a V-shaped formation. The wingtips of the lead bird create spirals of rising air that provide lift for the birds behind. By riding these updrafts, trailing pelicans reduce their own energy expenditure and flap their wings less frequently.

But how do they decide who leads? The answer is simple: everyone takes a turn. As the lead bird tires, it drops back into the formation, and another pelican takes its place. In this way, the flock shares the workload, making long-distance travel more efficient for everyone.

Watching a squadron of pelicans glide effortlessly along the coast may look simple, but behind that graceful flight lies a sophisticated understanding of wind, waves, and teamwork that has been refined over millions of years of evolution.

What is a flock of pelicans called?
A squadron, a pod, or a scoop. When pelicans are seen swimming or flying together in an organized formation, they can also be called a fleet.

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Huatulco

Ants in the Selva Seca

February 26, 2026 The Eye Mexico Leave a comment

By Julie Etra—

Ayayay. Ants are everywhere—in and outside our house here in the Bahías de Huatulco. That should come as no surprise given the climate. According to the literature, Mexico is home to more than 1,100 species of ants across 10 subfamilies.

Our house hosts the big, flesh-colored mordullos, or carpenter ants, who appear in the bathroom just before dawn. There are the tiny “sugar” ants—whom I call crazy ants because their movement seems randomly drunk—skittering across my desk. At least two species of small black ants are nearly always on my kitchen counters, despite my diligence (and generosity) with vinegar, bleach, and insecticides.

I’ve written before about the truly terrifying barranderas (sweeper ants) that invade in coordinated waves in pursuit of live prey (www.theeyehuatulco.com/2012/06/01/sweeper-ants-of-the-selva-seca). During the five-plus months we’re here each year, we usually endure two or three of these incursions. And then there are the leafcutter ants—the subject of this article—capable of stripping my vigorous, 15-year-old bougainvillea in a single night. Here, I’m talking about Atta mexicana, the Mexican leafcutter ant.

Ants in Mexican Mythology and Culture
Ants appear in pre-Hispanic mythology, most notably in stories involving the Aztec god Quetzalcoatl. In one version of the myth, Quetzalcoatl transforms himself into an ant to retrieve the first kernel of corn from a mountain, bringing sustenance—and civilization—to humanity. Through this story, ants become linked to the origins of life and agriculture.

In the Mexico City neighborhood of Azcapotzalco—whose name means “place where the ants live”—ants appear repeatedly in sculptures, murals, and architectural details. Once a distinct community and now absorbed into the city’s sprawl, Azcapotzalco is home to the Parroquia y Convento de los Santos Apóstoles Felipe y Santiago el Menor, built in 1565. A depiction of an ant still adorns its façade.

Legend holds that the Spanish enslaved the local population to construct the church, and that the maltreated locals responded by placing an ant at its base as a curse. One interpretation suggests the ant represents Quetzalcoatl returning from the underworld with corn for humanity—though how this constitutes a curse is unclear. Another version claims that when the ant reaches the base of the bell tower, it will announce the end of the world, for which we are all still waiting.

As explored in The Eye archives, ants remain part of Mexico’s culinary culture in the form of escamoles (ant larvae) and chicatanas—the winged reproductive females that appear during the rainy season. These prized ants are captured, their wings removed, and prepared in a variety of traditional dishes.

Range and Habitat
Leafcutter ants (Atta spp.), known in Mexico as hormigas arrieras (muleteer ants), are aptly named for their ability to transport plant material weighing up to ten times their own body weight—the ants themselves serving as pack animals.

They range throughout the Neotropics, from southern Mexico through Central and South America and the Caribbean, and occur as far north as southern Texas and Florida. They inhabit elevations from sea level to nearly 9,800 feet (3,000 meters).

Leafcutters require warm, humid environments and well-drained soils to build their vast underground fungus gardens. Although the literature often claims they thrive mainly in managed landscapes such as farms and roadsides, my own observations suggest otherwise. I’ve watched them harvest flowers and leaves from native trees in the selva seca, and friends in Pluma report similar behavior. At least here, they seem just as at home in wild ecosystems.

