The 10 best hotels in gay Tulum

Sandwiched between lush jungle and picture-perfect Tulum Beach is the Jashita Hotel, a patch of paradise that promises solitude and tranquillity. Come for the three sparkling outdoor pools, including a luxurious adults-only area and a beachfront restaurant serving up zesty cocktails and fresh takes on local fare. Some suites offer private plunge pools; the posh Penthouse with sea-view terrace is worth the splurge. Snorkel enthusiasts will appreciate the vivid Barrier Reef, just a two-minute swim from shore, and mesmerizing Dos Ojos Cenote is only 5km away.

The name might give you a clue to what’s in store at The Beach Tulum, a boutique hotel that exudes carefree barefoot vibes from its idyllic beachfront locale. Complimentary morning yoga classes in a soaring palapa studio make this a popular retreat with yogis—but anyone will find zen amongst the frangipani-fringed pool and spacious garden-view rooms. There’s live music in the evenings, with dozens of the best things to do in Tulum on the main drag only a short walk away.

Reconnect with nature at Hotel Bardo, a tropical luxury Tulum hotel nestled in the Mayan jungle. This exclusive retreat is all lush palms and strategically placed greenery, with a trendy lounge, cenote-inspired pool, and cocktail bar at the center of the action. Onsite temazcal ceremonies and qualified healers and teachers provide plenty of opportunities to go deep on the personal healing front, should you so desire. Villas showcase the work of local Tulum artists, and each features a private patio and outdoor jungle shower.

There’s more easygoing vacationing to be had at Sanara Tulum, a dreamy retreat with a beach-side yoga studio and farm-to-table restaurant—one that’s bound to please both gourmands and health nuts alike. The five-room wellness center offers crystal healings, reiki sessions, and craniosacral treatments, though finding inner peace via a lazy, sun-dappled day on the beach is also encouraged. Minimalist rooms take inspiration from the pearl-white stretch of sand out Sanara’s front doors; think bright white linens and dreamcatchers made of seashells. Pro tip: Opt for a room with an alfresco claw-foot bathtub.

The vision of talented New York-based art dealer Lio Malca, this 71-room hotel is visually striking. In stark contrast to the many minimalist Tulum Mexico hotels, Casa Malca has a palatial feel to it, with floor-to-ceiling velvet drapes and contemporary artwork, including giant fiberglass ants and clown videos. While the eclectic decor might not be to everyone’s liking, it’s all undeniably eye-grabbing. Plus, the wide stretch of white sand beach and three palm-lined pools are top-notch (one even boasts an underwater grotto.) Things feel more down-to-earth at the restaurant, where rustic reclaimed wood furniture, fresh fish tacos, and icy margaritas steal the show.

NEST Tulum is a newer addition to boutique hotels in gay Tulum, but don’t let that fool you—this was one of the first properties on Tulum beach before the popular Mexican gay getaway became the hotspot it is today. NEST pays tribute to its history with a noticeable nod to Tulum’s time-honoured Mayan traditions and ancient spirituality. The design is simple but smart, with plenty of lush greenery, locally-sourced furniture, and repurposed natural elements. Set right on the beach, you can have your toes in the sand in record time from any of the nine guest houses or newly added four-bedroom villa.

Rounding out our list of the best hotels in Gay Tulum is Hotel Esencia, a fashionable retreat located halfway between Tulum and Playa del Carmen on what might very well be the most pristine stretch of the Riviera Maya. Once the residence of an Italian duchess, the hotel continues to attract cosmopolitan clientele—celebrity sightings are not out of the question. As such, attention to detail is spot-on, with seamless service that includes fresh morning coffee and pastries delivered right to your villa. Each of the 29 rooms is appointed with a private pool and terrace that gazes out to either the jungle or the sea. For that little bit of extra splendor, opt for the Deluxe Ocean View Suites with 360-degree views.