Towering over the blue sea, the ruins of Tulum are of course the first thing that comes to mind when this little seaside town is mentioned! Surrounded by white sand beaches and ocean as far as the eye can see, Tulum is one of the best spots in the world to disconnect for a few days and enjoy the pleasures of the sea.
Located on the Riviera Maya, it's the ideal base for those who would prefer to stay in one place and visit the Yucatán Peninsula rather than embarking on a road trip. The magnificent archeological sites at Chichen Itza and Coba are accessible during the daytime. The area is also full of cenotes, local natural phenomena that are absolutely worth a detour. The biosphere of Sian Ka'an is also easily within reach!
When it comes to places to stay, a number of boutique-style hotels have popped up along the beautiful coast over the past few years. The most accessible hotels are located in the city center, but the seaside is the place to go for eco-friendly-style hotels, each of them offering just a handful of rooms and suites.
The atmosphere here is rather bohemian, with vegan, organic, and gluten-free restaurants on every street corner. Situated about two hours outside Cancún International Airport, Tulum is much more exclusive and better-preserved than its sister city Cancún.
Here's a selection of the best hotels in Tulum!
Azulik
Who hasn’t dreamed of sleeping in a tree house? At the Azulik hotel, your dream can become a reality! Facing an idyllic beach, this establishment is a destination in and of itself! It's the perfect place to go for a “digital detox” treatment (with no wifi in the rooms).
When it comes to relaxation, the Maya spa offers a variety of treatments that combine ancestral Mayan methods with cutting-edge therapeutic regimens. A sauna, meditation domes, and spaces for practicing yoga all contribute to a feeling of peace and calm within the spa.
Mi Amor: An Adults Only Colibri Boutique Hotel
A member of the Colibri collection, the Mi Amor hotel is an upscale boutique hotel with only 17 rooms and suites in total, offering complete privacy to each of its guests. On top of that, the hotel is “Adults Only,” guaranteeing a tranquil experience. Most of the rooms face the ocean, with a view that's romantic as can be!
Be Tulum Beach & Spa Resort
Be Tulum is without a doubt one of the best hotels in Tulum! It boasts several impressive features, including gorgeous locally influenced design, a restaurant serving fresh and varied cuisine, and a highly reputed spa. Yäan Wellness offers carefully designed treatments inspired by pre-Columbian ancestral rituals.
This ultra-fashionable boutique hotel attracts chic tourists from across the globe who are seeking to disconnect for a few nights. Its idyllic setting, including a white sand beach and an infinity pool, are undeniable assets for this hotel, which offers tasteful (rather than flashy) luxury.
With 64 rooms and suites, it's the trendiest hotel in Tulum. While the tourist season features a parade of DJs throwing parties on the beach, the off-season is much calmer and less crowded.
Hotel Esencia
The spirit of Tulum shines through at the Hotel Esencia, which is a favorite among numerous celebrities and fashionistas. Even though this boutique hotel is world-famous, you'd think it was a secret paradise! This former beach house was converted into one of the Mexican coast's chicest boutique hotels in 2005. With only 40 rooms and suites, it guarantees near-total privacy.
In terms of dining, international chef Dimitris Katrivesis has opened a fusion restaurant here, combining the best of Japanese and Peruvian food.
Nomade Tulum
Opened in December 2015, the hotel Nomade Tulum displays Moroccan-style design, from the common areas to the 51 rooms and suites. This eco-friendly hotel was constructed using local materials. Whether you opt for a luxury tent or a superb villa facing the ocean, every room is decorated with works created by local artisans, and some of the ocean-view suites even include a private pool.
Two restaurants are available to satisfy your taste buds: Macondo, which serves vegan cuisine, and La Popular, Tulum's most famous beach grill. For ultimate relaxation, a yoga course is available every morning (and included in the price of the room), just like the delicious breakfast buffet!
About Florence Consul
Editor of Experiences Luxe since 2015, I love discovering new exclusive and authentic experiences all over the world. I left my home country (France) 6 years ago to become a global citizen, traveling 365 days out of the year. I am a foodie person and I make a point of tasting local specialities.