Meet XELA Tulum, an Intimate Beachfront Getaway

11 September, 2025 1 category

Sat amongst dense flora, XELA Tulum cultivates the feeling of a private beachside residence. The palapa roof rises like a sculptural tribute to tradition, while the 12 individually designed rooms and suites feature custom pieces that reflect the local craft heritage. A roof terrace boasts 360-degree views of the surrounding sea and jungle, and an infinity pool leads the way to 50 meters of secluded beachfront.

Situated in South Tulum and tucked away amidst swaying palms with private beach access, XELA Tulum, our newest member in Mexico, celebrates the intersection of nature, culture, and contemporary design. An intimate laid-back luxury escape, the hotel echoes the essence of a private coastal villa, where thoughtfully designed spaces offer both privacy and communal settings to bring together like-minded souls and spark meaningful connections. Here, Tulum’s energy and natural beauty come to life through a reflection of the region’s rich cultural traditions, with an operational and design ethos rooted in creating transformative experiences that foster deep connections with the environment, local heritage, and each other.

Originally a private beachfront home, the property was thoughtfully transformed to maintain its intimate residential character while expanding the footprint to accommodate contemporary hotel amenities, including communal spaces, a sophisticated bar, a garden-facing gym, and hidden wellness cabins for tailored treatments. Meanwhile, interior designer Alex Heyde-Ballengee elevated Mexican design to its highest expression and responded to Tulum’s coastal environment. Organic architecture seamlessly blends indoors and outdoors, while Indigenous and natural materials like stone, organic woods, and woven textiles bring depth and soul to every space. The palapa roof is an emblem of Yucatán architecture, and signature Zapotecan ceramic works as well as over 100 pieces of red clay pottery sourced from Oaxaca and Francisco Uh May speak to the region’s craft heritage. Additional locally made and sourced pieces include woven Oaxacan chairs, custom furniture crafted from Mezquite and Parota woods, Yucatecan hammocks, coconut and conch shell baskets, and natural fibers like henequen and jute.

The hotel’s defining earthy color palette and textured materials extend into the seven rooms and five suites, all of which were uniquely designed to evoke a feeling of serenity and connection with nature. Red clay pottery, custom wood furniture, and side tables made from endemic stones are complemented by subtle pops of orange hues, reflecting the area’s sunsets and corals, and hammered copper details from Michoacán. The standout XELA Suite features a private balcony, office space, and outdoor Chukum-walled freestanding soaking tub, while the tranquil Palmas Suite offers a secluded terrace with a personal plunge pool. Other suites, such as the Coco Suite and Charcoal Suite, provide seamless transitions from the living room to the ocean with direct beach access.

At the heart of XELA Tulum is a large, open-air living room where multiple environments flow seamlessly into one another. A sunken area that calls to mind Middle Eastern divan rooms features a communal table and handcrafted wood chandelier, while an infinity pool—surrounded by chic sun loungers and plush chairs—stretches out towards the hotel’s secluded beach, equipped with loungers and handwoven umbrellas by local artisans. Nearby, the in-house restaurant serves modern Mexican cuisine, and upstairs, the rooftop bar and lounge is a place to relax, take in a picturesque sunset, and bask in 360-degree views of both the Mayan jungle and Caribbean Sea. With communal spaces that encourage connection as well as spacious, individual retreats, XELA Tulum embodies a quintessential beachside escape that feels familiar yet unique, offering a place for guests to unwind alone, with friends, or, with a full buyout, surrounded exclusively by their chosen family.

LOCATION

XELA Tulum is located in the heart of South Tulum, a vibrant area filled with an array of shops, restaurants, and unique local experiences. Sought-after spots like NÜ restaurant and La Valise Spa are a short walk away, while nearby outings include discovering Sian Ka’an Nature Biosphere or the Tulum Ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hotel also organizes tours to explore the region’s cenotes, jungles, and Mayan archeological sites, as well as cultural activities and wellness experiences including cacao ceremonies, healing sound baths, and Akashic reading sessions.

Hotel website