Ak Kun - Charming and Colorful Caribbean Home in the Riviera Maya of Mexico
Location: Akumal, Quintana Roo, Yucatan, Mayan Riviera, Mexico (1:15 min to Cancun airport, 4 mi from Akumal, 15 to Tulum.) View Map
Accommodations: House, 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath (Sleeps 4)
Ranked at the top on TripAdvisor under specialty housing for Akumal! Best value between Akumal and Tulum - and it's not a condo. Stay where returning visitors want to be for the more authentic experience.
Ak Kun is a tropical retreat with 2 bedrooms and 1 bath nestled near Xcacel beach, just 5 minutes south of Akumal, in the heart of the Riviera Maya. During your stay at our casa "Ak Kun" you have options! You can enjoy a laid-back vacation with local flavor in the town of Chemuyil with visits to Xcacel beach - or you can have an active holiday snorkeling in Akumal, diving, boating, dining, zip-lining, touring Mayan archaeological sites in Tulum and Coba, swimming in centotes, visiting a local monkey preserve and the list goes on...We offer forums on our website with a vast array of information to assist with planning activities during your stay in the Riviera Maya.
Our casa is a single family home in a cute Caribbean community located next to a private walking path to the beach. Inside you will find gorgeous Mexican handcrafted furniture composed of local exotic hardwoods that are eco-friendly and brand new Sealy pillowtop mattresses. The master bedroom features a king size bed, while the guest room offers a queen size (twins can be subsituted, please inquire). Ak Kun has all the amenities of home, including a full kitchen, dining area, sectional sofa for lounging, flat screen TV/DVD player and iPod docking station. The gated outdoor patio and courtyard allow for dining al fresco or a siesta in a hammock with the privacy of your own yard. The front also has a sitting area with views of the jungle. Cenotes are on site and the lush flora and fauna will delight!
Ak Kun means "turtle nest" in Mayan and is so named because Xcacel is where the turtles come to hatch on the beach each year during nesting season. Xcacel is a pure, secluded stretch of white sand set against the turquoise sea and has received honors as one of the finest beaches in all of Mexico. Enjoy a turtle walk at Xcacel or snorkel with the turtles in Akumal Bay, just a short 5 minute drive. Nearby Yal-Ku Lagoon also provides an aquarium-like setting for snorkeling in serene, crystal clear seas. The infamous Xel-Ha eco-park, where you take a lazy river ride or jump off a rope swing into the lagoon, is practically across the street!
Families, couples, golfers and dive/snorkel enthusiasts alike will enjoy the proximity to the following sites:
Xcacel Beach - 1/3 mile
Cenotes(fresh water swimming) - 3 on-site and several nearby
Xel-Ha Lagoon - 1.5 miles
The Jungle Place Monkey Preserve - 1.5 miles
Akumal / Half Moon Bay / Yal-Ku Lagoon - 5 miles
Bahia Principe future golf course - 1.5 miles
Dos Ojos & Hidden Worlds Cenotes - 2 miles
Tulum ruins and pueblo - 10 miles
Xcaret Eco Theme Park - 22 miles
Playa del Carmen - 28 miles
Cancun airport - 1 hour, 15 minutes
As your hosts, we will do everything to make your stay with us as enjoyable as possible. We are able to offer ideas for things to do, provide suggestions and directions for trips and help budget any aspect to make this a perfect vacation.
If you are a frequent visitor or a family looking for an economical vacation, Chan Chemuyil provides the ideal vacation locale away from the mega-resorts. The recently renovated neighborhood of Chan Chemuyil is a charming international community. Our development of 234 single family homes are perfectly situated within walking distance (less than 10 minutes) to one of the most beautiful beaches in the entire Riviera Maya - Xcacel Beach, a true hidden gem, set amongst popular tourist destinations. Our casa provides you with the comfort and privacy of your own home while placing you right in the heart of the Mayan Riviera.
*We have 3 homes available for rent in the community which can accomodate large groups and provide alternate bed configurations. Please contact us for more information.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning: Individually controlled A/C in each room with remote control. Fans are also remote control.
- Linens Provided: High thread count premium sheets on each bed.
- Beds
- King Bed: Brand new Sealy pillow-top mattress.
- Queen Bed: Brand new Sealy pillow-top mattress.
- Twin/Single Bed: Available upon request, two twins in place of the queen or king.
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV: If you would like SKY satellite cable TV (English), it can be arranged on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.
- TV (No Cable/Satellite): Flat screen LCD
- DVD
- Video Library: Small selection of DVD's included and rental store nearby in town of Chemuyil.
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen: All new appliances, full gas stove, refrigerator, microwave, coffeemaker, blender, toaster.
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Catering Available: Local cook available per your request for an additional fee.
- Outdoor Features
- Deck/Patio: Private, enclosed patio in back with a table, chairs and 2 family size hammocks.
- Communications
- Cell Phone: Cell phone available to guests - to be used minimally for local calls and emergencies.
- WiFi (Wireless Internet): Available at local internet cafes and restaurants in Akumal and Tulum.
