4 Best Hotels in Tulum, The Riviera Maya

Named after the Maya sun god, Kin Ahau, this beachfront property has rooms ranging from simple Balinese huts to palapa suites with 20-foot vaulted ceilings, enormous decks, and two-person hammocks that make you forget the day of the week. Suites are in two-story buildings, and top-level rooms have vaulted ceilings and sprawling ocean views, while those on the ground floor open onto the sand. The more affordable huts offer jungle views and portable air-conditioning units on request. Yoga and aerial dance classes are available for an extra fee. For a sunny nap with an ocean breeze, head to one of the beach beds or shaded hammocks dotting the sand.

This small, eco-friendly resort hotel caters to the yoga and meditation set, with three spacious, second-floor yoga studios—one with sweeping beachfront views. Rooms are small and simple, with large, firm, comfortable beds draped in gauzy mosquito nets, open bathrooms, and decks or balconies that open to the sand. A small pool, spacious deck set with sun beds and tables, and small, health-conscious restaurant overlook the beach.

What used to be a fishermen's village is now a hip hotel consisting of thatched-roof bungalows that make great use of local woods and offer rustic-but-classy luxury and an overall feeling of authenticity. A lively atmosphere around the beach and restaurant sets the tone for the rest of the place. 

On wild Punta Piedra (Rock Point), Zamas has small, rustic cabanas—with palapa roofs and ocean views as far as the eye can see—jungle-side rooms overlooking a garden, palapas facing a coconut grove strung with colorful hammocks, and two spacious private houses that sleep up to 11. Comfortable beds, tile bathrooms, beautiful murals, and bright Mexican colors make them a chic-bohemian alternative for budget travelers. Committed to sustainability, Zamas provides biodegradable bath products, runs on solar power, has a gray-water system, and employs local staff. The restaurant, known for its powerful margaritas, has an eclectic Italian-Mexican-Yucatecan menu, romantic views of the coast, live music five times a week during high season, and tasty portobello jerky. Ping-Pong, foosball, a selection of paperbacks, two small cenotes, several shops featuring local handicrafts and women's wear, and a dive shop round out the property. If you're looking for off-the-beaten-track activity suggestions, the owners are a wealth of information.