BY SHANKAR AND ISA TRAVERSO BURGER
This ecological and architectonic wonder is located on its own private beach bay, on the sunny coast of the Mexican Pacific. Puerta al Mar welcomes you with a hand made stone rotunda and an amazing view of Ixtapa Zihuatanejo.
As the ocean breeze conceals the environment during a clear day you can view the reef, located a few yards away from the beach. This spectacular house involves two of the most complicated construction processes in the world. The first one is the weave of the ‘palapa’ (roof), which varies according to quality and durability. This texture, found in the principal part, can be described as a huge cloth weaved by hand. The second process, (to me, the hardest one) requires finding rocks in the river, carefully chosen by hand to give life to amazing rock carpets and borders that surround each inch of the whole house, including the rooms.
It’s incredible that nature provides us with these quantities of rocks of the same color, shape and texture, able to be planted in humid cement. This tremendous labor is predestined for women from the region only, experts in the meticulous selection process. They work in groups of 6 to 8, advancing an average of 3 to 6 ft. per day. If we add the total length of the borders of the house we discover a true example of the magnificent artisan hand labor found in the region.
The house has several rooms adapted to modern comforts, and spectacular views. The pool includes a Jacuzzi in one end and several sofas and beds from which you can view breathtaking scenery.
The TV room invites you to sit down and relax, but if in any case you forget about the paradisiacal location you are at, just turn to your right to remember.
The dining table is also unique. It’s made of granite with a swivel center of the same material, made by one of the best artisans in Mexico. Even though it’s a heavy piece of furniture, almost impossible to move, is practical because of it’s revolving capacity.
As you descend from the steps, reaching the middle of local vegetation, you discover a beach enclosed by hills, alienating it from rest of the zone. Walk into the water with one of the beach toys provided by the house, or enjoy the small reef as you snorkel.
From my point of view this is one of the most privileged places in the Mexican Pacific; not only because of the architecture and lifestyle but also because of the geographic spot it occupies.