Foraging and Food Preparation
Because leafcutter ants cannot digest cellulose, harvested leaves—and occasionally flower parts—are transported back to the nest, processed into pulp, and incorporated into existing fungus gardens.

There, the ants cultivate a specific symbiotic fungus using enzymes produced in their fecal fluids (yes—ick). The fungus produces nutrient-rich structures called gongylidia, which feed the entire colony, particularly the developing larvae. In return, the ants protect the fungus from pests, while symbiotic bacteria suppress unwanted molds.

Physiology
Leafcutter ants are astonishingly strong and agile. They can carry fragments weighing up to 50 times their own body weight, thanks to powerful mandibles, robust muscles, and flexible, multi-jointed legs equipped with grasping feet. They can even pivot on their hind legs to maneuver material into designated chambers.

This remarkable physiology allows them to travel 600 feet or more from the nest in search of suitable plants.

The Colony
A single leafcutter colony can contain up to eight million individuals, ruled by a single queen who may live more than 20 years. The nest itself is vast—sometimes covering more than 720 square feet (67 m²) and extending 23 feet (seven meters) underground.

These subterranean cities contain thousands of chambers, including fungus gardens, brood chambers, a queen’s chamber, food-processing areas, and separate garbage dumps to maintain sanitation. Sophisticated ventilation tunnels regulate airflow throughout the nest.

Caste System
Leafcutter ants operate under a highly structured system of task partitioning, with roles determined largely by size:
· Minims: Tiny workers that tend the fungus gardens, brood, and waste.
· Minors: Slightly larger workers that groom and cultivate fungus.
· Mediae: Foragers that harvest and transport plant material.
· Majors: Large soldiers that defend the nest and perform heavy labor; they bite.
Older ants often become trash workers, a hazardous role that exposes them to toxins and pathogens. These ants effectively self-quarantine, protecting the queen, brood, and primary fungus gardens.

Reproduction
Leafcutter ants reproduce through massive mating flights that occur after the first substantial rains of the season. Winged queens (chicatanas) and males take to the air, mate, and shed their wings.

Each fertilized queen carries a pellet of symbiotic fungus from her natal nest to seed a new colony. She lays eggs and initially feeds the larvae with infertile eggs, storing sperm for life.

The mating flights are said to be spectacular—and lucrative—for human predators who harvest chicatanas during this brief window.

Huatulco

The ALMA experience, chapter 3: Elevated Living

February 17, 2026 The Eye Mexico Leave a comment

An interview with the creators of ALMA,
Frédéric Baron and Noémie Bourdin-Habert—

We continue our sit-down with the founders of ALMA to talk about architecture, landscape, and the experience of living in a place designed with care and intention.

I’m curious, who are your clients ?

Frédéric: You know, that’s funny, but we don’t really have “a type” of client at ALMA. We have seven nationalities, ages ranging from 28 to 78, and all kinds of professions from doctors or bankers to retirees. What they all share is the desire to own and enjoy a place of timeless elegance, hidden in nature, and yet close to everyday comforts. That’s when you can tell a design is truly timeless: when it resonates with people of different ages, cultures, and backgrounds.

What is the motivation to purchase in ALMA ?

Noémie: First and foremost, they purchase in ALMA because they genuinely love the architecture. We have even welcomed into the community people who had never heard of Huatulco before discovering ALMA. They seek comfort, privacy, a deep integration into the landscape and a place that is climate-resilient, yet adapted to the way we live in the 21st century.

Of course, they are also buying an address. In real estate, we often say the three most important factors are location, location, and location. So naturally, oceanfront properties remain a strong and reassuring investment, and something that owners, their families, and their guests will always enjoy. With pristine ocean views and an existing fisherman’s trail leading to the beach, the setting speaks for itself.

There is also a great sense of peace of mind in investing in a safe city, in a neighborhood that cannot become over-densified, thanks to the 2023 extension of the National Park

that completely surrounded the property, and the presence of unspoiled beaches. It reassures buyers who seek both emotional value and long-term appreciation.

