Olas Tulum
Groovily green casa
By the biosphere
Olas Tulum is an intimate, eco-friendly stay at the end of Tulum’s strip, with a laid-back philosophy and serious sustainability cred. The casa has just eight suites, all with earthy, organic design schemes that chime perfectly with the landscape. Breakfasts are served under the palm trees, masseurs can be summoned to the grounds and the private sandy beach – dotted with sunloungers and swung with hammocks – is only steps away. The delightful owners will happily curate your holiday activities, or join you for sundowners on the sea-facing roof deck. Most of all, this is a place to reconnect with nature and slip into a more natural pace of life.
Facilities
Rooms
Eight suites.
Checkout
11am; earliest check-in, 3pm.
More Details
Rates usually include home-made breakfast, WiFi and parking. Breakfast includes organic coffee, freshly-squeezed orange juice, fresh seasonal fruit, handmade granola and yogurt, an an entree of the day. Every item is made from scratch by the chef.
Also
Have hotel staff arrange an on-site massage carried out by licensed therapists under the swaying palm trees.
Hotel Closed
Every September.
Free Internet Access
At the Hotel
Beach, rooftop sun deck, bicycles to borrow, free WiFi throughout and on-site parking. In rooms: five-gallon garrafon of purified drinking water (filled daily), beach bags and locally-made Lolita Lolita bath products.
Our Favourite Rooms
Oceanview Balcony Suites suit guests craving modern style; they’re bright and airy with sleek contemporary bathrooms. For small groups or families, the Oceanfront Master Suite provides plenty of space to spread out and relax, with two king-size beds, open-plan living areas and a large balcony with a hammock.
Spa
There's no spa, but there is a Caribbean-facing yoga studio that's flush with the tops of the swaying palms. If you pre-register for a class, it's $15 instead of the usual $20. Private classes ($100-$140) can be booked for up to four people.
Packing Tips
Bring your binoculars to make the most of your boat tour through neighbouring Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve.
Also
Olas Tulum may not be suited to guests with mobility issues, due to some uneven terrain. All water used in the showers is captured from natural, underground streams and gravity-fed from the roof, so shower pressure may not be particularly forceful.
Children
Little Smiths aged five-and-up are welcome in the Oceanfront Master Suite and Oceanfront Suite of this grown-up beach spot for US$100 a night; outdoor toys, board games, bicycles and boogie boards can all be provided on request.
Gallery
Food & Drink
Top Table
All meals are served at the communal table, under a canopy of palm trees.
Dress Code
Easy, breezy boho beachwear, with a hint of 70’s chic.
Hotel Restaurant
There’s no formal restaurant, but food is a big part of the Olas lifestyle. The chefs prepare a seasonally-inspired menu for breakfast and lunch (dinner isn't served here), using the best local and organic ingredients they can get their hands on. Each day, let the staff know whether you'll be joining them for lunch, as everything is made from scratch, highlighting the unique, vibrant flavors of the Yucatan. A selection of snacks for the beach can be ordered on request, and vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets can all be catered for, too.
Hotel Bar
None, but beers, wine and margaritas are available on request; guests and the owners often share a beer together and catch up on the day.
Last Orders
Breakfast is served from 8am to 10am; lunch from 12 noon to 2pm.
Room Service
Five out of eight suites have either a full-size or mini refrigerator that you can stock with goodies for out-of-hours snacking.
Planes
You can fly direct from various US and Canadian hubs to Tulum Airport, which is less than an hour's drive from Olas Tulum. Alternatively, touch down at Cancún International Airport, 90 minutes away by road. Private transfers can be arranged through the hotel at extra cost.
Automobiles
Rental cars are available at Cancún International Airport; from there, take Highway 307 south to Tulum. As you arrive in Tulum, follow the sign for Boca Paila. Keep right at the Y-intersection with a police casita to the left, and continue south for 10.6 kilometres. Olas Tulum is the last driveway on the left-hand side before you reach the large concrete archway entrance to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere, just after Casa Chic. Turn into the driveway to unload your luggage, before parking in the hotel’s free car park.
Worth Getting Out of Bed For
Join a personalised nature tour at Unesco World Heritage Site Sian Ka'an (boating and kayaking trips are available too). The largest protected area in the Mexican Caribbean is home to manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, impressive big cats (including jaguars and ocelots) and hundreds of bird species. Arrange a private two- to three-hour sailing trip with Captain Fabian (ask staff at the hotel for his number); pick-up is right on the beachfront at Olas Tulum and you can choose to head north and take in views of the ancient Mayan ruins, or south towards Boca Paila into the Biosphere Reserve.
Earn or Redeem Points with World of Hyatt
This Mr & Mrs Smith hotel participates in the World of Hyatt loyalty program. As a member, you can earn and redeem points and enjoy exclusive benefits for qualifying nights. .