- Other Amenities
- iPod docking station, brand new Sealy mattresses, purified water, hairdryer, alarm clocks. For an extra fee - daily maid service and laundering available.
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities (on site and nearby)
- Golf
- Tennis
- Theme Park (Amusement Park)
- Zoo/Wildlife Park
- Shopping
- Sightseeing
- Restaurants
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Boating
- Parasailing
- Jet Skiing
- Shelling
- Swimming
- Snorkeling/Diving
- Surfing
- Windsurfing
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Spelunking
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Basketball Court
- Museums
- Horseback Riding
- Other Activities
- Walking distance to cenotes (sacred freshwater swimming holes). Several dive centers offering PADI-certified instructors in Akumal and Tulum, Snorkeling in Yal Ku lagoon, Xel Ha and X'Caret Ecological Parks, Swim with Dolphins, Mayan ruins of Tulum, Coba, Muyil, Chichen Itza, Ek Balam, Hidden Worlds Cenotes, Dos Ojos Cavern and Cave Diving, Sian Ka'an Bioshpere reserve, Aktun Chen Cave Cenote, Beaches of Akumal, Xcacel, Xpu Ha, Soliman bay, Tankah and Tulum.
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
Inquire about current specials!
Low Season ..... $80/night (6 night minimum)
May 01-Nov 20 .. $525/wk
Nov 21-Dec 18 .. $660/wk
Dec 19-Jan 10 .. $850/wk
Jan 11-Apr 30 .. $660/wk
One week = 6 nights. 12% tax plus $200 fully refundable security deposit required.
Discounted Rates: Monthly & long term rentals
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Credit Cards Accepted:
Map & Owner's Profile
Ak Kun - Between Akumal & Tulum, Best Value Near Xcacel Beach
Year Purchased: 2008
Why the Owner Chose Akumal
I bought Ak Kun because we finally found a place where my husband and I want to return again and again for our vacations because there is so much to see and do. The area offers amazing beaches and a vibrant culture. Within 5-10 minutes of Ak Kun you will find an array of fun filled sites to visit including Xcacel beach, Akumal Bay, Xel-Ha Ecopark, Yal Ku Lagoon, The Mayan Ruins of Tulum, Hidden Worlds zipline adventures, Dos Ojos Cenotes and Caverns, The Jungle Place Monkey Preserve, AkTun Chen Caves, Tulum beach, the pueblo of Chemuyil and SO MUCH MORE! Don’t even get me started on food because I am a total foodie and have eaten my way from Akumal to Tulum. You can find everything from seaside restaurants and upscale international fare to cheap, local authentic Mexican eateries. My personal favorites not to be missed are Pizzeria Leo’s and Loncheria El Parque in Chemuyil and Lucy’s shrimp tacos & ice cream and La Cueva Del Pescador in Akumal. At the latter you can get a fresh caught grouper entrée and refreshing margarita for less than $10 USD!
The Unique Benefits at this House
The community of Chan Chemuyil has 234 homes and is located a short walk across the street to Xcacel beach via a private gated path. There is also adequate parking at the beach if you prefer to drive over with your beach belongings. If you want to walk to the pueblo of Chemuyil at night for dinner or supplies, just bring a flashlight along.
When you awake in the mornings you will enjoy neighborhood strolls to admire the flora and fauna of the jungle. Afterwards, the waves of Xcacel beach will beckon you to the gorgeous white sand and crystal clear waters for a day of leisure and relaxation.
My onsite property manager is from the US but has lived in Mexico for many years. She is bilingual and readily available to help you with everything you need to know about the area and casa Ak Kun. Her husband is a contractor by trade and is there for immediate assistance if anything happens. They pride themselves on happy customers and will make your stay comfortable and worry-free.
The drive from the Cancun Airport is approx. 1 hour, 15 minutes (about 65 miles).
There are nearby grocery stores and markets for shopping. On the trip south from the airport on 307 you'll pass major chains in Playa Del Carmen, including Soriana, Chedraui, Wal-Mart and Mega. Another great option is San Franciso de Assis supermarket in Tulum, 10 minutes south of Chan Chemuyil on 307. In the pueblo of Chemuyil there is a large convenience store called the Super Pool Express and there are also many smaller local stores that will have basic necessities.
http://flickr.com/photos/chrismcdermitt/2245863340/in/set-72157603871290785/ Xcacel (pronounced ish-ka-cel) is a crescent shaped strand of pure white sand with aqua seas gently lapping the shoreli
Review at: www.sac-be.com/chan_chemuyil1.shtml Photo: http://flickr.com/photos/chrismcdermitt/2856780248/in/set-72157607287864659/
www.thejungleplace.com http://flickr.com/photos/chrismcdermitt/2855941643/in/set-72157607287864659/
Great margaritas and fish tacos! Photos: http://flickr.com/photos/chrismcdermitt/2538186725/in/set-72157605352047902/ http://flickr.com/photos/chrismcdermitt/2539005150/in/set-721576053520
Try the Empanadas Especiale or Tortas. Their guacomole is also tasty! BYOB, ppen for dinner only.
http://flickr.com/photos/chrismcdermitt/2538193969/in/set-72157605352047902/
www.xelha.com http://flickr.com/photos/chrismcdermitt/2855934793/in/set-72157607287864659 Xel-Ha is a water theme park that has an assortment of fun activities ranging from snorkeling in the l
Best location to snorkel with sea turtles. North of Akumal Bay is Half Moon Bay and Yal Ku Lagoon.