It finally comes down to rarity. This type of architecture, this level of quality in this landscape, with this low density and at this price point, is extremely uncommon in Oaxaca and in all of Mexico.

What is it exactly that you call “the ALMA experience” ?

Frédéric: The ALMA experience starts very early. We like to think it begins with the discovery of the project. For example during a site visit, we always introduce potential buyers to a number of new birds and tree species, show them the whales or observe the milky way when coming back at night. When new to Huatulco, we take the time to show them the town, its neighborhoods, and some of its hidden gems. We love taking them to your village-to-table dinner in Zimatán, for example, because it reflects the passion behind some of the most inspiring local initiatives.

Now of course, the most meaningful experience will begin once their property is delivered. Noemie and I are both deeply inspired by unique hotel experiences, and ALMA was designed as a private, residential interpretation of that spirit.

Our clients are never numbers; they are people we get to know personally. Our relationship often goes beyond an investment, and that is the beauty of building a small community. In short, the ALMA experience is a journey we designed from discovery to delivery, and the care we put into every detail to make it both simple and beautiful.

Alright, so tell me, what will it feel like, once you live in ALMA?

Noémie: That’s an excellent question, and not always easy to describe because it is mostly sensorial.

Entering ALMA feels like entering a refined, low-density resort. The access gate is spacious and surrounded by trees and gardens. You hear insects and birds, you are in the shade, and everything feels calm. Unhurried. And instantly, you feel welcomed, not controlled. From that point on, all that you see, hear, and smell has been carefully considered.

You reach your home with your own car, driving sometimes at trunk height, sometimes at foliage height. You park under or next to your property, always in the shade. No golf carts, no valet, no waiting, and no long walks necessary. You simply drive home, easily and privately.

Entering your home, you step into a sophisticated place that combines high-end materials and a strong architectural signature. Steel structures bring a modern touch, while wooden ceilings add warmth and a tropical character. The natural scent of the wood immediately creates a feeling of comfort and belonging. And whether it is a two-bedroom apartment or a four-bedroom Villa, the only difference is in the size. The exact same attention to detail and the same materials are used throughout.

The properties open widely to nature, with green buffers on each side and ocean views framed by native trees, which gives the feeling of living in a nest among branches and birds. Protected, yet open. And you feel like it, just close it all and turn on the A/C to watch a movie.

When using the amenities you choose how social you want to be. You can meet people by one of the large lap pools, or enjoy complete privacy at the spa, which is privatized upon reservation and dedicated only to you and your guests.

When night comes, the lighting is kept to a minimum to respect the fauna and flora. So, you hear cicadas, see fireflies, and you can admire the stars. It is a rare privilege today, and one that quietly reminds you where you are.

To design this experience, we drew inspiration from the most refined hotel environments we know. For example, a concierge is available to arrange anything from a private chef to transportation or cultural experiences, so owners feel supported without ever losing their independence and privacy.

And finally, it is also about knowing us personally and trusting the level of care and standards we bring to every detail. We safeguard each moment of the experience and never rush it. Because just like good food never comes from a microwave, a truly meaningful place can only be created with time, care, and intention.

It is a philosophy that has naturally been recognized, with ALMA being nominated and awarded six times in 2025, including in the Residential Luxury category, alongside some of the most prestigious branded residences and resort properties in the world.

For more information: http://www.alma-huatulco.com

Huatulco

Inside ALMA: Craftsmanship, Sustainability, and Signature Design

November 30, 2025 The Eye Mexico 1 Comment

In this interview, we speak with Frederic Baron and Noémie Bourdin-Habert, the developers behind ALMA, an architectural project in Huatulco that blends design, sustainability, and community. They share the story behind the name, the philosophy that shaped the residence, and the details that set ALMA apart in Mexico’s coastal real estate landscape.

Where does the name ALMA come from ?

Noemie: ALMA means “soul” in Spanish. We chose it because it captured exactly what we had in mind: to create not just a development, but a community with a soul. A residence with a positive impact and a clear purpose—to promote Mexican modern architecture and sustainability within the real estate development sector and create a unique user experience. It also resonated deeply with a book that transformed both our lives: About the Soul, by Francois Cheng.

