20 Best Beachfront Hotels in Tulum
Nothing beats waking up to a view of the sea and stepping into the sand first thing in the morning. Here’s our roundup of the best beachfront hotels in Tulum.
Staying on Tulum beach gives an experience unlike no other. The Tulum Beach boasts 15 kilometers worth of hotels and stretches along the dramatic coastline from the dramatic clifftop Tulum Ruins all the way to the pristine and remote Sian Ka’an Reserve. At Tulum Beach, you won’t find big, sprawling all-inclusive resorts unlike in Cancun. Instead, the wide beach is lined with rustic treehouse hotels, boho chic boutique hotels and barefoot luxury cabañas (cabins).
But of course, the best beachfront hotels in Tulum don’t come cheap. With its growing popularity as a beach destination, Tulum is experiencing skyrocketing hotel rates; but if you look carefully and time your trip to low season, you can still find pretty good deals here. To help you live your Tulum dreams, we have curated a list of the best beachfront hotels in Tulum for different budget and type of travelers.
Table of Contents
- Best Beachfront Hotels in Tulum
- Tulum Beach vs Pueblo
- Best Beachfront Hotels in Tulum
- 1. Alaya Tulum
- 2. Akkuun Tulum
- 3. Amansala
- 4. Azulik Tulum
- 5. Be Tulum
- 6. Cabanas Tulum Beach Hotel & Spa
- 7. Casa Ganesh
- 8. Casa Malca
- 9. Encantada Tulum
- 10. Jashita Tulum
- 11. La Valise
- 12. La Zebra Boutique Hotel
- 13. Mamasan Treehouses & Cabins
- 14. Mi Amor Boutique Hotel
- 15. NEST Tulum
- 16. Nômade Tulum
- 17. Our Habitas Tulum
- 18. Papaya Playa Project
- 19. Selina Tulum
- 20. The Beach
- Have You Decided Where to Stay in Tulum?
Best Beachfront Hotels in Tulum
An Overview of Tulum
Tulum is split into two main areas: Tulum Beach and Tulum Pueblo (town); and it takes approximately 10 minutes to drive from one area to the other. Most of the best hotels are located along Tulum Beach, but they are more expensive than in downtown Tulum.
Tulum Beach faces the Caribbean Sea and is lined with chic boutique hotels, artsy resorts, and rustic beach shacks. A dusty beach road runs parallel to the beach (which you can easily navigate on foot or bicycle). Parking is limited on the road, and it’s best to rent a bike to navigate this road. There’s only a handful of pricey restaurants, cafes and beach bars.
Tulum Pueblo (town) is busier, with the main road cutting across the heart of town. It’s flanked by souvenir shops, hostels, restaurants and cafes. This is where you’ll find pharmacies, OXXOs, travel agencies, and the bus station. Staying here is definitely more convenient, but you’ll be missing out on the whole beachfront experience. To ensure you don’t miss anything on your trip, read my complete Tulum travel guide.
Tulum Beach vs Pueblo
Hotels in Tulum Beach are definitely much more expensive than those in Tulum Pueblo. So are the restaurants and cafes in Tulum Beach. Staying on Tulum Beach also means you’ll either need to rent a car or a bike to get to Tulum Pueblo (just a 10-minute drive away). If you stay in town, you can easily walk everywhere or take the colectivo.
While most things to do in Tulum are in town, it’s hard to beat waking up to see the Caribbean Sea before you. You get to catch sunrise from your window, step on the sand and dip your toes in the water the minute you wake up. Then have breakfast with views of the sea and then you can spend the day frolicking in the waves. Staying right on the beach gives a completely different experience.
How to Get Around Tulum
The new Tulum airport is now open, along with the Mayan Train. Aeroméxico, American Airlines, Delta, Spirit Airlines, Viva Aerobus and Volaris all serve Tulum to cities in the US, Mexico and Canada. Currently, you can find regular flights from Mexico City, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami and Toronto. If you are flying to Cancun, read my article on how to get from Cancun to Tulum.
Tulum is big on bikes, and they’re cheap to hire in town or from your resort. It’s the best way to move around if you’re staying on the beach, as the dusty beach road often gets clogged with traffic. You can rent one of the ubiquitous turquoise bikes for just 150 MXN (US$7) per days from Ola Bike on Avenida Coba.
Besides hiring a bike, you can also catch colectivos (shared minibus or minivan-like vehicles) to go further afield. The colectivo fares are cheap, and you just need to flag them down along when you see one. Be sure to have Mexican pesos in hand to pay the fares.
