Down the coast from Playa del Carmen, on the less-developed stretch of Riviera Maya, there is Tulum, where vacationers can experience the sybarite excess and thumping basslines of beach clubs just as easily as the sophisticated beauty, gourmet food, and tranquility of small hotels and guesthouses. The best boutique hotels in Tulum blend a luxe boho-chic style and hints of new-age spirituality with an atmosphere of a carefree, barefoot vacation. And yet, there are still some that embrace classic luxury.
In any case, you’ll find all of these below, in our regularly updated list of the best boutique hotels in Tulum, listed here in no particular order. Enjoy!
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Fab resorts for the perfect vacation
La Valise effortlessly combines the best elements of Tulum, creating a unique blend of luxury and grounded simplicity. The sophisticated design seamlessly integrates local authenticity with a touch of spirituality, evoking memories of the wilderness. Thatched-roof private beachfront bungalows exude rustic charm, harmoniously blending with the natural surroundings. Interiors feature cozy furniture and light fabrics, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Hammocks sway in the sea breeze, and simple daybeds beckon on the beach, embodying a tasteful interpretation of the Robinson Crusoe fantasy. The resort hosts two restaurants: one serves breakfast and lunch with a theme of Mayan-influenced local cuisine, while the other, NÜ Tulum, opens for dinner, boasting a team of seven chefs from Mexico City.
Alternatively, book La Valise Tulum via
Tablet Hotels | Mr & Mrs Smith | Expedia or check TripAdvisor.
Website: La Valise Tulum, Tulum, Mexico. Photos © La Valise Tulum
Situated in one of the first private villas on Tulum Beach, Xela has transformed into a 12-key boutique hotel overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Architect Carlos Larios’s mindful renovation preserves the original wabi-sabi design, featuring soft sand-like hues and inviting textures. With open-air living spaces, two pools, spa cabins, and individually designed suites facing the sea, Xela offers a homely tranquility. The rooftop, Tulum Beach’s highest point, provides panoramic views, and the beachfront restaurant serves modern Mexican cuisine with locally sourced organic ingredients.
Alternatively, book XELA Tulum via
Expedia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © XELA Tulum
Set on a 50-acre beachfront land, and amid lush, tropical greenery, Hotel Esencia feels intimate and exclusive. Indeed, it is located away from the clamor of crowds of Tulum. Swimming pools with ocean views, a romantic beach, and easygoing bars create a sense of detachment from everyday life. Hotel Esencia was probably our favorite hotel on the entire Riviera Maya. Did you follow our stay on Instagram?
We loved our experience of this Caribbean estate, not least because of its unique design. Esencia fuses minimalist luxury and sleek modernity with hints of a rustic Mayan style through a squeaky-clean white-on-white interior design theme, broken up with splotches of color in locally sourced fabrics. This beautiful beachfront resort is a favorite spot for honeymooners and families alike (and an occasional celebrity), and it offers excellent levels of privacy and serves terrific food — perhaps the best we had in Yucatan.
We stayed at Hotel Esencia — make sure to read our review!
Alternatively, book Hotel Esencia via
Tablet Hotels | Expedia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Hotel Esencia, Tulum, Mexico. Photos © Hotel Esencia
Nomade Tulum is the luxe boho vibe of Tulum incarnate. “Conceived as a habitat to awake the soul,” this beachfront hotel offers an inspired world traveler its beachfront huts, luxury tents, and jungle villas as a bohemian experience in a spiritually-awakened atmosphere — especially at The Yäan Wellness Energy Spa. The spa is shared with the sister hotel Be Tulum (also on our list!). Nomade’s main restaurant Maconda is a real eye candy, with its communal space styled as a quasi-Moroccan “tent,” furnished with layers of patterned rugs, vintage pillows, tasseled light fixtures, and low tables. (As evidenced in this Instagram pic we took!)