What’s the differentiator of ALMA as a residence?

Frederic: I’d say the key differentiator of ALMA is that it was never about simply selling properties. It’s always been about bringing a genuine piece of architecture to the market—crafted by incredible architects down to the smallest detail and set in an extraordinary oceanfront environment—literally surrounded by National Parks. In a word, it’s a place where you want to live, not just invest.

Designed by world-renowned architects José Juan Rivera Río and Modica-Ledezma, each ALMA property carries the qualities you usually only see in magazine homes. In short, ALMA aims to make signature architecture and sustainability the standard, so the end-user experience is elevated. With that in mind, it’s no coincidence that ALMA has recently received several distinctions: shortlisted for its masterplan by one of the most prestigious international architecture competitions, the Architecture Hunter Awards; nominated at the Americas Property Awards in the category of Luxury Project of the Year; and awarded the title of Most Sustainable Project in Mexico at the Americas Property Awards—now advancing to compete for the title of Most Sustainable Project in the Americas.

What inspired ALMA ?

Noemie: A large part of ALMA was inspired by extensive past architectural and hospitality experiences—from museums to hotels, from shacks to palaces. We both love lines, light, shadows, textures, shadow gaps, lush gardens, and generally speaking, unique experiences. We’ve always felt that the level of architecture you see in magazine homes, galleries, or high-end hotels should also exist in residential developments. Yet it rarely does.

Architecture is a major art—the only art we can actually inhabit—and that gives it the power to transform our lives. Think about it: we’ve all felt instantly right or totally off in a place because of its brightness, volumes, materials, warmth, etc. And this is precisely what sparked our desire to create a truly architectural project that elevates our daily lives, not just our holidays.

At the end of the day, ALMA wasn’t born out of ambition but out of our shared commitment towards architecture and sustainability and the desire to achieve it at a price per square meter or square foot that remains completely within market standards.

Interesting! Now, in practice, what can ALMA clients expect in terms of design and finishes?

Frederic : When it comes to design, Charles Eames said it perfectly: “The details are not the details; they make the design.”

At ALMA, the number of details that actually shape the design is endless. I can name just a few that stand out in order to illustrate the level of finishes we offer:

1- Fan-coil air conditioning: Goodbye mini-splits! Of course they work, but it’s no secret that they kill the design. Instead, we use inverter fan-coil units with subtle grids integrated into walls and ceilings. Almost invisible, they perfectly preserve the purity of the architectural lines and consume less energy.

2- Swimming pools: We all love cooling off around these latitudes, but plastic or steel drains often ruin the look. At ALMA, every pool is infinity and integrated into the ground with drains hidden under the travertine floor, creating a true water mirror. Plus, all pools use salt water and overflow tanks.

3- Green roofs: Besides reducing upper-floor temperatures by up to 4°C / 7°F and enhancing pollination, green roofs are beautiful and blend the residence into the native landscape. So instead of seeing concrete and A/C condensers, our upper villas look at the ocean ahead and roof gardens below. A great spot for butterfly-watching!

4- Windows: ALMA’s sliders are fully custom, imported, made of thick tempered glass for safety and slim frames for the design—a rare feature in real estate developments. They’re the type you can open with just a finger, lock properly and that keeps out torrential rains. With views as exceptional as these, this choice made itself obvious. That being said, because of the heavy impact of their cost on profitability, it is very uncommon to see them featured outside of architect designed standalone villas.

5- Built-in appliances: Very common in architect-design properties, built-in fridges, freezers, or other appliances allow to reduce the “centerpiece” effect of appliances and let the design and the views be the protagonists of a room.

6- Toilets: Hanging toilets are already the norm in countries known for hygiene and minimalism, like Japan, Singapore or Sweden, but they’re not common here. At ALMA, all bedrooms feature en-suite bathrooms with minimalist hanging toilets—always behind doors and separate from showers for more privacy.

And in addition to many other indoor and outdoor details, ALMA offers high-level amenities, such as a wellness center, a fully equipped gym, generous common pools, an all-day concierge service, a forest path to a virgin beach, and a beach-hopping shuttle.

