Top 10 Boutique Hotels in Tulum
Image: Xela Tulum Courtesy of Expedia
In Tulum, a destination that has long drawn the free-spirited and design-conscious, a selection of boutique hotels offer a fresh take on barefoot luxury.
These stays offer relaxed, inviting spaces, with swoon-worthy interiors, delicious dining options, and unforgettable local experiences, in settings that range from secluded beachfronts to lively beach clubs.
In this article we’ve rounded up our pick of the best luxury boutique hotels in Tulum, based on their design, service, beach clubs, amenities, and rooms.
If you’re just starting to plan your trip, you might also want to read our guide to Tulum’s neighbourhoods.
All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. We appreciate your support.
Our editors guide to the best boutique hotels in Tulum
Image: Hotel Panamera Pool Courtesy of Expedia
Hotel Panamera
Hotel Panamera’s iconic red-and-white pool stands out against Tulum’s mass of boho-stays and villas, attracting guests who crave a mix of chic design and social atmosphere.
The stylish architecture and thoughtfully designed spaces create a comfortable stay, despite being on the smaller side with only 33 rooms. A basic room offers large King sized beds, premium bathroom, air conditioning and a safe, right in the heart of Tulum’s beach zone. However the real highlight of the hotel is its beach club, and restaurant - Distrito Panamera.
This hotel is perfect for a girls getaway. Look out for events like their Wes Anderson themed Zissou Splash pool party, and their regular MoonAmour celebration that pays honor to the full moon.
Best boutique hotel for: A weekend getaway with friends
Image: Xela Tulum Courtesy of Expedia
Xela Tulum
Surrounded by swaying palms along So Tu’s (South Tulum) pristine stretch of beach, Xela Tulum offers a serene escape tailored for those seeking an intimate, nature-focused retreat. With just 12 en-suite rooms, each uniquely designed to reflect the lush tranquility of the surrounding jungle, the hotel feels private and inviting.
Guests can take in breathtaking 360-degree views of both the Mayan Jungle and Caribbean Sea from the rooftop, unwind with wellness experiences like yoga and massages, or keep up their fitness routine in a compact yet well-equipped gym. Xela’s design balances organic architecture with beach house minimalism, creating a space that’s both stylish and homely—much like a secluded coastal villa.
Best for: Travelers looking for a peaceful sanctuary with a focus on wellness
Alaya Tulum Hotel
Image: Alaya Tulum, Courtesty of Expedia
A quiet, low-key retreat, Alaya Tulum is designed for travelers who want a calm space close to the best of the beach zone. With only 20 rooms, Alaya manages a balance of privacy and community, welcoming families with pets to its dog-friendly rooms. Part of the Ahau Collection, Alaya leans into wellness with offerings like yoga classes, guided bike tours, and Mayan temazcal ceremonies. It’s a natural fit for anyone who appreciates personalized service in a serene setting.
We also love that they allow dogs at Alaya, making it an ideal escape for families with pets. As part of the Ahau Collection, the staff at Alaya are able to organize a number of wellness activities such as daily yoga, bike riding, and traditional Mayan temazcal ceremonies.
Best boutique hotel for: Families with pets
Hotel Ma'xanab
Image: Hotel Ma’xanab, Image Courtesy of Expedia,
Hotel Ma'xanab, is an adults-only retreat that combines Tulum’s beachside style with traditional Mayan-inspired design. Palapa roofs, organic textures, and soft, earthy tones create a grounded atmosphere, while the spacious rooms offer comforts like plunge pools and hammocks on private terraces.
Guests enjoy a fitness center, serene beach cabanas, and a menu of spa treatments that are all about rejuvenation. For solo travelers or anyone in search of some true downtime, Ma’xanab feels like an oasis.
Best for boutique hotel for: A rejuvenating solo escape
Image: Room with plunge pool at Hotel Ma’xanab
La Valise Tulum
Image: Aerial view of La Valise hotel and beach club in Tulum
Loved by influencers, and frequently featured in world’s best lists, La Valise Tulum captivates with its stunning beach views and perfectly styled rooms.
Inspired by the Yucatan’s traditional materials, and arts, each room is a masterpiece adorned with authentic textures, and furnishings. Spacious and light-filled, the rooms feature tropical woods, tasteful decor, and a unique sky shower.
