Design
Jungle Keva Tulum Villa/Lodges & Venue
“Chukum jungle lodges”
Azulik Resort
“Biophilic jungle treehouse”
Babel Tulum
“Retro-futuristic jungle compound”
Hotel Milam, Michelin Key winner
“Sculpted jungle roost”
Casa Malca
“Art-collector beachfront estate”
Our Habitas Tulum
“Barefoot jungle sanctum”
The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai
“Stilted mangrove resort”
La Valise Tulum
“Bohemian beachfront cocoon”
Local
Hotel Xcaret Arte
“Artisan jungle playground”
Olas Tulum
“Off-grid beach house”
Papolchac - Coqui Coqui Coba Residences & Spa
“Limestone perfumery residence”
La Zebra Tulum, a Small Luxury Hotel
“Barefoot beachfront hangout”
Ahau Tulum
“Barefoot palapa lodge”
Papaya Playa Project
“Bohemian coastal playground”
NABOA Hotel
“Geometric jungle clearing”
Hacienda Wakax
“Yucatecan jungle estate”
Social
Nômade
“Bohemian jungle sanctuary”
Papaya Playa Project
“Bohemian coastal playground”
Thompson Playa del Carmen Main House
“Midcentury rooftop perch”
Hotel Bardo
“Jungle brutalist cocoon”
Our Habitas Tulum
“Barefoot jungle sanctum”
Wellness Quiet Secluded
Fairmont Mayakoba
“Canal-laced mangrove resort”
Be Tulum Hotel
“Bohemian beach lodge”
Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya
“Caribbean cove showpiece”
Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya
“Secluded mangrove retreat”
Viceroy Riviera Maya
“Coastal jungle villas”
Alila Mayakoba
“Biophilic mangrove oasis”
Banyan Tree Mayakoba
“Mangrove canal cove”
Etéreo
“Stilted mangrove roost”
Medalled $–$$$
TRS Yucatan Hotel
“Adults-only mangrove sanctuary”
Fairmont Mayakoba
“Canal-laced mangrove resort”
Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya
“Caribbean cove showpiece”
Paradisus La Perla - Adults Only - Riviera Maya
“Mangrove beachfront haven”
Hacienda Wakax
“Yucatecan jungle estate”
NABOA Hotel
“Geometric jungle clearing”
Opened 2024+
Hotel Indigo Playa del Carmen by IHG
“Bohemian rooftop hotel”
Alila Mayakoba
“Biophilic mangrove oasis”
Moxy Tulum
“Boho-pop jungle clubhouse”
Bespoke
“Geometric bayfront residences”
The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai
“Stilted mangrove resort”
Hotel Milam, Michelin Key winner
“Sculpted jungle roost”
Babel Tulum
“Retro-futuristic jungle compound”
Resort
Hotel Xcaret México
“Eco-integrative jungle playground”
Hotel Xcaret Arte
“Artisan jungle playground”
Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya
“Reefside adults-only resort”
Paradisus Playa del Carmen - Riviera Maya
“Mangrove waterpark playground”
VidantaWorld Jungala Hotel - Riviera Maya
“Jungle fantasy haven”
Impression Moxché by Secrets
“Adults-only Riviera Maya resort”
Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen
“Cenote-fringed beachfront playground”
Palafitos Overwater Bungalows
“Overwater palapa sanctuary”
Editorial mentions
Maroma, A Belmond Hotel
“Artisanal coastal hacienda”
Hotel Esencia
“Aristocratic coastal cove”
Rosewood Mayakoba
“Mangrove lagoon estate”
The St. Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya
“Celestial mangrove redoubt”
Chablé Maroma
“Beachfront jungle sanctum”
La Casa de la Playa by Xcaret
“Sculptural coastal residence”
Banyan Tree Mayakoba
“Mangrove canal cove”
Casa Malca
“Art-collector beachfront estate”
Secluded
Palmaïa - The House of AïA
“Jungle wellness enclave”
Hotel Esencia
“Aristocratic coastal cove”
Hotel Xcaret México
“Eco-integrative jungle playground”
Grand Velas Riviera Maya
“Coastal jungle playground”
Maroma, A Belmond Hotel
“Artisanal coastal hacienda”
Rosewood Mayakoba
“Mangrove lagoon estate”
La Casa de la Playa by Xcaret
“Sculptural coastal residence”
Nômade
“Bohemian jungle sanctuary”
Wellness Central or lively
Delek Tulum
“Handcrafted stilt cabañas”
Encantada Tulum
“Thatched palapa house”
Sana Tulum
“Moroccan riad refuge”
Ahau Tulum
“Barefoot palapa lodge”
Design New or redone
Chablé Maroma
“Beachfront jungle sanctum”
Bespoke
“Geometric bayfront residences”
Sana Tulum
“Moroccan riad refuge”
Luxe Lively
Aldea Canzul
“Beachfront villa enclave”
TAGO Tulum