Alternatively, book Nomade Tulum via
Tablet Hotels | Expedia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Nomade Tulum, Tulum, Mexico. Photo © Nomade Tulum
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NEST Tulum was one of the first hotels we picked to stay in Tulum. Opening onto the Tulum beach, and filled with tropical greenery, NEST created a place of “natural simplicity” — thanks to its sophisticated rustic style and original architecture. This boutique hotel is composed of only nine guest houses, as well as a four-bedroom private villa. Designed to be cozy and romantic, the interiors feel authentic and intimate, creating a unique atmosphere of laid-back tranquility. The staff’s exceptional service is rooted in the Mayan culture’s traditions — and contributes to the feeling of a perfect harmony of coziness and luxury. (Check out our pics on Instagram: this one from our room or this one a chic breakfast!)
Alternatively, book Nest Tulum via
Tablet Hotels | Expedia | Mr & Mrs Smith or check TripAdvisor.
Website: Nest Tulum, Tulum, Mexico. Photo © Nest Tulum
Located in the most attractive part of the “hotel zone,” and right next to its sister hotel Nomade, the uber-chic Be Tulum has been created for design-conscious travelers. Here, the décor panders to contemporary international sensibilities, with a simple BoHo chic aesthetic that creates a refined, subtle luxury and a distinctive adults-only atmosphere.
The guest rooms are outfitted with hammocks, plunge pools or jacuzzis, indoor and outdoor showers, and modern comforts. The hotel faces a quiet stretch of the beach, and among its standout facilities is an attractive infinity pool with a glass side. There is also a grill restaurant, two bars with a mezcal selection, and the Yäan Wellness Energy Spa is just across the street.
Alternatively, book Be Tulum Beach & Spa Resort via
Tablet Hotels | Expedia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Be Tulum, Tulum, Mexico. Photos © Be Tulum
Hotel Bardo promises an experience of contemporary lifestyle luxury, designed around the sense of transformation to awaken the mind. At the center of the concept lies an invitation to introspection and mindfulness, based on the idea of a “loft-style villa” (albeit one with a private pool). The hotel offers various ceremonies and practices of “healing” (e.g., using sound or heat), designed to put you in a self-reflective mood. Surrounded by a tropical jungle, the hotel is decorated with local handmade art and features a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool, and a bar. A concierge service is available.
Alternatively, book Hotel Bardo Tulum via
Tablet Hotels | Expedia | Agoda | Mr & Mrs Smith or check TripAdvisor.
Website: Hotel Bardo, Tulum, Mexico. Photos © Hotel Bardo
Our 2024 list of the best hotels, villas, and apartments on Milos
The boutique hotel in the heart of Tulum’s jungle embodies barefoot sophistication with 26 villas featuring extensive gardens, semi-outdoor showers immersed in nature, and some with private plunge pools. With a neutral-only palette, oversized thatching, breezy weaving fabrics, and a lush jungle backdrop, Muaré Tulum reflects the town’s bohemian roots. The property is designed around a meandering pool reminiscent of a lagoon. Gaudea, the hotel’s dining venue, serves poolside fresh fruit smoothies in the morning and transforms into a candlelit dinner spot with mezcal-based cocktails in the evening. Guests can also indulge in wellness offerings such as yoga classes and holistic massages.
Alternatively, book Muare Tulum Hotel via
Mr & Mrs Smith or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Muaré Tulum Hotel, Tulum, Mexico. Photos © Hotel Muaré Tulum
Our Habitas Tulum is the first property in the small portfolio of chic hotels designed to fit an exceptional destination (such as Tulum, but also Namibia and Bhutan). The Habitas philosophy focuses on the concept of “creating communities.” Thus the hotel excels in shared activities, such as outdoor film screenings, yoga classes, live DJ sessions, and “unplugged” concerts. A glass-and-steel pavilion at the heart of Habitas is designed as a central hub for guests, with a Moorish-style restaurant, a mezzanine, and a rooftop deck. The trendy, air-conditioned guest tents ensure at least 500 square feet of private space and feature private terraces and outdoor rain showers. The interior design favors a bohemian-inspired blend of kilim rugs, raffia lamps, and animal hide stools.
Alternatively, book Our Habitas Tulum via
Expedia | Mr & Mrs Smith or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Our Habitas
“The best-looking accommodation option is undoubtedly the new Treehouse, elevated high to the level of tree canopies.” — From our review of the Papaya Playa Project.
