Ingrid

Reviews

Superhost

164 total reviews

89% rated 5★

164 reviews

4.78

2018–2026

Cleanliness 5.0

Accuracy 4.8

Communication 4.8

Location 5.0

Check-in 4.9

Value 4.8

164 reviews

Villa Balam Ek

Tamila

Excellent, 2 months ago

We enjoyed our stay in this well-appointed villa. We were very active during the day and it was a perfect place to unwind at night right on the sea, under the stars

Our group of nine had such an amazing stay here. From the moment we arrived, it felt less like a rental and more like a home. The views are incredible, the bedrooms stayed nice and cool with great AC, and we loved feeling surrounded by nature while still being an easy walk from restaurants, shops, and activities. One of the highlights was Rosa and Humberto. They were so kind, welcoming, and helpful throughout our stay, and they truly made the experience feel special. Ingrid was also a wonderful host and always quick to respond whenever we had a question. We made memories we’ll be talking about for a long time. I’d happily stay here again and would recommend it to anyone visiting Akumal.

Host Response

Thank you and we will be very happy to have you back.

The villa and casita were absolutely wonderful! This was a perfect stay from beginning to end. The sea view, the large luxurious bedrooms with powerful AC, the staff on site, the pool, the lounging area, it was all fantastic! Easy checkin and checkout, the host was very responsive and answered all our questions quickly! I would absolutely stay there again anytime!

Host Response

Thank you so much for your kind words. I’m truly glad you enjoyed the house and had a wonderful stay from beginning to end. It would be a pleasure to welcome you back anytime.

This was our second stay at Casa Luna and it was just as magical this time around! The property is so comfortable and spacious; it feels like staying in a private compound on the Caribbean especially with the standalone carriage house which is an amazing feature on its own. The grounds and house are immaculately maintained and there are so many wonderful gathering places for your entire party. The property abuts a lovely park, providing unobstructed panoramic views of nature and ocean. Sunrises, as you might expect, are worth waking up for! You couldn’t be better situated to enjoy the excellent al fresco dining options - a short walk to the restaurants in the village in one direction and up the beach road towards the lagoon in the other. Finally, I can’t say enough about our host Ingrid and her amazing team who take such wonderful care of this gem of a property. All three individuals were absolutely lovely to deal with, and all the more reason to book Casa Luna if it’s available.

Host Response

Thank you so much for your beautiful words and for choosing Casa Luna once again. It truly means a lot to have you return and enjoy the property just as much the second time. I’m delighted to hear you appreciated the space, the surroundings, and those special sunrise moments, they are indeed something to treasure. It was a pleasure hosting you, and we would be absolutely happy to welcome you back anytime. Warm regards,

This was a spectacular stay. We just loved the location, the staff, and the house. Being right on the water, with a full kitchen, plenty of balconies, and a huge back patio were amazing. Akamal is a nice spot that is definitely touristy, but feels small in comparison to Tulum and Playa del Carmen. We made friends with the local iguanas, and enjoyed snorkeling right off the private dock. Watching sunrise and moonrise from our private balcony was a highlight. As was the private meal that Rosa made for us after a long day visiting Chichen Itza.

Three generations of our family gathered for the Christmas to New Years holidays, the youngest four of our group of ten were aged 5 to 7 and the house accommodated all of our needs, with plenty of space and a child-friendly swimming pool which was a big hit, even though the ocean (Half Moon Bay) was right in front of us, and offered good snorkeling. We expected crowds, and they were there in the business center of Akumal, but our neighborhood could not have been more peaceful. The house is located halfway, an easy walk, between the restaurants and shops of “town” and the wonderful Yal-Ku lagoon where we all swam several times. And the Buena Vida restaurant (very child-friendly) was just a few doors away. Ingrid, who lives in an apartment alongside the house, was a gracious host, always attentive to our needs and questions. We could not have chosen a better place.

