SIGC | Candela

“Candela, which means ‘candle’, is also a measurement of light. We want it to be that light in the sense of - How would this light guide us and what would this light mean to us? And how can we create this new path of development and learn throughout the process to be more sustainable, to design with respect, to integrate into nature, to learn how to respect what's already there and be inspired by what’s already in place?”

As we welcome in Earth Month, celebrating our planet and taking action to protect it, we’re in good company with Rodrigo López Vazquez, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Candela, a new luxury residential and rental community development concept regenerating some of Mexico’s most desirable destinations - starting with a nature escape in Tulum and a cultural city stay in Valladolid.

With distinctive architecture, sustainable initiatives, community integration, bespoke amenities, creative dining experiences, artisan boutiques and proprietary wellness offerings, Candela aspires to leave its guests and its surrounding townscapes better than they were before.

In this episode, Rodrigo shares how Candela pays homage to the local history, culture and landscape, honoring long-standing traditions unique to the location to cultivate an experience that is at once relevant to modern life and stands the test of time.

Top Takeaways

[1:50] How an upbringing and entrepreneurial career in Puebla - a gastronomically focused UNESCO World Heritage City - inspired Rodrigo and his friends to seek out other culturally significant cities, with a perspective of sustainable living and preservation of heritage.

[7:40] In creating Candela, Rodrigo and his carefully curated team of architects and interior designers wanted guests to feel as though you are arriving to an archeological site - where nature and architecture blend together in a way that makes you unsure of what was there first.

[11:50] The meaning behind the name Candela, is integrated as far as the eye can see with beams of natural light, candles tucked throughout, and warm indirect light creating a space that is relaxing and restorative.

[16:30] The importance of using the same materials and building practices as the Mayans used in building the Pyramids and local villages - from the rock foundation to the Chukum stucco to the tropical wood.

[20:45] Experience a “true taste of Tulum” when dining in good company at Candela - from the Cochinita Pibil prepared by Cocineras to the Omakase Bar featuring a Japanese fusion using Mayan Riviera ingredients, from Barro de Cobre’s authentic production of mezcal to the circular composting of any food waste courtesy of some resident worms.

[31:50] Tulum is a place where trends are created - across architecture, gastronomy, hospitality, fashion, barefoot luxury - and Rodrigo believes “regenerative design” is the next big thing to come out of this innovative city, a form of “systemic acupuncture” as he explains.

[41:10] What started as a day trip to a nearby artisanal town in search for candles, will soon turn into the next Candelda community in the “pueblo magico” of Valladolid.