Tulum

Perched on a cliff, overlooking pristine, white beaches and a bright green sea, the ruins of the Mayan port of Tulum make even the most banal holiday snaps beautiful. Laid back Tulum Pueblo is one of the best spots on the Riviera Maya if one of your main reasons for visiting this part of Mexico is bucket-lister Chichén Itzá or Cobá. But it’s also got some of Mexico’s most beautiful beaches, and some excellent cenote diving and cave diving opportunities. Along with the spectacular reef just off shore. Tulum’s town centre is quite close to the highway, but our Guru’s recommendations for the best places to stay in Tulum are all slightly out of town, many with access to their own private beaches.

The other thing our Guru’s list of the best hotels in Tulum share are an atmosphere of peace. Sigh. Tulum has something to offer every budget and that’s reflected in the restaurants and bars as well as the accommodation.

Away from the highway, the beach-y part of Tulum edges up beside the Sian Ka’an Biosphere which has beautiful mangrove swamps and wetlands, and so the trend here has become for eco-friendly accommodation which is complementary to the surroundings. And for boutique and spa hotels.

What Not To Miss

• Tulum’s ruins aren’t the grandest, but they are very well preserved, well looked after and they’re so picturesquely positioned right by a pristine beach, that they should be on everyone's to-do list!
• Wonderfully ancient and astronomically correct, Chichén Itzá, largest of the ancient ruined Mayan cities, will be top of many lists, but it's worth popping into the colonial town of Valladolid on your way.
• About 90kms east of Chichén Itzá is the Pre-Columbian city of Cobá - once home to 50,000 people, and now a large and sprawling ruin.
• The highlight is ‘El Castillo’, the tallest of the Mayan ruins, which juts impressively out of the jungle. You’re still able to climb it and the view is pretty amazing. Compared to many of the Yucatan’s other ruins, Cobá is undeveloped and there are limited services and unpaved trails.
• As well as diving and snorkelling off shore, it’s also worth experiencing a cenote dive. These wonderful caves and tunnels, filled with rainwater, run under much of the Yucatan peninsula and you can dive or swim in quite a lot of them. Some are large and open, while others you enter through narrow fissures of rock, and some are even inhabited with turtles and fish, or even bats!

Our selection of the best places to stay in Tulum offer visitors everything from luxurious escapes to properties ideal for a beach break.

For a Beach Break

• There are plenty of hotels right on the sand in Tulum, but Ana Y Jose Hotel is in a great spot even for Tulum’s standards, close to one of the best sea swimming spots along this stretch of coast. There are 23 rooms and an exotic spa to top it off.
• The Beach demands to be included in this section of the list, but it’s deserving, with 28 boho-chic, white-on-white rooms and lovely views just steps from a secluded stretch of white sandy beach.
• Casa Malaca is a trendy private-beach-side hotel with 40 rooms and suites, three pools and a lively bar. The decor is white one white and contemporary fabulous.
• The Sanara is a tranquil haven set between a pristine white sandy beach and tropical jungle. Chic rooms are contemporary in style; think white on white and plenty of glass. Spend rejuvenating days lounging on the beach, practicing yoga and eating superb healthy food. The ideal spot to completely relax.

To Relax

• Hidden within the jungle, Be Tulum is a collection of 20 atmospheric suites with rustic chic decor and free-standing baths. The romantic restaurant blends Mediterranean and Mexican flavours and there’s a pool and spa as well as the beach right on your doorstep.
• Just outside Tulum, in a beautiful beachfront spot, Sanara is a low-key hotel with 19 rooms and suites and a great spa. There’s also a superb restaurant perfect for after your post-sunset-beach-stroll.
• La Zebra is a 16 room boutique style hotel on a quiet stretch of beach. The decor is contemporary with plenty of natural light. There’s a great seafood restaurant and a lively tequila bar if you need a bit of a kick.

For Barefoot Luxury

• If you like the idea of a small property right on the beach then Encantada Tulum is a for you. There are just eight rooms and you’re set directly against a pristine stretch of white sand. The large terraces have incredible sea views and inside the decor is simple and chic with plenty of wood.
• Mezzanine is a nine room, eco-friendly resort beside a secluded beach. There are tropical gardens and breathtaking sea views, plus plenty of activities on offer.
• The Papaya Playa Project is a collection of 73 sustainable boho-chic rooms and cabanas on a secluded stretch of white sandy beach. The decor is hip and Mayan, while the beach club is hip and Mexican.
• Nomade Tulum is a 38 room hotel in a stunning, beachfront spot. The accommodation is in a range of rustic tents, villas and suites and there’s a retreat feel to the place, and a great vegetarian restaurant.

For Romance

• Casa de Las Olas is a seven suite boutique deco-hotel on its own private beach. Rooms are traditional and decorated in white, and the atmosphere is one of intimacy and peace. No children under five.
• Jashita is a luxurious beach-side property, overlooking glittering turquoise waters. There are 26 indulgent suites decorated all in white with spectacular views plus there's an excellent Italian/ Mexican fusion restaurant.
• Maria del Mar enjoys an idyllic beachside setting in Tulum and is a truly first-rate adults retreat. The rooms and suites feature a beach chic design with plenty of light and natural hues, whilst the Mina restaurant serves delicious Mexican-Argentinian fusion cuisine. Wonderfully romantic!

The Best Value Places to Stay in Tulum

• The Zamas Hotel is a laid-back 20 room property on one of Tulum’s most beautiful stretches of beach. The decor is rustic chic with wooden furniture in sort-of-tile-floored-huts, there’s also a private villa for families and the restaurant has great traditional Mayan fare. Rooms start from around £90 per night.
• For around £100 per night you can stay at the Hotel Tiki Tiki, a 15 room boutique hotel set in quiet, leafy surrounds. The decor features plenty of glass and minimalist design.
• For around £130 per night you can stay in Live Tulum, a small, hip boutique property with great beach access, private jacuzzis and white on white decor.

For an apartment or casa

• If you'd prefer your own space this holiday, check out our online partner, Booking.com for a fantastic selection of properties to suit all needs - from the centre of town to coastal spots.

Travel Information

• Fly to Cancún International Airport located 118km (73 miles) north of Tulum. The airport caters to a wide selection of domestic and International destinations.
• It's possible to catch a bus to Tulum from the airport, although you will need to change at least once.
• If you want to rent a car to explore everything from the beaches to the ruins - for prices visit our online partner,Rentalcars
• Best time to visit - January to March is the most popular time to visit - although it can get very busy so if you want to avoid the crowds visit between October to December for pleasant temperatures. July to October is hurricane season, and whilst you might not experience a hurricane the termperatures and humidity will be very high and you can expect plenty of rainfall.

Still not sure which is the best place to stay in Tulum for you?

• Expand your search to include the best places to stay on the Riviera Maya,
• Alternatively widen the net to include the best places to stay in Quintana Roo,
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.