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Margaret Littman, Contributor
Forbes Vetted
W
ith its vivid blue Caribbean waters, proximity to historical sites and world-class restaurants, Tulum has become a must-visit destination on Mexico’s Riviera Maya. The best hotels in Tulum highlight the area’s surroundings with low-impact architecture, open-air restaurants serving wood-fired seafood and all the beachfront yoga and meditation sessions a wellness seeker could ask for.
For a luxurious stay away from the crowds, we recommend Hotel Esencia, while La Zebra Tulum offers a vibrant and playful beachfront escape perfect for families. For a boutique stay, La Valise Tulum provides an oasis away from the party scene, while Be Tulum offers energy healing cleanses, detox programs and traditional Mayan rituals for wellness lovers. Below, the best hotels in Tulum in 2024.
Editor’s Picks:
- Best High-End Hotel In Tulum: Hotel Esencia
- Hotel Boutique Hotel In Tulum: La Valise Tulum
- Best Hotel For Design Lovers In Tulum: Muaré
- Best Hotel For Spa And Wellness In Tulum: Be Tulum
- Best Environmentally Friendly Hotel In Tulum: Habitas Tulum
- Best Hotel For Families In Tulum: La Zebra Tulum
- Hotel With The Best Amenities In Tulum: The Beach Tulum
- Best Hotel With An On-Site Cenote In Tulum: Shibari Tulum
Best High-End Hotel In Tulum: Hotel Esencia
A Rooftop Wellness Suite at Hotel Esencia.
Tanveer Badal Photography
Hotel Esencia
Who Will Love It: Quiet luxury seekers; travelers who prefer to see and not be seen
All-Star Amenities: Private helicopter and airport transfers; Chanel pool sarongs; complimentary sandals and use of water sports gear
What Not To Miss: The on-site art collection, including works by Picasso and Botero
Location: North Beach Zone
With 50 private acres north of Tulum (near a number of cenotes), Hotel Esencia is a getaway in a town that itself is a getaway. A hot spot among celebrities, the hotel sits on the secluded Xpu-Ha Beach, a quiet stretch of pristine white sand connected by landscaped jungle pathways. Once home to Italian duchess Rosa de Ferrari, the mansion and grounds maintain that same feeling of staying at a friend’s estate—if your friend’s estate dropped off pastries and coffee at your room door each morning and preferred afternoon tea, too. Each of the 47 rooms is essentially a suite, with a terrace and separate sleeping and living quarters. There’s even a Rooftop Wellness Suite with state-of-the-art fitness equipment and a heated pool. Babysitters, masseuses, chauffeurs and translators are available if needed, and if you’re craving even more privacy, there are four stand-alone villas.
Best Boutique Hotel In Tulum: La Valise Tulum
La Valise has large and luxurious guest rooms.
Sofia Hernandez
La Valise Tulum
Who Will Love It: Lovers of boho-chic design
All-Star Amenities: A WhatsApp group so you can text to request whatever you need whenever you need it; access to restaurants with organic and fair-trade ingredients; private beach
What Not To Miss: The chance to roll your bed outside to safely sleep under the stars
Location: South Beach Zone
Much of what makes Tulum appealing—the blue Caribbean water, palm-carpeted jungles—is thanks to Mother Nature. Some of the rest is thanks to La Valise, which goes above and beyond for guests in its 22 rooms (11 beachfront and 11 in the jungle). Immerse yourself in spacious rooms with views of the landscape, private terraces, a saltwater swimming pool and air conditioning. Beyond those high-end sheets, palapa roofs and all-natural shampoos and soaps, anything you want is available. For example, the team will arrange mezcal tastings, snorkeling or sailing excursions on the ocean, private yoga classes, guided meditation, cacao ceremonies, Tulum ruins tours, cenote outings, trips to the monkey sanctuary or art classes.
Best Hotel In Tulum For Design Lovers: Muaré
Private villas show off the surrounding jungle with outdoor showers, surrounding gardens, high ceilings and a calm color palette.