Quick Tips Before You Visit Tulum Beach
There are definitely a few things you want to know before booking any of these Tulum beach hotels, so make sure to read these first!
- Visit at low season – The best time to visit Tulum is from November-early December and January-March when prices are lower and there’s no rain. Avoid Mexican holidays as surcharges are common around Christmas, New Year’s, and Easter.
- Be aware of seaweed – Since 2011, sargassum seaweed has been washing up on the beaches of Tulum and the Caribbean Sea. Sargasso grows the most during the hottest months (June, July, and August).
- Book early – The best beachfront hotels in Tulum get fully booked 6 months in advance. The earlier you book it, the higher the chances of getting a good bargain.
- Bring cash – ATMs in Tulum sometimes run out of money (especially the ones by the beach), so just make sure you exchange your USD for pesos at the airport. Some Tulum businesses accept US dollars, but the exchange rate won’t be in your favor.
- Know what to expect – Luxury hotels in Tulum tend to be rather rustic and eco-friendly. That means that a lot of these hotels will give a more “back to nature” feeling than the typical beach resorts you might find in Cancun or other parts of Mexico.
- Check if the hotel is in the party zone – Some beach clubs in Tulum have quite a party scene, like Taboo and Chambao. Try to avoid staying near them if you’re looking for some peace and tranquility.
- Check if the hotel accepts kids – If you’re traveling Tulum with kids, be aware that most beachfront hotels in Tulum are adults-only.
Best Beachfront Hotels in Tulum
Here’s a summary, but below you’ll find the detailed description for each hotel.
- Best treehouse on Tulum beach: Nômade
- Best budget Tulum beach hotel: Casa Ganesh
- Best hotel for digital nomads: Selina Tulum
- Best luxury, eco-design Tulum beach hotel: Be Tulum
- Best for yogis and wellness lovers: Amansala
- Best mid-range boutique hotel: NEST Tulum
- Most one-of-a-kind Tulum beach hotel: Azulik
- Best for couples and honeymoons: La Valise
- Best for nightlife lovers: Papaya Playa Project
- Best for travelers with dogs: Mamasan Treehouse & Cabins
- Best Tulum beach hotel for families: La Zebra
- Best for luxury glamping: Our Habitas Tulum
1. Alaya Tulum
Found amidst the lush foliage of Tulum Beach, Alaya Tulum is a beacon of tranquility and luxury for those seeking respite from the mundane. Its distinctive treehouse-style rooms coupled with wellness programs offer you a unique experience unseen anywhere in Tulum. Whether you’re a solo voyager seeking solace or a family and group of friends craving communal experiences, the options here cater to all.
Each room has a terrace and complimentary toiletries, ensuring comfort at every turn. Plus, with bookings exceeding $1,000, there’s an added perk of complimentary airport transportation. At Alaya Tulum, the promise of an unforgettable tropical escape awaits.
- Best for: couples, groups and families
- Rating: 8.2 out of 10 stars
- Check Rates & Availability
2. Akkuun Tulum
This hotel’s chic and rustic interior decor – complete with palapa roof, wooden furniture, and linen beddings – reminds you that you are in a tropical paradise! Fall asleep to the sound of the waves and wake up to views of a tropical beach stretching before you.
Even though Tulum is getting more and more built-up by the day, this adult-only hotel will make you feel like you’re on a castaway island, without sacrificing creature comforts. It has an outdoor pool as well as a restaurant by the beach.
- Best for: Couples, honeymooners on a budget
- Rating: 7.2 out of 10 stars
- Check Rates & Availability
3. Amansala
Perched on the white sands of Tulum Beach, Amansala is a serene retreat just a 5-minute drive from the Tulum Mayan ruins. The rooms have tiled floors, some housed in huts with thatched roofs, and all include a safety deposit box and private bathroom.
Amansala is known for its world-class yoga and fitness classes, unforgettable spa services, and bohemian beach vibes. The resort offers beachside yoga and strength and cardio fitness classes, complemented by healthy, fresh meals from its beach club.
Soothe your sore muscles with deep tissue massages or try a rejuvenating ice bath. You can also lounge in private nest cabanas, swim in the pool, or enjoy drinks while swinging in poolside hammocks.
- Best for: families, yogis, and solo travelers
- Rating: 7.5 out of 10 stars
- Check Rates & Availability
4. Azulik Tulum
The most famous beachfront hotel in Tulum has to be Azulik. This one-of-a-kind beach resort was a pioneer in creating Tulum-style beach houses with its nature-inspired design and artistic styles. The private, adults-only hotel features tree houses made from Mexican royal ebony, Khatalosh, and floor-to-ceiling windows providing views of the lush jungle and the Caribbean Sea.