“Beachfront chukum compound”
Nest
“Barefoot beach lodge”
A
Ahau TulumOutdoor pool with sun loungers.DesignWellnessLocal$$$ Ajal Tulum Tree HousesOff-grid canopy treehousesDesignWellnessLocal$$ Aldea CanzulPrivate outdoor plunge pools for each villa, including a beachfront swimming pool at Casa Chukum.DesignLuxeLocal$$$$ Alila MayakobaHydrotherapy pool and private plunge pools across select lagoon suites and oceanfront casitas.DesignWellnessResort$$$$ Aluna Resort TulumTwo outdoor pools, including a main ground-floor swimming pool and a rooftop plunge poolDesignWellnessSocial$$ Ana y José Hotel & SpaOutdoor oceanfront infinity pool and shallow family pool section.WellnessClassicLocal$$$ Azulik ResortBiophilic jungle treehouseDesignWellnessSocial$$$$B
Babel TulumCurved outdoor swimming pool encircling the central tower base, courtyard plunge pool, shared outdoor hot tub, and private unit plunge poolsDesignWellnessSocial$$ Banyan Tree MayakobaSands oceanfront infinity pool, central Reflections pool, and private plunge or full-sized swimming pools in every villa and suite.LuxeWellnessResort$$$$ Be PlayaRooftop outdoor swimming pool with submerged shallow-water seating and tables, plus in-room jacuzzi tubs in Junior and Master suites.DesignWellnessSocial$$ Be Tulum HotelTwo oceanfront infinity swimming pools, suite rooftop jacuzzis, and private plunge poolsDesignWellnessLuxe$$$$ BespokeCommunal outdoor oceanfront infinity pool at the beach club; private plunge pools on select residence terraces and penthouses.DesignLuxeLocal$$$C
Casa MalcaThree pools: two beachfront outdoor pools tiled in iridescent blue divided by a monumental sculpture, and The Grotto, a subterranean illuminated cavern pool with direct access to an underground steam room.DesignLuxeWellness$$$$ Casa Pueblo Tulum15-meter outdoor swimming pool with handmade geometric tiles, with private rooftop plunge pools in select suitesDesignSocialLocal$$$ Chablé MaromaTwo outdoor oceanfront pools including a heated infinity pool, cenote-inspired plunge pools, and private plunge pools in all 70 villasDesignLuxeWellness$$$$ Chiringuito Tulum HotelOutdoor lagoon-style swimming pool set in gardens, private rooftop plunge pools in select suitesDesignResortSocial$$$ Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya5 outdoor oceanfront swimming pools including infinity pools, relaxation soaking tubs or plunge pools on guest room terracesWellnessResortDesign$$$D
Delek TulumCentral outdoor garden swimming poolWellnessDesignLocal$$$E
Encantada TulumThatched palapa houseDesignWellnessLuxe$$$ EtéreoCenote-inspired hydrotherapy pool beneath a circular ceiling skylight aperture, outdoor spa pool and jacuzzi, two beachfront swimming pools, and private plunge pools in select suites.DesignLuxeWellness$$$$F
Fairmont MayakobaNine outdoor swimming pools including the 10,000-square-foot Las Olas lagoon pool with swim-up bar, an adults-only mangrove canal infinity pool, three beachfront pools at Maykana Beach Club with a rooftop infinity pool, and two children's pools with water slides.WellnessResortLuxe$$$G
Grand Velas Riviera MayaSensation pool with waterfalls, bubble beds, and cervical jets, multiple oceanfront and jungle-facing swimming pools, swim-up aqua bars, and private plunge pools.LuxeWellnessResort$$$$H
Hacienda WakaxThree outdoor swimming pools including Mestizo pool, three private freshwater cenotes with night-swimming illumination, two emerald lakes, and semi-flooded underground river caves.ResortWellnessLocal$$$ Haven Riviera CancúnFour heated outdoor swimming pools maintained at a minimum of 26°C, one oversized outdoor whirlpool, and 114 heated swim-out suite poolsResortWellnessSocial$$$ Hotel BardoCentral outdoor swimming pool with daybeds, plus individual private plunge pools in each of the 30 guest villas.DesignWellnessSocial$$$ Hotel EsenciaTwo heated main pools, private plunge pools in select suites, and direct access to Xpu-Ha bay.LuxeDesignWellness$$$$ Hotel Indigo Playa del Carmen by IHGOutdoor rooftop