Tulum is somewhat cut out from the rest of Mexico, not least because of the national power grid’s absence. It is easy to disconnect from civilization, and the Papaya Playa Project turns it into an advantage — as we discovered during our stay here (click on links for our photos on Instagram). The hotel embodies a backpacker boho style and is like a cross of a beachfront commune and an “authentic luxury” boutique. While it does not pamper as much as more upmarket hotels, it is well set up to purify the spirit. The Papaya invites its guests to decompress, disconnect, and get as close to the real Tulum as possible. The facilities are well-designed, there is a distinctive spirit of community in the air, and different room categories cater to a range of expectations.
We stayed at Papaya Playa Project — make sure to read our review!
Alternatively, book Papaya Playa Project Tulum via
Tablet Hotels | Expedia | Design Hotels & Marriott or check TripAdvisor.
Website: Papaya Playa Project, Tulum. Photos © Papaya Playa Project
Casa Chablé sits on a stretch of Quintana Roo’s coast south of Tulum. It’s remote enough to feel completely disconnected, and there are only five standalone beachfront villas, with an additional large villa with five suites, ideal for groups or families. The resort evokes barefoot luxury and offers access to a 200-meter white-sand beach. Chablé is a small Mexican brand with a mission to kindle a sense of well-being and transformation. Unspoiled landscapes and nature often surround their hotels and resorts, and such is Casa Chablé. It’s situated in the Sian Kaʼan Biosphere Reserve, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site — thanks to its naturally rich wetlands, lagoons, mangroves, tropical forest, cenotes, and sandy beaches.
Alternatively, book Casa Chable via
Mr & Mrs Smith or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Casa Chablé, Sian Ka’an Biosphere. Photos © Chablé Hotels
A sprawling beachfront estate that was once home of the infamous drug kingpin Pablo Escobar, Casa Malca is an art-filled hotel, expertly designed and curated by the NY-based art collector Lio Malco, who owns the property today. Malco created a surreal, eclectic space in which art becomes a lifestyle. Flashy and one-of-a-kind, Casa Malca fuses contemporary aesthetics, ancient Mayan culture, and Tulum’s bohemian vibe to create one of the coolest beachfront escapes we ever saw. While the common hotel areas, with their spectacular installations (such as this one we photographed or this one), are magical, the guest rooms are simply elegant and luxe, befitting a trendy boutique hotel. As picturesque as it is relaxing, Casa Malca embraces Tulum’s laid-back culture while creating a carefree beach resort experience.
Alternatively, book Casa Malca via
Expedia | Mr & Mrs Smith or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Casa Malca, Tulum, Mexico. Photo © Casa Malca
If any Tulum hotel can be called iconic, it has to be Azulik. Its villas look like works of native art — or sculptures woven through a natural growth process. They are designed to create an atmosphere of relaxation and connect the guests with the local Maya architecture and heritage.
Azulik does not have much of a beach. The seafront villas are perched on a low cliff, and what’s below is narrow and rocky, but the elevated location ensures beautiful sea views. The candlelit nest-like treehouses of Azulik come with open-air baths, hammocks, and plunge pools and ensure it is one of Tulum’s most extraordinary places. The rustic off-grid experience is paired with an adult-only, clothing-optional concept, and Azulik attracts mostly couples and solo travelers.
Alternatively, book Azulik Resort via
Tablet Hotels | Expedia or check TripAdvisor.
Website: Azulik Resort, Tulum, Mexico. Photos © Azulik Resort
The barefoot-luxury hotel is designed with a minimalist aesthetic and a wellness concept that includes practices like “crystal healing” and “craniosacral therapy” for those interested. Guests are accommodated in sleek, white-on-white beach garden “sanctuaries,” each with a private garden or deck, emphasizing outdoor living. The yoga studio is an airy, glass-walled space with ocean views, and the restaurant, Real Coconut, prides itself on health-centered conscious cuisine.