Muaré
Muaré
Who Will Love It: People who like togetherness and also a little privacy, which is afforded to guests with 26 separate villas
All-Star Amenities: Private gardens and hammocks at each villa; 24-hour concierge; a mixology bar
What Not To Miss: The wellness center and spa with ice bath, massage, sauna and yoga classes
Location: Middle Beach Zone
Nestled near the La Veleta neighborhood, the luxe adults-only (but pet-friendly) Muaré welcomes guests in private villas that show off the surrounding jungle with outdoor showers, lush gardens, high ceilings and a calm color palette. Traditional Mayan architecture meets contemporary design in the common areas, with a gorgeous yoga palapa and a free-form swimming pool that feels like a jungle oasis. Enjoy mezcal cocktails at on-site Gaudea, as well as a wealth of wellness offerings and a 24-hour concierge to take care of any request. The semi-private plunge pools (hot or cold) are great for sharing with friends or family in a nearby villa.
Best Value Hotel In Tulum: K’uyen Boutique Hotel
If you want to work in a little 9-to-5 action from a remote address, K’uyen Boutique Hotel has some options for suites with separate living/work areas, comfortable chairs for hours at the laptop.
K’uyen Boutique Hotel
K’uyen Boutique Hotel
Who Will Love It: Those who want a Tulum vacation without breaking the bank
All-Star Amenities: Rooftop pool; Champagne breakfasts; early check-in and late check-out
What Not To Miss: The Penthouse Ka’an suite, which has a private pool terrace
Location: Aldea Zamá
K’uyen Boutique Hotel may lean a little more traditional hotel suite and a little less Tulum rustic chic, but the tradeoff is an adventure that is significantly less than other nearby hotels. Book one of the penthouses for less than the price of a standard room elsewhere and still get plenty of jungle and beach atmosphere. If you want to work in a little 9-to-5 action from a remote address, K’uyen Boutique Hotel also has options for suites with separate living/work areas, along with comfortable chairs for hours at the laptop. The location in town means it is closer to shops if you need business essentials.
Best Hotel For Spa And Wellness In Tulum: Be Tulum
Be Tulum has a spa, tree top yoga studio and a beach club.
COURTESY of Be Tulum
Be Tulum
Who Will Love It: Wellness warriors looking to detox or rejuvenate in a peaceful setting
All-Star Amenities: Options for villas with private pools for small groups and families; menus that make it easy and tasty to eat clean while on vacation
What Not To Miss: The healing water circuit—a collection of sauna, steam rooms and plunge pools to rotate through before other treatments
Location: South Beach Zone
Tulum is a renowned wellness destination, and nearly every hotel seems to offer some sort of wellness experience, but few go as far as Be Tulum Hotel. The hotel’s Yaän Healing Sanctuary offers energy healing cleanses, detox programs and traditional Mayan rituals. Staff grow herbs and botanicals to use in treatments, teas and elixirs in a rooftop garden. Yoga classes—from hatha to vinyasa—take place daily in a tree-top yoga studio overlooking a canopy of jungle. The three restaurants feature organic, local ingredients and sustainably caught seafood in Mexican-influenced dishes. The property’s 64 guest rooms—all are considered suites—are tranquil and luxurious with premium linens, views of the ocean or jungle and copper bathtubs. Villas and residences sleeping six to ten people are also available.
Best Hotel For Adventure In Tulum: Mi Amor
Mi Amor’s swimming pool has ocean views.
COURTESY of Mi Amor
Mi Amor
Who Will Love It: Anyone wanting to explore Parque Nacional Tulum or the Tulum Ruins
All-Star Amenities: A bottle of mezcal on arrival
What Not To Miss: The property’s proximity and easy access to both the national park and the ruins
Location: North Beach Zone
Like many Tulum resorts, Mi Amor takes advantage of its surroundings, with views of both the jungle and the ocean. But thanks to its location inside the national park and just five minutes from the Mayan ruins, Mi Amor makes it easy for adventure-loving travelers to have nature at their fingertips. The property also embraces retro Acapulco architecture and aesthetics alongside its natural wonders. In this Art Deco environ, guests can relax by the pool, feast on food and wine pairings designed for them, or enjoy romantic cocktails for two—the on-site bar is called Besame Mucho, after all. Other perks include options for rooms with a private plunge pool, nearby bike rentals, personalized service and specialized treatments at the spa. Note: A fee is charged to enter the national park; it will be deducted from your hotel bill.
