Thank you to Lula Hotel Tulum for hosting my stay so I could provide this detailed narrative.
Not all resorts are created equal. Different properties cater to different types of travelers. Accordingly, a rare and coveted specialty has emerged: The quiet, tranquil, family-friendly boutique hotel, to serve vacationers who prefer relaxing, multigenerational travel away from the masses.
Create a perfect zen day in Mexico’s Riviera Maya with a stay at boho-luxe Lula Tulum, a beachside retreat on the south end of Tulum’s hotel zone, and part of the six-property Colibri Boutique Hotels (all designated Small Luxury Hotels of the World).
The 18-room oasis (some with two bedrooms) inspire quick connections with nature and a sense of peace. The former model-flocking yogi-loving Sanara Hotel – with breakfast hotspot Real Coconut – was recently rebranded as Lula, named after an imaginary persona of an intrepid Mediterranean traveler. Lula’s Mexican design is outfitted in clean whites with pops of blue. This boutique hotel is perfect for solo travelers, couples and families.
The minute you arrive off the main Tulum road into Lula’s open lobby, your feet mesh into the silky, creamy sand. Tulum is one of the best places in the world to easily unwind and connect with the rhythm of nature. You might feel a pull to awaken with the sunrise, a few steps from the ocean, to observe the giant orange orb sliding up from the ocean as pelicans swoop for fish. A pufferfish might wash ashore. Yellowtail tuna can easily be seen in these aquarium waters as they swim in groups in the crystal-clear Caribbean Sea.
The warm winds require little clothing. It’s easy to sleep well here, backed up to the jungle in a part of town with no municipal power, equating to liquid darkness when the sun sets and only the stars and the moon guide your way.
A morning yoga session is scintillating, as your breath becomes one with the ocean waves. Lula’s glass beachfront wellness center studio, a short hop from your room, features views that make gratitude easy, as you connect to the universe and yourself. Their weekly wellness schedule includes 2-3 morning classes with options like Vinyasa Flow, Kundalini, Soul Fuel Fitness, Sun Salutations, and Sound Healing.
The waves dance and sparkle at breakfast from the terrace at Lula’s Kitchen, just a few feet from the ocean. Healthy organic coconut creamer coffees and fresh juices arrive, with options like 5-stack sweet potato pancakes and healthy egg dishes. It’s almost impossible not to linger for an entire morning on a cozy couch in this dreamy beachfront setting.
Let the day unfold. Slide into a beachside cabana with a good book and a cocktail order – like a Capri, that arrives on a mini ceramic Vespa scooter. Take a beach walk, swim in the gentle warm waves, and watch iguanas make their appearance in the jungle palm fronds. No need to leave the cabana, as lunch service includes favorites like fresh shrimp tacos with fermented white cabbage slaw in a warm corn seed tortilla and a flavor-bursting poke bowl loaded with fresh mango, soy marinated tuna, seaweed, fried leek, pickled ginger, and cashews. Beachside service truly feels like the good life.
In the afternoon, book a relaxing oil-infused massage at Lula’s intimate spa, perfect for getting out any kinks from the plane. Absorbing the scents of Tulum with kopal wood incense and your choice of oil (like pepper/pimento), are part of the healing journey. And in true Tulum connection, gemstones placed on important parts of your body lull you into utter bliss from full body caresses.
Sunset is a dramatic experience each night, as Lula’s private rooftop hovers over the jungle with 360-degree views and dual horizons of rainforest and ocean. Sip sunset cocktails, take in the jungle vibes, and even experience special programming like a gratitude ceremony. No need to go far as dinner is served right on the beach. A table awaits with Mediterranean eats and hints of Italy (when you tire of tacos). Bruschetta is passed out to guests and wood-fired pizza is better than most slices we have sampled stateside.
Rooms come with super comfy beds and a wide couch that could serve as a bed if a third (or fourth) person needed space. In typical Colibri fashion, herbal teas are presented each evening in-room, adding to Lula’s personal touches that aide in rest. We suggest a second-floor room with a grand terrace, to leave the sliding glass doors open and fall asleep to the pounding surf.
While the property is now family-friendly, you may only come across a few well-behaved children. Neighboring sister property La Zebra has more family-centric amenities and is often where Lula’s younger guests prefer to hang out.
To experience more of Tulum, the Colibri Boutique Collection offers several nearby sister properties and restaurants with special guest privileges. We recommend brunch at romantic Mi Amor on your way to the Tulum temple ruins, as the famed chef from Arca is responsible for the delightful artistically presented local ingredient menu. Try fresh options like Black Ceviche, Steak and Egg bowl, or local Mayan specialties like Red Dzikilpak. For sunset or dinner after visiting the ruins, dine on the terrace at Mezzanine, with exquisite Thai flavors of Tom Kha, dumplings, and banana leaf-wrapped shrimp Pad Thai. For an over-the-top culinary journey in the jungle, book a dinner reservation at Arca to discover new flavors from ingredients sourced nearby, in Merida, and Baja. If staying close is the day’s speed, walk next door for Mexican Cocktail O’Clock at Frida’s Lounge, followed by a festive taco dinner experience at La Zebra.
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