Host Response

Thank you so much for your wonderful review. I’m very happy to hear that Villa Balam Ek was a great fit for your family gathering and that you enjoyed the pool, the location, and the peaceful neighborhood. It was truly a pleasure hosting you, and you are welcome back any time!

We had a great stay at Casa Luna. There was plenty of space for our two families (4 adults and 6 kids). Lots of space to find a quiet place to relax. The pool was a great place for the kids to play and we loved the upper deck for relaxing and reading a good book.

Host Response

Thank you so much for your lovely review! I’m very happy to hear that Casa Luna worked well for your two families and that you enjoyed the pool and the upper deck. It was a pleasure hosting you, and I`ll be happy to welcome you back!

Loved villa balam ek! The house was beautiful right on the water. Being able to hear the waves from every room is priceless. Ingrid communicated quickly with any issues and is always available! The location of the house is amazing. There are places to eat and things to do at walking distance. Will definitely be back again!

Host Response

Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm so happy to hear you enjoyed your stay at Villa Balam Ek and appreciated the ocean sounds, location, and nearby spots to explore. It was a true pleasure hosting you, and I'm always here if you need anything. I'd love to welcome you back anytime—hasta pronto!

What a wonderful week we just spent at Balam Ek! We truly did not want to leave. The house is centrally located in Akumal, within easy walking distance of La Buena Vida, a small convenience store, La Lunita, and the Jungle Cafe. Everything was sparkling clean and well-maintained by Leticia and Roberto, and the rooms were comfortable. The views were unbeatable, and the house was well-equipped with towels and kitchen equipment. Sun rises were especially beautiful here! If you want a sandy beach, this is not the house for you. We don’t mind an iron shore, and we swam in the ocean daily right in front of the house. Just make sure you bring water shoes because the volcanic rock is too sharp for bare feet. We would not hesitate to stay at Balam Ek again. Highly recommend!

Host Response

Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear you had such a wonderful time at Balam Ek and enjoyed the ocean views, the comfort of the house, and the great location as you well said it. Leticia and Roberto will be happy to know their work was appreciated. We'd love to welcome you back anytime!

I remain in awe of our stay at Villa Balam Ek. The space Ingrid has created has such peaceful vibe. The minute we walked in we felt like we were right at home. The home is spacious and beautifuly decorated. The bedrooms are lovely with views of the ocean will never leave my mind. We all loved the hammocks! The snorkeling was top knotch, right out our back door. The pool and grounds are immaculate, such attention to detail. It was so nice to walk to fabulous restaurants and shopping. Akumal has captured our hearts and we will return to this paradise again. Thank you Ingrid, Roberto, Leti, and JP!

Host Response

Thank you for such a touching message. It truly means a lot to hear how much you connected with the space and the spirit of Akumal. We’re so happy you felt at home and enjoyed everything—from the hammocks to the snorkeling and nearby spots. I’ll be sure to share your kind words with Roberto, Leti, and JP. We’d love to welcome you back to paradise anytime!

From start to finish everything went well. The outside grounds over looking the sea were beautiful. The house was very nice with plenty of room for everyone. Beds were comfortable. The daily cleaning kept the place in great quality. The neighborhood was quiet with several fun places to eat from happy hours to fine dining. A short walk away is a fun lagoon swimming tour to snorkel. The beach is a short 5-7 min walk where you can snorkel with the famous green turtles. We went with 5 kids 19-24. Akumal is not a party scene if that’s your desire. But if great quality time with family where there is still enough to do to keep young adults happy it’s a great spot.

Host Response

Thank you Tom, That is exactly what Akumal is. A great family vacation destination.

Casa Luna

Dan

Repeat guest

Excellent, 1 year ago

This was our second stay at Casa Luna and we loved it just as much as the first. The home itself is gorgeous and has everything you need for a relaxing stay. We spent quite a bit of time in the pool and on the ocean side patio watching the waves. The home is just a few doors down from La Buena Vida which is a terrific little beachfront bar and restaurant with great food. We ate there multiple times and were never disappointed. The main plaza in town is still very walkable and has a few other great restaurants and a little grocery store. I highly recommend this rental!

