The Best Hotel in Oaxaca – Casa Santo Origen
Casa Santo Origen is a breathtaking hotel, located in the hills of Oaxaca City, Mexico. The views of this hotel are nothing short of spectacular. It blends in with its traditional surroundings—a combination of architecture and rural landscapes—while also treating space and form in a modern dynamic way.
Located just 15 minutes north of the city center, Caso Santo Origen is a tranquil destination in and of itself in the wonderful city of Oaxaca. When you arrive, you are swept away into a modern rendition of Oaxaca history. Contemporary art with indigenous meaning is spread throughout the property, as well as greenery to bring the outside landscape in.
With only 8 rooms, Hotel Casa Santo Origen is designed to provide a secluded and luxurious experience. Each of the 8 rooms are named after the 8 regions in Oaxaca ; Cañada, Costa, Istmo, Mixteca, Papaloapan, Sierra Norte, Sierra Sur and Valles Centrales. Each room is inviting with warm textures and bold accent colors, a balcony or deck, and a beautiful copper plunge tub for the ultimate relaxation.
When we first arrived at the hotel, I was in awe of every inch of the property. It really is one of the most beautifully executed boutique hotels I have stayed at. I loved the limestone tiles, sleek edges, modern seating areas with fire pit tables, and the large tree in the entrance all kept me in awe. The contrast throughout of stone and greenery was a beautiful background for every photo we took. Then we walked into our room, jumped in the bed, and it felt as cozy as home.
Of course after traveling, we were ready for lunch. Entre Sombras, the Mediterranean restaurant in the hotel, was the perfect first meal in Oaxaca. We ordered our first round of Mezcalitos, because duhh we are in Oaxaca, and a quesadilla with oaxaca cheese and Hoja Santa, a local herb. Then we shared the Paella, and let me tell you – a girl from Seattle knows her seafood, and wow was this fresh and amazing!
After lunch, we laid by the pool, worked a little since it was a Friday, and then got ready to head into town. Caleb was our driver for the weekend, and he was awesome! Having him gave us the security to go downtown for dinner or drinks, knowing we had a safe ride home. He was always on time, and ready to pick us up when we texted him we were ready to head back. Friday night we walked around town, ended up at a wine bar because we had to see an Oaxacan wine bar, then we ended the night with fantastic cocktails at Mezcalogia.
Saturday was my 32nd birthday, and what a great place to spend the day. We started the celebration with delicious Enmoladas (mole enchiladas) at Entre Sombras for breakfast. It really was a treat to have such an amazing restaurant on property. We could have just stayed here the entire weekend and never left! After breakfast we changed into our bathing suits and went to the pool, which is heated year round. We sipped on one of my favorite sparkling wine we brought with us to celebrate, Lytle Barnett, and then enjoyed some sun on the warm October day. Of course at lunch, I ordered another quesadilla with the yummy oaxaca cheese and hoja santa leaf. I first fell in love with this leaf at Pujol in Mexico City, it is one of the most interesting flavors I have tasted in a herb.
After a quick nap and getting ready, it was time for our Mezcal tasting. Job shared three incredible mezcals with us from Santo Origen. We tasted the Tobalá, Tepeztate, and Mexicano. All were accompanied by complimentary bites, and Job shared with us the history of Mezcal, how it is made, and all about the different agaves we were tasting. Who knew some agave takes 25 years to mature enough to harvest? Other than the farmed Agave Espadin, most of the other types of agave are all found in the wild! These three Mezcals were truly the best mezcal we have ever tasted, and we brought home the Tobalá with us. I think we leaned towards this one so much beaucase the profile reminded us so much of a wine. But I will say, I wish we would have gotten a bottle of the Mexicano as well. It was a perfect treat paired with chocolate – next time, next time.
Mezcal Tasting at Casa Santo Origen
Mezcal tasting notes:
Tobalá: underripe pear, white flower, cigar box, and leather throughout.
Tepeztate: citrus nose with a more earthy palate of green pepper and pine forest.
Mexicano: spicy cinnamon nose with bright minerality, toasted caramel, and a touch of vanilla on the palate.
After our Mezcal tasting, we headed into town for a birthday dinner and drinks, and made it home way earlier than we should have for a celebration of 32. I guess earlier nights are what I have to look forward to now. But who can blame me when we had such a special place to enjoy, and I had a plan for a nighttime bath that nothing could beat. It was a perfect ending to my birthday night.
Sunday breakfast consisted of huevos rancheros, divorce style, and a fruit plate. After breakfast at Entre Sombrero, we went on a Mezcal tour and to the agave fields. How can you go to Oaxaca and not get a picture at the agave fields? Part of me wished we would have been able to enjoy the hotel for our last whole day, but now it is just more of a reason to come back sooner than later. Since we were out all day, we enjoyed dinner at Entre Sombras when we arrived back at the hotel. We started with the pear and goat cheese salad, then enjoyed mushroom risotto, and finished with the braised rib. Everything was phenomenal, and we were happy to enjoy our last dinner at “home” with a view overlooking the city of Oaxaca.
Entre Sombrero
One thing I must point out about Casa Santo Origen, is the incredible staff they have. Every one of them were so nice, and went above and beyond for every guest. They made us feel like part of the family, and were a true joy to be around. It is so special to be able to look back and feel the love they served us while we were there.
Entre Leños
Our last morning, before heading to the airport, we went to the hotel’s newest restaurant just a block away called Entre Leños. This restaurant serves tradition prehispanic dishes, and is set in a beautiful garden style seating area. We walked up to the kitchen and watched as our food was being prepared on ancient cooking stones, and in traditional pots and pans. While we waited, we walked through the garden and said hello to the bunnies and goats.
We ordered quesadillas, tetelas, chilaquiles with black mole, and eggs in hoja santo leaf. Everything was fresh, and the blue corn they used tasted different than anything I have ever tried. Each bite was rich in flavor, yet simple in style and ingredients. You won’t find any stuffy or fancy dishes here, as the ingredients they source for this restaurant stand out in every bite as spectacular. What a perfect ending to our first Oaxaca trip!
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