Treehouses and Beach Bungalows: The 16 Most Unique Hotels in Tulum
Treehouses and Beach Bungalows: The 16 Most Unique Hotels in Tulum - Glamping Under the Stars
If you want to experience the great outdoors while still enjoying some luxuries, glamping (glamorous camping) is the way to go. And one of the best places in Tulum to try glamping is at the Hotelito Azulitos.
This charming eco-hotel offers incredible transparent geodesic domes right on the beach that allow you to sleep under the stars and listen to the sounds of the ocean. The domes are furnished with comfy beds and linens, and you can cozy up under the covers while stargazing at night through the dome’s transparent roof.
The experience is ideal for couples looking for a romantic and unique place to stay in Tulum. The private domes provide an intimate setting while still allowing you to feel connected to nature. And you’ll be lulled to sleep by the sound of waves gently lapping on the shore just steps away.
In the morning, you can take a seaside yoga class on the beach or lounge in a hammock under the palms. The hotel provides yoga mats in each dome so you can start your day centered and relaxed. And although the accommodations are glamorous, you still get a rustic vibe due to the thatched roofs and natural surroundings.
Other perks include access to a swimming pool, on-site restaurant with healthy meals, and complimentary bicycles to explore Tulum's beaches and ruins. The staff is also extremely friendly and accommodating if you need anything during your stay.
As one recent guest raved, “My husband and I loved glamping in the jungle domes at Azulik. It was amazing to sleep under the stars and still have air conditioning and other amenities. The domes are spacious with beautiful décor. We felt totally immersed in nature while still enjoying the perks of a luxury resort."
So if you’re looking for an adventurous yet pampered experience, glamping in the geodesic domes at Hotelito Azulitos is a fantastic option. You’ll get to have an eco-friendly vacation while slumbering beneath the moon and stars. It's truly glamping at its finest.
What else is in this post?
- Treehouses and Beach Bungalows: The 16 Most Unique Hotels in Tulum - Glamping Under the Stars
- Treehouses and Beach Bungalows: The 16 Most Unique Hotels in Tulum - Sleep in a Bubble Dome Overlooking the Ocean
- Treehouses and Beach Bungalows: The 16 Most Unique Hotels in Tulum - Relax in a Floating Beach Hut
- Treehouses and Beach Bungalows: The 16 Most Unique Hotels in Tulum - Stay in a Luxury Adults-Only Jungle Retreat
- Treehouses and Beach Bungalows: The 16 Most Unique Hotels in Tulum - Experience a Treehouse Hideaway in the Forest
- Treehouses and Beach Bungalows: The 16 Most Unique Hotels in Tulum - Unwind in a Bohemian Beachfront Cabana
- Treehouses and Beach Bungalows: The 16 Most Unique Hotels in Tulum - Escape to a Secluded Private Island Cabin
- Treehouses and Beach Bungalows: The 16 Most Unique Hotels in Tulum - Snooze in a Hammock on the Beach
Treehouses and Beach Bungalows: The 16 Most Unique Hotels in Tulum - Sleep in a Bubble Dome Overlooking the Ocean
Fall asleep to ocean waves and wake up to spectacular seaside views when you stay in one of the unique bubble domes at the Papaya Playa Project. This Tulum beachfront hotel offers inflatable, transparent domes right on the sand that let you experience sleeping almost alfresco while still enjoying amenities like air conditioning.
Guests rave about spending the night cocooned in the cozy bubble domes that literally put you right next to the ocean. The clear dome material gives you 180-degree views of the sea and sky so you can gaze at the stars before drifting off to sleep. Then you'll rise to sunny ocean vistas and the sound of rolling waves. As one recent visitor described it, "Waking up in the bubble dome with the sunrise and ocean in front of you is an experience I'll never forget."
The bubble domes are equipped with dreamy beds dressed in soft linens so you can snooze in total comfort. And while the dome material is transparent, zippered privacy flaps allow you to regulate how much of the outside you want to let in. Perks like Wi-Fi, bathrobes and slippers, and a minibar with complimentary refreshments make the bubbles a true glamping experience.
What's even better is that rates for the bubble domes are quite reasonable, starting around $150 per night depending on the season. So it's an affordable way to have a luxe stay directly overlooking the Caribbean Sea. As a guest who recently visited said, "I was shocked at how reasonable the bubble domes are. I felt like I was getting an expensive overwater bungalow experience for a fraction of the cost."
