Alma Tulum Hotel Boutique

When it opened in December 2016, Alma Tulum Hotel Boutique didn't break any molds in the hotel zone. This small spot is another eco-chic option on the beach, though its slightly south-of-center location gets guests out of the main bustle without adding too many extra minutes to walking or bike times. Like many hotels on the strip, Alma welcomes guests with an open lobby and reception desk, a narrow path down to the restaurant and beach, and rustic-chic rooms with fantastic views. The hotel feels small because, with just 11 rooms, it is small, but the intimate size helps to foster the relaxing, personal vibe. This is not a party hotel; there's not loud music blasting on the beach, just crashing waves. This hotel uses solar power, recycled water, and feels a touch more spartan than other hotels in the same price point thanks to its intentionally exposed thatched roofs, concrete floors and furniture frames, and low-key vibe for an overall charming and memorable beach look. 

Alma Tulum is located in Tulum's beachside hotel zone. It's a seven-minute bike ride to the northern entrance of Sian Ka'an, a 25-minute drive to the Tulum ruins, and a 20-minute drive to Tulum pueblo. It's ideally located on the hotel zone strip, within walking distance to several popular restaurants, boutiques, and beach clubs. Cancun International Airport is around a two-hour drive to the north. 

All 11 guest rooms here are oceanfront and six have direct beach access. Exposed wood beams and palapa thatching give the rooms an unmistakable rustic feel, while decorative brick and stone, dreamcatchers, and stylish design touches help the spaces feel stylish. Expect firm beds with mosquito netting that is more style over function, floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that complement the oceanfront views, and spacious balconies and terraces. Rooms come with hairdryers, full-length mirrors, air-conditioning, 24-hour solar-powered electricity, and expensive Nespresso and minibar options. 

Two Junior Suites are located above the restaurant and feature covered terraces with large concrete tubs. The other suites are housed in bungalow-style units. Alma Suites are single-level, standalone bungalows with one king bed and one single bed, a large walkout patio, and private hammock and seating area. The Master Suites are either first- or second-floor guest rooms with one king and two single beds, plus a large terrace or walkout patio. 

Like most, if not all, of the hotels on the beach, bottled water is recommended and provided for brushing teeth or washing faces as this hotel uses treated recycled water (that can also be slightly smelly). 

The beach behind the hotel is the reason Tulum has become a worldwide tourist destination. It's big and beautiful, with the soft sand, turquoise water, wind, and occasional seaweed typically found in this area of the hotel zone. Sets of cushioned wooden sun loungers under thatched palapa umbrellas and rustic stick structures with more contemporary loungers dot the beach club sands. A raised wooden lounge deck overlooks the beach club palapas. There are a few hammocks stretched between trees and several beanbag loungers provide additional spaces to relax. Beachside massages are available for an extra fee, and two wood and rope swings make for a good photo op. 

Features mainly cater to beach vacationers. A Mexican/Italian restaurant and bar serves dishes ranging from pastas and fish to seafood risotto and octopus. The open-air space faces the beach and has Tulum’s typically Boho-chic look featuring reclaimed wood and weathered metal, plus design touches like zebra print cushions and exposed wood beams. Free daily breakfast consists of coffee, fruit, juice, and either eggs or yogurt. Guests can dine on the covered deck or take their food down to the sandy beach palapas, either way it’s windy. Just off the hotel’s entrance, in front of the suites, is a manmade plunge-style pool. Built into the landscaping and with a rocky perimeter, it’s mainly for dipping and cooling off as there’s no loungers or sun deck.  

Free Wi-Fi reaches to the beach and there's 24-hour solar power. The hotel has a private parking lot with allocated spots for each room, though guests may need to grab an access key from reception, which is open until 10 p.m. Beachside massages and bike rentals are available for extra fees.