Tulum Beach Riviera Maya, Mexico
Renovated
2020
Price
$$$
Rated for
Social Design LocalOutside the door
Bohemian coastal playground
Copal incense drifts past thatched palapas as barefoot crowds gather along the sand for sunset DJ sets and oceanfront dancing.
“Papaya Playa is a breezy accommodation for its central location on the sandy stretch just south of Tulum’s Mayan Ruins.”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Monthly Full Moon parties and Saturday electronic sessions draw lively crowds to the beachfront double-decker bar.
Notable
Elevated wooden treehouses, palapa thatched roofs, and chukum plaster finishes blend directly into the coastal jungle canopy.
Notable
Architecture incorporates sapote wood and Mayan building techniques, complemented by regional Mexican coastal dishes and copal incense.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
UK Readers' Choice Awards – Mexico
Condé Nast Traveler
2025
the ultra-bohemian, ultra-sustainable Papaya Playa Project is nothing if not unique. It aims for a degree of immersion in nature that few local hotels can match, and, for the most part, it succeeds.
In a lively part of town
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
A private stretch of Caribbean sand places you steps from coastal beach clubs and a short bike ride from Tulum ruins.
The rooms
Elevated treehouses sit among jungle branches, while select oceanfront casitas feature private rooftop plunge pools, macramé details, and chukum plaster finishes.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
A turquoise infinity pool opens onto the Caribbean shore, lined with daybeds under swaying palm trees.
The spa
At the table
Morning spreads arrive on weathered timber tables, and the beachfront bar mixes drinks infused with native botanicals.
How it began
Founded in 2011 by Emilio Heredia as an experimental pop-up, the retreat preserved over ninety percent of its surrounding jungle terrain.
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Good to know
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Papaya Playa Project
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Riviera Maya
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
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.
The eight vibes
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.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
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.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.