The Story of El Diablo y La Sandía: A Dream of Family, Friendship, and Oaxaca

How childhood mornings making breakfast for guests, a promise in Spain, and a shared dream led to the creation of El Diablo y La Sandía — a boutique bed and breakfast in Oaxaca inspired by culture, design, and connection.

The Beginnings of El Diablo y La Sandía 🍉😈

Ever since I was a child, nothing made me happier than having guests stay at our home. My parents had traveled a lot when they were young, so we often hosted friends from around the world. I loved waking up early to make them breakfast — that simple joy of caring for someone and creating a beautiful morning stayed with me all my life.

When I was 25, I was living in France and visited a dear friend in Spain. One night, over a glass of beer, we made a toast and promised that someday I would open a bed and breakfast — and she would come help me make it happen. Three years later, she wrote to say she was coming to Mexico, and I replied with news that made us both smile: I had found the house. Our dream was becoming real.

I chose Oaxaca because it always called my attention. My mother’s nanny was from here, and I grew up surrounded by its colors, flavors, and warmth. When the time came to settle down, there was no question — Oaxaca had already chosen me.

I was 27 years old, a graphic and interior designer filled with ideas and curiosity. My mother and I poured our hearts into the project — she was an essential part of the design, the work, and the spirit that brought everything to life. Along with a group of close friends, we transformed the house into something vibrant and full of soul, blending creativity, craftsmanship, and love.

My goal wasn’t only to create a place for travelers; I wanted to bring the world to me.

After years of moving around, I longed for roots, for community, for a home filled with stories and friendship and eventually, a family, so having a Bed and Breakfast would make me feel like I am a traveller in my everyday life, perfect idea!

The name El Diablo y La Sandía came from an ashtray at my mother’s house — a little devil eating a watermelon. My brother came up with the name after days of brainstorming, and it captured everything I loved about Oaxaca: the playfulness, the sweetness, and that spark of mischief.

The Famous Ashtray

Over time, El Diablo y La Sandía became exactly that: a home for travelers and dreamers, a place of warmth and conversation, and a reflection of everything that shaped me — family, friendship, design, and the colors of Mexico.

There is so much more I want to share! Stay tuned.

With Love,

Maria