Host Response

It was such a pleasure to welcome you back to Casa Luna! I'm so glad to hear your second stay was just as special. Thank you for sharing your experience—we're happy you enjoyed the pool, ocean views, and the great spots nearby. You’re always welcome here, and we hope to host you again soon!

Casa Luna

John

OK, 2 years ago

I chose this house because of the reviews about the cooking from Rosa. I expressed a want for her cooking throughout our stay. The communication by the team on the ground was awful. Never responded or setup our dinners. The house doesn’t have a common area that is air conditioned and they will turn off your room air conditioners each day so difficult for groups when the weather is hot. The house is not great for kids, many sharp corners and balcony drop offs. Over all akumal bay is very nice, the Gardner who showed us the home was very nice. Other than that the staff team left a lot to be desired and when I confronted the issue was met with rude remarks and dismissive attitudes.

Host Response

Thank you for your feedback and for staying in Casa Luna. I’m sorry to hear that your experience did not meet your expectations. I’d like to address a few points: Air Conditioning: As mentioned in the property description, air conditioning is currently available only in the bedrooms. I apologize if this was not clear. Communication: The housekeeper/Cook and other staff were in constant communication with the friends/co-workers who were staying with you. I understand this may have led to some confusion if you were not aware that the communication was clear and happening. Cooking: The instructions for your stay included the point that Rosa was the contact for the cooking, and that arrangements needed to be made directly with her. It was also communicated to me that the people/co-workers who came with you were unhappy and uncomfortable with your own attitude and way of going about things. They did expressed to Rosa and to the staff that, they had a great time working with us and were very grateful to our staff for their service. For future reference, I would recommend maintaining respectful communication with hosts and staff as this helps ensure a more positive experience for everyone involved. Your feedback is valuable in helping us improve. Wishing you the best in your future stays.

This house is great for multiple families vacationing together. There are essentially three separate areas (first is the casita with a king bed, second is the upstairs with a king bed and a separate kitchen and third is the main living space with two bedrooms, one has a king with adjacent room with bunk beds and the second has two beds). Rosa and Humberto were very kind. There are a few places to eat nearby and Ingrid assisted us in renting a golf cart. Great family vacation!

We would absolutely come back for another visit! The living space could be used as 3 separate units, each with kitchen, bathrooms, etc. We had 3 couples plus 4 kids and it worked great. We could all have our privacy but still come together in the common area. The location is fantastic. We were close to Akumal beach and turtle tours at the dive shop as well as the lagoon just up the road and the Akumal Monkey Sanctuary. Ingrid has info about a private cenote tour which is fantastic. Outside of Akumal you don’t have far to go to get to Tulum, Xel Ha and lots of other well known cenotes. There are plenty of good dining options in the area. Like others who have stayed at Casa Luna we requested Rosa’s cooking one of our evenings and we were not disappointed. The diner was fantastic. Humberto keeps the property looking pristine and helped the kids open some coconuts they acquired from the trees in the yard. Casa Luna has a lot to offer. We would highly recommend a stay.

Host Response

Thank you so much for your visit, I`ll look forward to welcome you back.

Ingrid's house is wonderful and the setting too. It's very well equipped, warm and comfortable. Both Leti and Roberto are very attentive and maintain the property in an excellent way. We had a wonderful time as a family. We'll be back when we can.

We had a lovely stay! It’s not a sandy beach and we couldn’t get into the water, but the rocks were interesting to explore. The house and the views are stunning!! The house is split in two, with one full apartment separated from the other 3 bedrooms, which worked fine for our group. The staff is awesome and attentive. The upper terrace is amazing, but there are big gaps which made it a bit scary with small kids, but we were able to manage. The kitchen is well-equipped, which was super useful.