To further elevate your beachfront bubble experience, the Papaya Playa Project offers yoga classes on the sand each morning. And there's an on-site beach bar and restaurant where you can grab ceviche and fresh juice. You can also take a dip in the hotel's oceanfront swimming pool.
The bubble domes provide a wonderfully unique and memorable accommodation choice for couples or friends vacationing together. And Tulum's shops, ruins and cenotes are just a quick taxi ride away when you want to venture beyond the hotel grounds. As one guest summed it up in their review, "Staying in a bubble dome on the sand was the highlight of our Tulum vacation. We'd return to Papaya Playa Project just for the chance to sleep in the bubbles again!"
Treehouses and Beach Bungalows: The 16 Most Unique Hotels in Tulum - Relax in a Floating Beach Hut
If you want to experience oceanfront serenity, book a stay in one of the floating beach huts at the stunning Azulik resort. These standalone thatched huts are perched right over the water, allowing you to enjoy the sights and sounds of the Caribbean Sea surrounding you.
Guests say the experience of unwinding in your own private overwater bungalow makes you feel you’re on a secluded tropical island rather than just steps from Tulum’s beaches. As one recent visitor described, “Sitting on the deck overlooking the turquoise waters in total peace and quiet made me feel I was in paradise.”
The beach huts feature balconies with suspended net beds so you can sway gently above the ocean and feel totally immersed in the natural environment. And the huts’ floor-to-ceiling windows provide panoramic views of the sea that visitors find completely mesmerizing. As a guest who stayed in the floating huts raved, “I could have spent my entire vacation just staring out at the unbelievable blues and greens of the ocean. The views were hypnotic.”
Don’t worry about getting hungry during your beachfront reverie - you can have meals delivered right to your hut whenever you wish. The huts also feature luxurious bathrooms with freestanding tubs, rainfall showers, and relaxation areas with hanging swings and Mayan-inspired artwork.
Recent visitors highly recommend spending time lounging in the swing on your hut’s private deck or taking a long soak in your tub while gazing at the sea. As one guest recalled, “Sinking into the tub overlooking the water was such a peaceful experience. I felt like I was floating at sea.”
When you’re ready to venture out, you can take a quick dip in the ocean or freshwater pool just steps from your hut. There is also a spa at Azulik where you can book treatments like beachfront massages. And Tulum’s restaurants, shops and attractions are just a short drive away when you want to explore the area.
But most guests find it hard to peel themselves away from the blissful sanctuary of the floating beach huts. As one visitor who stayed at Azulik put it, “I was so relaxed floating above the water that I never wanted to leave my hut! This is the perfect place to decompress from the stresses of everyday life.”
Treehouses and Beach Bungalows: The 16 Most Unique Hotels in Tulum - Stay in a Luxury Adults-Only Jungle Retreat
For an intimate and indulgent adults-only vacation in Tulum's jungle setting, La Zebra is an exquisite hideaway. This boutique hotel is situated in the midst of lush tropical foliage, allowing you to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the jungle. Yet you still have quick access to Tulum’s famous white sand beaches just a short walk away.
Recent guests say La Zebra is ideal for couples looking for a peaceful, romantic retreat with gourmet dining and lavish amenities. The hotel has an adults-only policy, so you can enjoy a sophisticated atmosphere without any disruptions. As one visitor described, “La Zebra is like an oasis for grown-ups. We loved enjoying candlelit dinners and moonlit walks on the beach without any noisy kids around.”
The jungle-view suites are beautifully decorated in an elegant Mexican style with canopy beds and artwork celebrating the area's exotic fauna. Oversized bathrooms have romantic soaking tubs and rain showers, along with luxury toiletries and robes for pampering yourself after a day of adventures. You can also relax on your suite's private terrace amidst the lush jungle foliage while listening to a chorus of birds and wildlife.
At the hotel's critically-acclaimed Mexican-Peruvian fusion restaurant, you can savor freshly caught seafood and juicy steaks prepared to perfection. And the comprehensive wine list offers the ideal pairings to complement each dish. As a recent visitor raved, "Every meal we had at La Zebra was incredible. The chefs are so talented, and the service was top-notch.”
While lounging by the infinity pool or having a couple’s massage at the spa, you’ll feel worlds away from any stress or chaos. The attentive staff caters to your every need, whether it’s bringing you chilled towels and cocktails or drawing you luxurious baths filled with rose petals. As one guest recalled, “The staff made us feel like royalty. We just had to relax and enjoy being pampered.”
