Lula Tulum: A Beachfront Boutique Retreat Built Around Wellness

Nineteen rooms, outdoor baths, and fresh coastal cooking on Tulum’s white-sand shore.

Palm-lined beach and turquoise water at Lula Tulum

By Lulu Chang

Why it works

Style and sophistication meet sand and sun at Lula, a stunning 19-room boutique property set on the pristine shores of Tulum. The design-forward, eco-conscious property is a wellness-focused retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, the perfect setting to unwind, relax, and reconnect with nature and yourself.

The Arrival

Immediately off the main road of southern Tulum, the quiet of Lula sets in the moment you round the small circular driveway into the property. Check-in takes place in the open-air lobby, just steps from the pristine blue waters of the Caribbean. With the offer of a welcome drink and the promise of a rejuvenating experience, a team of wonderful concierges stands at the ready to guide you on a brief tour of the compact yet seemingly all-purpose property.

Rooms & Suites

Most of the property’s 19 rooms are on the beach-facing side of the hotel, somewhat tucked away from the ocean to keep structures safe from hurricane damage. A handful, however, are found across the street and known as Lula’s jungle suites. These beautiful rooms are tucked into the lush green foliage of the Riviera Maya, with easy access to an L-shaped pool that is exclusively for the use of Lula guests.

Lula Tulum guest room with blue accents and a private terrace

For those staying on the beach side of the property, pristine white sand is quite literally at your doorstep. White-washed walls are the perfect foil for bright accents, which are kept consistent in blue and yellow color schemes. Traditional dream catchers hang on the walls, while more modern lighting fixtures help to illuminate bedrooms and bathrooms. Indeed, each of Lula’s guest rooms is a blend of styles, juxtaposing driftwood benches against antique chandeliers.

Freestanding bathtub beside a window at Lula Tulum

We love the outdoor bathtubs found in some rooms, where you can luxuriate in an al fresco shower from the privacy of your own covered and walled patio. But if bathing outside isn’t your thing, don’t worry - the indoor showers are just as luxurious.

Yoga class overlooking the beach at Lula Tulum

Wellness & Beach Life

Wellness is at the heart of Lula’s ethos, which makes the aptly named Wellness Center one of the property’s crown jewels. Here, you can enjoy morning yoga sessions with breathtaking views of the ocean, or indulge in a spa treatment using Mayan healing rituals and locally sourced poultices.

Aerial view of the beach and coastline at Lula Tulum

A therapeutic dip in the ocean is the perfect cap to any ritual, and the hotel offers comfortable beach chairs, daybeds, or, most simply, beach towels atop the white sand. You could also indulge in a little bit of beach volleyball, or make use of other beach toys found at the concierge desk.

Dining

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to Lula’s Kitchen, featuring health-forward dishes all made from locally sourced ingredients. Drawing inspiration from Mediterranean and Baja Californian cooking, you’ll find everything from Neapolitan pizza to tacos to whole fish, brilliantly fried and finished with local herbs and citrus.

Do not miss out on Lula’s fabulous cocktail program, which centers around a series of housemade lemonades (which can, of course, be spiked with your choice of alcohol - we recommend the mezcal).

It will be difficult to say goodbye to Lula once your trip ends, but rest assured that you’ll be saying hasta luego rather than adios to this beautiful boutique.

Fast Facts

Location: Tulum, Mexico

Rating: Five-Star

The Vibe: Boho chic resort meets Ayurvedic healing center

Food + Drink: Lula’s Kitchen is ready to prepare you breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a killer cocktail program to boot

Amenities: fitness center; restaurant; bar; concierge; pool; private beach

Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: If you’re lucky enough to get a room with an outdoor shower, you simply must use it. Every single time.

5 Nearby Attractions: Tulum Mayan ruins; Tulum city center; Tulum beach; Cenote Escondido; Museo de la Cultura Maya Park

Any Personal Neighborhood Recs?: In the morning, before it gets too hot, take a run up the beach and grab a coffee at Pixan Coffee to start your day off right

Rooms: 19 rooms and suites

Pricing (at original publication): Rooms start at $150/night

Closest Airport: Tulum International Airport

Hotels Above Par

Independent, boutique-minded travel journalism from writers who know the places they cover.