What an incredible place to stay! The house is immaculate, luxurious, and spacious with beautiful views of the sunrise, sunset, and ocean. We were a group of six and there was plenty of room, with beds to spare. We could have spent the entire vacation on the moon roof alone! The surrounding area feels very safe and is walkable to several restaurants and the public beach. The beach in front of the house is rocky but fun to explore. Rosa and Humberto were lovely, friendly, and helpful. Rosa's cooking is a must at least once during your stay! Truly the best Airbnb experience we've ever had. Already planning the next trip back!

This place is in the perfect location in Akumal, about halfway between the plaza and the end of the road, right next to La Buena Vida restaurant. The house is very spacious and the yard/pool area was great for lounging. There are AC units in each of the bedrooms, and the main part of the house could get stuffy if there was no breeze. There was a house cleaner and gardener who came to the house every day, and tips were expected at the end of the stay, even though there was an Airbnb cleaning fee. Otherwise, no complaints. This property is amazing and I would definitely stay here again.

We loved our stay at beautiful Casa Luna! The house was perfect for our family, everyone had space to relax and enjoy! The views are stunning! We loved the clean comfortable bedrooms, plenty of bathrooms, the pool, the balconies, the big outdoor table, the hammocks, yard, the privacy of the guest house, even the “crow’s nest” top floor bar! Lots of nature to enjoy! We highly recommend enjoying Rosa’s meals, we had her cook 2 amazing breakfasts for our group, and one delicious dinner. She kept our space very clean, as did our gardener. We were able to easily walk to Akumal beach, as well as great restaurants, although my son decided to rent a golf cart to transport his young children to and from the beach. I highly recommend a stay at Casa Luna!

The Coral Castle Luna (as we renamed it) is WAY better than it looks in the pictures. This place is Huge! Constructed like a castle, complete with a mini mermaid cove in the rocks against the sea, and a sun/moon deck that hosts spectacular risings and settings. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in this beautiful home. Everyone had their own space, and it was an excellent place to both relax and celebrate with our friends. The home has 4 main sections with a 5th on the roof that wasn't ready yet. Scaffolded apartments gave this home it's "castle" like vibe which suited us very well, and we spent time together in each section of the villa. The terrain was everything you could ask for: rock, grass, balcony, hammock, terrace, veranda, outdoor seating, and a small patch of sand... we wanted for nothing! It is in a gated area, and there is 24h surveillance/security which at times freaked us out, but upon review we realized was good for peace of mind.

This must be hands down the best airbnb experience of my life and I've stayed in dozens of them. This home is amazing - right on the bay, incredible amounts of room - we had 8 people stay and we left a master suite untouched. Akumal is beautiful and a great break from the chaos of Cancun, PDC or Tulum. Tons to do right in town. I would recommend Ingrid's place to absolutely anyone!

Host Response

Thank you so much for choosing our town for your vacation.

Beautiful Casa Luna continues to pull us to Akumal and Half Moon Bay; the house is architecturally intriguing, solidly built and spacious, with plenty of lounging room for everyone in sun and shade. The beds are comfy. You'll need to bring shampoo/conditioner or buy the Mayan Honey shampoo from the local store--everything else is otherwise provided. Books, games, Netflix, beach towels, freshly cut coconuts, walking distance to local restaurants create the perfect place to relax in a stunning setting overlooking the ocean.

This property was a dream. The photos don’t do it justice. Very well maintained. Lots of space. Excellent customer service from house manager, grounds keeper and housekeeper (all of whom visit the property daily). Location is close to amenities - restaurants, shops and activities- all within 0.5 mile. We had housekeeper Rosa cook for us which was one of the best meals we have had, for an extra fee. Pro tips: kitchen is fully stocked including coffee maker, so you can cook if you’d like. A few grocery options exist, including grocery delivery. We will definitely return to this property.

