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Margaret Littman, Contributor
Forbes Vetted
With its vivid blue Caribbean waters, proximity to historical sites and world-class restaurants, it’s no surprise that Tulum has become a must-visit destination for jet setters and wellness travelers alike. This once sleepy fishing village still feels more bohemian than the Yucatán Peninsula destinations of Playa del Carmen and Cancun, with a more rugged jungle landscape and an authentic downtown that still caters to locals. 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.
Many of the best hotels in Tulum offer eco-chic luxury and are located along the six-mile-long stretch of beachfront from the Tulum Ruins to the soft sand beach in the south end. For a luxurious stay in a private villa surrounded by lush jungle, we recommend Muaré, while La Zebra Tulum offers a vibrant and playful beachfront escape perfect for families. For romance, Xela Tulum offers an oasis away from the party scene, while for wellness lovers, Be Tulum offers energy healing cleanses, detox programs and traditional Mayan rituals. Below, our selections for the best hotels in Tulum in 2024.
- Best High-End Hotel In Tulum: Muaré
- Best Value Hotel In Tulum: KASA Hotel K’uyen
- Best Hotel For Spa And Wellness In Tulum: Be Tulum
- Best Hotel For Adventure In Tulum: Mi Amor
- Best Environmentally Friendly Hotel In Tulum: Habitas Tulum
- Best Hotel For Privacy In Tulum: Hotel Esencia
- Best Hotel For Families In Tulum: La Zebra Tulum
- Best All-Inclusive Hotel In Tulum: Unico 20° 87° Hotel Riviera Maya
- Best Hotel For A Girlfriend Getaway In Tulum: Amansala Eco-Chic Resort And Spa
- Best Hotel For Design Lovers In Tulum: Tulum Treehouse
- Hotel With The Best Amenities In Tulum: La Valise Tulum
- Best Boutique Hotel In Tulum: Casa Violeta Tulum
- Best Adults-Only Hotel In Tulum: Barceló Maya Riviera
- Hotel With The Best Rooftop In Tulum: Hotel Panamera
- Hotel With The Best Pools In Tulum: Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya
- Best Hotel For Romance In Tulum: Xela Tulum
- Hotel With The Best Views In Tulum: Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya
- Best Hotel With An On-Site Cenote In Tulum: Shibari Tulum
Best High-End Hotel In Tulum: 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. 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: KASA Hotel K’uyen
If you want to work in a little 9-to-5 action from a remote address, KASA Hotel K’uyen has some options for suites with separate living/work areas, comfortable chairs for hours at the laptop.
KASA Hotel K’uyen
KASA Hotel K’uyen
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 PH Ka’an suite, which has a private pool terrace
Location: Pueblo
KASA Hotel K’uyen 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 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, KASA Hotel K’uyen 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 two restaurants feature organic, local ingredients and sustainably caught seafood in Mexican-influenced dishes. The property’s 65 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 5 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, couples can gaze lovingly into each other’s eyes and feast on food and wine pairings designed for them—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: Hotel Esencia
A Rooftop Wellness Suite at Hotel Esencia.
Tanveer Badal Photography
Hotel Esencia
Who Will Love It: Those 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. 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 preffered afternoon tea, too. Each of the 45 rooms is essentially a suite, with a terrace and separate sleeping and living quarters. Babysitters, masseuses, chauffeurs and translators are available if needed, and if you’re craving even more privacy, there are three stand-alone villas.
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 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 find-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 Hotel In Tulum: Unico 20° 87° Hotel Riviera Maya
Terrace views at UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya.
