Encantada

Rooms

Breezy, spacious and open-plan, the 8 rooms are decorated in calm shades of cream, with rustic furniture and vivid accents of local handmade fabrics and artwork. Elevated kingsize beds are clad in light and soft linen and are super-comfy, while flowing mosquito nets and floor candles create a very romantic vibe. All rooms have private wraparound decks, sliding glass doors and hardwood floors.

The 4 Beachfront rooms (Mar and Arena on the ground floor, Cielo and Estrella up above), sit directly on the sand dunes and have magnificent panoramic beach and sea views. Slightly set back are the 2 Garden View rooms (Flores and Tierra), and sitting in the treetops with beautiful glimpses of the ocean are the Ocean View rooms (Luna and Sol). The latter, Sol, was our favourite; a perfect mix of exotic treehouse feel, stunning ocean views and seclusion.

All rooms are almost identical in layout, amenities and décor. The only differences are price according to setting, and that top-floor rooms have high Mayan thatched ceilings, giving them an even airier feel. Garden and Ocean View rooms have an additional rollaway bed for a 3rd adult or a child over 12.

Bathrooms are colourful, with bright blue glass walk-in showers and mosaic-tiled sinks. We loved the large selection of natural soaps and lotions; the bamboo body wash smelt absolutely divine. Other nice touches include a handwoven beach bag, beach towels and a hairdryer socket (a rarity in Tulum).

Features include:

• Fan
• In-room treatments available
• Mosquito net
• Safe box
• WiFi

Eating

A continental breakfast is included in the room rate: warm banana and coconut bread, fruit platters, a variety of fresh juices, yoghurt, and the most delicious toasted granola we have ever had. It's served on beautiful handmade local crockery, creating an immediate happy mood. Smoothies, lattes and eggs (including huevos rancheros) can be ordered for an additional charge.

The casual restaurant and bar is open throughout the day and serves fantastic dishes with regional flair, such as pollo con mole with aromatic Mayan chocolate and sesame seeds, and tequila-infused shrimp. On Friday nights there's a live musician, and the melancholic sounds of his acoustic Spanish guitar make dining under the starlit sky with your feet in the sand even more special.

There are plenty of fabulous restaurants and cool bars just a short beach stroll or bike ride away from the hotel. We particularly liked the vintage-style Playa Azul for a simple meal of guacamole, tacos and margaritas; and the whimsical, upscale El Tabano, set in a jungle garden, for fresh lobster, truffle crêpes and fine Mexican wines. True foodies should head to sophisticated Cetli in Tulum proper, for an authentic Mexican feast with all the bells and whistles.

Features include:

• Bar
• Organic produce
• Restaurant
• Restaurants nearby
• Vegetarian options

Activities

• Swim in the sea, walk along the pristine beach, hit the hammocks, read a book and try the margaritas
  
• Take a private yoga lesson then enjoy a rosemary and eucalyptus massage in the spa
  
• Cycle along the leafy Boca Paila road and check out the funky bars (Playa Azul, Casa Banana, Casa Jaguar) and boutiques - bikes are free for hotel guests to borrow
  
• Watch pelicans dive-bomb into the ocean to catch their meals
  
• Swim, snorkel and dive in one of the many nearby cenotes (deep, natural freshwater pools with underwater caves); Dos Ojos is our favourite
  
• Star-gaze to the soundtrack of crashing waves
  
• Tick the culture box with a visit to the nearby Tulum ruins, which can easily be covered in a 2-hour stroll, or go all out on a day-trip to Chichen Itza, one of the most visited archaeological sites in Mexico
  
• Float downstream in a ponga boat within the pristine, protected biosphere reserve of Sian Ka’an, a 1.5-million acre protected Unesco site
  
• The hotel can arrange a host of other activities, from kite-surfing to deep-sea fishing to zip-lining through the jungle

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Birdwatching
• Boat trips
• Cycling
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Historical sites
• Kayaking
• Kitesurfing
• Plantlife / flora
• Scuba diving
• Scuba diving courses
• Shopping / markets
• Snorkelling
• Swimming
• Traditional cultures
• Well being
• Wildlife
• Yoga

Kids

Children aged 12 and older are welcome and charged a supplement cost for an extra bed in their parents' room.

Best for:

Teens (over 12)

Family friendly accommodation:

Ocean View and Garden View rooms have a rollaway single bed.

Extra Beds Available

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

Hotel Encantada is near the Mayan ruins on the beach at Tulum, on Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. It's about 1.5 hours by car from Cancún airport.

By Air
The closest airport is Cancún International (120km away), served by direct flights from the UK (10 hours), the US (4 hours from New York) and some other countries. Alternatively, you can take an internal flight from Mexico City to Cancún. Click on the links below for a list of airlines.

From the Airport
The hotel can arrange shared or private transfers. It's worth asking for one in advance as an airport taxi will charge depending upon supply and demand at the time, so could end up being pretty expensive.

By Car
If you'd prefer to self-drive and want to hire a car, see our car rental recommendations. It's an easy drive - head south along the coastal highway past Playa del Carmen and carry on past Tulum for 5km on the Boca Paila road. There's free parking at the hotel.

By Bus
There are no buses which travel directly from the airport to Tulum. Instead, you need to take a bus north for 30 minutes to the Cancún bus station, then return south to Tulum via a 2-hour journey. Once you arrive in Tulum, take a taxi to Encantada (a 15-minute drive).

Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.

More on getting to Mexico and getting around