Image: La Valise Hotel Suite
King beds and private plunge pools, and in room air conditioning will have you never wanting to leave the room, making La Valise a popular choice for romantic escapes. The hotel’s direct beach access and cozy lounging areas allow guests to fully embrace the rhythm of a lazy day on Tulum beach.
Best boutique hotel for: Honeymoons and small weddings **no children or pets allowed.
Image: Be Tulum Hotel, Image Courtesty of Expedia
Be Tulum Beach & Spa Resort
With a pristine beachfront and stylish interiors, Be Tulum is a lush jungle retreat worth traveling for. This boutique stay blends traditional pre-hispanic cultural influences into its tranquil spa, and wellness setting.
Renowned for it’s Yaän Healing Sanctuary, an on-site spa, yoga and wellness center that provides a range of pre-hispanic traditional mayan rituals and treatments, energy healing cleanses and detox programs.
Image: Be Tulum Hotel pool area
Guests can relax and rejuvenate with classes on breathwork, sound healing, and treetop yoga.
Best boutique hotel for: A wellness retreat
Kimpton Aluna Tulum
Image: Kimpton Aluna Hotel in Aldea Zama, Tulum
For those seeking a retreat closer to downtown Tulum, try the charming neighborhood of Aldea Zama. Perfectly positioned between Tulum’s Beach Zone and Downtown Tulum.
Being centrally located, and a bit further away from the traffic and mayhem of the beach, Aluna Tulum provides a more relaxed getaway and offers exceptional location for first timers to Tulum who want to explore Tulum ruins, cenotes, downtown, cafes, and beach.
Image: Kimpton Aluna Hotel in Aldea Zama
Personally we loved the slower pace of the Aldea Zama area for a longer stay, and when you want to pop down to the beach the Kimpton Aluna has a partnership with Hotel Panamera. Guests can use the free bicycles available at the hotel, and bike along the beach to Distrito Panamera.
The hotel also has 2 pools, the main one set amongst lush jungle, and one rooftop pool that regularly hosts sunset sessions and morning yoga.
Best boutique hotel for: First timers to Tulum who want to visit all the highlights.
Also we love that this is a very dog friendly hotel, and will even allow large dogs.
Image: Mi Amor Boutique Hotel, Image Courtesy of Expedia
Mi Amor Hotel is an adults-only resort, regularly lauded as one of Mexico's best small hotels.
Perched above the tranquil Playa Las Palmas, Mi Amor's beachfront rooms offer panoramic views of the turquoise Caribbean coast. Providing a barefoot luxury oasis that features natural furnishings, managing to tastefully incorporate playful touches like romance kits, and tantric books without verging on tacky (Miami take note).
Image: Mi Amor Boutique Hotel, Image Courtesy of Expedia
The heart of Mi Amor is its art deco-inspired pool area, where guests can indulge in expertly prepared cocktails on light pink loungers, and experience unique in-pool dining with palm beach-inspired tables and chairs. The stunning cabanas, strategically placed on the rocky cliffside, provide an elevated perspective of the waves crashing beneath the rocks below.
Chef Paul Bentley's culinary artistry shines through in their small but refined restaurant menu that fuses Mediterranean and Mexican influences. Their Sunday Brunch, accompanied by live jazz is a must-do.
Best boutique hotel for: Couples looking to reconnect
Coqui Coqui Papholchac Coba Residence & Spa
Image: Coqui Coqui Papholchac Coba Residence & Spa
While not technically in Tulum, the Coqui Coqui Papholchac Coba Residence & Spa deserves an honorable mention. Located further out of the city, this residence offers an unforgettable stay for design enthusiasts. The perfect combination of Mexican design, and artistry, it's well worth a visit combined with one of your Tulum stays.
Each of these hotels capture Tulum’s distinct vibe, where days flow between culture and history, beachside soirees, and artfully crafted spaces. From beach clubs with a social pulse to tranquil wellness retreats, these boutique stays embody the spirit of Tulum—rooted in local flavor, irresistibly welcoming, and brimming with character.
We hope you enjoy exploring Tulum's best boutique hotels as much as we did, and if you have any questions on planning your trip drop us a message in the comments below.
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