Best Environmentally Friendly Hotel In Tulum: Habitas Tulum
Habitas Tulum offers luxury glamping in the jungle and on the beachfront.
Pepe Molina
Habitas Tulum
Who Will Love It: Eco-focused travelers who want to protect the natural environment
All-Star Amenities: Ashtanga yoga and other wellness classes are available at no additional charge; copal, the resin from local trees, is used in lieu of DEET-fueled bug spray
What Not To Miss: Artisan craft workshops that allow guests to learn about what’s behind the traditions of local works of art
Location: Beach Town
Protecting Tulum’s jungle and ocean are top of mind at many Tulum hotels, but Habitas Tulum doubles down on those efforts, committing to making decisions to protect the environment even as tourism in the region grows. The hotel is paperless (you’ll use an iPad or other device to sign the check in at the restaurant), and sustainably sourced and organic woods and fabrics were used to construct the minimalist 32 tent-like rooms and outdoor bathrooms. A hotel program collects plastic from around town outside of the resort and aims to educate folks on plastic alternatives, while bikes are available for guest use.
Best Hotel For Privacy In Tulum: Casa Chablé
Aerial view of Casa Chablé in the Sian Ka´an Biosphere Reserve.
Courtesy of Casa Chablé
Casa Chablé
Who Will Love It: Families, couples and groups of friends looking to get away from it all
All-Star Amenities: Morning coffee and pastries delivered to each room; 30-foot pool; private beach; fat bikes, paddle boards, kayaks and snorkeling equipment available for use
What Not To Miss: Exploring the Sian Ka’an Reserve with a knowledgeable guide
Location: Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve
Set within the wildlife-rich Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, Casa Chablé offers a remote and nature-immersive experience unlike any other hotel in Tulum. Despite being only 22 miles south of the town, the property feels world’s away from the bustling bars and beach clubs. Even the arrival, which includes a 35-minute boat ride past mangroves, adds to its off-grid charm. The hotel is incredibly intimate, with just five bungalows and five guest rooms in the main villa—all decorated with Mexican artisanal work and natural materials that reflect the castaway vibe. Guests can look forward to tranquil days spent relaxing on the white-sand beach and delicious dining with menus overseen by Jorge Vallejo of Mexico City’s famed Quintonil restaurant. The hotel can also help arrange excursions around the reserve, where you can spot turtles, dolphins, manatees and a plethora of rare birds.
Best Hotel For Families In Tulum: La Zebra Tulum
La Zebra offers a fun-packed beach scene for the whole family.
COURTESY of La Zebra Tulum
La Zebra Tulum
Who Will Love It: Families and multigenerational groups
All-Star Amenities: Kid crafts and games; a full spa; on-site parking
What Not To Miss: The eight-course Chef’s Table experience in the restaurant
Location: Middle Beach Zone
Many of the best hotels in Tulum are adults-only, but the Yucatan is a fun family destination filled with cenote water parks and ruins to explore. Thankfully, the central Tulum hotel La Zebra not only allows children, it has amenities that cater to families without trying too hard. The zebra mural behind the reception desk doubles as modern art and a fun spot-the-animal game for kids, and all of the guest rooms can accommodate up to four people, with one king size bed and two single beds. Kids can play for hours on the wide beachfront or at the small playground next to the restaurant, which serves a breezy authentic Mexican menu or an eight-course Mexican gastronomy experience if you book the Chef’s Table. The décor in guest rooms and public spaces provides a contemporary alternative to the rustic style found at surrounding jungle properties.
Best All-Inclusive Resort In Tulum: Dreams Tulum Resort And Spa
Bedroom view at Dreams Tulum Resort And Spa.