Beautiful place, very nice and accommodating hosts. JP even showed up in 5 m in the town to help us get into the beach. My only reservation is the hot tub did not work, even after trying JPs instructions. The water doesn’t stay hot and doesn’t fill up, it just drains. Also I thought it was a bit much to ask to leave a $50-70 tip for the cleaning crew, since the cleaning fee is so high. All in all a great place, glad we stayed here. Very close to akumal (10m walk, 5m drive) and close to Tulum (25m drive)

Casa Luna

Rachel

Excellent, 3 years ago

We spent an amazing week at Casa Luna. The house is beautiful and well cared for. Ingrid and JP were very responsive and helpful when there was an unexpected power outage. We loved having Rosa and Humberto around. The location was perfect for a 3 generation family vacation. We would definitely stay here again!

I checked out of this house a few weeks ago and I truly haven’t stopped thinking about it. I’ve been conflicted on the review because I feel like this place is the best kept secret in Mexico. The pictures don’t do this home justice whatsoever. There’s an unexplainable beauty to this home. I truly didn’t want to leave. The days are breathtaking, enjoying breakfast on the back patio hearing the sounds of the ocean. The nights are serene and magical sitting on the roof under the stairs. I just can’t wait to rent it again and go back.

Very nice well-kept house with stunning views of the Caribbean. Unfortunately, you can't go swimming in the sea without shoes, because of the many stones. There was an incredible amount of seaweed and other dirt on the coast that smelled a bit. Unfortunately, there was only 1 kayak for 1 person that made excursions with several people impossible. The staff were very, very friendly and really did a great job.

Host Response

Hello Dirk, Thank you for your review. We always recommend water shoes to enter the water because of the rocks and all the living creatures in nature. Sea urchins, fish, corals, etc. We only have one kayak, and that is what we advertise, we used to have more kayaks, but I had to replace them every three months because some people don`t treat them well, and 80% of my guests don`t use them. So, it`s not worth having more kayaks. From April to November is the Turtle nesting season, and we must have all of the lights by the ocean site turned off. So, as some guests don`t follow the instructions and rules, we decided to disconnect the pool's light, which could be very bright. That is the reason the pool does not have light. The housekeeper and gardener are great workers, and I`m happy to hear that you had a good time and they did a good job.

Casa Luna

Dade

Repeat guest

Excellent, 4 years ago

Best vacation ever! The pictures are beautiful but do not do the home justice - Wow! Casa Luna has the most beautiful views on every level of the house. We were a small family but the home has plenty of room for bigger families to spread out and also gather. Rosa kept the house perfectly clean and towels replenished each day. The kitchen is well equipped to cook meals as well. The grounds are very well kept by Humberto as well. We also enjoyed the wildlife, a few friendly iguanas and plenty of hermit crabs visited us. The sound of the wind blowing through the palms and the sound of the waves was so relaxing. We enjoyed walking to Buena Vida for amazing food and drinks! It's right on the beach and even has a pool. We highly recommend breakfast and lunch at Turtle Bay cafe with amazing food and blended smoothies. Also, we hired Rosa to cook a meal for us one night and it was so delicious - oh my goodness the coconut flan! There is a great dive shop right up the road with a very friendly and knowledgable staff! You can book dives and snorkel with the sea turtles. A short drive away there are plenty of cenotes to visit as well. We had such a great stay here, we did not want to leave! We will definitely be returning to Casa Luna /Akumal as soon as we can.