swimming pool with integrated whirlpool and surrounding sun deck.DesignSocialLocal$$ Hotel Milam, Michelin Key winner150-meter swimming pool traversing the resort grounds, plus private plunge pools in villas and private swimming pools in residences.DesignLuxeWellness$$$$ Hotel Nerea TulumLagoon-style swimming pool, infinity pool overlooking Tankah Bay, private plunge pools in select suites, and outdoor hot tubDesignWellnessResort$$$ Hotel Tiki Tiki Tulum36-foot outdoor courtyard pool surrounded by jungle foliage and loungersDesignSocialLocal$$ Hotel Xcaret ArtePlayful hydrojet recreational pool overlooking the river, rooftop swimming pools at each Casa, and cenote-fed river and cove swimming networks.ResortDesignLocal$$$$ Hotel Xcaret México16 pools, natural river channels, coves, and beach inlets.ResortDesignWellness$$$$ Hotelito Azul TulumRooftop infinity pool, two ground-level outdoor swimming pools, and private villa plunge pool.DesignWellnessSocial$$$I
Impression Moxché by SecretsTwo rooftop infinity pools on El Cielo, two ground-level pools, a beach club pool, three outdoor whirlpools, and complex access to three cenote-style swimming pools and a 14,000-square-meter lagoon pool.ResortLuxeWellness$$$$J
Jashita Hotel TulumThree outdoor pools including an oceanfront adults-only pool, a family pool, and private suite plunge poolsLuxeWellnessDesign$$$$ Jungle Keva Tulum Villa/Lodges & VenueOutdoor turquoise chukum stucco infinity swimming pool elevated in the central garden and built around two living mature sapote trees.DesignWellnessLocal$$$L
La Casa de la Playa by Xcaret40-meter cantilevered infinity lap pool with glass sections extending over the sea, rooftop pool, and private heated plunge pools on every suite terrace.LuxeDesignResort$$$$ La Valise TulumHeated beachfront infinity plunge pool, cenote-style swimming pool in jungle wing, select private suite plunge poolsDesignLuxeLocal$$$$ La Zebra Tulum, a Small Luxury HotelShared outdoor swimming pool alongside private plunge pools and rooftop plunge pools in select suitesLuxeResortLocal$$$$ Layla Tulum Boutique Hotel & RestaurantOutdoor central courtyard swimming pool lined with turquoise geometric tiles, plus a second outdoor plunge pool on the rooftop terrace.DesignLuxeSocial$$M
Maroma, A Belmond Hotel3 outdoor swimming pools lined with custom volcanic Sukabumi tiles, plus private plunge pools in select oceanfront suites.LuxeDesignWellness$$$$ Marquee Playa HotelOutdoor rooftop plunge pool on the M Roof terrace.DesignLuxeSocial$$ Mi Amor, an SLH HotelOutdoor infinity pool with waterfall wall, and private terrace plunge pools in select rooms and suites.DesignWellnessLuxe$$$ Moxy TulumOutdoor rooftop swimming pool with open sun deck and loungers.DesignWellnessSocial$ Muare Tulum HotelWinding outdoor lagoon-style main swimming pool, plus private heated plunge pools in each of the 26 villas.DesignWellnessLuxe$$$N
NABOA HotelCentral longitudinal outdoor pool with a solarium deck and sun loungers.DesignLuxeLocal$$$ NestBarefoot beach lodgeDesignLuxeLocal$$$ NômadeSelect jungle villas with private plunge pools and outdoor soaking tubsDesignWellnessSocial$$$$O
Olas TulumOff-grid beach houseDesignLocalSocial$$$ Our Habitas TulumOceanfront infinity pool and private plunge pools in select tented pavilionsDesignWellnessSocial$$$P
Palafitos Overwater BungalowsIndividual infinity plunge pools on private bungalow decks and direct Caribbean Sea ladder access.DesignResortLuxe$$$$ Palmaïa - The House of AïANatural freshwater swimming cenote, cascading swim-out pools, and four main swimming pool areasLuxeWellnessResort$$$$ Papaya Playa ProjectOceanfront plunge pools in select casitas and suites, and private beachfront accessSocialDesignLocal$$$ Papolchac - Coqui Coqui Coba Residences & SpaOutdoor cenote-inspired stone pool, limestone plunge pools across the terraces, and private soaking bathtubs.DesignWellnessLocal$$$ Paradisus La Perla - Adults Only - Riviera MayaHydrotherapy circuit with circulation whirlpool jets, plunge pools, swim-up suites, and adults-only swimming poolsResortLuxeWellness$$$ Paradisus Playa del Carmen - Riviera MayaTwo large free-form lagoon outdoor pools, one activity pool, heated Reserve pools, over 120 swim-up suite access channels, an outdoor vitality hydrotherapy pool with water jets, and a water park with five slides.ResortLuxeWellness$$$R