Courtesy of Dreams Tulum Resort And Spa
Dreams Tulum Resort And Spa
Who Will Love It: Families and couples who want the perks of an all-inclusive while still being close to Tulum’s main attractions
All-Star Amenities: 24-hour room service; Mayan-themed kids club and teen zone; splash park with waterslides; spa with hydrotherapy circuit; tennis court
What Not to Miss: The foam parties and fire shows
Location: North Beach Zone
Reveling in Tulum’s laid-back atmosphere doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the convenience of an all-inclusive. At Dreams Tulum, guests can enjoy unlimited drinks and dining at 16 different restaurants and bars and included activities like morning yoga sessions on the beach. The resort is set on a beautiful stretch of fine golden sand near Tulum’s Mayan ruins, making it easy to explore nearby cultural highlights, cenotes and Tulum Pueblo. Families will love the kids and teens clubs and daily entertainment including outdoor movie nights, while grown-ups will appreciate the adults-only section and 13,000-square-foot spa with a hydrotherapy circuit. Among the 432 guest rooms are ocean-view suites and swim-out rooms that connect to one of two pools. There are also 140 Preferred Club suites, which offer more luxurious amenities, access to an exclusive lounge and concierge service for an even more relaxing getaway.
Best Hotel For A Girlfriend Getaway In Tulum: Amansala Eco-Chic Resort And Spa
A room terrace at Amansala.
COURTESY of Amansala
Amansala Eco-Chic Resort And Spa
Who Will Love It: Friends who want an active vacation with lots of classes and healthy meals; sustainability lovers
All-Star Amenities: Spa services that include Mayan therapies, plus sound baths, ice baths and temazcal sweat lodges
What Not To Miss: The Beach Club, a waterfront hotspot with drinks, cabanas, music, pools and beach views
Location: Middle Beach Zone
The solar-powered Amansala is one of the oldest hotels in Tulum and remains popular for those who want to be close enough to a bar with a party and also want to rest in a room with Mayan furnishings and the sound of the ocean. For those who like to pay once and not think again about the tab at dinner (great for groups), Amansala’s retreat packages provide all-inclusive options during your stay. Choose from Bikini Bootcamp to get your cardio going, or Restore ’n Renew, which is more focused on inner work, or ask the team to design an all-inclusive just for you. Unlike at traditional all-inclusive resorts, you aren’t required to book an all-in-one package at Amansala. Hot tip: air conditioning is included between 9: 30 p.m. to 7: 30 a.m. If you want to keep the manufactured cool breeze blowing during the day, be prepared for an additional daily fee.
Hotel With The Best Amenities In Tulum: The Beach Tulum
The beachfront at The Beach Tulum.
Courtesy of The Beach Tulum
The Beach Tulum
Who Will Love It: Couples and solo travelers looking for a tranquil getaway with wellness amenities
All-Star Amenities: Private plunge pools; private beach with a dedicated beach bed for each guest; two outdoor swimming pools; spa with sauna, steam room, cold plunge and hot tub
What Not To Miss: Morning yoga classes; the complimentary “Healing Circuit” at the spa
Location: Middle Beach Zone
True to its name, The Beach Tulum is the place to go for a toes-in-the-sand vacation that’s simultaneously relaxing and re-energizing. The adults-only hotel’s greatest amenity is its private beach, where guests can enjoy a quiet and party-free atmosphere. Nestled among tropical greenery, the property is made up of just 28 beachfront rooms. Some have plunge pools, while others boast spacious terraces with hot tubs, and each one comes with an assigned double beach bed. With wellness being a focus for the hotel, guests are also offered a complimentary yoga class at the palapa-shaded studio, a free 60-minute hydrotherapy “Healing Circuit” at the spa, and a delicious breakfast at one of the two adjoining restaurants. When you’re looking for a bit more action, head over to the property’s public beach club, Ziggy’s, where locals and travelers regularly gather for live music at sunset.
Best Adults-Only Hotel In Tulum: Barceló Maya Riviera
Barcelo Maya Riviera exterior.