This place it is. Book it. This house has all the amenities of other houses, but with more privacy both from those you are traveling with, as well as others in the area. There are ostensibly 3 separate suites, completely separated, with kitchens, bathrooms, etc. It was a perfect place for three families, with 5 kids to travel. The pool is great, and while not facing the ocean, it offers respite for the winds if there are any. We were able to snorkel right off the front of the house, and even swam to dinner one night at the local restaurant a few doors down, which also has a great pool and food. While we were visiting the seagrass was pretty significant, as it can be in March and April. We headed to Xpu-Ha beach a few minutes north, and for a small fee you get access to chairs, shade, and a beach that managed the seagrass. We also headed to cenotes three days, and those were truly amazing. I recommend Cristalino and Escondito, just south of tulum. For one fee you get access to both, and they are really beautiful and not as touristy/crowded as the other ones along the highway. Also, go to Coba for great ruins in the jungle. Ingrid was super communicative, from helping us get into the Akumal Beach, to recommending places to buy fresh whole fish, to arranging a Covid test at the house, she usually responded to emails in a matter of minutes, and was extremely helpful. Rosa and Victor were great, the house and grounds were perfect. All in all a great stay. will be back!

Our stay was incredible and the house was even better than advertised. The pictures do not do it justice! Very clean and very comfortable. The staff were very hospitable and Juan and Claudia were readily available and very helpful. We really enjoyed our time and the accommodation was perfect for everyone. The location is perfect with shops and restaurants within walking distance. It was also really great to stay in a place where we really felt that we were able to interact with the local community. The neighbourhood felt very safe. We walked to and from the nearby restaurant at night without feeling vulnerable at all. There are nearby activities for the whole family very close by. We snorkelled right off the jetty….make sure to bring water shoes to navigate your way over the rocks… once you are past the rocks and in the water it is amazing!! I highly recommend staying at Villa Balam Ek!

Host Response

Thank you Zanele for your review and suggestions. I really appreciate it.

Casa Luna was absolutely perfect for our party of 8 for the 5 nights we stayed. All rooms are separate and offer privacy. The upper sun/MOON deck is out of this world. We definitely understand why the home is called Casa Luna! Pictures cannot capture the beauty, so soak it in and let it burn into your memories! The staff was amazing and we want to give a shout out to the housekeeper, Rosa, in particular. We hired her to cook for us on our final night and it was magnificent. The aroma was lingering while she cooked and you just KNEW it was going to be incredible! Can't say enough! We rented golf carts and that turned out to be a great decision for going in to town for restaurants, dive shop and beach. The dive shop has a "Robinson Crusoe" catamaran sail/snorkel that we booked in advance and it was by far our favorite day on the trip. It is an absolute must!!! Santos and Jose cooked up an amazing meal with ceviche and fried grouper that Santos did out in the jungle! Also hired the dive shop for a cenote tour and had Santos(again) and Raoul! Not kidding when I say they are the best! Clearly we had a fantastic trip and wouldn't hesitate to book Casa Luna again!

This home is 5 stars PLUS! We stayed with a group of friends and family for 17 days. The home is in a great location for activities, restaurants, the beach, or just a day at home at the pool. Ingrid is a very responsive host and the home is even more beautiful than the pictures. The staff (house keeper and grounds keeper) are a huge bonus. They were kind, friendly and helpful. We had dinner prepared for us on several occasions and it was unbelievable. I cannot express how much we loved this home and I would highly recommend it to family and friends. We will no doubt stay again when we get back to Akumal. Thank you Ingrid, Rosa and Victor!!!

Casa Luna

Rachel

Excellent, 4 years ago

Booked this house for my bachelorette party. Stayed here with 7 friends and had such an amazing time. Beautiful home, loved the set up. Incredible views. Within walking distance to a fun cenote and the beach (Akumal bay). They way the house is set up and spread out, there was more than enough space for everyone. Very helpful and sweet staff, too. This was one of the best trips I have ever been on, I highly recommend!

