The 11 best hotels in Tulum

Staying in one of the eight suites at the house of 'life' is a bit like being the guest of a charismatic friend in possession of a private beach and impeccable taste. Everything feels personal, from the service to the conversation to the communal dining. An architectural landmark, the Olas was designed to capture the breeze for natural cooling, one of many eco-friendly credentials. Its isolation at the far end of the beach makes for true tranquility.

Where is it? The southernmost end of Tulum Beach, beside Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Which room? The Ocean Front Master Suite is a beautiful, airy space that sleeps four and the view from the private terrace is unbeatable.

Time Out tip: Take part in their Sky Yoga Shala class set against Caribbean views. It's held in the birds nest studio, which sits amongst the swaying palm fronds.

Papaya’s vision is to translate the ethos of an arty private members’ club to a Yucatan beach, by drawing on the natural, spiritual, cultural and sustainable. It describes itself as ‘a communal playground for the creative community’ and artistic collaboration is encouraged—there’s even a beach amphitheatre. Kick the day off with yoga or tai chi and end it with killer cocktails and guest DJs before retiring to your ‘barefoot luxury’ home. Design and landscaping are simple and locally inspired, with a photogenically stylish tweak.

Where is it? Mayan Riviera, on a sizeable swathe of private beach and less than a mile from the ruins.

Which room? Book a Casita ('small house') if you can. These modest dwellings are luxurious and oh-so-unique, with private pools and terraces in the treetops.

Time Out tip: See if you can time your trip with the monthly Full Moon Parties. These are vibrant, fun and go all night.

There’s a fabulously relaxing vibe around Villa Pescadores, where nature, rather than self-conscious stylishness, sets the tone. The 18 thatched huts are integrated into their sand dune-setting and made with local materials, including living palm trees. Pescadores ('fishermen') do indeed drag their boats onto the broad sands here and sell their wares to the restaurant, where zingy Mexican cuisine is served and fish grilled whole on the beach. Night brings a techno soundtrack and outdoor films. No fancy facilities, but no fancy prices either.

Where is it? Playa Pescadores, less than four miles to the bus station and the main suqare in Tulum.

Which room? Premium King. It's a rustic little hut right on the beach, so you'll be mere footsteps away from the sand.

Time Out tip: Villa Pescadores is just five minutes' walk to Tulum Archaeological Site, the only Mayan city built on a coast and well worth a visit.

The ‘K’ honors the Mayan god of wind, Ku-Kul-Kan, whose priests once meditated in caves beneath Diamante’s beachside site. His statue now greets the mellow young set who come to worship sea and sand at this picturesque thatched hamlet with its funky sculptures. Staff are friendly and not only know how to mix a cocktail, but how to serve it to your hammock in style too. Cabanas are simple and airy, with cooling tile floors.

Where is it? Literally inside Tulum National Park, just south of Las Palmas, South Tulum and Paraíso beaches.

Which room? Traveling on a budget? Book the Economic Full Bed. This modest hut just about fits a double bed and bathroom, but the views you'll get of the garden from the bed more than make up for any lacking space.

Time Out tip: Given its proximity to Parque Nacional Tulum, you can't stay at Diamante K without a trip to the Mayan ruins.

Luv’s eco-credentials run to solar-powered fridges (who knew?) and turtle-friendly lighting (that's low-wattage). In the kitchen, cutting food miles just makes things more delicious, with local food, coffee from neighbouring Chiapas, and handmade tortillas and banana bread. Beyond a candlelit bar, the facilities are minimal—the point here is, like Luv itself, to go off-grid—and the 12 handsome cabanas, dotted with Mexican artefacts, are rather special.

Where is it? Boca Paila, on the southern end of Tulum Beach and less than 30-minutes' drive to central Tulum.

Which room? The Ocean View king and queen suites are like little hideaways in the treetops. Split over two levels, they're also the largest rooms in the whole resort.

Time Out tip: Join Luv's driver Freddie for a private tour (at an additional cost) of the local cenotes, from major ones such as Dos Ojos, to little-known cenotes such as Crystal, Escondido or Sac Actun.

