Casa Arroz

Built into the rocky hillside above Chileno Bay, Casa Arroz has a presence that is difficult to capture in a single photograph. Pale stone walls rise out of the desert terrain, broad white rooflines project toward the water, and deep terracotta volumes add warmth to the architecture. The Sea of Cortez fills the view almost everywhere.

The setting is dramatic, though the house itself never feels showy. Its design is clean and contemporary, softened by handmade tile, natural wood, woven textiles and an expressive collection of art. There is real personality here. Rooms feel assembled with patience, not selected from a catalogue.

At the centre of the villa is a generous living and dining space opening toward the ocean. A cream sectional, terracotta fireplace and custom light-wood bookcase give the room a relaxed, residential character. The long dining table seats 12, with the water and coastline visible beyond it. Sliding glass walls allow the entire area to connect with the main terrace, so meals, conversation and the view tend to occupy the same space.

The kitchen is designed for serious service. Two Thermador professional ranges, double ovens, a Sub-Zero refrigerator and an integrated appliance wall provide ample room for preparing meals for a large group. There is also a temperature-controlled walk-in wine cellar with floor-to-ceiling bottle storage and a dual-zone Sub-Zero wine cooler.

Outside, the long infinity pool follows the edge of the terrace. Its dark surface mirrors the sky in the evening and gives the surrounding stone, glass and desert planting a striking backdrop. Six substantial loungers line the pool, each with its own umbrella, and a separate seating area offers a quieter place for coffee or a book.

The main outdoor living terrace has several distinct areas, which helps it work comfortably for a full house. There is a large covered lounge, a bar, dining for ten and a wood-burning fireplace. Around the corner, a sunken fire-pit lounge has been tucked against the natural rock face. The outdoor kitchen and pool house make long afternoons outside easy, with built-in Thermador appliances and a dedicated coffee station close at hand.

Five ocean-facing suites

Casa Arroz has five principal bedroom suites, each furnished with a king bed and opening onto a private ocean-view terrace. Every suite has its own bathroom, ceiling fan, digital safe and carefully considered storage.

The primary suite is especially spacious. A private sitting area faces the water, and the terrace has its own wood-burning fireplace, outdoor lounge and open-air shower. Inside, a freestanding black stone tub sits against hand-painted blue and white tile. The effect is bold, calm and distinctly Mexican.

The VIP suite has a similar sense of privacy, with a black stone soaking tub, richly coloured terracotta tile and an expansive balcony furnished for quiet evenings outdoors. Its terrace also includes a wood-burning fireplace.

The remaining three king suites are individually designed, each with a private shower bathroom, custom millwork and direct terrace access. The palette changes subtly from room to room: mustard and sage in one, deeper greens and terracotta in another, blue hand-painted tile appearing throughout.

Families have their own dedicated sleeping area. The children's playroom has two bunk beds with queen-size lower beds and twin upper beds, plus an additional twin daybed. Low lounge seating, hammocks and floor-to-ceiling glass make it a proper place to spend time during the day. The room is best suited to children up to approximately 12 years old.

A separate nanny's room sits close to the children's room and includes a queen bed, television and full en-suite bathroom.

A substantial private wellness centre

The villa's wellness facilities go well beyond the usual collection of hotel-style exercise equipment. The private gym includes a Peloton Bike, Peloton Tread+, Rogue power rack, Olympic barbells and bumper plates, dumbbells, kettlebells, medicine balls, resistance bands and a full set of mobility accessories. Mirrored walls, a built-in hydration station and a dedicated sound system complete the space.

Beside the gym is a private recovery area with a six-person wood sauna, temperature-controlled cold plunge, massage room and spa bathroom. Guests can arrange treatments privately, use the sauna after training or simply disappear for an hour when the rest of the house is busy.

Entertainment has been considered just as carefully. A sound-treated private cinema seats ten and includes a large projection screen, 4K laser projector, surround sound and integrated lighting controls. The separate children's playroom gives younger guests somewhere of their own, a small detail that makes a considerable difference during a week-long family stay.

Casa Arroz amenities

* Five principal king suites with private ocean-view terraces

* Children's bunk room with two queen-and-twin bunk beds and an additional twin bed

* Separate queen nanny's room with en-suite bathroom

* Heated infinity pool and Jacuzzi overlooking the Sea of Cortez

* Six shaded poolside loungers

* Covered outdoor living room with wood-burning fireplace

* Sunken fire-pit lounge built against the natural hillside

* Outdoor bar, dining area and poolside kitchen

* Grand indoor dining table for 12 guests

* Chef-grade kitchen with two Thermador professional ranges

* Sub-Zero refrigeration and climate-controlled walk-in wine cellar

* Private gym with Peloton and Rogue strength-training equipment

* Six-person sauna, chilled cold plunge and massage room

* Private ten-seat cinema with 4K laser projection

* Four wood-burning fireplaces throughout the property

* Private residential elevator

* Whole-house smart controls, Apple TV and IPTV

* Two six-passenger electric golf carts and one two-passenger electric cart

* Included butler service

* Included housekeeping service

* Private chef service included. Food and Beverages not included.

Casa Arroz is suited to families and groups who appreciate strong architecture but still want a house that feels comfortable after the first hour. It has grand spaces, certainly, yet some of its best moments are quieter ones: breakfast beside the open living room, a late swim, or the changing colour of the coastline seen from a bedroom terrace.

By late afternoon, the black-tiled pool begins to reflect the sky. Dinner can wait a few minutes.