Casa Luna

Julie

Excellent, 4 years ago

Like everyone is saying, the pictures are great but this place will BLOW YOU AWAY in person! The outdoor covered patio overlooking the ocean is fantastic. There are SO many different places to gather. Do not miss a sunset on the 3rd floor solarium/bar, you can catch a glimpse of the beautiful sunset colors to the southwest while watching the ocean and half moon bay. We made breakfast in the well-equipped kitchen every morning of our one week stay. Even though you'll never want to leave the house, it is so easy to get everywhere from Casa Luna. We went a short drive south to Tulum for a beautiful lunch, a shorter drive south to Dos Ojos cenote, a very short drive north to Xpa-Hu Beach club (twice!). The beach had white sand and clear blue carribean water. Don't miss it. Also, if you have a larger group, Chedroui supermarket is so close in Puerto Adventuras. One stop there and you won't have to run to the market or eat out so much. We wish the food in akumal was less touristsy, so if you want authentic, great food while you are there go into the Pueblo or, better yet, have Rosa cook for you! It was the best meal we had. We will stay there again and again, it was so comfortable and inviting.

The house is eclectic with lots of space for 2 or 3 families. Many different levels and patios. The grassy area for the babies & kids was so great. Oh and it’s ocean front with a small sandy access to swimming and snorkeling. The host and the cook were amazing! They arranged everything we needed with a simple text message. We didn’t know what to expect when we arrived but we are so happy with the place and the service. We hope to come back again soon.

We very much enjoyed our stay at Casa de la Luna. The location is great - a short walk in one direction to the public (with a fee/access through the dive shop) beach and in the other direction to La Buena Vida - and a longer walk past the restaurant to the lagoon. Rosa and Umberto were lovely and helpful. One challenge of visiting over holidays this year is that they both took a (very well-deserved) holiday beginning after work Friday through Monday morning. But Rosa was willing to prepare some very tasty food that we could heat up later for New Years Eve and Day. As is clearly stated in the description, there is not a sandy beach at the house. If the water were calm, I think you could swim off the rocks. The waves were pretty rough for us - which made us nervous to swim off the rocks. But the rocks made for gorgeous walking (with shoes or water shoes) and looking at snails, etc. The kids loved the pool (which is deep enough to dive for coins), the resident iguanas, Rosa's guacamole and mango juice, and looking at stars from the roofs of all of the different parts of the property.

Casa Luna

Ashley

Excellent, 4 years ago

Exquisite. Everything. You cannot possibly imagine how much more beautiful it is in person. What a location. Walking distance to fabulous restaurants and beach and turtles and lagoon.

Casa Luna is absolutely amazing!! It is a massive place that can easily fit a big group or a couple families. It has so many wonderful outdoor spaces to sit and enjoy the ocean views. The pool is clean, cool and so refreshing. The housekeeper and groundkeeper, Rosa and Umberto, are so lovely. We absolutely recommend the dinner that Rosa can make for guests. The host, Ingrid, is also wonderful and welcoming. She greeted us and was available for any questions we had while we were there. The beach in front of the house is rocky, but with the right shoes you can walk out to the water and have a swim and a snorkel. There is a sandy beach just a short walk away (ask Ingrid for the trick to get into the beach :)) The house is within walking distance of some great restaurants and small grocery stores if you wanted to to some cooking in one of the three fully stocked kitchens. 10/10 would recommend!!

Host Response

It was great to have you, Yes please come back soon!!!

I don't even know where to start! Ingrid was so helpful and responsive and her staff Rosa y Umberto were so friendly. The house was incredible in every way, perfect for our group of 8 (with plenty of room to spare). Some of the rooms are essentially separate apartments, ensuring everyone has the space they need, while also providing ample space for the group. Pool was excellent. Easy access to the bay for snorkeling. Stunning sunrises. And we highly recommend having Rosa prepare dinner while there! Hope to stay here again in the future. Muchas gracias, Ingrid!

Host Response

I`m so happy you had a great time! We are here, come back soon.

it was OK. Relatively nice community but expensive. Value = 2/5 Pool = I would call it a huge jacuzzi, not a pool. Water was dirty and too warm. Kitchen = Very small, well supplied. Rooms = Spacious and generous. Bathrooms = Paper can't be thrown in the toilet. Not ideal for tropical weather. Wi-Fi = only works in the main living room. Beach = No beach access. House is by the sea, but it's coral reef full of urchins. You have to pay USD $6/person to access the public beach. Unpleasant surprise. Full of sargassum (algae). Staff & Service = Excellent. Very friendly and professional. The best part of the house. Cooking = charged additionally, $7/person per meal. Very expensive for a Latin American country. Very good cook, though. AC = Only in bedrooms. Overall I think Akumal is just an OK destination. You think you are getting off the beaten path but not really. Just poorer tourist infrastructure yet still expensive. I wouldn't recommend it.