White adobe, palm-thatched beach huts, driftwood-chic… It may sound basic, but is far from. The vibe is relaxed and comfortable at The Beach, but sophistication is at your beck and call here, from morning yoga and an open-air spa to a lazy river pool. The biggest luxury lies there in the name: step from your private terrace with a pool and you are literally on the dunes, with a slice of seafront all to yourself. Dine on fashionable eats beachside and make an appearance at the sandy lounge club.

Where is it? Tulum Beach, just 2.5 miles from the National Park and 10 minutes’ drive to the town center.

Which room? The Rooftop rooms provide the most privacy, with terraces and hot tubs nestled amongst the trees and offering jaw-dropping views of the ocean.

Time Out tip: Hit up the hotel concierge to borrow a bike (or a few) and cycle to the ruins in around 30 minutes.

Life is sweet and simple at ‘Sugar’ hotel. It’s a huddle of solar-powered beach huts with a pleasantly ramshackle Key West vibe. One of only a few simple and relatively inexpensive places with its own beachfront, Azucar harks back to Tulum’s sand-between-your toes early days. There is free wifi, but don’t expect too much by way of facilities—other than a stunning sunrise, daily.

Where is it? On Tulum Beach, a couple of miles from the National Park and Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve.

Which room? Suite Mar. Not only does it have a direct view out to the ocean, but it also comes with a jacuzzi on the balcony.

Time Out tip: Though Azucar doesn't have a restaurant, there are plenty of options along the beachfront, including Ziggy's Mexican beach club, which serves Mexican fare beside The Beach hotel.

Eco-friendly Nueva Vida gets paradise right, and plenty of plaudits and return visits as a result. It’s soul-soothingly natural and peaceful, and its 31 spacious cabins are all integrated into the forest and beautifully tended gardens. They’re simple and (because of the solar and wind power) bereft of appliances, but comfortable and pleasingly decorated with outdoor showers and an eye for a colourful accessories. The beach is kept clean—the family owners are active in local environmental circles—and there’s an inviting assortment of lounging options.

Where is it? Boca Paila, south of central Tulum.

Which room? 22B Ambar is nestled deep within Nueva Vida's garden—giving serious jungle vibes—with a terrace and 45-meter sandy pathway that leads straight to the beach.

Time Out tip: Prepare for one of the best meals of your life at Jose Luis Hinostroza's Yucatecan brasserie, Atila. Enjoy farm-to-table Mexican fare prepared to the highest order.

The blend of natural materials, neutral tones and jungle-like surrounds make Hotel Milam the place to book if your aim is to feel a million miles away from home. The garden, shared lounge and terrace and picture-perfect places to wind down, and the year-round outdoor pool and hot tub are there to take your relaxation sessions to the next level. Their on-site restaurant serves Meditteranean, Mexican and seafood plates of the highest quality. 

Where is it? A gem in Tulum city centre. 

Which room? Rooms come with a private pool, and villas come with a kitchen and a terrace fronting garden views. 

Time Out tip: The exceptional ratings don't lie – this spot really is worth booking for your next getaway. 

Overgrown trees, blue skies and transparent pools are all you'll be laying your eyes on during your stay at Trece Lunas. The oasis has a remote feel with all the benefits of being near the city centre (we're talkin' fast WiFi, as well as the beach. Rustic furnishings and fairy-lit outdoor areas give off shack vibes, with suites and apartments featuring terraces, outdoor BBQs and views of the courtyard garden. Lose yourself in this closed-off oasis that feels like your own corner of paradise.

Where is it? In a new neighborhood called La Veleta, seven kilometers from Tulum Archeological Site and a few kilometers away from a bus station. Tulum Beach is 12 minutes away by car and airport shuttle is available upon request. 

Which room? Choose between a suite with a balcony or an apartment with a terrace – both come with everything you need and offer complete privacy, but the apartments do have their own kitchen. 

Time Out tip: Complete your stay with scooter rentals, a luxury massage and a private chef.