The private stretch of beach might be the headliner, but the 13 accommodations—Tuluk rooms built using a Mayan method of hand-laid stone, wood, and chukum (boiled tree bark) walls—are a very worthy opener. Natural textures such as driftwood and thatch are dotted through the other spaces, and you’ll spot more than a few hand-carved pieces from local artists. NEST is a great hub for day trips: an afternoon swimming with turtles, a sunset cruise on the Caribbean, snorkeling crystal-water caves, or visiting the Tulum ruins. From $423 per night.
Perks: In-room breakfast, snorkeling access, airport transportation, full-service spa
A 20-minute drive from Tulum town, Encantada bridges the jungle and the sea on a quiet patch of the Yucatán Peninsula. Each of the eight suites is outfitted in rattan furniture, hanging beds, woven textiles and macrame from local artisans, and driftwood details. The private terraces set the scene for a picture-perfect breakfast among the birds. There isn’t a pool on-site, but the beach is steps away, and guests can bask poolside at the nearby Radhoo Tulum. If you’re staying longer than a weekend, look into the five-day culture lab workshops, which cover ceramics, painting, and photography lessons led by creatives in the community. From $902 per night.
Perks: Beach access, pool, snorkeling access, concierge
Pala-style buildings house soaking tubs, terraces, elaborate rattan fans, and open-air bedrooms. The rooms are split—11 face the jungle, and 11 are situated on the beach for a “choose your own backdrop” situation—and there are three pools connected by sandy paths. Guests can learn about the surrounding landscape and its history, which involves cacao ceremonies at the spa and a look at the ancient Mayan farming techniques favored at the on-site restaurant, Nü. Should you book one of the elevated rooms, you won’t be disappointed by treetop views skimming the turquoise waters. Everything feels perfectly placed, especially the Mexican antiques dotted in the common areas. From $963 per night.
Perks: Snack bar, airport transportation, yoga classes, welcome drinks
Located within the boundaries of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere—new developments are no longer allowed in the reserve—Casa Chablé is about as “remote” as you can get when it comes to this beach club destination. There are 10 rooms total: five suites with balconies in the Cara Principal, and five villas on the beach. Each room is a lesson in local art, where white-washed walls set the scene for ceramics and textiles. Guests are treated to a full-on immersion with nature, there aren’t any beach clubs or bar scenes to distract from the sunrises, ocean dips, and wildlife. From $997 per night.
Perks: Breakfast included, private beach access, yoga classes, bicycle rentals
There’s a three-night minimum for a stay at this chic beachside resort—but, honestly, that’s the minimum amount of time you’ll want to spend here. Steps from South Tulum Beach, this small boutique hotel encompasses eight, breezy suites decked out in luxury linens. The property was originally built by Austrian engineer, Carlos Schober, who finished construction when the only places to stay in Tulum were simple jungle cabanas. Olas honors that peace and quiet by presenting a space that feels more like walking into a friend’s home than a boutique hotel. Guests convene at the communal table at the center of the property for dinner and have the option of booking excursions of all kinds, such as boat tours through the nearby Sian Ka’an reserve. From $1,300 per night.
The clear blue water of Cenote Dos Ojos isi ideal for swimming and snorkeling.Simon Dannhauer/Getty Images
Perks: Sauna, yoga classes, scuba diving access, pet- friendly
If you dream of your own White Lotus experience, book into the Muaré, where a temperature-controlled plunge pool accompanies every suite at this boho-leaning property. A neutral palette ties together all 26 rooms and common spaces are centered around a beautiful, jungle-lined communal pool. Muaré is located in La Veleta, which is mainly residential and feels miles away from the all-night parties of the coastal hotel zone.
There are still plenty of beaches nearby though for sunbathing and cenotes for swimming (Gran Cenote, Dos Ojos, and Cenote Corazón should all be on your list). Be sure to pencil in some time for the healing centerm as it offers massages that incorporate traditional Mexican methods and ingredients. But you don’t have to be in the spa to feel like you’re taking in a big breath of fresh air. Against the jungle greenery, the hotel’s affinity for natural textures (linen, jute, stone, wood) reminds us that nature has a limitless range. From $420 per night.