Olas Tulum

Rooms

The Oceanfront Master Suite is the star of the show, with a spacious split-level living room, a pair of kingsize 4-posters and a huge terrace just yards from the sea. It features a large separate kitchen and a bathroom with double sinks and walk-in shower.

The Oceanfront Suite has a kingsize bed draped in Mexican fabrics and faces a curve of ocean-view windows. There's a kitchenette for preparing simple meals but no private outside space. The smaller Oceanfront Junior Suite has a queensize Balinese canopy bed and wraparound windows facing the sea.

We stayed on the upper level, in one of the airy Oceanfront Balcony Suites. The sunlight gleamed off the polished concrete walls and floor, and the balcony framed the view of palms and ocean so perfectly. The furniture was reclaimed wood and the kitchenette was small but functional. From our large, comfy canopy bed, we were lulled to sleep by the sound of the waves.

The Ocean View Balcony Suites and the Ocean View Deluxe Balcony Suite sit in a newer villa further back from the beach, though they still have partial sea views. They are more contemporary in style, with kingsize beds and modern Danish furniture. Ocean View Balcony Suites don't have kitchenettes, but the Ocean View Deluxe Balcony Suite has a lovely large kitchen.

Features include:

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

Eating

A complimentary breakfast is eaten alfresco with other guests at a communal table under the palms. It's a good opportunity to exchange Tulum tips while enjoying organic French press coffee, fresh squeezed orange juice, yogurt, homemade granola and fruit, plus a daily changing dish such as avocado toast, boiled eggs or banana bread.

If you're hanging out here during the day, don't skip lunch. Our mixed ceviche, which featured fish from Hartwood and Campeche prawns, was easily the best of our trip (and we tried a lot). Other treats on the menu include vegan ceviche with coconut & cucumber (Jimmy's favourite), shrimp tacos, tuna sashimi tostada, and beer battered fish with homemade pineapple habanero sauce. All fish is caught locally and served fresh.

If you fancy eating out, stroll along the beach or cycle into the 'hotel zone' on one of the hotel's bikes and you’ll be spoilt for choice – you'll find restaurant recommendations in your room's guest file. Don't miss Hartwood, one of the most talked-about diners in the Caribbean. Further afield, Cetli specialises in regional Oaxacan dishes. We had delicious, authentic Chinese fare at Wang in Tulum Town, and Taqueria La Chiapaneca comes highly recommended.

There’s also a gas barbecue should you fancy shopping for your meal in Tulum’s lively market. Although there's no bar onsite, you're welcome to bring your own drinks. Take them up to the sunset rooftop and soak in the view.

Features include:

• Breakfast
• Communal dining
• Lunch by arrangement
• Restaurants nearby

Activities

• Grab a yoga mat and enjoy the private yoga deck surrounded by dense foliage. Classes are also available on request.
  
• Indulge in a Mayan clay massage beneath the shade of a palm tree
  
• Take a boat or kayak trip through the lagoon of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve to search out crocs and manatees grazing in the mangroves
  
• Rent one of several lightweight bikes and cycle to the coastal ruins at Tulum (10km), one of the Mexico's most memorable Mayan sites; alternatively arrange a catamaran trip and view them from the ocean
  
• Swimming in the cool waters of a cenote (limestone sinkhole pools) is an essential Yucatan experience; there's one a 5-minute walk away, and the one at the Ek Balam ruins (136km) is considered one of the most beautiful
  
• Do nada except laze in your hammock and gaze at the sea; that’s what Olas Tulum is all about

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Boat trips
• Cycling
• Historical sites
• Kayaking
• Spa treatments
• Swimming
• Well being
• Wildlife
• Yoga

Kids

This is more of a grown-up retreat - think couples and solo travellers - but families with children aged 6 and above are also welcome here.

Family friendly accommodation:

The Oceanfront Master Suite is best for families as it has 2 kingsize beds – drapes can be drawn between them for a bit of privacy. A single rollaway bed can be added to the Oceanfront Suite.

Distances:

• Shops: 13km
• Pharmacy: 13km
• Hospital: 13km

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

Olas Tulum is situated at the very end of Tulum beach and the designated 'hotel zone', 10km from the town of Tulum itself, and next door to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve.

By Air:
The closest airport is Cancun (127km), which has direct flights from the US, the UK and elsewhere. Alternatively, change at a US airport or fly via Mexico City.

From the Airport
The hotel can arrange transfers but if you'd prefer to self-drive, see our car rental recommendations. It’s a 2-hour drive from the airport to the hotel on a wide, double-lane motorway. A host will be on-hand when you arrive to greet you.

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