Owner's Map of Akumal
Hola! Bienvenido a Ak Kun! I love to travel and seek warm, tropical destinations with fabulous beaches and lots of activities to occupy my restless nature. When I found this little casa in Chan Chemuyil I had to buy it because it is directly across from one of the top beaches in Mexico – Xcacel (pronounced ish-ka-sell). Xcacel is nearly a half mile crescent of perfect white sand and turquoise seas. The beach itself is a turtle sanctuary where you can view turtles hatching at night from May through October, and because of the preservation there it is an undeveloped hidden gem.
Property Photos
- Ak Kun - Charming and Colorful Caribbean Home in the Riviera Maya of Mexico - Akumal Vacation Home near the Beach
- Living room with sofa sectional and dining area featuring eco-friendly furniture - Akumal Vacation Home near the Beach
- Master bedroom - king bedroom set and premium thread count linens - Akumal Vacation Home near the Beach
- Guest bedroom - queen bedroom set with tropical decor and premium linens
- Xcacel Beach - this is paradise! You can walk to Xcacel from Ak Kun in 15 min.!
- Chemuyil beach
- Xel-Ha Ecopark 1 mile south of Ak Kun
- Snorkeling with sea turtles in nearby Akumal Bay
Guest Comments (6)
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #209622
There have been 3826 visitors to this page since the counter was last reset in 2008.
This listing was first published here in 2008.
Date last modified - May 08, 2009
Positive Rating
We had such a great experience while staying at Ak Kun. Not only was the place wonderful, but the surrounding community also. We were always greeted with smiles from the neighbors and even offered a cerveza from one of them while we waited on the keys to our place. We wish that we had discovered this place sooner. Beautiful house, great location, and excellent accommodations! Very close is Tulum, somewhat of an undiscovered paradise to the folk that stick around Cancun Centro. Had we not stayed at Ak Kun, we never would have stumbled upon the great food, gorgeous beaches, and relaxing times that awaited us there. Thanks again for making this place available. It made the difference between an okay vacation and a must-be-repeated vacation.
Positive Rating
We had a really nice vacation. The house was very nice and comfortable. The neighbors were friendly and Renee was very nice and helpful. The directions were great, we had no trouble finding the place. We were a little apprehensive about the drive from Cancun due to the stories about violence in Cancun and then about the police stopping you for no reason, but it was really no problem. Those topes are a trip! :) Seemed to be everywhere :) The beach at Xcacel was fantastic. We also really loved the beach out in front of La Vita e Bella in Tulum. It was before El Paraiso on that beach front road. It was very laid back and a lot less crowded than El Paraiso with really friendly staff. The Jungle Place was very cool and we had a great time there with the monkeys :) The ruins in Tulum and Coba were outstanding. Liked Coba the best as the setting in the jungle makes it a little more serene I think. All in all it was a nice break. Oh...we really enjoyed season 1 of Lost :) That was the evening entertainment :) Thanks again for all your help and will definitely keep your place in mind for future visits!
Positive Rating
Hello Jen, I just wanted to say thank you and that we had a great time. The house was excellent and everything went good. We are spreading the word about your place and have lots of pictures. If you want any copies just let me know. Again Thank You, Johanna
Positive Rating
We had everything we needed, and it was pleasant to be able to come home to our own place. We were glad that we weren't staying at a tourist hotel or resort, and that we had a chance to explore the area on our own. It was possible to visit shops and restaurants that locals frequented, but we did not feel limited by language barriers (Steve knows a little Spanish). We liked being between Tulum and Akamal, and spent a lot of time at both places. We went into Chemuyil as well, and ate there twice, great food both times. We did feel that we needed a car, and staying there without would have been difficult, so I would recommend that future renters have a car. Had we not rented, we probably would have had to get one anyway, and that would have taken time away from other activities. We also thought that the private beach was a little far to walk, so again, a car is probably needed. The beach, by the way was beautiful. This was our first trip to the Yucatan Peninsula, and we loved it; I want very much to go back. Steve tried snorkeling for the first time, and he enjoyed it thoroughly. I would definitely recommend the houses at Chan Chemuyil to anyone thinking of vacationing there, who does not like the whole "resort" concept. We enjoyed staying at your beautiful home.
Positive Rating
Our stay was great!! Thanks for everything.
Positive Rating
Hi Jen! Your casa was GREAT! Your house was so comfortable, I wish we had more time to enjoy it! I will definately recommend it. Feel free to use me for a reference for it! Again, thanks so much! Kim