Courtesy of UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya
Unico 20° 87° Hotel Riviera Maya
Who Will Love It: Folks who want the best of the best when it comes to service while enjoying the specific charms of the Yucatan Peninsula
All-Star Amenities: Semi-private swim-up pools; local ingredients at the restaurants; locally made textiles in the rooms; packing and unpacking service
What Not To Miss: Made-for-you sun hats; beer and wine tastings; custom excursions
Location: A 30-minute drive north of Tulum toward Playa del Carmen
Some luxury hotels are so focused on the must-have, high-end experiences that some of the specifics of the property and the locale get overshadowed by indulgence. Not so at Unico 20° 87°, where the Yucatan’s pre-Hispanic and colonial history, not to mention singular views, are part of the hotel design. Despite having 448 guest rooms, Unico 20° 87° will feel like your own private resort. You’ll hear the crashing of the waves as well as the sounds of monkeys and birds as you stroll outside. Even at check-in, you’ll be escorted to a lounge and welcomed with a drink, no waiting at a lobby check-in desk required. When you need to unwind after your long vacation day of spa treatments, yoga and sipping drinks at the swim-up bar, check out the aromatherapy options in your room, with diffusers filled with different essential oils.
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 (pun intended): 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.
Best Hotel For Design Lovers In Tulum: Tulum Treehouse
Tulum Treehouse is inspired by the work of Mexican architect Luis Barragan.
Victor Stonem
Tulum Treehouse
Who Will Love It: Aesthetically minded creatives for whom the look of each space is tantamount
All-Star Amenities: Collaborations with chefs, musicians and designers make the Treehouse an ever-changing experience
What Not To Miss: The outdoor kiln; opportunities to collaborate with other creatives staying in the treehouse
Location: Middle Beach Zone
Most of Tulum’s resorts and hotels are designed to blend indoors to outdoors seamlessly, but in the five guest rooms at Tulum Treehouse, the efforts to embrace the Yucatán Peninsula are above and beyond. Cool, white cement offsets polished, locally sourced woods, offering a sleek, but not jarring, backdrop in which to enjoy the jungle. Rooms have private terraces with hammocks or lounge chairs, while the open-air Kitchen at Tulum Treehouse restaurant makes dishes based on local tradition and using local techniques. The restaurant is open to the public at night, but during the day it is for hotel guests only.
Hotel With The Best Amenities In Tulum: La Valise
La Valise has large and luxurious guest rooms.
Sofia Hernandez
La Valise
Who Will Love It: Those for who spare no expense on vacation
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
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 luxurious—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 Boutique Hotel In Tulum: Casa Violeta Tulum
Casa Violeta guest rooms feature locally made textiles.
MJ Kroeger
Casa Violeta Tulum
Who Will Love It: Families and friends looking for laidback luxury
All-Star Amenities: Private beach; wellness experiences like yoga
What Not To Miss: A private temezcal session for two
Location: South Beach Zone
The 16-room Casa Violeta is a chic boutique property that embodies the rustic beach atmosphere Tulum is well-known for. Owner Karla Gutierrez moved to Tulum in 2003 when it was in the very early stages of resort development and has since been called the Mayor of Tulum due to her championing of the down-to-earth wellness getaway. Rooms here have crisp white walls, beach views and local artwork, and guests at Casa Violeta can do yoga on the sand, book a cacao ceremony or cleanse body, mind and spirit in the hotel’s traditional temazcal. The sweat lodge has hot volcanic rocks infused with healing waters, while the ocean view restaurant serves crowd pleasing Mexican and Italian meals.
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; afterwards, 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 water-side DJ. The presence of the cenotes make 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.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted travel team has researched, written and published dozens of hotel guides featuring cities across the globe. The travel section is overseen by Vetted’s senior travel editor, Astrid Taran, a 7-year industry veteran who’s visited over 35 countries. The writer of each of our hotel roundups is handpicked based on their area of expertise, whether they are area locals or avid travelers who have visited the destination frequently—and all have bylines in other reputable travel publications. Further, this story is regularly checked to ensure that all prices and information are as current as possible. It was last updated in February 2024.
About Margaret Littman, Your Tulum Guide
I tell stories about people and places of the South from my home base in Nashville. Mexico is one of my favorite destinations, and I’ve made frequent trips to the country including to bohemian Tulum. When I’m not writing or editing, I’m stand up paddle boarding in as many states and countries as I can. My work has appeared in Preservation, Condé Nast Traveler, VinePair, PUNCH, and I’m the author of several books, including Moon Nashville to New Orleans Road Trip and Moon 52 Things to Do in Nashville.
