Photo courtesy NEST Tulum
For the ultimate in privacy and pampering, check out these luxury boutique hotels in Tulum for a truly romantic Mexico getaway
Tulum, located on the Yucatán Peninsula along the stunning Riviera Maya coastline, is fast becoming one of Mexico’s top luxury travel destinations. This resort village and UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a unique blend of natural beauty and culture, not to mention beautiful accommodations offering easy access to that sun-drenched Caribbean Sea shoreline.
The only archaeological beach site in Mexico, Tulum was once a significant port for the ancient Maya before being discovered by backpackers seeking an alternative to busy tourist areas like Cancún. Today, it stands out as a top destination for those who enjoy “boho-chic” luxury near historic sites like the Tulum Archaeological Zone, the Coba ruins, and the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve.
With so much choice, finding the right place to stay can certainly be a little daunting. To help you, we’ve pulled together a few of our favorite luxury boutique hotels in Tulum. Whether you’re looking for a quiet beachfront escape, a culinary adventure, or a spa retreat, these properties promise an unforgettable experience in this captivating coastal region of Mexico.
The Best Luxury Boutique Hotels in Tulum
NEST Tulum
The exquisite NEST Tulum offers an elevated eco-luxury experience with its 12 minimalist rooms… and one luxurious beachfront villa. The design embraces natural, simple elements, reflecting Tulum’s transformation from a quiet bohemian backwater to a sophisticated eco-retreat.
The star of the show here is that stunning beachfront villa. Featuring four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a full kitchen, a palapa terrace, gardens, and a patio, there’s endless room for you and your guests to spread out and enjoy an unforgettable Tulum beach vacation. Guests of the villa also enjoy extras like complimentary breakfast and 24-hour concierge service, ensuring a seamless and relaxing stay.
Dining at Nest Tulum is a standout experience, with its NU restaurant offering a fusion of modern and traditional Mexican cuisine. For a more casual meal, the beachfront restaurant serves delicious beach fare. A delicious complimentary breakfast is provided.
Nest Tulum prides itself on its commitment to sustainability, with many of its most interesting design elements and furnishings sourced locally, including reclaimed wood furniture from Coba, antique touches from San Miguel de Allende, and embroidered textiles from Mérida and Oaxaca. The hotel operates entirely on solar power, too, with a generator only used as a backup.
Visit www.nesttulum.com for more info.
La Zebra Hotel Tulum
The 4-star La Zebra Hotel Tulum offers a touch of luxury in the heart of Tulum’s hotel zone, all within walking distance of boutique shops, restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife scene. The hotel’s 15 rooms are a soothing blend of modern and traditional styles featuring a minimalist design with wooden accents and colorful Mexican textiles. Ground-level rooms come with plunge pools, while those on the upper floors have spacious balconies offering great views over the Caribbean Sea.
The hotel’s restaurant is a highlight, especially for those seeking a romantic dinner for two. Look into the culinary experiences available at the Chef’s Table, hosted by Chef Eleazar Bonilla who crafts an exquisite eight-course tasting menu.
In addition to having direct and easy access to the beach, a small playground is located on-site for those traveling with kids. It’s worth noting that while the rooms lack TVs (hey, you’re here to unplug and unwind, right!), free Wi-Fi is available so you can stream entertainment on your own devices
Check out La Zebra Hotel Tulum for more details.
Mezzanine Hotel Tulum
Set on a mix of cliffs and beautiful beaches, Mezzanine Hotel Tulum exemplifies the area’s boho-chic charm. One of the closest hotels to the iconic Tulum ruins, this adults-only retreat has only nine rooms, all equipped with air conditioning. Our go-to favorite here is the Master Suite, the most luxurious of the three options featuring a king-sized bed, a terrace with views of the Caribbean Sea, and a private hot tub.
The on-site restaurant offers a taste of Thai cuisine in southern Mexico, while those craving local flavors can enjoy items from the casual beach menu that’s also available. Wellness is also on the menu here, and a range of treatments can be arranged through the hotel’s concierge service. They can also organize a variety of fun experiences from exploring nature parks to fishing, birdwatching, and cooking classes.
Visit Mezzanine Hotel Tulum for bookings and details.
Mi Amor
Mi Amor is a quiet, upscale member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World group and is ideal for couples. With just 17 rooms, this 4-star beach resort very much embodies Tulum’s “rustic-chic” style, with its charming design evident in both its public spaces and rooms. If it’s available, book your stay for the stunning Seafront Room with its private plunge pool and terrace overlooking the water.
On-site amenities include an infinity pool overlooking the beach, a spa, and a restaurant serving Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Mi Amor can also book tours that provide immersive experiences, including Mexican cooking classes, jungle eco-treks, Mayan cultural ceremonies, and guided tours of archaeological sites.
Find out more at https://tulumhotelmiamor.com.
Ahau Tulum
Ahau Tulum offers guests a choice of 24 eco-chic beachfront accommodations, each crafted almost entirely from locally sourced materials and embodying an elevated “boho” vibe in Bali-style beachside huts. Designed with sustainability uppermost in mind, many of these accommodations deliberately lack air conditioning, relying instead on those gentle sea breezes to cool you down.
The Master Suite Ocean Front Beach Level rooms are a good choice for those wanting more space to spread out and come with vaulted ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, an outdoor daybed, as well as a separate dining area. Topping it all off are stunning beachfront views.
Although the resort doesn’t have a pool, its prime location on the Caribbean Sea ensures guests are always close to a refreshing dip. Ahau Hotel features four dining options, including a signature restaurant, beach grill, Latin American eatery, and a café offering fresh-pressed juices.
Visit Alahu Tulum for more details.
Alaya Tulum
The sister resort to the Ahau Tulum, the Alaya Tulum, is situated just steps from the beach and offers a plush thatch-covered retreat. This eco-friendly resort boasts 19 rooms, each designed to blend luxury with sustainability to ensure an unforgettable getaway.
Fun things to do at what is undoubtedly one of the best luxury boutique hotels in Tulum include complimentary daily yoga classes, which ensure guests start their day with a healthy dose of mindfulness and tranquility. The resort’s extensive list of amenities includes attentive service personnel, a diverse menu of global cuisine served in its on-site restaurant and professional spa treatments.
Find out more at Alaya Tulum.
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Bryan Dearsley is a luxury lifestyles writer, a prolific traveler, and a Co-Founder of the Riley network of luxury lifestyle websites.