Beside the experience ALMA offers, are there other advantages to being part of the community?

Noemie: Absolutely. Several, actually. Since the experience our owners live at ALMA is our main focus, the chances for them to meet like-minded neighbors and build meaningful friendships based on a shared appreciation for architecture and nature are really high. It’s not a coincidence that buyers planning to live in ALMA outnumber pure investors, by far!

Another major advantage is the controlled environment. Many of our owners previously bought in oceanfront neighborhoods only to see them drastically change or become overbuilt. The fact that the National Park has expanded and now fully surrounds ALMA ensures this cannot happen here. Low density—the lowest of any neighborhood in Huatulco—is a secured long-term advantage.

Property appreciation is another key benefit for our owners. Around the world, experience shows that sustainable, award-winning properties designed by renowned architects offer stronger capital gains.

Finally, something our owners repeatedly highlight is our dedication and our accessibility as developers. Being genuinely reachable, being onsite daily, constantly sharing professional construction photos, having lived in the community for over five years, and being part of both the local and expat communities are things that really matter to them. In return, we truly value the relationship we have with each of them, and our conversations—sometimes over casual diners or drinks— have often helped us refine the ALMA experience even further.

For more information:
http://www.alma-huatulco.com

Huatulco

AI May Be the Headline, But Nature Is Still the Story

November 15, 2025 The Eye Mexico Leave a comment

By Kary Vannice

2025 has been a year fixated on technology, artificial intelligence, and man-made machines. It seems not a day’s gone went by without some mention of AI, either as a “new hope” or an existential threat.

Some of this year’s headlines included: “Tech show features more robots and AI than ever before,” “AI Could Reshape Humanity — And We Have No Plan For It,” and “MI5’s director warns of autonomous AI systems evading human oversight.”

The world is captivated by how motherboards, chatbots, and microchips might define the next decade or two of life on Earth. And yet, with our eyes and attention focused on the inner world of AI, many seem to have forgotten that we still live on a planet of water, earth and sky.

Centuries — and even just a few decades — ago, humanity strove to explore and define the world around us by seeking to decode nature and uncover what it could teach us about our own humanity and this place we call home.

Our planet is still evolving and we are still making striking discoveries in the natural world. So, in case you missed them, here are some of 2025’s biggest discoveries in nature.

Earth’s Deepest Ecosystem Discovered Six Miles Below the Sea – Nature Magazine

Scientists documented thriving animal communities using methane/chemosynthesis more than 9,000 meters below the surface of the Pacific. These microbes possess biochemical adaptations that allow them to extract energy from compounds that are toxic to most life. The finding may help us harness deep-sea enzymes to process industrial waste, create cleaner fuels, or break down methane emissions.

The Earth’s Inner Core Is Changing Shape – ScienceAlert

New seismic data revealed that Earth’s inner core, long believed to be a static metal sphere, is actually changing shape. Scientists found that it’s slightly deforming, rotating, and even slowing in certain regions. This helps researchers understand how energy moves through the planet and how Earth’s magnetic field, tectonic motion, and heat flow interact. The discovery could improve forecasts of geomagnetic shifts that influence navigation systems, satellite operations, and even climate patterns.

New Giant Amazonian Tree Species Identified – Environment News

In the Peruvian Amazon, botanists identified Drypetes oliveri, a towering 35-meter tree that had gone unnoticed until now. With more than 7,000 tree species, the Amazon still holds secrets like this “hidden giant” — a reminder that protecting these trees is essential for global carbon storage and conservation.

The Discovery of a “Missing” Plant Enzyme – Nature

Scientists discovered a special plant enzyme that had been missing from one of nature’s most important chemical recipes. The enzyme, called iridoid cyclase, helps plants make compounds that protect them from bugs and disease. These newly identified compounds can now be used to create important medicines — including drugs that fight cancer and malaria. This missing piece in nature’s chemistry set could one day help save lives.

