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Thank you to Lula Tulum, Grand Velas Riviera Maya, and Xela Tulum for hosting our stay so I could write this detailed review.
Mexico’s Riviera Maya is more accessible than ever, with direct flights arriving into the new Tulum International Airport (TQO) from the US and Europe, a welcome alternative to the busier Cancun International Airport (CUN). A new Mayan train is set to expand across Mexico with 34 stops connecting dozens of must-see landscapes across the Yucatan Peninsula. Plus, a new protected nature reserve (Jaguar National Park) near Tulum Ruins is underway to preserve local wildlife and the environment. It’s never been a better time to visit where the jungle meets the sea.
Come escape to this Caribbean paradise and connect with nature at one of these jungle-laden Riviera Maya hotels, each with a perfect personality for every type of traveler.
XELA Tulum
An intimate boutique for couples, solo travelers, and small group buy-outs; book your stay here.
Less than a year old, the 12-room XELA Tulum feels more like staying on a private compound than at a hotel. Nestled on a creamy sand strip in the south end of Tulum and sandwiched between villa-like sister property La Valise and larger neighbor Hotel Panamera, XELA’s dramatic rectangular pool melts into the seascape. It’s easy to be in awe the moment of arrival while meandering through a dramatic 12-foot weathered wood door, off the main road into a jungle-laden path. Strong, tall, sandy-colored architecture is accented with grand clay pots and palms casting their shadows here and there. The thoughtful design could be best described as barefoot luxury. Choose from one of the many Bohemian-designed oceanfront suites with neutral colors and black accents along with tubs accented by large windows allowing the natural light and jungle vibes in.
What a pleasure to sleep next to the pounding surf on the second floor and see the sparkling Caribbean waves from bed. Awake to complimentary breakfast made to order and delivered to you with your feet in the sand. Take a dip in the sea, unwind in the warm winds, and order tacos and Mezcal cocktails straight to your palapa. This would be the ultimate spot to buy out for a wedding or intimate getaway for a small group. XELA is a true escape.
Pro tips: Scale up to Xela’s private 360-degree rooftop terrace for sunset over the jungle with bird calls and pink puff clouds over the ocean. Take advantage of some of the hotel’s complimentary experiences like Happy Hour 2×1 cocktails, yoga, or guided meditation at one of their own Namron Hospitality properties. Book a table at Michelin-recommended Nu across the street, an open-air Bohemian candlelit restaurant creatively serving local ingredients.
Lula Tulum
A full-service boutique for couples, solo travelers, and family getaways; book your stay here.
You might remember this hotel as hotspot Sanara, where models and yogis would flock, and The Real Coconut restaurant drew the sexy sustainable crowd for organic coffees, smoothies, and healthy breakfast options. Now, this Boho luxe setting a few feet from the ocean has been rebranded as Lula Tulum and welcomes travelers of all ages to join the dreamy setting.
A stay here on the quieter south end will recharge your soul, as it is easy to harmonize with nature at Lula’s sanctuary. Stay barefoot as you sashay to your beach cabana through the silky sand. Listen to the waves crashing from your private balcony or wake up for sunrise over the ocean in time for a yoga session in Lula’s glass beachfront fitness studio, where breathing and moves coordinate with the sea – the only one like it in Tulum. Breakfasts at Lula continue to be over the top, and where you may find yourself wasting away a whole morning in view of the sparkling Caribbean surf extending a breakfast fueled with wellness shots, Mexican Coffee and Coconuts blend, and 5-stack sweet potato pancakes.
All rooms are refreshingly white with super comfy beds and simple blue accents as a nod to its name. Book one of the 19 rooms all just a few feet from the ocean, some with 2-bedroom suites that come with large decks or patios on the sand or second-floor jungle-top scenery. Besides Lula providing hats and bags for use, we appreciated the nighttime herbal tea delivered each evening, a signature touch at all Colibri Boutique Hotels. A small shop and spa are now part of this little compound, where a massage comes with a choice of scent like Pimienta (black pepper). The real flex here is learning the art of doing nothing. Read that book you wanted to for ages. Order some shrimp tacos, a fresh colorful poke bowl, or Mezcal Italian lemonade cocktail that arrives on a mini ceramic Vespa, straight to your beach sun bed, and become one with nature (as this is the only place in the world you may want to awaken for sunrise). Truly, you will leave here feeling healed.