Alternatively, book Lula Hotel Tulum via
Expedia | Mr & Mrs Smith or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Lula Hotel Tulum, Tulum, Mexico. Photo © Colibri Boutique Hotels
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Enveloped in the enchanting embrace of the Mayan Biosphere, Radhoo effortlessly combines exotic luxury with unparalleled comfort, capturing the bohemian allure of Tulum. Featuring 14 carefully curated rooms with neutral palettes, Radhoo’s design pays tribute to local craftsmanship and Mayan aesthetics, showcasing billowing bed canopies, luxury sheets, and indigenous artifacts set against modern furnishings. Some rooms offer expansive decks or elevated hammock lounges, providing a seamless connection with the lush environment. Guests can indulge in a delectable menu of Mexican fusion cuisine and bespoke beverages at the in-house restaurant, beach club, or within the comfort of their rooms. The culinary offerings are supplied by NÜ Tulum, recognized as one of the top five restaurants in Riviera Maya. Radhoo boasts Tulum’s largest swimming pool.
Alternatively, book Radhoo Tulum via
Expedia | Agoda | Mr & Mrs Smith or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Radhoo Tulum, Tulum, Mexico. Photos © Radhoo Tulum
Located on the southern end of Tulum (twenty minutes by car from the center), this hacienda-inspired boutique hotel comprises 16 serene, bright suites, defined by clean, contemporary aesthetics. The style combines tropical vibrancy, urban design, and exotic influences (which include Moorish arches) — but its sophisticated looks are almost deceiving, as Hotel Panamera is one of the more affordable hotels on this list. The hotel’s central feature is the swimming pool, laid with handmade tiles, while the on-site restaurant has a whiff of colonial vibe, with French doors opening to the beach. Thatched roofs, striped sun loungers, and whitewashed walls create spaces of warmth and comfort. There is no on-site spa, but in-room treatments are available.
Alternatively, book Hotel Panamera Tulum via
Expedia | Mr & Mrs Smith or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Hotel Panamera Tulum. Photos © Hotel Panamera
Rubi Tulum, a captivating 5-star escape nestled in the heart of the Mayan jungle, embodies a laid-back and romantic atmosphere. The resort seamlessly blends bohemian spirit with rustic charm, celebrating the luxury of simplicity. Guests can indulge in upscale amenities, including The Balaxe restaurant, where traditional Mexican techniques meet avant-garde international flavors. The experience is complemented by a cenote-style pool adorned with sun beds and sunken seating areas, along with tree houses connected by hanging bridges leading to a picturesque central tower. The resort boasts 21 sumptuous villas and penthouses enveloped in lush greenery, each featuring private pools, freestanding bathtubs, and a daily à la carte breakfast. For the pinnacle of luxury, opt for one of Rubi Tulum’s Exclusive Penthouse Suites, featuring rooftop private spa tubs and a unique nest high above the jungle, providing breathtaking 360° sunset views of Tulum.
Alternatively, book Rubi Tulum via
Hotels.com or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Rubi Tulum, Tulum, Mexico. Photos © Rubi Tulum
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This luxury beachfront retreat consists of three private residences — but rather than a hotel, it is a vacation rental, with a luxury hotel level of service, thanks to an on-site concierge team. Peaceful and private, these residences offer a tasteful take on Mexican architecture and rustic sophistication, with eclectic interiors mixing natural textures with hand-carved furniture, woven lamps, and artisanal craft. The Aldea Canzul villas face a private beach and are fully equipped for a beautiful stay for families or groups. The living areas are spacious and feature full-sized kitchens and sun decks.
Alternatively, book Aldea Canzul Tulum via
Expedia | Agoda | Mr & Mrs Smith or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Aldea Canzul Tulum, Tulum, Mexico. Photos © Aldea Canzul
Tiki Tiki is an odd one out in this list. While the beachfront zone is where most of the Tulum hotels are situated, here is an exception — located on the western edge of the town center, and two miles inland from the beach. Plus, Hotel Tiki Tiki is low-key and affordable and makes no excuses for it. Surrounded by vibrant tropical greenery and composed of only fifteen rooms, this hotel charms with a mid-century modernist design and good-sized rooms that bring to mind a chic Miami apartment building. But this is a boutique hotel alright, and one that comes with a courtyard pool, attentive, dedicated service, and a tropical bar, ideal for poolside lounging. An on-site restaurant is notably absent, but there are plenty of those in Tulum.