Plants Have Hidden “Wiring” That Helps Them Handle Stress – Nature

Researchers studying tomato plants found a new molecular “switch” that helps control the rate at which fruits ripen and how they cope with tough conditions like drought. This shows that even familiar crops still have hidden systems that help them survive when water is scarce or weather turns extreme. By understanding this new wiring, scientists can help farmers grow stronger, healthier plants that need fewer resources and can better adapt to a changing climate.

The “Woolly Devil” Plant Discovered in Texas Desert – National Public Radio

In Big Bend National Park, botanists identified a completely new genus and species of flowering plant, nicknamed the “Woolly Devil.” Covered in tiny hair-like glands similar to those in plants that produce powerful medicinal compounds, it could potentially lead to the development of new, nature-derived medicines. Its discovery in a well-studied national park is another reminder that unexplored biological potential still exists in plain sight.

In a world captivated by algorithms and automation, it’s easy to lose sight of the fact that we’re part of an ever-evolving ecosystem. And the more we uncover about Earth — from the shape-shifting core beneath us to the microscopic chemistry inside a leaf — the more we realize how little we actually know. The discoveries of 2025 remind us that nature is still alive, dynamic, and brimming with answers to questions we haven’t even begun to ask.

Artificial intelligence may help us build the future, but nature still holds the blueprint for how to live wisely on this planet. So, perhaps the real “new frontier” isn’t the one we’re coding in ones and zeros, but the one we’re still discovering beneath our feet.

Huatulco

Editor’s Letter- July 2025

June 27, 2025 The Eye Mexico Leave a comment

By Jane Bauer

“Oaxaca lo tiene todo: historia, geografía, arte, cultura y, sobre todo, alma.”
“Oaxaca has everything: history, geography, art, culture, and above all, soul.”

Andrés Henestrosa (1906–2008) was a Mexican writer, poet, and politician from Oaxaca, known for his work in preserving and promoting Zapotec culture and language. In addition to his contributions to indigenous linguistics, he was widely respected for his humanitarian work and lifelong commitment to education and cultural inclusion.

I love when two unrelated events cross paths and open a new window of thought. As I sat hunkered down in Huatulco, watching heavy rains fill normally dry canals, and reading the usual online buzz of neighbors checking in and sharing photos of Hurricane Erick, I came across a headline: the U.S. had bombed Iran.

And it struck me – this strange parallel between the violence of nature and the violence of humanity.

The storm had a rhythm. The wind shook the trees, the water rose, the power blinked. But nature’s violence, even in its ferocity, seemed to have a purpose. I came across an article listing the benefits of hurricanes—how they redistribute heat from the tropics, bring rainfall to dry areas, churn the oceans and shake up stagnation. Nature’s destruction has intention. It clears paths. It forces growth. It renews.

But what is the purpose of our violence?
Bombs don’t bring rain. They don’t shift tectonic plates in a way that nourishes. They don’t rebalance ecosystems. They just kill. They divide. They reinforce walls that were never there in the natural world—Democrat, conservative, Palestinian, Israeli, Muslim, Jew, Christian. So many labels. So many reasons to separate. So many flags we wave while our homes flood and our forests burn.

Nature’s violence may be terrifying, but it’s not senseless.
Ours usually is. What would it look like to just be? To step away from the performance of identity and instead be guided by one simple principle to do the least amount of harm. To each other. To ourselves. To the planet.

That kind of thinking doesn’t fit easily into a political agenda, especially when war is more profitable than peace and we have had it drummed into us that amassing money, points, clothes made by little hands in developing countries far away, is the point of all this. But that is a lie.

This month our readers explore the regions of Oaxaca reflecting on their beauty and diversity. I am so grateful to the people here who don’t need a crisis to be reminded of what matters. History has never been peaceful, maybe it’s time to try something different.

Huatulco

Orizaba: A Mountain Jewel in Veracruz

May 2, 2025 The Eye Mexico Leave a comment

By Alicia Flores—

Nestled in the heart of the mountains between Puebla and Veracruz lies Orizaba, a city that many travelers still overlook—but shouldn’t. With its colonial architecture, cool climate, and surrounding natural beauty, Orizaba offers a unique mix of history, culture, and outdoor adventure that feels both surprising and welcoming.