Rosewood MayakobaNatural jungle cenote for cold plunges, dedicated adults-only spa hydrotherapy pool, private heated plunge pools with every suite, and three tiered beachfront plunge pools at Aquí Me Quedo.LuxeWellnessResort$$$$ Royalton Reserve Paraíso de la BonitaLarge outdoor freshwater swimming pool, heated beachfront outdoor thalassotherapy saltwater hydrotherapy pool circulating Caribbean seawater, dedicated outdoor pool in The Reserve wing, and private suite plunge pools.LuxeWellnessResort$$$$S
Sana TulumMoroccan-tiled rooftop outdoor pool and hot tub overlooking the Caribbean Sea.DesignLuxeWellness$$$ Secrets Akumal Riviera MayaThree main outdoor swimming pools including an oceanfront infinity pool, a central social pool with swim-up bar, and a relaxation pool, plus 11 swim-out suite canals, two outdoor heated whirlpool spas, and an indoor-outdoor hydrotherapy pool with swan necks and water jetsResortLuxeWellness$$$ Secrets Moxché Playa del CarmenSeven swimming pools with heated sections, three man-made cenote pools, a large lagoon-style interior beach pool, and a Preferred Club rooftop poolResortDesignWellness$$$$T
TAGO TulumCommunal outdoor cenote-style swimming pool overlooking the Caribbean Sea, with private plunge pools or jacuzzis across all 21 suites.DesignLuxeWellness$$$ The Riviera Maya EDITION at KanaiFree-form lagoon pool stretching toward the mangroves, oceanfront infinity pool at the beach club, private outdoor spa relaxation pool, and ground-floor private plunge pools.DesignWellnessResort$$$$ The St. Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya5 outdoor swimming pools including a family pool area with shallow in-water loungers and an adults-only pool club with a hot tub, outdoor Moon Bath hydrotherapy pools at the spa, and private plunge pools in select ground-floor rooms and specialty suitesDesignLuxeResort$$$$ Thompson Playa del Carmen Main HouseBlock-long rooftop infinity pool with submerged loungers and swim-up bar on an 11,539-square-foot deck.DesignSocialResort$$ TRS Yucatan HotelThree-tier oceanfront infinity pool, Las Rocas natural saltwater pool, private terrace plunge pools, and outdoor hydrotherapy circuit with dynamic pools, waterfalls, cold plunge, and hot tubsResortLuxeWellness$$$U
Una Vida, TulumHeated outdoor swimming pool with daybeds, unheated outdoor spa plunge pool, and private plunge pools in select villasDesignWellnessLocal$$V
Viceroy Riviera MayaSculptural oceanfront freshwater lagoon swimming pool flanked by double daybeds, plus private heated figure-eight plunge pools on every villa sundeck.LuxeWellnessDesign$$$$ VidantaWorld Jungala Hotel - Riviera MayaLazy Rio lazy river, wave pool, thrill slides, complex swimming pools, and dedicated beach club.ResortLuxeWellness$$$$W
Waldorf Astoria Riviera MayaTwo oceanfront outdoor infinity swimming pools, dedicated outdoor hydrotherapy spa pool with therapeutic jets, and in-room private plunge pools or balconies with soaking tubs.LuxeWellnessResort$$$$Gold. Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver. Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze. They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed. A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
Design. Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe. Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local. It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Heritage. A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness. You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic. The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort. A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.