This was our second trip within the last year to this hotel. The beaches of Tulum, especially El Paraiso, about seven minutes by car from this hotel, are some of the most beautiful beaches I have been to. The green blue water, baby powder sand and warm temperatures make this such a special place to go to. And it is so affordable if you do it right. Even if you don't, it is, but there are ways to make this even more magical than I can even describe here.
I can't say enough nice things about Janet, Jack and their sweet little place. We chose to live in the town of Tulum instead of at the beach because we wanted to be able to afford a long vacation. We spent nine days our first trip and eight our second. And although this is not on the beach, I think you get a lot more for your money. Most of the hotels out at the beach don't have air conditioning which for us, is an absolute necessity. You will also pay much much more for your accommodations and unless you want to be spending between 300 - 450 a night, which I really don't think they are worth, this place is all one would need.
We like this place because it feels safe and clean and quiet and cool. It is decorated with a great sense of style. If you really look at it you will see that everything seems to be chosen for a specific reason. Little details, like the banana trees in the garden, the way your towels each day are transformed into the shapes of swans, hearts and little dolls and your bed strewn with flowers. Or the way each night as you enter through the gate, Jack has an incense burning in a little bowl that contains various coins that perhaps people have made wishes into in hopes of returning to this special place. It has wonderful air conditioning, nice big comfortable beds with great linens, a little balcony that overlooks their charming garden, and everyday after you come back from the beach, the place is immaculate.
Janet and Jack couldn't be more helpful and kind and they really do everything to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
Although in my eyes this hotel has everything I need, it is not the type of place to go to if you are expecting room service, people to carry your luggage, ironing boards, hair dryers, your laundry done, etc. Of course Janet and Jack will help you with anything that they have and will do anything they can for you. Nor is this place the type of hotel that you will pull up to and think Wow. it's once you are inside that you discover its magic. The town of Tulum might to some seem poor or a bit rundown, but honestly, if you embrace it, there are many kind shopowners that make great coffees and little sandwiches and couldn't be more helpful.
Tulum is really a place to go and kind of get lost and relax. And even though we stay in the town of Tulum, the bottom line is that we are really only there to shower and sleep. We pick up a cafe con leche to go in the morning and head out to the beach to have breakfast on the sand. We spend every other minute swimming or reading under trees at El Paraiso beach until about 5 pm when we walk along the sand to the local beach hut and sip a corona while swinging on the bar's swings and watch the sunset.
In the evening we try all of these terrific little romantic spots along the beach that are so affordable, considering the fact that you are sitting at candle lit table some of which are on the sand listening to the ocean with warm breezes blowing accompanied at some restaurants by live Latin music. You could also eat in town, but there is something special about the ocean breezes at night with all the candles lit. I think it is much more special.
A couple of places to keep in mind to eat at are Mezzanine for either breakfast or dinner, the views are fantastic, Zamas directly on the beach too again for either breakfast or dinner, the back deck of Piedra Escondida (not sure on the spelling but it is right by Zamas) and on Sunday nights, and only Sunday, the outdoor bar at La Zebra on the beach is a great place to salsa on the sand. Don't miss it if you are there on a Sunday.
The bottom line is that you will hopefully make Tulum your own special place. Just make sure you like the water and the sun and slowing down to listen to the wind and to look at the stars and you will be fine.
Thank you Janet and Jack for always welcoming us back "home".
- Posada Luna Del Sur Tulum