The first thing you notice when you arrive in Orizaba is how green everything is. The city sits in a valley below the towering Pico de Orizaba—the tallest mountain in Mexico and the third-highest in North America. Known in Nahuatl as Citlaltépetl, or “Star Mountain,” this dormant volcano dominates the horizon and adds a quiet majesty to the landscape. Even if you’re not planning to climb it (which takes serious mountaineering experience), just knowing it’s there changes the way you see the place. The mountain is more than a backdrop—it feels like a guardian.

The city itself is small but full of charm. The historical center is easy to explore on foot, with well-preserved 19th-century buildings, wide plazas, and iron-laced balconies that speak of a prosperous past. One of the best ways to start your visit is with the Teleférico de Orizaba—a cable car that glides from the city center up to Cerro del Borrego. The views are breathtaking, and once at the top, you can explore walking trails or visit the museum that explains the mountain’s role during the French Intervention in the 19th century.

Back in town, Orizaba is proud of its art and culture. The Palacio de Hierro (Iron Palace) is a standout building designed by Gustave Eiffel—the same engineer who gave Paris its famous tower. This unique structure houses several small museums, including one dedicated to Mexican beer and another with a collection of masks from around the country. It’s also a great spot to learn more about the local history, including the city’s importance during the Porfirio Díaz era.

One of my favorite things to do in Orizaba is walk along the Río Orizaba. The river cuts through the town and is lined with walking paths, murals, and even small animal enclosures that serve as a sort of open-air zoo. It’s a peaceful place for a morning stroll or afternoon break, and the cool mountain air makes it feel refreshing even during the warmer months.

For more history and dining options, visit the Poliforum Mier y Pesado, or Iron Palace, an early 20th-century orphanage, then a school, then a retirement center, built in the French style. It has wonderful ironwork, beautiful gardens, and hosts cultural events. There are a couple of museums, one of which, the Museo del Traje, showcases traditional clothing. The restaurants lean to the upscale, but there are a couple of less expensive cafes. The Poliforum is located on Oriente 6, 1653, a couple of kilometers east of the historic center.

Food in Orizaba is hearty and delicious, shaped by the surrounding regions and the city’s own traditions. Expect tamales wrapped in banana leaves, chiles rellenos in local-style sauces, and sweet treats like jamoncillo (a kind of milk fudge) and toritos—a strong local liqueur made from fruit and sugarcane alcohol. Markets and casual restaurants offer some of the best flavors, but you’ll also find a growing number of cafés and bakeries run by young entrepreneurs bringing fresh energy into the culinary scene.

Because of its location, Orizaba makes a great base if you want to explore more of central Veracruz. Nearby towns like Córdoba or the coffee-growing region of Huatusco are perfect for day trips. But even if you don’t leave the city, Orizaba offers enough beauty and history to keep you happily occupied.

There’s something grounded and genuine about Orizaba. It’s not polished like a resort town, and it’s not trying to be something it’s not. The people are warm, the pace is relaxed, and the air smells faintly of pine and distant rain. It’s a place that doesn’t shout to be seen, but rather invites you to slow down and notice.

If you find yourself looking for a lesser-known part of Mexico to explore—one that blends mountains, culture, and heart—Orizaba might just be your next favorite stop.

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¡Ojos! Watch Out!!! Avoiding the Venomous Snakes of Oaxaca

December 26, 2024 The Eye Mexico Leave a comment

By Deborah Van Hoewyk

One of Huatulco’s major attractions is its natural setting. From the famous “nine-bays-and-thirty-six-beaches,” to waterfalls and wildlife, to mountain trips and horse-back riding, being active outdoors is just at your doorstep. And going farther afield in Oaxaca, you find the lagoons and mangroves of the coast, the frozen white waterfall of Hierve el Agua (literally, “boil the water”), and the hiking trail between the eight villages of the Pueblos Mancomunados (hard to translate, sort of a “community of towns”), to name just a few outdoor adventures.

In all of these environs, you will find snakes. Some are venomous, and some are harmless. Left alone, all of them will leave you alone. But should you not be looking, and step on one, it may well attack you. Here are the venomous ones, what they look like, and where you should be watching out for them.

