All photos courtesy Casa Xixi
Set on Soliman Bay overlooking the sparkling Caribbean Sea, Casa Xixim Tulum is a 4,800-square-foot net-neutral luxury villa that manages to balance ecological responsibility with contemporary comfort. Best of all, it achieves this in an ecologically protected setting.
Conceived by architect Scott Specht of Specht Novak, the villa’s design creates a seamless dialogue between architecture and nature. The interiors feature authentic regional craftsmanship with custom pasta tiles made in Merida, Yucatan, their color palette carefully chosen to mirror the surrounding ocean and jungle hues.
A shady path guides visitors from a mangrove marsh through a palm grove, ultimately dissolving the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces.
It’s all part of an aesthetic that sees this elegant residence become an extension of its natural surroundings, ensuring an experience that honors its ecological context.
Eco-friendly Casa Xixim Tulum
All of the art and furniture pieces in Casa Xixim Tulum are local and eco-friendly designs curated by Dave and Jenny Blizard by engaging a host of local artisans.
“The furnishings in Casa Xixim Tulum were designed by Dave and hand-built locally or sourced from the artisans themselves, ensuring an authentic, custom touch that supports local craftsmanship,” says Jenny.
“We have a very clear aesthetic that forges the feeling of being rooted in this unique location of the world and an intention to support the local economy and reduce the carbon footprint associated with transporting furniture. Additionally, all our textiles, decor, and ceramic dinnerware are handcrafted in Mexico, adding to the reverence and charm of the villa.”
Casa Xixim Tulum & Sustainability
Casa Xixim is an ideal base for discerning travelers seeking a private sanctuary with boutique hotel amenities. The villa provides a curated experience with a private chef and personalized activity planning, all within reach of the region’s cultural and natural landmarks. These include various Maya ruins, cenotes, the UNESCO World Heritage Sian Ka’an Biosphere, and the newly established Jaguar Park.
Each of the property’s bedroom suites opens onto a series of terraces, offering multiple vantage points from which to enjoy the landscape.
The uppermost level features an innovative roof deck where hammocks hang beneath a photovoltaic canopy, all part of the villa’s commitment to sustainable design without compromising on luxury.
The interiors reflect an authentic connection to place through furnishings designed by co-proprietor Dave Blizard and crafted by local artisans. Notable elements include a large dining table made from sustainably harvested Parota wood that anchors the living space. Artistic accents, such as custom macramé pieces by Enrique Escudero of Mérida- and Tulum-based Máak – An Macramés, and an installation of 20 hand-carved jaguar heads that guests can purchase.
Above and Beyond Aesthetics
The villa’s environmental ethos extends beyond aesthetics. Traditional louvered windows and sliding doors replace conventional glass, facilitating natural ventilation while minimizing reliance on air conditioning.
The property employs a comprehensive sustainability system including photovoltaic solar arrays, rainwater collection, and a constructed wetlands filtration system. Green roofs serve multiple functions: insulating the rooms below, supporting pollinator gardens, and enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the structure.
Why You’ll Love It: The seamless flow between mangrove marsh and modern interiors creates an immersive tropical experience. This net-neutral villa pairs authentic Yucatecan craftsmanship, from custom Merida-made pasta tiles to locally carved jaguar heads, with sophisticated eco-luxury amenities including a private chef and curated adventure planning.
Find out more at https://casaxixim.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Casa Xixim Tulum available for vacation rentals? Yes, this 4,800-square-foot private villa offers boutique hotel amenities including a private chef and personalized activity planning for discerning travelers seeking a luxury eco-retreat in Soliman Bay.
What sustainable features does Casa Xixim have? The property operates as a net-neutral villa with photovoltaic solar arrays, rainwater collection, constructed wetlands filtration, green roofs for insulation, and traditional louvered windows that minimize air conditioning needs.
How far is Casa Xixim from Tulum attractions and cenotes? The villa provides easy access to Maya ruins, cenotes, the UNESCO World Heritage Sian Ka’an Biosphere, and the newly established Jaguar Park, with personalized activity planning available to explore these regional landmarks.
___________________________
Lee Steele is the founding director of Mérida-based Roof Cat Media S de RL de CV and Publisher of Yucatán Magazine and other titles. He was Hearst Connecticut’s Sunday Magazine creative director and worked in New York City for various magazine publishers, including Condé Nast and Primedia, for over 20 years.
