Tulum is known for its DJs and party scene but, sitting here at La Valise, a cool breeze off the azure ocean with a house specialty cocktail in hand, that’s hard to remember.
The boutique hotel in Tulum’s hotel district is part of the Namron hotel portfolio and an award-winning member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World community.
In January 2023, La Valise expanded to add 11 new suites set around a private cenote in the Tulum jungle, to complement its beachside offering, as well as a brand new spa that draws inspiration from Mayan traditions in its treatments.
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Stay
In its design, La Valise is pure Tulum, with its thatched roofing, palm fronds and wicker jungle-inspired decor.
Every room has something different to offer, whether that’s a private terrace with sundowners, a plunge pool, a view of the cenote, or an outdoor shower. Two of the new jungle suites boast a view of the private cenote, while two others have a view of the stunning pool.
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But the crown jewel of the grandest master suites in the jungle and beach developments is the rolling king bed, which allows guests to throw open the doors and quite literally roll out into the morning with the sunrise.
The rooms are decorated with natural materials of wood, wicker and stone, featuring art by local Mexican designers such as the jungle-themed lamps and statues.
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The design echoes Namron’s commitment to natural resources and sustainability: Namron’s founder Yves Naman created the Tulum Pledge, an initiative that encourages tourists to commit to low-impact travel such as using reef-friendly sunscreen and abstaining from single-use plastics.
Namron also founded the Tulum Manifesto to encourage local business owners to practice in ways that are sustainable and beneficial to the community. These commitments are more important than ever as Tulum’s hospitality and tourism industry expands rapidly.
Residents in the new jungle suites at La Valise Tulum are just a moment’s walk from the main beachside property, where they are welcome to eat and relax by the ocean, just as beachfront residents can enjoy food and drinks in the jungle setting. All La Valise Tulum guests can also enjoy amenities at sister properties nearby, such as the large pool at neighboring Radhoo.
And if at the end of your stay, you want to take a little bit of La Valise home with you, head to the hotel shop, which among the clothing and homeware by Mexican designers, stocks the iconic wicker animal lamps.
Dine
When it comes to dining locations at La Valise Tulum, there’s no shortage of options. Breakfast and lunch can be served in-room or on private terraces, in the spacious dining rooms at the jungle and beachside properties, or even beachside or poolside, for those truly looking to relax.
For dinner, guests only have to go next door to visit NÜ, Namron’s enchanting open-air jungle restaurant. NÜ partners with Mestiza de Indias, an organic, regenerative farm in the Yucatan Peninsula, reviving Ancient Mayan farming techniques to create delicious, sustainable dishes.
For seafood lovers, the Local Fish Crudo is a must-try, cured with citrus leaf and served with tomatillo and green apple juice and shaved roots. Meat lovers can enjoy the La Cabaña Quail, which is served with mole negro and pickled seasonal veggies.
The Sweet Potato Agrodolce is a standout vegetarian option that features a delightful combination of flavors, including sweet potato, local squash, wild ginger, and peanuts. The dish is sure to satisfy both meat-eaters and vegetarians alike.
After dining, NÜ is the perfect location to enjoy hand-crafted cocktails and artisan mezcal, before venturing out to explore the Tulum nightlife.
Relax
If La Valise Tulum’s goal is pure relaxation, then its new spa takes that to the next level.
Expert therapists can guide you through their treatments, including the Che’chen massage, which uses a blend of native vitamin oil and incense made from Mexican plants found in the Mexican paradise.
For those looking for a more spiritual experience, the Sobada Maya is a powerful medicinal massage guided by white copal, a sacred resin used in traditional Mayan ceremonies, designed to help clients connect with their inner selves and find balance and harmony in their lives.
The Fuego Facial uses red clay to purify the pores of the skin and eliminate imperfections, leaving clients feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Explore
As well as relaxing in the beachside paradise, Tulum offers a wealth of activities. Windsurfing or jet skiing are all great ways for adventurous guests to enjoy the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea. The Yucatan Peninsula is the location of the Mesoamerican Reef, where snorkelers can marvel at exotic fish, barracudas and sea turtles.
For those who prefer to stay landside, there are beautiful views to be enjoyed as you cycle along the coastal road or through the lush green jungle and mangroves of the nearby Sian Ka’an biosphere.
Further afield, Tulum is home to the iconic Tulum Ruins – an ancient Mayan archaeological site, located on a cliff overlooking the sea. The ruins are an architectural masterpiece and offer a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the Mayan civilization. The Tulum ruins are best explored early in the morning, before the crowds arrive, to fully appreciate the serenity of the site.
Tulum also is scattered with cenotes, a geological marvel of the region. These natural sinkholes are filled with crystal clear water, an almost surreally magical location for swimming and snorkeling. Or for the brave-hearted, scuba diving through the winding passages of the cave network to see the fantastical formations of stalactites and stalagmites, is an unforgettable experience.
[See also: Inside the Eco-Luxe Habitas Tulum]
