This Adults-only Beachfront Hotel in Tulum, Mexico, Opens Today With 12 Suites, 2 Pools, and a Rooftop Overlooking the Caribbean Sea

Tulum, Mexico, is set for a busy 2024. The laid-back beach town on the Riviera Maya will unveil its new international airport this month, making it even easier and more convenient to reach its sun-drenched white-sand beaches. And while the area has no shortage of big resorts, if you're craving a more intimate experience, consider Tulum's newest boutique stay: the chic Xela Tulum, which opened its doors on December 1.

Housed in a former beachfront private home on Tulum Beach, the adults-only property has just 12 suites and many of the five-star amenities of larger luxury hotels, but none of the crowds.

"Immersed in the heart of the Mexican Caribbean, Xela provides a sanctuary that feels like a home away from home," Yves Naman, founder and CEO of Namron Hospitality, the hotel's owner, told Travel + Leisure. "It's a place where the essence of the region's beauty and spirit converges, offering guests a chance to connect with the natural wonders that surround them."

Xela blends modern elegance with the natural beauty of Tulum and incorporates contemporary elements to create a tranquil and immersive experience. Most of the suites have ocean views, and all have private balconies or patios, while the décor is rooted in minimalist wabi-sabi aesthetics with earthy hues and natural materials. Much of the furniture, fabrics, and materials were sourced from Mexico. A carpenter in Muyil made the wood furnishings, the clay pots throughout the property were purchased in Guadalajara, and an artisan in Jalisco carved an intricate 14-foot door weighing nearly 2,000 pounds.

The property has a chic open-air living room with a sunken seating area looking out to a lush garden with two swimming pools. But the (literal) crown jewel of Tulum Xela is the stunning rooftop boasting 360-degree views of the jungle, beach, and the Caribbean Sea. A small spa with two treatment rooms and a gym are available on-site. Guests have also access to the hotel's sibling property, La Valise Tulum's spa, which offers treatments, yoga classes, sound healing, and other ceremonies rooted in Mayan culture.

The hotel's beachfront restaurant treats patrons to contemporary Mexican flavors prepared with locally sourced organic ingredients.

"Xela represents a transformative addition to Tulum's hospitality landscape. It doesn't merely introduce a new hotel; it introduces a haven where guests can find relaxation and an authentic connection to the breathtaking surroundings of Tulum," Naman added.

Nightly rates at Xela Tulum start from $550 and include daily breakfast.