Pro tips: Find Lula’s private wellness rooftop for sunset and ask for a gratitude ceremony. Dine with your feet in the sand at Lula’s Kitchen choosing from Mediterranean eats like wood-fired pizza, better than LA. Visit Lula’s sister properties nearby – breakfast or lunch at Mi Amor (by the famed chef from Arca) with options like Red Dzikilpak, Black Ceviche, and Steak and Egg Bowl; Margarita Time and/or Thai dinner at Mezzanine with Tom Ka, dumplings, or banana leaf wrapped shrimp pad Thai dishes; and Mexican Cocktail O’Clock next door at Frida’s Lounge followed by taco dinner at La Zebra.
Grand Velas Riviera Maya
An all-inclusive for couples, families, or groups of any size; book your stay here.
The AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Maya is impressive! Set in the Yucatan jungle, there are multiple restaurants, bars, pools, and beach setups on the Caribbean Sea. The resort is connected through walkways high above the ground so guests can waltz through the tropical foliage with iguanas and spider monkeys and above mini cenotes. It’s a place where you can pick the area that suits you. For us, it was a soft padded cabana beachside where sushi, shrimp tacos, Mezcal cocktails, and Clamato overflowed, as pretty much any delight is delivered right to your spot on their private beach. Since it’s all-inclusive, who’s counting dollars (or calories)?
Ocean and jungle view suites with expansive terraces (and some with plunge pools) are enormous, with contemporary Mexican décor, spa-style bathrooms, and unlimited snacks, wine, and artisanal mezcal created exclusively for Velas Resorts. A private butler concierge service for every suite and a staff guest ratio of three-to-one allows for the ultimate service experience.
Each night, choose a different restaurant with authentic culinary and cultural offerings. Enjoy sampling an array of Mayan specialties at Chaka and Mexican dishes at Frida where the guacamole starter with insects is a must. Try a Mezcal and Mole tasting over sunset cocktails poolside or a Mayan Astrology-inspired cocktail at the resort’s Sky Bar. Karaoke is always a favorite late-night activity too. Azul is a preferred breakfast spot with stunning beach views and a massive spread of options. Recent Michelin star earner Cocina De Autor provides a gastronomy adventure with imaginative twists on traditional foods using fresh ingredients. The value is grand as all food and drinks are included.
No one does the spa better than Grand Velas. In all my travels, I am always wowed by the thoughtful details that go into the spa experience at Grand Velas’s 90,000+ square foot SE Spa. Massages and treatments are connected to the flavors and traditions of Mexico. The spa setting with various pools and water opportunities is set into the ground with natural light facing a faux cenote. The spa features a 9-part water therapy circuit involving different pressures and temperatures to release tension in your body – like bubble beds, a sensory pebble walkway, a sauna with cinnamon essence, an aloe mint cold room, hot tub and cold plunge, and more. A calming pre-massage ceremony connects guests with the four elements of nature and the Mayan-inspired massage and facial treatments are enhanced by the peaceful jungle view.
Children are not forgotten here as two sections of the resort are family friendly and offer Kids Clubs. Other family experiences include a glamping opportunity, a High Tech Teen Lounge, VIP baby services, and 2-bedroom family suites that include a stuffed animal, bathrobes and slippers, and turn-down service for kids.
Pro tips: Book an ocean-front room in the adult-only Grand Class section for the shortest walk to the beach. Partake in one of the hotel’s complimentary experiences such as a bike tour, a Honey and Cheese Tasting with eco-tour of the organic gardens and Maya Melipona bee sanctuary, and Mezcal and Chocolate Pairing.
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