Alternatively, book Hotel Tiki Tiki Tulum via
Expedia | Mr & Mrs Smith | Tablet Hotels or check TripAdvisor.
Website: Hotel Tiki Tiki Tulum. Photos © Hotel Tiki Tiki Tulum
Laid-back vibes by Coqui Coqui
Take pared-down, sophisticated decor that echoes the calm of the sky and sea, combine it with excellent location and well-designed facilities, and you get a place you’d never want to leave.
Indeed, some guests never venture outside of the hotel premises (which includes a beach) during their stay, opting for a small hotel’s tranquility over the crowded clubs and bars of nearby Playa del Carmen. The relaxed looks of Jashita feature beach-inspired straw loveseats, airy bathrooms, pillow-topped sofas in shades of pale sand and bright seashell white, and fluttering white canopies over king-sized beds (in the oceanfront suites). The hotel has a small cafe and restaurant, and a swimming pool with an ocean view.
Alternatively, book Jashita Hotel via
Tablet Hotels | Expedia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Jashita Hotel, Tulum, Mexico. Photo © Jashita Hotel
Orchid House aims to balance the comforts of home with the luxuries of a hotel. Consequently, the idea is to make the hotel guests at ease and “feel like a local” but still enjoy the thrill of traveling far away. As the hotel’s name suggests, orchids are a theme throughout, speaking to Mexico’s biodiversity and cultural heritage. Orchid House Tulum has ten guest rooms and a restaurant, with the menu enriched by season-dependent produce. There is also a swimming pool, and the pool bar offers a good variety of cocktails with organic ingredients.
Alternatively, book Orchid House Tulum via
Expedia | Agoda or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Orchid House Tulum. Photos © Orchid House Tulum
Another adult-only proposition on our list is The Beach Tulum, a well-designed boutique hotel that appeals to a more mainstream audience — or just about anybody that seeks just the right dose of romance, comfort, design, and luxury. The hotel’s name is not just a marketing gimmick — every single guest bungalow is positioned directly on the beach. There are options, though, with ground floor rooms, Junior Suites, and Rooftop rooms, of whose guests can enjoy spectacular views of the ocean. Deluxe rooms offer a private plunge pool while Rooftop rooms boast a private hot tub on the terrace.
Alternatively, book The Beach Tulum via
Expedia | Agoda or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: The Beach Tulum, Tulum, Mexico. Photo © The Beach Tulum
Luxury redefined: the finest 5-Star hotels and resorts
Slightly larger than the typical boutique hotel, Conrad Tulum graces an expansive beach stretch between Tulum and Akumal. Boasting 349 guest rooms and suites, each offering stunning sea views and adorned in tranquil tones inspired by the beach, the resort provides a luxurious escape. With five inviting swimming pools and an extensive spa featuring sixteen treatment rooms, Conrad Tulum ensures a rejuvenating experience for both body and mind. Guests can indulge in culinary delights with a diverse array of eleven food and beverage options, spanning Mediterranean and Japanese cuisines to the authentic traditions of Caribbean Sea “chiringuitos” beach bars.
Alternatively, book Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya via:
Hilton | Expedia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Hilton
Keva is composed of five utterly gorgeous lodges, designed as private retreats for individual travelers, small groups, and families, and arranged to resemble a small village — albeit a luxury one. In keeping with Tulum’s themes, this hotel also focuses on restorative wellness, catering to “the health-conscious traveler.” The hotel’s design captures the relaxed vibe of this beach destination while the spa offers Ayurveda treatments.
Alternatively, book Jungle Keva Tulum via:
Expedia | Agoda or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Jungle Keva Tulum. Photos © Jungle Keva Tulum
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The below shortlist makes a worthy companion to the main list.
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Author: Travel+Style. Last updated: 16/09/2024
Fab resorts for the perfect vacation
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