Tulum may have started as a sleepy fishing village with a few rustic cabanas along its shore, but today it has evolved into one of the Riviera Maya’s hottest destinations. People of all ages travel to this jungle-nestled region south of Cancun and Playa del Carmen, drawn to the holistic lifestyle that makes it famous and the many gorgeous properties available for visitors. The hotel scene here is a collection of barefoot-luxe bungalows that open directly onto the sand, and wellness retreats where sunrise yoga comes with sea views. While several large luxury hotels have opened in the area—such as Conrad Tulum, with its lavish amenities of 5 pools and 11 on-site restaurants—there are still plenty of properties that offer what Tulum was originally known for: diminutive, boutique respites. Just look at Chablé, a 10-suite retreat at the end of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, and the new Xela Tulum, a 12-room oasis with an open-air living room and expansive rooftop ideal for sunset cocktails.
Over the years, I’ve watched this area transform into a design-forward playground that seamlessly blends its architecture into the surrounding jungle, and it’s a sight you’ve got to see. The good news? This stretch of Mexico’s Caribbean coast is now easier to reach than ever, thanks to the new Tulum International Airport, with direct flights from US cities like Miami, Atlanta, and Dallas-Fort Worth. So, whether you’re craving a luxury-focused stay, an all-inclusive resort, or an affordable boutique property where wellness is built into the experience, Tulum delivers—framed by white-sand beaches, lush foliage, and an irresistible coastal energy that is nothing like its northern neighbors.
Ready to experience Tulum’s magic for yourself? Here are the best hotels in Tulum worth checking into.
How we choose the best hotels in Tulum
Every hotel review on this list has been written by a Condé Nast Traveler journalist who knows the destination. When choosing hotels, our editors consider properties across price points that offer an authentic and insider experience of a destination, keeping design, location, service, and sustainability credentials top of mind.