Barcelo Maya Riviera
Barceló Maya Riviera
Who Will Love It: Vacation-goers seeking plenty of activities to keep them occupied
All-Star Amenities: The largest infinity pool on the Maya Riviera; submerged lounge beds; 16 different restaurants
What Not To Miss: Staff-led activities on property and easy access to nearby cenotes off-property
Location: A 30-minute drive north of Tulum toward Playa del Carmen
Grown-ups like to play, too, and this mammoth 850-suite hotel allows them to do just that. The property features its own shopping mall and concert venue, an escape room, pools, restaurants, bars and beach access galore. Hang out at one of three theaters, or catch the game at a 24-hour sports bar; afterward, take dance lessons or even go bowling. An engaged staff leads activities, including water bingo and beer pong. Every guest room on the property has a balcony with either a pool or ocean view so you can take in calming views after a busy day. Because the resort is large, take note that there can be a wait to check in and out and to be seated at certain restaurants.
Hotel With The Best Rooftop In Tulum: Hotel Panamera
The hotel’s rooftop bar, with its palapa hut-bar and checkered tile swimming pool, nabs guests’ attention.
Hotel Panamera
Hotel Panamera
Who Will Love It: Photographers; design aficionados; people for whom taking a dip in the pool is the first activity on a vacation checklist
All-Star Amenities: Plastic-free and organic amenities; craft cocktails; a menu of Mediterranean-Mexican dishes
What Not To Miss: The lovely, checkered tile swimming pool oasis on the roof
Location: Middle Beach Zone
Once the Casa Pueblo, Hotel Panamera has been overhauled by Mexican hoteliers into a chic, hip 36-room getaway that harkens back to the days when the name “Tulum” didn’t roll off the tongue of most Americans. The design-forward aesthetics of the hotel, with its neutral palate, lets Tulum’s natural beauty shine through. The stretch of beach at the hotel is well-maintained with umbrellas, loungers and attentive service. But it is the rooftop bar, with its palapa hut-bar and checkered tile swimming pool, that is the star of the show. Swing by for craft cocktails and bites with an unbeatable view.
Hotel With The Best Pools In Tulum: Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya
We love the wave-shaped infinity pool that overlooks the ocean.
Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya
Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya
Who Will Love It: People who pack more swimsuits than shoes
All-Star Amenities: All-inclusive food and drink; a spa with seaweed treatments
What Not To Miss: Spotting the green sea turtles while kayaking or snorkeling
Location: Akumal, 25 minutes north of Tulum
It may seem unusual to sit in a wave-shaped infinity pool, looking at the ocean, while not being in the ocean. But if you are spooked by seaweed, marina life or the tides, Secrets Akumal is the place to book to take a dip in a pool. Or three. Manatees is the swim-up bar, Lagoon Pool is surrounded by a lush garden area and Pevonia Spa offers a small soaking area surrounded by day beds and a cenote-inspired reflecting pool (this is Tulum, after all). There’s also a hydrotherapy pool on-site, not to mention the hot tubs, jacuzzi and select private plunge pools.
Best Hotel For Romance In Tulum: Xela Tulum
The hotel is somewhat secluded and manages to create an oasis.
Josema Agosto
Xela Tulum
Who Will Love It: Couples looking for some quality time together away from the party scene
All-Star Amenities: Multiple yoga classes; guided meditation; lunch service on a private beach
What Not To Miss: Views of the sunset from the rooftop
Location: Middle Beach Zone
One of Tulum’s newer hotels, the 12-room Xela feels more like staying in your own private villa than in a hotel—if your private villa has 360-degree rooftop views of the jungle and ocean. The property is somewhat secluded and while not a great distance away from the Tulum party scene, manages to create an oasis. Because the hotel is small, staff can devote more time to each guest, meaning whatever you and your sweetheart need, you’ll get. Homemade granola and lunch on the beach draw raves, and staff will help you make dinner reservations nearby.
