We loved Maya Tulum when we visited in February 2003 (very spare, elegant, serene, romantic, and relaxing), but based on the current TripAdvisor reviews, it sounds like service at Maya Tulum has gone downhill since then. We just returned (in February 2008) from our second trip to Tulum, and when I walked by Maya Tulum, it was clear that the property is not as well-maintained as it was in 2003. Of course, it's been hit by a few hurricanes since then.

Also, I would avoid Maya Tulum because there are some big rocky formations on its beach that catch a tragic amount of seaweed, making the beach there tough to enjoy. Once, when I walked by, a signficant amount of seaweed had washed up on the beach, and all of the water along Maya Tulum's beachfront was chock-full of seaweed at least 50 feet out. When I walked by again a day or two later, there was an unbelievable amount of seaweed piled up on the beach in front of Maya Tulum. Probably about 10 feet out and several feet deep in some places. I think the staff rakes up the seaweed regularly, but with two high tides a day, and that much seaweed in the water, the beach here just isn't anywhere near as nice as the places a little further south.

For our second trip to Tulum in Feb. 2008, we stayed down the beach at Posada Lamar, and I was very happy with our choice.

If you like sleeping with mosquitios, then this place is for you. If you like meeting a bunch of yogic freaks who talk about their bodily release of energy, then this is for you. If you think you are going to a place to have some peace and quiet, then think again. It's way too communal. For some reason, everyone who goes there acts as if they have the right to invade your privacy. You will have no privacy whatsoever. I mean even breakfast will be eaten with these strangers. Oh and don't think that they won't have the nerve to stick their spoon right into your delicious granola. The food was great. I absolutely disliked my experience at Maya Tulum. I am very upset with the review it was given by Conde Naste. I mean if this place is rated Top 12 Spas in the world, the remind me next time never to pick a place unless it is rated NUMBER 1. Everyone was there on some mission of self discovery, and all I wanted was a littl R&R. I felt like I was a therapist every second of the day. It was so tiring. I am not an avid reader, but I became one on this trip, with hope that THOSE people would see my nose burried in a book and leave me alone; but even that didn't stop them. Ohh, and the yoga, if you like taking naps, then it's the right kind of yoga for you. I can't even go into my whole Tezmecal (sweat lodge) experience. Let's just say, don't wear a bikini, wear a mud rag instead and get a lobotomy before you go in. I spent 5 days there in December and a total of $2,400 incl flight and a ton of massages on greasy, oily sheets. I am getting sick to my stomach. I am getting angry right now as I type this - I want to punch in my computer screen.

First, I would like to start with that I had no idea Trip Advisor existed as I don't typically look at reviews of anything before I experience them be it a restaurant, play, hotel, etc. Of course I seek referrals from people I know. Everyone has their own perspective and experience and with an open mind one can find the joy and perhaps life changing experience in anything. I am a full time yoga teacher in NYC and a client of mine was on her way to Maya Tulum with her husband for the first week on January. They had never been, but wanted to share his 40th in a place where she could do some yoga and he could fish with his buddies. I looked up the resort on line, the accommodations and mind, body, spa package fit right into my criteria so I booked a vacation, too. I went with a girlfriend, a former yoga student, and we had an incredible time. I brought insect repellent but never had to use it. Bugs don't really like me. The palapas are rustic. At first I was a bit concerned with the no toilette paper in the toilettes, but really it was no big deal and I got over it fast. And ALL of Tulum is that way. Not just this resort. I am a spa pro and I can say that the therapists at your disposal are top notch. Chandree created a service called "The 5 Elements" and it was absolutely superb. The food was absolutely amazing! Healthy breakfasts, lunches and dinner. I don't typically eat as much at home as I did on this vacation, but it was really hard not too! All minor comfort requests were met, like a bedside reading lamp and hand towels. Leave the curling irons and hair dryers at home. Live on the edge. Take a break from from your daily life. That's what vacation means... vacate from your everyday surroundings and rituals. This is not the place to go to if you are looking for a cabana boy style vacation (ie: Elbow Beach, Bermuda; The Four Seasons, St. Thomas; Windham Martineau Bay, Vieques). Maya Tulum is quiet. I hope and pray it stays that way. I have a few requests for the hotel to think about and one would be to have a non-smoking policy. Though there were only a handful of smokers, they just didn't really fit in if you know what I mean. The sea couldn't have been more beautiful, the sand fine and white. We had the most fantastic weather which turns out to be pretty much the same year round. Most of the guests that I met were on a multiple return visit and said that they would be back again. I am already planning my return visit.

I don't know what all these negative reviews are talking about - there were NO BUGS - not even one mosquito. It was delightful, the bed was nice, the beach was lovely. The food and service at the restaurant were good, and the staff was helpful and friendly.
I can't wait to go back....
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