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Best places to stay:

Last updated: 13 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Alex Robinson

It’s all about location at this great-value toes-in-the-sand Tulum beach hotel.

Unlike most of the plusher, far more expensive hotels further south, Kai sits on Tulum’s widest, whitest stretch of sand, in full view of Tulum’s ruins – perched on a craggy cliff above the turquoise Caribbean Sea. The reef is within swimming distance of the shore.

Villas are simple palm-thatch affairs, packed close together (but that’s inevitable with this location), but they are decked out in modish distressed woods, beach-shack whites and light ocean blues and scattered with traditional Mayan textiles. In the best rooms, beds with wispy drapes look through huge floor-to-ceiling windows to wonderful views of the ocean and the breeze-blown palms.

The alfresco restaurant and bar serve superior Mexican comfort seafood.

Surrounding area

This is a serene spot – the loudest noises are the wind blowing in the palms and the waves pounding the shore.

Tulum’s clifftop ruins are a 5-minute walk north along the beach, the reef is within swimming distance of the shore and nearby cabana hotels offer restaurant and bar alternatives.

It’s a 15-minute cab ride to Tulum village or the livelier parts of the hotel zone for those looking to party.

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Key facilities

Airport transfers*
Beach: Onsite
Creche
Fitness centre
Fitness classes
Golf course
Hot tub
Parking: On-site (free)
Pool (adults only)
Pool (indoor)
Pool (outdoor)
Pool (kids)
Spa
Tennis courts
WiFi: Free
Yoga

Food & drink

All inclusive
Kids menu
Restaurant on-site
Self catering
*
Additional charge

Room types

Apartments
Bedrooms
Cabins
Suites
Tents
Villas
Yurts

Room facilities

Air conditioning
Flat screen TV
Jacuzzi (private)
Pool (private)
Tea & coffee making facilities
WiFi

Bedding options

2+ bedrooms
3+ beds
Connecting rooms
Rollaway/sofa bed

Bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Gran Cenote

Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico[5.7 miles]

Lily-covered, glassy-clear and filled with terrapins and tropical fish, this cenote near Tulum is easy to reach and fabulous to swim in. Big caverns make for spectacular cave diving.

Best for ages: 6+ | £7

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Overview >

Mayan ruins of Coba

Quintana Roo, Mexico

An authentic, atmospheric and less-visited Mayan site, set in lush, wildlife-rich forest. Climb to the summit of the 126ft-high Nohoc Mul pyramid – the tallest on the Mayan Riviera.

Best for ages: 13+ | £5

Website >
Overview >

Other worthwhile experiences in this destination if you have the time or the interest, closest first

Mayan ruins of Tulum

Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico[1.1 miles]

Iconic, though modest, Maya ruins perched on a cliff overlooking a beautiful beach and a turquoise ocean.

Best for ages: 10+ | £2

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Overview >

Xel-Ha

Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico[14.8 miles]

A snorkellers’ theme park, comprising a series of broken, crystal-clear bays and glassy streams, teeming with brightly coloured marine life and fringed with low tropical forest. Safe, supervised snorkelling plus swimming with (captive) dolphins and manatees.

Best for ages: 4+ | £80

Aktun-Chen

Akumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico[19.6 miles]

A simple nature-based theme park with a safari-park zoo, a cenote for swimming, a spectacular cave and a rainforest canopy zip-line adventure.

Best for ages: 4+ | £30

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Overview >

El Camaleon Mayakoba Golf Club

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico

Designed by Greg Norman, the course weaves its way through dense jungle, beautiful stretches of white sand and mangrove forests, with cenotes – natural sink holes – providing natural hazards.

Best for ages: 13+ | £125

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Overview >

Destination guides including or relevant to this place to stay

Mayan Riviera

Mexico

Talc-white beaches, reefs teeming with life, ruined temples in misty rainforests – the Riviera Maya offers a family or romantic beach holiday with a dash of Indian Jones adventure.

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Overview >