Easy, breezy, barefoot stays await at La Valise Tulum, a cluster of coastal-chic villas overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Travel writer and author Gina Jackson checks in for a jungle-wrapped jaunt fuelled by tropical juices and fresh ceviche.
La Valise Tulum photographed by Gina Jackson
The lowdown…
It may have made a name for itself as the Ibiza of Mexico, but Tulum is far more than just a party destination. Often touted as one of Mexico’s most beautiful pockets, there’s plenty of sand, swim, and sun to be enjoyed in this particular corner of the Riviera Maya, and adults-only retreat La Valise is a far cry from Tulum’s buzzy nightlife scene. Situated on what is arguably the best stretch of beach, this luxe getaway beckons visitors with its sweeping views over the sandy shores and gin-clear waters. With a distinctly boutique feel and hushed atmosphere (pounding music is eschewed in favour of peace and quiet), La Valise functions more like a private home than hotel, where peppy team members are just a WhatsApp message away.
Set the scene…
Wind your way through Tulum’s ‘hotel zone’, before reaching the hotel’s discreet entrance, enshrouded in wafts of Copal incense. Make note of the surrounding restaurants and bars once you arrive – La Valise’s prime location places you in easy walking distance to some of Tulum’s best dining destinations.
Style points?
Soaring, thatched palapa rooftops prick the cloudless sky, and strike quite a statement along the pristine beach. There are plenty of relaxed, open-air spaces for guests to strew themselves, each framed with boho-style hammocks and squashy sofas. Generous sun loungers allow guests to snooze by the sea, while the hotel’s pool is framed by fringed parasols and buttery-yellow loungers to kick back on.
Tell us about the rooms…
22 spacious bedrooms are split between the hotel’s two sides: bed down in a beachfront room overlooking the ocean, or choose a jungle-side suite cocooned within the leafy thicket. Expect airy hideaways designed in muted strokes of colour, with plenty of Crusoe-chic details: think four posters swathed in linen, vaulted roofs, and hammock-lined terraces. Opt for one of the Master Suites, each of which have generous beds that roll directly onto your private terrace for a sleepover under the stars.
”Expect airy hideaways designed in muted strokes of colour, with plenty of Crusoe-chic details: think four posters swathed in linen, vaulted roofs, and hammock-lined terraces.
The food and drink?
A leisurely breakfast is served wherever you’d like, whether that’s in the comfort of your suite, or in one of the indoor-outdoor lounge spaces on either side of the property. Start the day with fresh fruit, granola, and yoghurt, all washed down with one of the hotel’s homemade juices – before moving on to favourites such as avocado toast and chilaquiles. Whether you spend the afternoon sun-worshipping on the sand or spread-eagled by the pool, guests can order nibbles throughout the day, from zingy fish tacos to fresh guacamole.
There is no formal restaurant on site, but guests can nip across the road to sister restaurant NÜ, where flavourful seafood dishes and Mexican favourites are the name of the game: think freshly-fished Caribbean catches and ceviches, all eaten in a candlelit space. Back in your bedroom, you’ll find sweet treats waiting by your bedside every evening.
Anything else to note?
Guests at La Valise also have access to the other hotels in the Namron Hospitality portfolio, whether you’d like to dip your toes in the pool at Radhoo (located across the road), or sprawl yourself across the cabanas at Encantada next door. However, guests from these other hotels won’t be able to access La Valise, as it’s considered the most exclusive property in the collection.
Latest stories
How to spend a slow weekend at Nomad Mykonos
Known for its bustling beach bars and affluent nightclubs, Mykonos also has a slower side to its Cycladic shores, found in luxurious yet minimal boutique hotels such as Nomad, tucked away on the south-east of the island. This is the ideal base for anyone seeking a calming retreat, whether you’re
This refashioned farmhouse hideaway embodies Tuscany’s timeless beauty
Overflowing with rustic charm and evergreen allure, guests of Lupaia inevitably fall head over heels for every cossetting corner of this Tuscan countryside escape. Pair homely comforts with five-star service, and an ever-changing bill of fare rooted in the region’s organic offerings, and you’re sure to keep coming back to
Where to stay in May: 8 boutique hotels to book now
Sitting perfectly on the cusp of summer, just before European beaches begin to fill to the brim, May is one of our favourite months to travel. City breaks are sunny but not unbearably hot, the countryside is in full bloom, and even further flung, tropical climes are balmy, breezy, and
The best sea view hotel rooms in Italy
Summer holidays in Italy are best spent as close to il mare as possible — preferably al fresco all day long. Waking up to shimmering sea views and being lulled to sleep by lapping waves sets a relaxed pace at these seafront boutique hotels, where the most difficult decision you’ll
