Originally known for its bohemian spiritual community and pristine coastline, Tulum has transformed from a secluded seaside paradise into a small city and bustling tourist spot with design-forward resorts, world-renowned restaurants, nightlife spots aplenty, an international airport, and a plethora of exceptional villas to call home.
First-time tourists may flock to Tulum’s glam beachfront hotels, but booking a stay at a villa means more space for a large group, your own private kitchen (and sometimes pool), and a somewhat more authentic experience. Located in a variety of different neighborhoods, these villa rentals give you a taste of Tulum outside the Hotel Zone.
When I first visited over a decade ago, most travelers arrived by way of an over-three-hour drive from Cancún, and the Beach Road wasn’t even paved: I still remember my bike chain snapping as I tried to traverse the potholes one afternoon and having to catch a ride with a friendly stranger who took me back to the family home where I was staying. While it’s true that many born-and-raised residents (and regular visitors like me) who loved the Tulum of yesteryear have mixed feelings about the area’s growth—which is causing the displacement of locals and a harsh environmental impact—Tulum has managed to hold onto pieces of its original allure, even while growing into a veritable design hotspot.
Read on for the best villas in Tulum, ideal for your next trip to this bustling Yucatán Peninsula hotspot; from here, you can step outside the tourist hotbeds and get to know a bit more about local Tulum.
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