The Vipers

Rattlesnakes. There are two kinds of vipers in Mexico, and most belong to the genus Crotalinae, the rattlesnakes. In the articles in this issue on snake venom, you will learn that Oaxaca has its share of rattlesnakes. Rattlesnakes are “pit” vipers – they have pits near their eyes that contain heat-sensing organs. The sensors let the snake “see” warm-blooded prey. Most hunt at night, so the heat-sensing is key to being able to strike at their prey in the dark.

There’s the pygmy rattlesnake (Croatalus ravus, with three subspecies) – it’s 18-30 inches long and is found in the mountains. It is the usual mottled brown you associate with rattlesnakes.

There’s the black-tailed rattlesnake (Crotalus molossus oaxacus) – it grows to over 4 feet long, and is found in the desert, mesquite grasslands, and pine-oak forests (in the Sierras between 7,000 and 10,000 feet). It comes in varied colors – brown, yellowish, olive-greeny – but the scales on its tail are black.

The small-headed rattlesnake (Crotalus intermedius) – is small all over, growing to about 24 inches long. It is found in the pine-oak forests on the mountains, and looks like your idea of a rattlesnake.

The famous fer de lance. Another pit viper, even more to be avoided than the rattlesnakes, is the fer de lance (“spearhead,” Bothrops asper). Various species of Bothrops have been called fer de lance, so herpetologists prefer the term terciopelo (velvet) for Bothrops asper (see Julie Etra’s article elsewhere in this issue). The terciopelo looks pretty much like a rattlesnake, although its head is somewhat bigger and flatter, dark on top and light on the bottom. The female terciopelo grows much larger than the male; males can be 4-6 feet long, but females can exceed 8 feet.

You are not likely to see any terciopelos in Huatulco, as they do not like the dry winters. Unlike rattlesnakes, they prefer a moist environment; if you visit the tropical rainforests or cloud forests of the Yucatán or Chiapas, you could indeed find them; young ones like to climb trees.

Given that vipers hunt at night, using their heat sensors, you might want to reconsider any nature adventures scheduled for after dark.

The Elapids

The Elapidae family of snakes are the stuff of nightmares – they have permanently erect fangs (rattlesnakes and terciopelos have hinged fangs) and when ticked off, are exceedingly testy, not to mention exceedingly venomous. Some rise up and spread out the skin of their neck like a hood – think Indiana Jones and cobras.

The Oaxacan coral snake (Micrurus ephippifer and Micrurus ephippifer zapotectus) is found in tropical deciduous forests, as in the Huatulco National Park, or farther up in the pine-oak forests of the mountainsides. These snakes can be quite small, and almost never exceed 3 feet. They like to burrow under leaf litter, logs, forest debris – you won’t see them before you step on them. They are also fond of wetlands, so watch your step on marshy ground.

Sea Snakes

The subfamily Hydrophiinae contains the sea snakes. Note that there are very rarely Hydrophiinae in the Atlantic (a few have been sighted in the Caribbean, but it is thought that humans released them or perhaps they made it through the Panama Canal).

Sea snakes do, however, occur in the Pacific waters of Huatulco, and they are poisonous. They do not attack humans, preferring to strike fish, paralyzing them with their venom so they can chew them up at leisure.

The only one you are likely to see in Huatulco waters is the yellow-bellied sea snake (Hydrophis platurus). This snake is extremely venomous. While its coloring can vary, it is usually black on top and yellow or light brown on the belly, and the colors are clearly separate. Its tail is flattened from top to bottom, has a marked pattern (usually spots), and helps the snake swim. Males are less than 30 inches long, while females can be up to 35 inches long. The water needs to be above 61˚F (16˚C) for long-term survival.

On the other hand, I myself have seen what appeared to be an aquatic coral snake (Micrurus surinamensis) while out watching dolphins. Definitely red, white/yellow, and black. If that’s what it was, it was considerably off course, since its usual habitat is the Pacific waters off northern South America. Of course, it could have been a Oaxacan coral snake wandering off from the wetlands of the Parque Nacional …

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