Nestled on the Pacific coast of Baja California Sur, Nua Nakūi is a wellness retreat designed to foster rejuvenation, relaxation, and self-reflection. Created by Jasmine Scalesciani-Hawken, a self-taught designer with over 25 years in the wellness industry, the retreat is an immersive sanctuary that draws on her unique cultural background and deep connection to nature. Located near the charming town of Todos Santos, Nua Nakūi is set on an 8-acre medicinal herb farm, just a short walk from the beach, and reflects Jasmine’s vision of a space that blends beauty, health, and sustainability.
A Vision Rooted in Nature and Wellness
Jasmine’s journey to create Nua Nakūi began with her experience visiting El Pescadero, a place that reminded her of her childhood in Sardinia, Italy, and her time spent in Uruguay. She saw the potential for a space that could harmonise with the raw, untamed beauty of the land, using locally sourced materials and integrating the retreat with its environment. “When I first found this land, I spent two years regenerating the soil and planting trees before ever building or growing anything on it,” says Jasmine.
This focus on the land is key to Nua Nakūi’s design. The retreat is completely off the grid, powered by solar energy, and features water sourced from the nearby Sierra de la Laguna mountain range. Jasmine’s commitment to sustainability extends to the farm, where she grows detoxifying and rejuvenating herbs used in Ayurvedic treatments and cleansing programs offered at the retreat.
Nua Nakūi’s design reflects the diverse cultural influences that have shaped Jasmine’s life. Growing up between Milan and Sardinia, and later living in Buenos Aires and Punta Del Este, she was drawn to architecture that was relaxed, a little wild, yet considered. The retreat blends elements of modern minimalism with a deep respect for natural materials, creating a space that feels both elegant and grounded.
The architecture of the retreat is deeply inspired by Jasmine’s childhood home in Costa Paradiso, Sardinia, designed by Italian architect Alberto Ponis. Ponis' seamless integration of architecture into the natural rock formations of the land became a guiding principle for Jasmine’s own design approach. At Nua Nakūi, the home is built into the landscape, with local stone, onyx, and wood used throughout to connect the structure with the surrounding hills and coastline. “Here I wanted nothing too precious, or not fitting to this place,” Jasmine notes. “I used materials and pieces that would age well and patina over time.”
Thoughtful Design for Wellness and Reflection
At the heart of Nua Nakūi is the desire to create a space that promotes well-being and mindfulness. The retreat features two main structures connected by an open seating area designed to blend indoor and outdoor living. A large, airy living room with high ceilings opens up to a terrace with unobstructed views of the ocean and mountains, while private reading nooks and relaxation areas offer guests the chance to unwind and reflect.
One of the most distinctive features of the design is the use of natural stone throughout the property. Jasmine chose large, heavy stones that were inlaid into the structure of the house, some of which were carried by hand or brought in from a nearby location. “The biggest challenge was inlaying the various large and heavy rocks into the physical structure,” Jasmine recalls. “Each rock inlay required 8-10 men to move and handle.” The stones form part of the building’s aesthetic, seamlessly blending with the surrounding landscape while adding a sense of grounding and permanence to the space.
The Heart of the Home: A Tree Root
At the centre of the living room sits a massive tree root, over 6 feet tall and just as wide, which Jasmine found along the road during a trip. She describes it as the “heart of the home” due to its symbolic connection to the retreat’s organic design and grounding energy. “From the living area, it looks like a human heart,” she says. “It really feels like the heart of the home, anchoring the space in a way that feels alive.”
Every aspect of the design, from the hand-sculpted bathtub to the large wooden tables, was carefully crafted or sourced to reflect the authenticity of the space. Jasmine designed many of the furniture pieces herself, and the decor was sourced from second-hand shops and local markets, adding to the rustic, raw feel of the retreat.
While Nua Nakūi is visually striking, its true beauty lies in its ability to provide a space for healing and renewal. Designed as both a fasting and Ayurvedic retreat, the property offers private, restorative programs that cater to small groups. The surrounding medicinal herb farm plays a central role in the wellness experience, with Jasmine’s Ayurvedic cleansing programs incorporating the farm’s fresh herbs and flowers for detoxification and rejuvenation.
The second structure, known as the “stone house,” serves as a master suite with a large covered patio for sunset viewing, a hand-sculpted bathtub, and a sauna. The stone house also features a body of water that crosses the path between the living and dining rooms, creating a sensory experience that enhances the connection to nature. Jasmine’s focus on wellness extends to the design of the bathhouse, which encourages the Ayurvedic practice of daily routines, offering a peaceful sanctuary for guests to relax and renew.
Sustainability and Timeless Design
Sustainability is woven into every aspect of Nua Nakūi, from its off-the-grid energy systems to its natural, locally sourced materials. Jasmine intentionally chose materials that would patina and age beautifully, ensuring the home remains grounded in the natural environment while evolving over time. By sourcing furniture and decor from local second-hand shops and vintage finds, she was able to create a space that is not only sustainable but also rich in character and history.
The retreat’s commitment to environmental consciousness extends beyond the design, with an emphasis on ecological responsibility. The farm is pesticide-free, and the retreat is powered by solar energy, with water drawn from the nearby mountains and carefully managed grey water systems in place.
A Sanctuary for the Mind and Body
Nua Nakūi is more than just a retreat; it is a sanctuary where design, nature, and wellness converge in perfect harmony. Jasmine Scalesciani-Hawken’s careful integration of natural materials, thoughtful design, and sustainable practices makes this retreat a truly unique space. Whether seeking rest, reflection, or healing, Nua Nakūi offers an immersive environment that nurtures both body and soul.
Credits:
Designer and Owner: Jasmine Scalesciani-Hawken
Location: El Pescadero, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Photography: Amy Neunsinger