Hotel With The Best Views In Tulum: Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya
Tthe new Conrad Tulum has enough space to be a large resort with lots of waterfront activities and views, but geography that allows it also to be somewhat intimate and private.
Victor Elias Photography
Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya
Who Will Love It: People who want to take in a pink-tinged sunset every day of vacation
All-Star Amenities: 11 different restaurants; a cenote-themed spa
What Not To Miss: An oceanfront room with a hot tub on the balcony
Location: Akumal, 25 minutes north of Tulum
Nestled on a cove on the beach north of Tulum, the new Conrad Tulum has the best of both worlds: enough space to be a large resort with plenty of waterfront activities and views, but geography that allows it also to be somewhat intimate and private. The design of the sprawling resort, which features nearly 350 rooms, reduces crowding and noise. While many of Tulum’s resorts are all-inclusive or adults-only, the Conrad is neither, allowing you to design a trip that makes sense for your family. A kids club, teen club and child-friendly pools and restaurants help families play (and stay) together.
Best Hotel With An On-Site Cenote In Tulum: Shibari Tulum
Shibari’s on-site cenote makes some unusual perks possible, such as underwater cenote photography and on-site cenote ceremonies.
Courtesy of Shibari Tulum
Shibari Tulum
Who Will Love It: People who want to immerse themselves in Tulum’s topography
All-Star Amenities: Butler service; steam rooms; daily meditation and yoga; cacao ceremonies
What Not To Miss: The stunning on-site cenote, with the option for underwater photography
Location: Middle Beach Zone
Many people go to Tulum to swim in the cenotes, the limestone sinkholes that house fresh, clear blue water. While this often requires an excursion from the hotel, Hotel Shibari has a cenote on-site, perfect for dipping into cool water on a hot day and complete with a water-side DJ. The presence of the cenotes makes some unusual perks possible, such as underwater cenote photography and on-site cenote ceremonies. The new 64-room luxury hotel also offers birds-eye views of the surrounding jungle, a chef-driven restaurant only open to hotel guests and workshops on Japanese and Mexican crafts.
Hotels In Tulum To Watch
Tulum’s rapid growth has led to a wave of new hotels. The following properties have opened in 2024. While we haven’t reviewed them yet, they’re worth considering if you’re planning a trip.
- Casa Zamna: In August 2024, Secrets Tulum debuted Casa Zamna, an all-inclusive hotel-within-a-hotel concept just 15 minutes away from the main resort. The boutique property is made up of 21 beachfront rooms, as well as a five-bedroom villa that’s ideal for groups. The best part? Guests can access all the amenities at Secrets Tulum while enjoying this ultra-private retreat.
- Bespoke Tulum: Located on Tankah Bay, just a few miles north of Tulum, Bespoke debuted in 2024 with 22 design-forward residences ranging from one to four bedrooms. Many come with fully-equipped kitchens, plunge pools and panoramic views. There’s also an on-site restaurant and concierge that can help arrange everything from spa treatments to excursions.
Openings We’re Looking Forward To
We update this story regularly to monitor the best hotels in Tulum, including new properties that will be opening in 2025. Here are the hotel openings we’re most excited about.
- TROBBU Boutique Collection: Opening in January 2025, this resort will feature just 10 villas near Tulum’s jungle. Each can accommodate up to eight guests, making the property a great choice for groups looking for a private stay with all-inclusive in-villa dining, a personal concierge and an on-site spa.
- Mondrian Tulum: Set to debut in 2025, Mondrian’s second property in Mexico will include 64 guest rooms, four food and beverage outlets including a rooftop bar and several such as a spa and outdoor pool. One of the property’s best features is its location right off Coba Avenue, offering guests easy access to both the beach and downtown Tulum’s restaurants, bars and clubs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Many Days In Tulum Is Ideal?
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How Many Days In Tulum Is Ideal?
An ideal stay in Tulum typically ranges from four to seven days. This gives you enough time to enjoy the beach, explore Mayan ruins, visit cenotes, and experience the local culture and cuisine. Within four days, you can hit the main highlights, while a week gives you more time to relax and embark on excursions.
