Who we are
Casa Luz was born from a desire to live in alignment — where values, beauty, and purpose meet in every detail. Nestled in the heart of La Barra in Puerto Escondido, this boutique retreat is more than a hotel; it is a sanctuary for the soul.
Built with over 90% natural materials and grounded in ancient Mexican adobe traditions, Casa Luz blends the warmth of the earth with the elegance of modern minimalism. Our seven bespoke suites are crafted using adobe, wood, and structural concrete — in a time-honored craftsmanship and built to be resilient in the face of nature’s elements. Inside and out, native tropical plants breathe life into the spaces, creating a seamless connection between the land and our guests.
Casa Luz is a space to return to yourself. For those navigating life or spiritual transitions, it offers a grounded and luxurious place to rest, contemplate, and reconnect. Here, luxury doesn’t shout — it whispers, inviting you into stillness, softness, and presence.
Our mission extends beyond our walls. We’re committed to bettering our community by offering a tangible alternative to conventional construction methods. Through workshops and partnerships, we empower local builders and artisans to rediscover ancient adobe techniques and apply them to modern design — creating safer, more sustainable, and cooler structures that honor both culture and climate.
Our guests — conscious travelers from across the globe — come to Casa Luz seeking more than just a beautiful place. They come seeking clarity, inspiration, and healing. To support them, we offer an evolving range of wellness practices: yoga, meditation, traditional plant medicine ceremonies, therapeutic circles, and spiritual music journeys. For those called to go deeper, therapists and spiritual guides are available during and after their stay, ensuring ongoing support as they return to their lives inspired.
In addition to introspection, we invite guests to experience joy through surfing, cooking, and local cultural adventures — all curated to nourish body, mind, and soul.
Casa Luz is not just a destination. It is a portal — to yourself, to nature, to a new way of being.
The Heart of Casa Luz
Ruben's journey in hospitality began long before he stepped into the legendary Three Michelin Star restaurant The French Laundry. It started in childhood, surrounded by the raw beauty of Baja and the Pacific, where a deep respect for nature and a sense of spiritual wonder took root. Those early years planted the seeds for a life devoted to sharing beauty, creating connection, and preserving the gifts of the earth. From that foundation, Ruben’s path led him through some of the world’s most celebrated dining rooms and wine regions, where he refined his craft and discovered that the true luxury lies in authenticity and care.
Over the years, he traveled across continents, walking vineyard rows in Napa to Tuscany, exploring bustling markets in Oaxaca and Bangkok, connecting with communities where food, wine, and hospitality are woven into daily life. These experiences deepened his belief that hospitality is more than service — it’s a form of healing. It’s a way to build community, to bridge cultures, and to create moments that nourish both body and soul. His work became an expression of gratitude, a way to give back by crafting spaces where people could come together and feel truly seen.
Casa Luz is the embodiment of he's dreams and aspirations — a sanctuary where modern design meets ancestral building techniques, where the rhythm of the ocean and the warmth of adobe walls invite you to slow down, connect, and restore. It is a place rooted in earth and designed for the soul, offering not just rooms, but experiences: shared meals under the stars, ceremonies that honor nature, and moments that spark joy and belonging. Through Casa Luz, Ruben continues his lifelong journey — creating, sharing, and holding space for others to heal, connect, and celebrate the beauty of life.