This boho-chic Tulum retreat is an adults-only playground

Tulum is synonymous with a carefree, boho-chic, hippie vibe—the destination has a distinct laidback energy that sets it apart from other areas of Mexico. It feels worlds away from Cancun, a 2-hour drive away. Yoga, music, sustainability and a connection to nature are all big focuses here. If Bali is on your list but feels too far-flung, Tulum may be your next best bohemian bet.

Habitas Tulum sits between the Mayan jungle and the Caribbean Sea, with direct access to a private, secluded beach, giving it a quieter, more exclusive vibe than other hotel alternatives in the area. You can hop on a complimentary bicycle to explore Tulum’s wide array of boutiques and cafes, or head to the area’s many cenotes or UNESCO-protected ancient ruins. The boutique hotel is adults-only and peaceful, with an emphasis on immersing yourself in the nature and ancient Mayan traditions of Tulum. The property accommodates up to seventy guests at full capacity, making it an intimate experience.

Blending seamlessly with nature

There are 32 “rooms” or glamping tents on property, nestled in the jungle and designed to coexist with nature. The stylish, rustic huts were built with locally sourced materials that leave little to no impact on the environment. Crafted from the ground up in collaboration with carpenters and artisans in the area, supporting local communities and craftsmanship is integral to the Habitas brand.

Each room features natural palapa roofs, canvas walls, outdoor rain showers and toilets, local woods, and hand-made furniture. The locally-made organic toiletries are concocted from honey and coconut. The Jungle Rooms feature private terraces surrounded by Yucatan palms, and the Ocean Breeze and Oceanfront rooms feature, you guessed it, views of the ocean. Some even come with a private plunge pool. While rest and relaxation are on the menu here, don’t be alarmed if you wake up to sounds of monkeys playing on your roof.

A sustainable ethos

Habitas Tulum is the flagship property of the Habitas brand, which aims to preserve the natural beauty of all their destinations, which has now expanded to Saudi Arabia, Chile, Morocco, Namibia, Costa Rica and more. Their eco-friendly ethos is maintaining a responsibility to the planet, nature, and local communities. Their sustainability efforts include a reverse-osmosis approach to water treatment; better waste management and recycling programs; elimination of single-use plastic; and offsetting carbon emissions through its reforestation partnership with Cooperativo Ambio’s Scolel’te Program.

Many of the property’s modular structures were built on platforms to reduce the impact on the landscape and the rooms were made with indigenous materials. If you’re looking to stay at a property that doesn’t just talk the talk, but is wholly dedicated to sustainability, Habitas Tulum is the eco-chic sanctuary for you.

Wellness for your well-being

Habitas Tulum features robust wellness programming. Guests can experience sound bowls, rooftop yoga, beachfront workouts, energy cleansing, meditation, breathwork and painting. The spa offers relaxing and rejuvenating services that fuse ancient Mayan therapies and modern science.

There is an emphasis on holistic healing here, and treatments utilize natural balms, local herbs and essential oils. Everything from massages, facials, acupuncture, IV drips, reiki, somatic therapy and crystal healing is available here. There’s an herb garden onsite for its use in the spa and hotel restaurant.

Community is king

The amenity spaces at Habitas Tulum were thoughtfully built with community, gathering and interaction in mind. The 3-story lobby serves as a hub for guests to drink, dine and converse together, with long communal tables and seating areas with colorful pillows to lounge in. There is a courtyard cinema and concert space where guests can listen to DJs and live music until late hours of the night.

Habitas’ founders drew their inspiration from, amongst other things, the communal togetherness of the Burning Man Festival. “Habitas creates spaces in inspiring destinations with the aim of developing deeper human connections through experience and culture.” The property is purposefully referred to as a home, not a hotel, encouraging people to connect and engage in an organic, informal way, and hopefully leave their vacation with a new friend or connection.

Fresh flavors

Moro, the acclaimed in-house restaurant at Habitas Tulum, prepares its dishes using fresh local seasonal ingredients, with a Moorish-Spanish influence and wood-fired techniques. Moro is the resort’s central meeting space with a focus on family-style dining. The bar serves craft cocktails, refreshing elixirs, healthy smoothies and fresh-squeezed juices. The honey used in drinks is even harvested from one of Moro’s waiters who keeps beehives.

There are plant-based options for vegans, as well as plenty of dishes for meat-eaters. The sleek eatery is surrounded by lush greenery and steps away from the beach with floor-to-ceiling windows, casual wooden tables, romantic hammocks and patterned rugs. Give in to that snooze after eating—you're on vacation, after all.