Set in the valley of Xaagá, an hour outside Oaxaca City, Casa Silencio is a six-suite retreat built around the ancient ritual of mezcal.
Conceived by Mezcal El Silencio as mezcal’s answer to the vineyard hotel, it is at once an adults-only escape and a working distillery. It sits in a landscape of desert and agave fields, with bold architecture and moody, earthy interiors, with each of the six individually-designed suites having its own theme – air, earth, fire, water, sun and moon.
At its centre, the palenque reimagines mezcal-making with a solar-powered tahona – the only one of its kind – and guests are welcomed to witness or join the process.
What we love about Casa Silencio
- Just six suites spread across 16 acres, with floor-to-ceiling glass, fireplaces, freestanding baths and private decks facing the desert, each with textiles and art pieces by Oaxacan craftspeople and artists.
- Its striking design: architect Alejandro D’Acosta used rammed earth, reclaimed wood and stone to anchor the building in its desert setting, with bold geometries and techniques drawn from pre-Columbian forms.
- The chance to join mezcaleros at the palenque and see the inner-workings of the mezcal process, including the ovens, tahona wheel, fermentation, and distillation areas.
- The restaurant, where an ancestral kitchen prepares classic Oaxacan fare, with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
- A strict no-waste philosophy: solar power, rainwater harvesting and recycled materials are embedded into the design.
Guests can participate in the entire mezcal production cycle, from loading agave piñas into stone ovens to tasting the finished spirit.
The distillery produces El Silencio’s Espadín and Ensamble mezcals, alongside rare editions only available here, and tastings are paired with Oaxacan-inspired bites.
Outside the palenque, Casa Silencio offers a well-stocked library dedicated to Mexican writers, a plunge pool with desert views, and a snug with a mezcal-filled bar. There’s a cultural side, too, with art installations and February’s Umbra festival, a 20-hour celebration of food and electronic music.
Beyond Xaagá, guests can explore Oaxaca’s markets, restaurants and art scene, or take part in cooking classes with local chefs, learning the art of mole negro, tortillas and tamales. For the adventurous, hiking and horseback riding can be arranged in the desert hills.
When to Travel
Year-round
Oaxaca is a year-round destination, though each season brings its own character. Winter (December–February) is dry, clear and cool, ideal for exploring both the city and the desert. Spring sees wildflowers bloom among the agave fields. Summer rains (June–September) bring green valleys and dramatic skies, while autumn (October–November) is festival season, with Día de Muertos filling Oaxaca City.
ENQUIRE NOWLooking for more inspiration? Discover more about our bespoke trips to Mexico, or browse our other favourite properties across the region.