The rooms are free of TV’s, phone or electricity so you can relax and reconnect with nature. Each tree house also has a unique Mayan mosaic bath tub, where you can have a special invigorating bath in rich mineralized cenote’s water, considered as sacred water within Mayan culture. Azulik is truly one of the most unique places to stay in Mexico, offering a magical, back-to-basic experience right on the beach of Tulum.
- Best for: Couples, honeymooners and yogis
- Rating: 7.2 out of 10 stars
- Check Rates & Availability
5. Be Tulum
Be Tulum is set on the tranquil southern end of Tulum Beach, enveloped in lush tropical jungle. The hotel structures are crafted from natural and indigenous materials like local limestone, Brazilian hardwood, and palm-leaf palapa roofs. The winding paths between buildings are illuminated by hanging lanterns and scented with fragrant copal smoke further giving a boho-chic vibe.
The first-floor suites have private pools and terraces while the upper-floor suites feature jacuzzis and balconies. The interiors here are some of the best I have seen in Tulum. The rooms have polished concrete floors, designer furniture, table tops on tree trunks, cowhide carpets, and Butterfly chairs, merging modern aesthetics with durable materials.
The bathrooms feature sinks carved from large pieces of wood and rain showers, providing a touch of rustic elegance to the sophisticated comfort of each suite. But beyond the aesthetic finishing, the hotel is only a few steps from major Tulum attractions. The entrance to Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is only a few minutes away.
- Best for: families, honeymooners, and solo travelers
- Rating: 8.5 out of 10 stars
- Check Rates & Availability
6. Cabanas Tulum Beach Hotel & Spa
Just a few steps away from Selina Beach Club Tulum and Selina Hostel you will find Cabanas Tulum, one of the best beach hotels in Tulum. The hotel has various accommodation options, from cozy queen rooms featuring private plunge pools to three-bedroom villas with hot tubs and two sprawling terraces.
For the ultimate indulgence, a select few rooms feature exclusive rooftop hot tubs overlooking the Caribbean Sea. I was lucky enough to stay in one of these and the view here is worth every penny.
- Best for: solo travelers, families and groups
- Rating: 7.8 out of 10 stars
- Check Rates & Availability
7. Casa Ganesh
This sleek, inviting three-bedroom retreat is an experience of modern luxury and vibrant ambiance found in the heart of Tulum. Casa Ganesh is surrounded by coconut palms and verdant foliage, creating a refreshing ambiance that complements the white-washed sands and beachfront views. Relax on the shaded porch with a book, or unwind in the private plunge pool, with lounge chairs ready for sunbathing.
But it’s the décor that will pique your interest. Inside, cobblestoned walls and wooden furnishings give a wholesome feel to this palapa-style retreat. The airy, earthy décor, combined with state-of-the-art facilities, creates a relaxed, homey setting. Large, wood-finished windows let natural light flood in, blending rustic interiors with contemporary comfort.
- Best for: families, honeymooners, and groups
- Rating: 8.8 out of 10 stars
- Check Rates & Availability
8. Casa Malca
Interested in staying in a villa owned by Pablo Escobar? Located at the edge of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, Escobar’s favorite beach retreat was abandoned after Escobar, the world’s wealthiest-ever drug lord, died in 1993.
New York-based Lio Malca – who deals contemporary works by the likes of Jean-Michel Basquiat and Kaws – bought it and transformed into an eclectic hotel. This luxurious hotel is quirky and lavish, with definitely many stories to tell. Casa Malcan not only has an edgy, avant garde design but also holds a collection of valued art work from famous artists.
- Best for: Luxury travelers, art lovers and antique fans
- Rating: 7.2 out of 10 stars
- Check Rates & Availability
9. Encantada Tulum
Encantada Tulum is one of the most romantic beachfront hotels in Tulum. Located in a quiet section of Tulum, this boutique resort features just eight rooms, ensuring a personalized and tranquil experience while here.
Each villa has a private balcony, mosquito nets, air-conditioning, and a private bathroom, allowing you to fall asleep to the soothing sound of crashing waves. You can choose from garden view rooms, rooms with a side sea view, or luxurious oceanfront villas.
The service at this hotel is one of the best you will ever experience in Tulum. The concierge is super friendly and helpful. Each morning, a continental breakfast is delivered to your balcony, and you can indulge in beachfront spa services, making your stay at Encantada Tulum truly unforgettable.
