XELA Tulum — Hotel in Tulum

I have so much to say but not a lot of time. Will try to get the main points written here for you all. ||First of all, book this hotel and don't even consider another. Its incredible for so many reasons. I have stayed at many great hotels (Aman resorts, Four Seasons, Rosewood, etc) and in some weird ways this was one of my favorites ever. Its small, so its more like staying in someones house, and the rooms are not over the top luxury, but they are perfect. The hotel decor and feel is just wonderful and the most you will ask for at any beach hotel anywhere. There are 6-8 little cabanas on the beach which are all great and do not fill up so there is no waking up early to have to get a spot. And yes, this hotel is on the beach. I was confused about that when I booked it, but its beachfront and many of the rooms are almost right on the beach. But don't worry, if you get a room in the garden side its equally as great and charming. ||The staff is wonderful, and you will end up saying goodbye (and hugging) to all of them before you leave. Since its a small venue you get to know everyone and they get to know you. ||They have a whats app so everything during the stay is to you within minutes after you message them. At first I was not sure about that, but wow, no more waiting around for waiter to show up to order, or to call a front desk that does not answer. Its incredible. ||There is a mart right near by that has great prices on snacks, alcohol, and drinks which is also nice for those of you wanting to pick up a little something. But the food at the hotel is amazing, so not to worry if you do not have anything with you. The hotel was actually the best food of anywhere we ate in Tulum Beach. ||I checked out all the other top rated resorts in the area and at the end of the day, I do not think anyone of them beats Xela. They may be as nice, but not better. ||The reason everyone says this is in a great location is because its close enough to walk to the busy part of Tulum beach, but far enough away that you do not get the late night noise. It is also near many of the other top resorts so you can walk to those with ease. ||For those of you new to Tulum a few notes, Tulum Beach and Tulum are not that close to eachother, and from Xela to downtown Tulum is 20-30 minutes. We just stayed in Tulum beach. |Also, the Tulum airport is almost an hour from the hotel which is kind of annoying (its 2 hours from the Cancun airport). But the good news is the Tulum airport is so small and quick that coming out of there or flying from there is extremely easy and fast, so you do not deal with the large lines to get in and out of the country. That is a big game changer compared to the Cancun airport. ||Anyway, for those of you that go to Xela enjoy and take great care of the hotel and staff. You...

A true Tulum barefoot luxury experience! Stylish, heartfelt and beautiful!

We have been coming to Tulum for many years and we have our favorite spots over the years, BUT this instantly conquered our hearts and became one of them. A true Tulum new gem! From the moment you step into the property, you're welcomed into a world of barefoot luxury that redefines what a boutique hotel experience should be. Its design effortlessly merges perfectly the warmth of organic architecture and the laid-back charm of a stylish beach house. The attention to detail in every aspect of our stay was something really to be noticed. The common spaces exude a chic tranquility that creates an atmosphere of exclusivity and serenity, it transport you right back to Tulum 20 years ago when we came here for first time. It was pure joy to discover that the Tulum we fall in love with is still here and enjoy every moment like was a pause from reality and a step into a paradise of laid-back luxury. From the warm welcome to the farewell, the staff at XELA treat you like family. Their genuine hospitality ensures that every need is met with a smile, making you feel at home in this Caribbean sanctuary. We found ourselves utterly enchanted by the central living room – a hidden gem nestled in the sand, providing a picturesque view of the most breathtaking Caribbean postcard imaginable. The seamless merging of the infinity pool and the sea creates a mesmerizing illusion, compelling you to lose track of time while gazing at the horizon. Trust me, the hypnotic effect is irresistible; you'll find yourself happily lost in the moment, especially when accompanied by the delightful taste of a mezcalita (arguably one of the best in Tulum!)

The rooms are an absolute dream – spacious, warm, elegantly designed, and with a bed that feels like sleeping on a cloud. So close to the sea, the crashing waves provide the perfect soundtrack. Finally, do not miss the rare opportunity to witness the breathtaking sunsets and moon rises from the rooftop – it's a visual feast that etches Tulum's beauty into your memory. Thank you, XELA, for making us fall in love with Tulum all over again! – you've become our new favorite place in paradise! We can't wait to be back.

The rooms are an absolute dream – spacious, elegantly designed, and with a bed that feels like sleeping on a cloud. The pool area is picture-perfect, providing a chic oasis for relaxation. And don't even get me started on the rooftop! Happy hour during sunset is a must for the most breathtaking views of Tulum. Sunsets and moonrises at XELA are moments that etch themselves into...

We absolutely loved our stay at Xela Tulum. The location is breathtaking, with a private beach that feels like your own slice of paradise. The design throughout the hotel is contemporary yet homely, with a beautifully styled open-plan lounge and a small dining area. From the moment you arrive, you feel as though you’ve been welcomed into a friend’s home. The décor is thoughtfully curated, with lovely extra touches—like sculptures and pottery—that make the space feel both special and personal. Upon arrival we were treated to a welcome cocktail and a little tour of the property. Instantly made to feel at home and assured nothing we required to know was too much trouble for the team.

The hotel features a charming rooftop terrace, an ideal spot to unwind in the evening while watching the sun set over the jungle and the waves roll in gently on the opposite side. The pool area is also a highlight, offering the most stunning view out to sea. Our room, Coqui, was lovely—we slept deeply each night, serenaded by the sound of the ocean. And yes, if you want air conditioning, it’s there.

The cocktails were superb—expertly made and full of flavour. We enjoyed a number of meals and small bites during our stay, often choosing to eat down by the beach. The food was consistently delicious, beautifully presented, and made with fantastic-quality ingredients. You can dine pretty much anywhere on the property, which adds to the relaxed and personal feel.

The standout feature, though, was the team. Every member of staff—from the amazing waiters to the warm and attentive managers—made us feel genuinely welcome. We enjoyed chatting with everyone, shared many laughs, and learned a little about each person we met. They were kind, helpful, and always present. It’s rare to find a team that works so hard while still making everything feel effortless. It wouldn’t be fair to single any one of the waiting staff out, as the whole team was so friendly. However we would make special mention of the concierge team - Victoria, Ivan and Paula, always having time to chat and lightening fast when dealing with any questions. We were celebrating our engagement anniversary, and the team made it feel truly special. We received a card upon which the loveliest message was written. They are a real credit to the brand.

We’ll remember our time here for all the right reasons. Highly...