Ekumal, originally Villa Duendes, traces its roots back to 2014 when an extraordinary bicycle journey from Monterrey, Mexico, to Sao Paulo, Brazil, took an unexpected turn. After the bicycle was stolen in Playa del Carmen, the founder heeded his mother’s advice, looking for signs to guide his path.
Guests can immerse themselves in nature’s enchantment while forging meaningful connections.
By chance, he stumbled upon a piece of land nestled deep in the jungle that spoke to his soul. Inspired, he ventured to create a home off the grid, harmoniously coexisting with nature. As he experimented with various building materials, styles, and techniques, the founder realized the potential to create something unique and meaningful – a boutique hotel championing sustainability, eco-friendliness, and environmental protection. Over several years of exploration and innovation, the founder transformed the house into a hotel, employing recycled and natural materials such as adobe and coco create. The hotel evolved into an ecological retreat center, hosting diverse events like art exhibitions, eco fairs, and retreats for those longing to connect with nature and themselves.
A LIFELONG PASSION FOR SUSTAINABILITY AND NATURE’S SANCTUARY
For the founder, the creation of Ekumal transcended business and embodied a way of life. Fueled by a passion for harmonious living with nature, he aspired to inspire others to adopt similar values. Building a hotel from recycled and natural materials demonstrated that eco-friendly living need not compromise comfort and style. The location for Ekumal was not a conscious choice, but rather a fortuitous encounter. While exploring the jungle, the founder felt a deep connection to the land, envisioning the potential to create a beautiful, sustainable haven preserving and protecting the local environment. Ekumal is more than just accommodation; it is a sanctuary where guests can revel in the enchantment of nature and interact with the local community.
EKUMAL: A NAME WITH A VISION AND A PLACE OF MAGICAL MOMENTS
The name “Ekumal” emerged from a collaboration among friends, including the founder, Oscar, and Julia. Fusing the original location’s name, Akumal, with the word “ecological,” the name epitomizes the founder’s vision for a hotel that is not only eco-friendly but deeply connected to the natural world. Ekumal has been the backdrop for a variety of unconventional and astonishing events over the years, including weddings, ancestral medicine ceremonies, and Shibari parties. One of the most magical moments occurred during a Kirtan, a form of Indian devotional chanting, where the founder met his former girlfriend. Love flourishes at Ekumal, where guests can bask in nature’s splendor and the warmth of human connection.