- Best for: couples, honeymooners and families
- Rating: 8.5 out of 10 stars
- Check Rates & Availability
10. Jashita Tulum
Found on the pristine beaches of Tulum’s far north side, this 5-star gem offers a sanctuary of exclusivity with only 30 lavish suites. From the moment you arrive, you’re greeted with world-class service and a sense of ‘celebrity treatment’ that permeates every aspect of your stay.
You will wake up to the gentle lull of the ocean, followed by a complimentary breakfast that sets the tone for a day filled with indulgence. Many of the suites at Jashita Tulum have private pools if you want a private swim. The hotel also offers beachside yoga sessions and personalized snorkeling or scuba diving excursions with expert instructors.
And for those seeking ultimate rejuvenation, the spa services here promise blissful pampering. In this enclave of serenity and luxury, every moment is a celebration of life’s finest pleasures.
- Best for: couples, honeymooners and families
- Rating: 8 out of 10 stars
- Check Rates & Availability
11. La Valise
If you have a thing for barefoot luxury, then staying at this unique Tulum treehouse hotel should be your top priority. La Valise seamlessly bridges the vibrant Caribbean shores and the serene Mayan jungle. The chic hotel features eleven beachside suites and eleven jungle-side suites.
On the Caribbean side, you will enjoy private beach access, double pools, and signature rolling beds that provide breathtaking ocean views upon waking. The jungle side offers a tranquil retreat with a natural cenote, an expansive pool, and private plunge pools set amidst lush palm canopies. Having stayed on both wings, I can’t honestly decide which side is better; it’s just different sides of nirvana.
- Best for: families, groups, and solo travelers
- Rating: 9 out of 10 stars
- Check Rates & Availability
12. La Zebra Boutique Hotel
Many of the best beach hotels in Tulum are adults-only, so we were thrilled to find this kid-friendly resort right on the waterfront. La Zebra is our go-to beach club in Tulum and we often spend weekends here with our kid. The food at their restaurant is excellent and drinks kick a punch. Besides having a playground on the beach, the hotel also has large spacious family suites suitable that can accommodate up to 4!
It’s not cheap, but the spectacular ocean front views and excellent food here make it worth your while. Rooms are spacious and all overlook the Caribbean Sea. It also has a carpark for those who are renting a car in Tulum.
- Best for: Family travelers and those traveling in a small group
- Rating: 7.2 out of 10 stars
- Check Rates & Availability
13. Mamasan Treehouses & Cabins
For those on a budget, the super stylish and rustic bungalows at the 4-star Mamasan Treehouses & Cabins are relatively affordable and reasonably priced. The adults-only property is a stone’s throw away from Tulum Beach, which you can get to in less than 2 minutes by foot.
In this secluded spot, you’ll stay in rattan cottages and sleep under mosquito nets, or cuddle with your loved one in a geodesic dome and stare at the stars by night. The rustic design and uber style decor makes this one of our favorite treehouses in Tulum. What’s best is that you can be glamping, without sacrificing creature comforts like air-conditioning.
- Best for: Budget travelers, travelers with dogs, glamping lovers
- Rating: 8 out of 10 stars
- Check Rates & Availability
14. Mi Amor Boutique Hotel
Mi Amor is a perfect embodiment of luxury and romance in the heart of Mexico’s Caribbean coast. As an adults-only boutique hotel, it offers an exclusive retreat for couples seeking a blend of elegance and affordability. The allure of its private swimming pool lets you unwind beneath the sun-kissed sky, while the stylishly designed rooms provide a sanctuary of comfort and charm.
From the moment you set foot on its grounds, the ambiance evokes the nostalgia of a bygone era, reminiscent of the golden age of Mexican cinema. Each corner reveals subtle architectural marvels that seamlessly blend contemporary chic with tropical allure.
- Best for: couples, honeymooners and families
- Rating: 8 out of 10 stars
- Check Rates & Availability
15. NEST Tulum
NEST Tulum offers a magical setting for an elevated and authentic experience. The property’s intricate architecture, exceptional service, and intimate beachfront ambiance encapsulate the essence of luxury. Its minimalist design pays homage to Tulum’s rich history, creating a tranquil environment that resonates with the ancient spirituality and traditions of the Mayan civilization.
The timeless charm is reflected in every detail, from curated art pieces to furniture crafted by local artisans. Each room here has three bathrooms, a fully-equipped kitchen, spacious communal areas, a grand palapa terrace, and a captivating oceanfront lounge.
