"Why book? Life at this chic, beachside retreat revolves around a terra-cotta and cream-checkered pool and a new rooftop cocktail bar. Set the scene: A thatched-roof palapa with mint-hued walls serves as the convivial gathering point of Hotel Panamera, host to a restaurant and bar hawking Mexican-Meditteranean fare. The space opens to a terra-cotta and cream-checkered pool and a beach club with three rows of day beds are usually occupied by Mexico City’s elite and more far-flung city dwellers. The property is attempting to evoke the bygone era of Tulum when it was hip for those in the know but not totally blown out. The backstory This property was purchased by a group of Mexican entrepreneurs who rebranded the former Casa Pueblo into a brighter, chicer version of itself. Of top importance is to build a sense of community with live music, outstanding food, evoking the Tulum that was present 10 years ago. The property and its neighbor, Lamat, are part of the Distrito Panamer complex, a hospitality concept dedicated to gastronomy music, culture, and wellness. The rooms: Within a three-story, oceanfront structure are 14 sunlit rooms. Each features design touches inspired by historic estates of the Caribbean: polished floors, long white corridors, and minimalist furnishings, as the star of the show is the view of the sea. Food and drink: The cuisine is Mediterranean-Mexican, with breakfast dishes like eggs shakshuka and hummus, fried calamari, and raw kampachi tiradito for lunch. New to the property is the rooftop cocktail bar, The Roof, where craft cocktails are paired with seafood dishes categorized by their preparation: raw, grilled, or set atop a crispy tostada. The spa: They don’t have a spa but the property offers regular wellness programming like yoga, meditation, massages, weekly boot camps, and the occasional ceremony: sound healing, tea ceremonies, and more. The neighborhood/area: The property maintains a sense of laid-back luxury even though it’s located on the increasingly-chaotic beach road of Tulum. The service: The hotel encourages guests to use the provided bikes to explore the beach road. The property also offers concierge services, including vehicles to explore the beach, jungle, and natural reservoir. Eco effort: The amenities are all organic and the rooms are plastic-free." - Michaela Trimble
