Cabanas La Luna

Live the castaway dream: a handful of eco cabanas on a pristine beach, offering friendly service and fab food

Imagine being washed ashore on a powdery white beach with the clearest turquoise sea. Through leafy shrubs and swaying palm trees you spot a handful of wooden cabanas, whitened by the sun and shaded by palapa thatches. Surprisingly, this is Mexico’s busy beach destination, Tulum, but off-the-beaten-track La Luna is blissfully quiet; a perfect place to indulge your desert island fantasy.

The overall vibe is simple and relaxed. Built from natural materials, the eco cabanas exude an uncomplicated rusticity and are nicely private, each with a wooden deck and stunning sea view. The smallest ones are ideal for a romantic holiday, while the bigger ones would suit a family. If you want something plusher there are 3 spacious suites or 2 large villas (one with a private pool).

Stay for a while and take stock of life’s simple pleasures - a game of cards over an afternoon beer; lying in your hammock and watching the waves. Later, wander to the Moroccan-style restaurant for delicious 4-course dinners: just-caught lobster, juicy fruit salads, steak arranchera. This is castaway chic at its best.

Highs

• Direct access to a prime and private spot of stunning Tulum beach
• A relaxed and informal atmosphere, yet friendly staff are helpful and offer local advice
• Falling asleep to the sound of the waves, in the beautifully rustic sea-front cabanas
• Visiting Tulum to see the famous ruins, Sian Ka’an national park, and the stunning Caapechen lagoon
• Great for families: kids up to 12 stay for free; Villa Zanzibar has a private pool; cots, highchairs, boogie boards and babysitters are available

Lows

• The cabanas are not luxurious so don't expect posh toiletries, TVs or minibars. Only the Garden Suite has air-conditioning
• It can get rather windy on the beach and the loungers and umbrellas have rather too much faded character
• Well water means showers have a slight sulphuric smell