- Best for: families, groups, and solo travelers
- Rating: 8 out of 10 stars
- Check Rates & Availability
16. Nômade Tulum
Experience full transformation at Nômade Tulum, where every detail is meticulously crafted to evoke emotions and guide you on a journey of self-discovery. Perched among the trees, this hotel has some of the coolest treehouses in Tulum, designed with stunning decor and architecture perfect for capturing those quintessential Instagram moments.
Nômade’s wellness programs, music, communal gatherings, and exceptional dining experiences foster connections and exploration among its guests. The hotel also features a spa and private beach. For foodies, the hotel has 3 restaurants serving delicacies from different corners of the globe: La Popular serves fresh seafood and offers a breathtaking sea view. Macondo offers innovative Middle Eastern dishes like nowhere in Tulum. And finally, Kuu is a hidden gem featuring exquisite Japanese Omakase cuisine.
- Best for: families, couples, and groups
- Rating: 7.5 out of 10 stars
- Check Rates & Availability
17. Our Habitas Tulum
At Our Habitas Tulum, you will sleep in ultra-luxe canvas tent set right on the beach. The tents are about the size of a studio apartment so don’t worry about claustrophobia.
Each tent is pitched on elevated wooden platforms and topped with palapa roofs, creating a perfect harmony with the surrounding jungle. Inside, you’ll find king-sized beds, sleek wood furniture, kilim rugs, and robust air conditioning to ensure your comfort.
While most tents are nestled among the palms and sea grape trees, the five oceanfront suites are the ones to book. They offer breathtaking views of the ocean bringing the sounds of the waves to your bedside. Each tent features a sink and vanity inside, with the rest of the bathroom elegantly situated in a bamboo enclosure out back.
- Best for: couples and honeymooners
- Rating: 9 out of 10 stars
- Check Rates & Availability
18. Papaya Playa Project
Cocooned in the jungle just next to the Caribbean, Papaya Playa is the perfect spot to reconnect with nature. In its rustic spaces, you’ll find yourself in a communal playground for creatives. And the absence of electrical outlets is a welcome reminder to truly unplug.
The highlight here is the private porch, where hammocks swing you in sync with the town’s laid-back rhythm. Here, you can bask in the sun while being part of a vibrant, artistic community. Papaya Playa Project is also well-known for throwing the best rave parties in Tulum.
- Best for: creatives, families and solo travelers
- Rating: 8 out of 10 stars
- Check Rates & Availability
19. Selina Tulum
Selina Tulum is a beachfront glamping site where co-working and wellness take center stage. Here, you can work on your laptop on the beach all day, then enjoy massages and mindfulness classes inspired by ancient Mexican traditions in the evening. By night, Cozy bamboo tipis allow you to fall asleep to the sound of the waves and wake up to a sounds of the ocean.
If you want to experience Tulum’s nightlife but hate the idea of late night drives back to the hotel, then this is the place to stay. There is an on-site nightclub at the hotel for you to dance the night away. Selina tends to draw a young, digital nomad crowd, and it’s an excellent spot to stay if you’d looking to make friends.
- Best for: young professionals and couples
- Rating: 7.5 out of 10 stars
- Check Rates & Availability
20. The Beach
If you’re looking to spoil yourself, this stunning eco-hotel impresses with lavish boho-chic decor and the beach is on your doorstep. Side note, yogis will love it here as there are free yoga classes in the morning!
We stayed at one of the divine thatched cottages at The Beach – a plunge pool and hammocks came included! But don’t worry about missing out if you get a standard room, there are lots of pools hidden amongst the hotel’s gardens.
- Best for: Couples, honeymooners and yogis
- Rating: 7.2 out of 10 stars
- Check Rates & Availability
Have You Decided Where to Stay in Tulum?
Hopefully this guide has helped you decide where to stay in Tulum. These beachfront hotels in Tulum are not cheap, but they’re definitely worth the splurge. Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions about where to stay in Tulum.
For those who are planning to travel more of Mexico, check out other articles I’ve written on Mexico:
- 20 Cool Treehouses in Tulum
- 25 Unique Places to Stay in Mexico
- How to Avoid Tulum Seaweed
- Where to Stay in Tulum
- Best Time to Visit Tulum
- 20 Day Trips from Tulum
- Tulum Travel Guide
- How to Visit the Tulum Mayan Ruins
- 30 Cool Things to Do in Tulum
- How to Get from Cancun to Tulum
- How to Visit Sian Ka’an Biosphere
- My Guide to Punta Allen
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links i.e. if you book a stay through one of my links, I get a small commission at NO EXTRA COST to you. Thank you for your support!
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