An Epic A-Frame in the Mayan Jungle: Aukmal, Mexico

This year I made it a point to finally get my passport and travel internationally for the first time in my life. Shortly after I turned 27 in April, I packed my bags and headed to Mexico alone to explore, relax, and close a chapter behind me.

april 2025

When I was planning my week-long trip to Mexico, I knew that I wanted a balance of luxury and local. For the first 4 days of my trip, I stayed in my first ever all-inclusive resort in Playa Del Carmen and really enjoyed my experience. It allowed me to move freely within the resort without worrying about additional expenses, was right on the beach (for my first time seeing the ocean), and had so many daily activities and events that kept me busy when I wasn't relaxing by the pool.

But I knew I wanted solitude, too. Being able to experience a resort was great, but I love my peace and quiet too. After a crazy year of change, grief, and redefining my entire life again - I knew I needed to have some time to truly disconnect and reflect.

sunset on the pathway

sunrise on the pathway

When I found this stunning & very remote Airbnb listing in my planning, it was one of those things that wouldn't leave my mind. I had 5 other listings on my Mexico moodboard and yet I felt like I was gravitating back to this one. So I booked it - without any plan of logistics to get there.

To be honest, I honestly had a fear that this place was fake because the images are so good that they look AI-created. But they're not. This place was so beautifully designed inside and out and it was magical to stay there.

Casa Madera is special.

Slow mornings, peaceful nights.

The jungle was all around and I would here the critters come out to hunt when the sun went down. I'd spend my mornings on the back deck watching and listening to all of the beautiful, vibrant birds. When the day got really hot, the local lizards would be out sunbathing. It was like being in a different world that contrasted from my daily routine in North Georgia.

My favorite parts of this Airbnb:

1. The intentional architectural design. I had a chance to talk with the host, Luis, who told me all about how he designed and built this A-frame years ago to live in. He spoke about the sustainable building materials, finding a company that could build with those specific materials, and how he wanted it to feel like an escape away from the city without being too far.

2. The location felt remote but wasn't too far from the city. Akumal wasn't a big city, but it was only 15 minutes to get to Puerta Aventuras - which had a lot to do on the water, restaurants, and grocery stores. I spent one of my days here (thanks to my host!) and really enjoyed exploring. Aside from there, Tulum and Playa Del Carmen are about 30-40 minutes away if you're looking for excursions!

3. It's perfect for a group or solo travelers like me who wanted solitude. You truly have everything you need at this space - a private pool, pickleball court access, a tv with streaming, internet, and plenty of space for cooking & relaxing. I spent most of my time journaling, having a drink by the pool as the sun went down, taking self portraits, and just watching the birds and critters every chance I could.

Overall I loved my stay here and would love to come back a few more times. I highly recommend renting a car rather than relying on taxis like I did, but other than that it's really a hidden gem that's super unique to stay at. I feel lucky to have had part of my first international solo travel experience here!

If you're curious about this stay or the rest of my trip down to Mexico in general, feel free to reach out! I spent months researching, planning, and budgeting to find the right balance of the experience I was craving. I'd love to share more of this!

Travel well,

Sydnee