The Wild Story of Yakunah #Design
New York 2025. Not everyone would bet on a property they’ve never seen, but Jose Sala and Sarah Guth Sala aren’t just anyone. Armed with strategy, vision, and a taste for adventure, this power duo dove headfirst into the world of luxury real estate auctions, winning Yakunah and transforming it into a next-level jungle retreat.
Their journey wasn’t just about buying a home; it was about crafting an experience. From navigating an international purchase to orchestrating a seamless renovation in the heart of the Riviera Maya, José and Sara turned challenges into opportunities. The result? A breathtaking escape where nature, luxury, and culture exist in perfect harmony.
This is their story.
How did you find this property, and what made you decide it was the perfect place?
We found this opportunity after carefully studying the market and calculating potential investment returns in the world of luxury auctions. That’s how we ended up at Concierge Auctions, one of the most important real estate auction houses.
Buying a property of this scale internationally was a big challenge. We left Colorado without knowing if the deal would go through, but thanks to all the research and preparation, we made it happen. We actually won the auction and bought the property without ever seeing it in person! Instead, we relied on detailed inspections, engineer and architect reports, and advice from experts to make the best decision. Our focus was clear: understanding what was needed to turn this house into the best rental property in the area.
How was the renovation process? Any unexpected challenges?
For such a big project, we actually stayed within budget—huge credit to Sarah and Nury for leading the process so well.
Challenges? Definitely. The property is in Mexico, and sometimes it felt like even nature was against us! But in those tough moments, our team kept us motivated. The people we worked with became the heart of this project, and their passion made all the difference.
What inspired the design and concept of Yakunah?
Yakunah was designed to blend perfectly with nature. Even though it’s in a gated community, it’s surrounded by jungle, so we wanted it to feel connected to its surroundings.
We wanted the villa to capture the warmth of the Caribbean, the spice of habanero peppers, and the essence of a traditional pibil dish. Local culture was our biggest inspiration—we wanted guests to feel like they had discovered the best-kept secret of the Mexican Caribbean.
The name Yakunah means “love” in Maya, and that’s exactly what we wanted to bring to life—a place where summer never ends, and love is at the center of every experience.
The lagoon plays a big role in the Yakunah experience. What makes it so special?
Yalku is a true hidden gem. Having a lagoon like this so close is an incredible privilege. It’s open to the public, but access is limited and requires a fee. However, for Yakunah guests, it’s part of the stay.
Beyond its beauty, the lagoon is also an important ecological site, acting as a natural nursery for marine life and helping to preserve the local ecosystem.
What’s your favorite thing about being here?
The best part of Yakunah is that it’s never empty! This house was designed for sharing moments with family and friends. It’s a place where loneliness is rare, and every moment turns into a special memory.
It’s the perfect spot to relax, enjoy, and live life’s most beautiful moments.
If you had to describe Yakunah in three words, what would they be?
Love – For what we do as a business and a brand.
Harmony – With nature and local culture.
Calm – A true escape for peace and relaxation.
How do you want people to feel when they visit Yakunah?
We want them to feel like they just bought their own beach house—like they spent years designing and renovating it just for themselves.
But here’s the difference: there’s no stress, no exhaustion—just pure enjoyment. From the moment they arrive, we want our guests to feel completely taken care of, as if Yakunah was created just for them.
That’s why we focus on the experience: sharing, relaxing, and creating unforgettable moments in a place designed for connection and tranquility.
What defines a luxury property for you? Is it about space, materials, or design?
For us, luxury means living fully in the present, without worrying about tomorrow.
It’s all about simplicity done right:
Creating with a clear purpose.
Designing spaces that are both functional and flexible.
Letting guests experience the space in their own way, without rigid rules.
Luxury is about freedom, comfort, and effortless satisfaction.
Where can people book or rent Yakunah?
You can book directly on our website:
🌐 www.villayakunah.com
Booking through our site gives you the best rates and a smoother trip-planning experience. We want every guest to enjoy Yakunah to the fullest!