#WoodWeek - JapoNeza Retreat
In Mexico, there is a saying: “El que a buen árbol se arrima, buena sombra le acobija.” (He who gets close to a good tree will find a nice shade for shelter)… This wooden retreat is definitely made for that.
Day 3 – JapoNeza Retreat, Atlangatepec, Tlaxcala, Mexico
Just two hours away from Mexico City, the JapoNeza Retreat is a project designed by Fausto Terán, a filmmaker.
JapoNeza retreat is a thesis of the parallelism between Japan and Mexican cultures, inspired in both architectural and spiritual traditions (zen inside Mexican craziness).
You might not be aware but there is an historical Japanese presence in Mexico. The migration started around 1930s. During the Second World War, the Mexican government had the community under strict scrutiny. The main groups remains in Mexico City and Guadalajara. At the end of the war, the relations between the countries got normalised again. The community is estimated at around 30,000 people today.
The JapoNeza house has a soul of concrete and regional pine wood treated with the japanese technique (18th century) of “Shou-Sugi-Ban”, burned and curated wood and for protecting it from the abrasive mountain exterior conditions.
The house is available on AirBnb and other platforms. Guests can experience the complete Shinrin Yoku (literally forest bathing - 森林浴) or complete immersion in the natural habitat sharing the space with horses, donkeys, dogs, and a wild fauna such as falcons, ducks, owls, coyotes, rabbits, roadrunners and raddle snakes.
The view of a lake offers tranquillity contemplation and appreciation with top butler and Chef service. Guests can enjoy the hot water in the outdoors wood Jacuzzi and relax in the hammocks while you read a book.
Pictures by Jaime Navarro.