Villa Balam Ek

Dan

Excellent, 5 years ago

Lovely spot! We were a group of 4 couples who had a great time at Villa Balam Ek. Highly recommended!

Wow. We had such a wonderful time at Casa Luna. Our family of 4 (+ 2 more friends) had so much space. It was the perfect house for us, and Rosa & Humberto made it even better. We hired Rosa to cook 2x and the food was incredible, and she made so much that we had plenty of leftovers for breakfast/lunch the next day. Casa Luna is also in a great location, close enough to walk to restaurants, shops, the Akumal beach, etc…..We’d 100% recommend Casa Luna, and we will be back

House is beautiful and very nice and clean. The added daily cleaning is awesome. The pool was wonderful and very clean. The house has everything you need as far as cooking utensils and towels and everything. The only thing is that this house is listed as a 4 bedroom however in my opinion it is only a 3 bedroom and 1/2 as the master bedroom has an extension that has a very small child bed in it but no door or not an actual separate bedroom. The bathroom to this room also has no door so there was no privacy. Another problem was that the master bedroom was very very hot as the AC didn’t seem to be working well. Not the best place for a large family like ours of 10 adults and 2 infants. It would of been perfect for a family of not more than 8 people.

Host Response

Hello, Thank you for your comments and reviews about Villa Balam Ek. However, I would like to correct you on the bedrooms, see below the information about it. 1st bedroom: Ground floor with one king-size bed 2nd. Bedroom: Second floor with 2 double beds, one single bed 3rd. Master bedroom: 1 king-size bed, one small ½ bedroom with a single bed 4th bedroom: Guesthouse attached to the house: 1 king-size bed I do advertise the house as 4 bedrooms because it has 4 bedrooms, I`m sorry that you didn`t use the fourth bedroom, and I don`t know why it was there available for you. The ½ bedroom you mentioned that is an extension of the master bedroom is not advertised as a bedroom. So, it does not count as one of the four bedrooms. I`m sorry to hear that you didn`t use the whole house.

Casa Luna was an incredible experience! The whole time I was in the house felt like a dream. Casa Luna was absolutely stunning, boasting incredible architecture and design, a breathtaking ocean view, and balconies galore. Despite staying here with a large group of friends, the house felt very private - especially the detached guest house - ensuring we all had our own personal place when needed. Although we had rental cars, they aren’t a necessity here as there are several restaurants, shops, and beaches within walking distance. My favorite part every day was walking out to the yard to lay in a hammock and look out at the ocean while iguanas were sunbathing on the rocks nearby (along with a whole host of other interesting critters that made their appearance from time to time). The stars were so bright and beautiful from the rooftop at night and the pool was so refreshing any hour of the day. The bright, warm colors and decorative tiles all over the house were uplifting, and all of the staff were the kindest and most accommodating people you could hope to meet. All in all, the house, location, staff, and ocean views are all amazing. Next time I’m in Akumal, I know where I’ll be staying!

we rented the home with another family for this trip. The rooms were comfortable and all necessities were available. It was wonderful being only steps to the water. Although you could technically get in the water from the property, we did not make an attempt due to the rough water and limestone. The staff was excellent...so very friendly. We didn't communicate with Ingrid during the trip but had excellent communication with Juan Pablo and Claudia who were our hosts. JP assisted with getting our vaccinations and also provided a private cenote tour in Akumal which was incredible. Multiple good restaurants are within walking distance. We also felt very safe during our time at Balam Ek. We would return.

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