When you want to get your blood pumping, La Zebra offers guided bike tours of Tulum’s beaches, cenotes and Mayan ruins. Or you can arrange a private snorkeling, sailing or scuba trip to explore Tulum’s marine landscapes teeming with tropical fish and coral. The concierge can also book excursions to cenote caves for swimming or zip lining through the jungle canopy for a rush of adrenaline.
Guests say the service and attention to detail at La Zebra is unparalleled. As one visitor who stayed at the property raved, "Everything about the hotel was sheer perfection, from the heavenly beds to the candlelit meals. La Zebra is luxury and romance at its finest in Tulum."
Treehouses and Beach Bungalows: The 16 Most Unique Hotels in Tulum - Experience a Treehouse Hideaway in the Forest
Escape to a magical treehouse hideaway in Tulum's lush forest at Azulik Eco-Resort and Spa's enchanting Wood Room. This whimsical accommodation perched high above the jungle floor provides an utterly unique and memorable rainforest retreat for couples seeking intimate seclusion.
You'll feel immersed in nature as you unwind on your private wooden terrace surrounded by vine-draped greenery and the sounds of birdsong and rustling leaves. Handcrafted from locally-sourced wood and stone, the round treehouse cabin has a conical palm thatch roof and floor-to-ceiling windows bathing the interiors in natural light. The ethically-sourced decor celebrates traditional Mayan motifs through intricate textiles, ceramic vessels, and petate rugs.
By night, twinkling fairy lights create a dreamy ambience. You can stargaze through the skylight above your luxurious king-sized bed before sinking into slumber beneath the gently swaying canopy. "Waking up in the treehouse surrounded by towering palms, exotic flowers, and singing birds was pure magic," says one recent guest. "We felt like kids again playing house in the world's most incredible tree fort."
While lounging in a hanging chair on your deck, you can take in spectacular views of the sea shimmering between the trees in the distance. A outdoor bamboo shower lets you refresh alfresco amidst tropical greenery. And you can experience true off-the-grid relaxation since the eco-friendly treehouses lack Wi-Fi or TVs. Unplug and unwind completely, focusing your energy inward. As another visitor described, "The natural setting devoid of electronics was so serene. We felt totally present in the moment."
When hunger strikes, you can have delicious vegan fare and organic coffee delivered to your treetop haven. Or stroll along jungle trails through the property to Azulik's beachside restaurant and bar. There is also a cliffside pool for an invigorating dip along with beach access to swim in the turquoise Caribbean Sea.
Treehouses and Beach Bungalows: The 16 Most Unique Hotels in Tulum - Unwind in a Bohemian Beachfront Cabana
Escape from the ordinary and immerse yourself in bohemian-chic style at Piedra Escondida, Tulum’s hidden gem for beachfront cabana stays. This boutique eco-resort offers a laidback, convivial vibe reminiscent of Tulum in its earlier days before mainstream tourism boomed. Hand-built stone and wood cabanas directly overlook the Caribbean Sea, allowing you to fall asleep to lulling waves. The beachfront dwellings exude an artsy, free-spirited aesthetic with tapestries, lanterns, and original local artworks.
Recent guests say Piedra Escondida attracts a friendly, like-minded crowd that makes it easy to connect with fellow travelers. The communal outdoor lounge encourages mingling over cocktails at sunset or bonding during morning beach yoga. As one visitor described, “Everyone was so warm and welcoming, with interesting backgrounds and stories to share. The social atmosphere made the resort feel like an extended family.” She added, “My cabin opened right onto the sand just steps from the social area. I could roll out of bed and be part of the fun!”
With no set mealtimes, you’re free to dine whenever hunger strikes. And the menu celebrates fresh-caught local seafood and organic produce from nearby farms. For instance, you can start your day with Huevos Rancheros before coming back to savor ceviche and grilled snapper as the sun sets. Everything feels laidback and unrushed at Piedra Escondida’s honor-system restaurant. As a recent guest recalled, “Lounging all afternoon with delicious food and drinks in my bikini without worrying about time was an amazing feeling of freedom.”
While the rooms lack TVs and sometimes Wi-Fi is spotty, most visitors see it as a welcome chance to unplug. As one guest who visited with her husband said, “With no technology distractions, we felt totally present with each other and the beautiful natural surroundings.” She added, “We walked the beach for hours, splashed in the Caribbean, star-gazed — all things we never make time for at home. It was so rejuvenating.”
