Best Beachfront Tulum Hotels

The name says it all at The Beach, which occupies a lovely stretch of white sand on Tulum’s south end. In addition to its namesake asset, The Beach delivers the laid-back elements that Tulum is loved for (rustic-chic decor and barefoot dining) along with a number of luxuries (rooftop jacuzzis and an elegant spa). Guests can spend their days at the serene pool surrounded by lush greenery, taking yoga classes at the open-air pavilion, or trying their hand at a Mexican cooking class. Of the hotel’s notable restaurants, Ziggy’s Beach Club is not to be missed, known for its soul food and live music.

Mi Amor has perfected the Tulum boutique experience. With understated, ultra-contemporary design — think stone walls shaded by palm trees, fluid indoor-outdoor spaces, and wooden walkways suspended over infinity pools — the property allows its natural environment to shine, rather than competing with it. Eighteen guest rooms feature either picture-picture ocean views, plunge pools, or outdoor bathtubs surrounded by tropical greenery, along with modern comforts like iPod docking stations. Pergolas are perched on the rocky beach (which is more reminiscent of the Amalfi Coast than of the Caribbean), so many guests prefer to relax on over-water cabanas beside the infinity pool.

Located 30 minutes north of Tulum, Esencia regards itself as a well-kept secret, where understated, discreet luxury abounds. Guests stay in airy, free-standing cottage suites with expansive terraces, where the white-on-white decor is complemented by colorful contemporary art and dark wood accents. Luxury amenities include European linens and Bluetooth speakers in each room, along with complimentary beach bags outfitted with Havaiana sandals. Throughout the property, manicured gardens and thatched-roof palapas lead to the traditional Mayan spa, which overlooks the estate’s cenote. Esencia boasts several excellent restaurants, including Mistura, with its sea-to-table fare and 180-degree ocean views.

Couples will be hard-pressed to find a more intimate hideaway in Tulum, where a laid-back atmosphere and pristine beach provide a perfect backdrop for romance. Rustic-chic bungalows are complete with four-poster canopy beds draped with mosquito netting, walk-in showers, and floor-to-ceiling glass doors opening to oceanfront balconies. The property pays homage to the local culture at every turn with handcrafted mezcal at the bar, spa treatments incorporating pre-Hispanic healing techniques, traditional Yucatán flavors at the open-air restaurants, and artisanal embroidery and artwork in the bungalows.

Most would argue that the revered Old Tulum no longer exists, but Mukan, the secluded hotel on its own tropical islet, offers a glimpse of Tulum's days of yore. With a pristine location on hundreds of feet of palm-fringed beach, the resort is a nature lover's paradise, with cenote-diving, snorkeling, fly-fishing, and wildlife safaris on offer. Nine thatched-roof bungalows are designed with the white-on-white decor and hardwood flooring characteristic of Tulum, but with luxuries like soaking tubs, flat-screen televisions, and mosquito net-draped bedding. And while dining and spa services are limited, the ultimate privacy and idyllic setting make up for it.

If you want to do Tulum in style, look no further than Be Tulum, which maintains a relaxed atmosphere despite being one of the most scene-y places in town. The property oozes chicness (and Instagram opportunities) at every turn, with glass, stone, and reclaimed wood surfaces; Persian rugs; rattan furnishings; and local accents of macrame and embroidery. Guests stay in equally stylish suites, many of which offer plunge pools, hot tubs, and free-standing copper bathtubs. But the real appeal of Be Tulum is its restaurants, including a raw bar with oysters and a barbecue eatery incorporating local grilling techniques.

Contrary to popular belief, Tulum isn’t just for hedonists and romantics, and La Zebra is one of the only hotels in the area that provides an excellent experience for both children and adults. There are six different room categories (many of which offer single beds, rollaway cots, and cribs for little ones), all with common conveniences like mini-fridges and coffee makers. Children have plenty of places to explore, between the property’s manicured gardens, playground, and expansive beach. Adult-friendly draws include a pop-up mixology bar (from New York City’s Mulberry Project) and an eight-course chef’s table experience.