The Aztec serpent god Quetzalcoatl has come to life in an extraordinary Airbnb rental just north of Mexico City.
El Nido de Quetzalcoatl (Quetzalcoatl's Nest) is a one-of-a-kind rental that's amassing rave reviews on Airbnb from guests who have been enchanted by its surreal beauty. Located far from the hustle and bustle of Mexico City in the lush ravines of Naucalpan, it's the perfect spot for guests looking for a slightly off-the-grid stay that's filled with quirky, architectural delights.
Designed by Mexican architect Javier Senosiain, the psychedelic complex houses ten private apartments in a secret garden. The structure is one of Senosiain's most representative works of organic architecture and was named after the Aztec feathered serpent god, Quetzalcoatl.
Senosiain's aim was to create a space that opposed the traditional architecture of the Mexico City, while respecting the natural environment. The structure is built to make use of the natural caves and curves of the terrain, with apartments spread over 165,000 square feet that meander through the land like a slithering serpent.
One of the apartments is open to guests to rent through Airbnb and can sleep up to eight people in five bedrooms. Each one is fully equipped with a living room, kitchen and laundry room. The rooms are connected by various tunnels and to allow the entry of maximum light, there are no doors - apart from the main entrance. Each room also boasts incredible views of the surrounding land, which looks like it was pieced together from the imagination of J.R.R. Tolkien.
The complex was designed to have a minimal impact on its environment and its extensive gardens and woods are watered with collected rainwater. There is also a vegetable garden on site which residents use to grow their own produce.
Breakfast is included in the booking price and private tours of the extensive botanical gardens can be arranged with the host Patricia, whose innate knowledge of the land and architecture makes for a fascinating daytime activity. Airbnb guests and private residents are the only people who have access to the gardens so the sense of tranquillity never is never broken.
Prices start from US$227 (€196) per night. More information can be found here.