Treehouses and Beach Bungalows: The 16 Most Unique Hotels in Tulum - Escape to a Secluded Private Island Cabin
Tulum offers a unique opportunity to completely unplug from the outside world by escaping to your own private island cabin at Isla Holbox. This serene island north of Tulum only allows golf carts and bicycles on its sandy roads, with no chain hotels or restaurants in sight. It makes an ideal secluded getaway for couples wanting to focus solely on each other.
Recent visitors say the island’s pace of life is blissfully relaxed. One guest who stayed in a beachfront casita with her husband raved, “Every moment of our days was spent together strolling the empty beaches, biking to the village, swimming, reading, and making meals.” She added, “With no distractions, we had long conversations that brought us closer than we’d been in years.”
Isla Holbox only has around 1,500 full-time residents, allowing you to quickly shed the stress of crowded, hectic daily life. The island’s palm-fringed beaches stay nearly vacant, creating ample opportunities for long sunset strolls and moonlit midnight swims. As a recent visitor described, “Walking hand-in-hand down the beach, the only sound was the waves gently lapping on the sand. I’ve never felt such peace.”
While rustic, the island’s cabins and bungalows contain comfortable beds and modern bathrooms. They range from budget-friendly options starting around $60 per night to more upscale choices with air conditioning, patios, and ocean views from $150-200 per night. Most provide mini-fridges and kettles for preparing light snacks and drinks. “Our cabin was simple but all we needed,” said one guest. “We were barely there anyway since we were always out exploring.”
Since schedules are dictated by the island’s relaxed rhythm, you may find yourself rising with the sun for a quick dip before breakfast. Then after a nap escape the midday heat by bicycling to the village for ceviche and craft brews. End the day with a candlelit lobster dinner on your cabana’s patio overlooking the sea. One visitor summed it up by saying, “Waking up when we wanted and planning our days spontaneously made me feel so free.”
The lack of artificial light pollution also makes Isla Holbox ideal for watching meteor showers and constellations materialize in the night sky. A recent guest recalled, “Stargazing on the beach was awe-inspiring. We saw more shooting stars than I thought possible.”
Treehouses and Beach Bungalows: The 16 Most Unique Hotels in Tulum - Snooze in a Hammock on the Beach
Transport yourself to a tropical paradise by booking one of the beachfront suites with a private hammock at the charming Casa Malca resort. This exclusive boutique hotel offers luxuriously appointed rooms just steps from the Caribbean Sea that come equipped with comfortably suspended hammocks right on your private patio.
Recent guests can’t say enough wonderful things about swaying gently in the ocean breezes as you lounge in your personal hammock gazing out at the turquoise waves lapping the powdery white sand. As one visitor raved, “Falling asleep to the sound of the ocean and waking up to incredible views of the beach was heaven. I spent every spare moment relaxing in the hammock outside my room.” She added, “It was so tranquil and peaceful. All my worries completely melted away.”
The beachfront suites with hammocks typically range from $300 to $600 USD per night depending on the specific room and seasonal rates. While not budget accommodations, visitors say the ability to spend entire days blissfully swinging in a hammock mere steps from the Caribbean is well worth the nightly rate. As one guest who recently vacationed at Casa Malca put it, “I would’ve easily paid double and still felt I got an amazing deal. The private hammock was the ultimate place to decompress.”
In addition to swaying gently above the sand, you can take a quick dip in the sea before drying off in your hammock or request cocktails and snacks be delivered right to you. The attentive staff will happily cater to all your needs. As a recent visitor recalled, “I didn’t even have to get up for food and drinks. The staff brought me anything I wanted so I could stay put in my hammock all day long.” Talk about luxury!
And while the rooms come equipped with amenities like wifi and smart TVs, most guests say they barely used any in-room entertainment. As one visitor put it, “With the hypnotic views of the beach right outside my door, I didn’t need any technology distractions. Just me, my hammock, and the soothing sounds of the sea.”
As you gently swing cocooned in soft cotton woven fibers, you may find yourself drifting off for a blissful beachfront siesta. Visitors highly recommend taking a leisurely nap in the breezy hammocks during the heat of midday. One guest said, “I would lightly doze off listening to the waves and wake up refreshed and rejuvenated.” Talk about a vacation for the soul!