.jpg "Olas Tulum by Tanveer Badel")
Secluded beachfront suites, organic meals at communal table, Sian Ka'an reserve
KM 10.6 Boca Paila Rd, Zona Hotelera Tulum, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico Get directions
"This tucked-away beach bungalow borders the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve at the very end of the beach road, evoking the Tulum that existed when the property first debuted over a decade ago. There’s no pool or flashy beach club at Olas Tulum, and that’s exactly what makes it so charming. With only eight suites, arriving here feels like you’re visiting the home of a dear friend. Delightfully secluded away from the noise and crowds, the property’s meals are organic and served at a communal table. It’s the type of place where you make genuine connections, both with other guests and the staff." - Michaela Trimble
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"As is the case with many hotels in the Tulum section of Riviera Maya, Casa de las Olas shies away from the “luxe” label, preferring to promote itself as a simple, eco-friendly retreat where intimate spaces and five-star service are more important than linen thread counts and extra amenities. Bright white walls, mosquito nets, private balconies, and canopy beds are what guests can expect in their rooms. This doesn't mean that Casa de las Olas is skimpy in any way. The staff are known for their thoughtful attention to guests, and the small size of the hotel—justfive suites—ensures they are never overwhelmed by guests' requests or needs.Plus, each room has views of the Caribbean Sea, and the hotel’s private beach is never more than a few steps away."
"As is the case with many hotels in the Tulum section of Riviera Maya, Casa de las Olas shies away from the “luxe” label, preferring to promote itself as a simple, eco-friendly retreat where intimate spaces and five-star service are more important than linen thread counts and extra amenities. Bright white walls, mosquito nets, private balconies, and canopy beds are what guests can expect in their rooms. This doesn't mean that Casa de las Olas is skimpy in any way. The staff are known for their thoughtful attention to guests, and the small size of the hotel—justfive suites—ensures they are never overwhelmed by guests' requests or needs.Plus, each room has views of the Caribbean Sea, and the hotel’s private beach is never more than a few steps away."
"Why book? It’s delightfully secluded away from the noise and crowds. Set the scene: This tucked-away beach bungalow borders the Sian Ka’an Biosphere reserve at the very end of the beach road. There’s no pool or flashy beach club—you won’t find that crowd here. With only eight suites, arriving here feels more like you’re visiting the home of a dear friend. The backstory: The property was built in the 1970s by Austrian engineer Carlos Schober at a time when the area was only host to unassuming beachside cabañas tucked within the jungle. For over a decade, it’s been privately owned and run as a boutique hotel. The rooms: This is an all-suite property with only eight rooms, each with ocean views and decked in modern furnishings. The Oceanfront Master Suite is the largest, with two king-size beds, a dining room table that seats six people, and an extensive outdoor terrace with a lounge bed and hammock. Food and drink: All meals are served at a communal-style table in the center of the property, set atop white sands and facing the crystal clear waters of the Yucatán. The recipes are Yucatecan and made from scratch from organic ingredients. Each booking includes a complimentary breakfast of French press organic coffee, freshly squeezed orange juice, fresh seasonal fruit with handmade granola and yogurt, and a breakfast entree of the day. The neighborhood/area: Set away from the crowds and the noise of the beach road’s clubs and day parties, this is a no-fuss, old-school Tulum set. The service: Relaxed and laid-back. The property’s true allure is in its access. They can set up ornithologist-led boat tours through the wetlands of the Sian Ka’an biosphere, kayaking tours to the Muyil lagoon, and more. For families: Accepts children five and up. Eco effort: The property was specifically designed with sustainability in mind: Mature coconut groves provide shade, curved walls circulate the air and provide a natural cooling effect, and pure underwater streams are gravity fed into the hotel’s sinks and showers." - Michaela Trimble
"Hidden away beneath towering palm trees just south of Tulum beach, Olas Tulum grabs a picture-perfect slice of one of Mexico's finest stretches of sand. Genuine service and authenticity are top priorities, and their eco-philosophy is sincere: power is solar, water is rain-collected and the only air-con is the Caribbean breeze. The spacious grounds conceal 8 stylish and airy rooms, set in 2 whitewashed villas, with cool, uncluttered interiors; some have kitchenettes, and all have ocean views out through the palms. Thatched shelters and loungers just metres from the waves ensure the vibe here is about sea, sunshine and slowing down. Fresh breakfasts are served at one huge table using produce from local farms and there are hip restaurants and bars just a beach stroll away. Spirited owner, Jimmy, is the life and soul of the place, and he and his affable team will happily arrange dinner reservations and boat tours through the stunning Sian Ka'an Reserve or point you in the direction of little-known cenotes for an unforgettable subterranean dip. The town's flashy hotel district and beach clubs may lie beyond the gates, but the vibe at Olas is barefoot and easy, reminiscent of the boho Tulum of old. No fancy facilities, just a chic space for couples to kick back in, with wilderness and spectacular ruins right on your doorstep. Highs We loved the stunning beachside setting, with full or at least partial ocean views from all the suites A friendly and welcoming vibe, with no kids under 6; staff know when guests want to chat... and when they want to just chill Olas Tulum has won global recognition for its environmental design and sustainability The yoga deck is available with mats and blocks for guests to use anytime, and massage sessions can be booked at any time Boogie-boards are available to borrow; and bikes are available to rent for exploring the area Lows There's no dinner service, but there are restaurants nearby No pool, though the ocean is just a few steps away A fairly strict payment policy, and the 50% balance can only be paid in cash at the time of stay No air-con though with overhead fans and ocean breezes this isn't an issue The boutiques, bars and eateries in the nearby 'hotel zone' are trendy and expensive; evidence that Tulum has lost some of its bohemian charm in recent years, but Olas still has it in spades" - Imogen Cox
