Welcome to 2024! Stepping into the new year can often be a time of reflection, intention setting, and renewal. Starting afresh is a whole mood, and for every mood, there’s a space. We’re bringing a duo of boutique hotels to the table that we think create the perfect cocoon to reset, relax, and get inspired for the year ahead. From the Mexican-Caribbean’s hippest destination to tranquil, island magic, read on to unveil our favorite things about Be Tulum and Nomade Holbox.
How to Get There
Be Tulum: This icon of barefoot luxury is easier to reach than ever thanks to Tulum’s new airport (TQO), cutting the 2+ hour drive from Cancun airport (CUN) in half. Set between lush jungle and the sparkling Caribbean Sea, the hotel invites its guests to enjoy tropical paradise with a twist of boho. The surrounding area is full of treasures to uncover, from the overgrown temples and spellbinding biodiversity of Sian Ka´an, to crystalline cenotes (natural swimming holes) and ancient Maya cities. We love arranging authentic, luxury travel experiences for our guests to connect with the wonders of a destination – we’re that well-traveled friend with the best insider tips!
Nomade: Located on easygoing Holbox Island, the journey to this peaceful hotel adds to the sense of adventure and remoteness. Drive around 2.5 hours from Tulum (or approx. 2 hours from Cancun airport) to the small port town of Chiquilá, where you´ll take a 20-minute ferry before catching a golf cart to Nomade near the end of Punta Coco – Holbox is a car-free island! Does that sound tiring? We’ve got you! Journey Mexico will take care of all the arrangements so you can enjoy a seamless, door-to-door transfer.
What’s the Vibe?
Both properties are the creation of Argentinian architect, Sebastian Sas, born from a vision to blend luxury and nature, while “bridging the gap between ancient wisdom and modern wellness”. Empathy with the natural world and the value of a holistic lifestyle are at the heart of both hotels, while each expresses its own unique personality and sense of place.
Following a remarkable boom over the past decade or so, Tulum has become synonymous with the boho aesthetic, moonlight dance parties, and new-age spirituality. From sleepy fishing village to hipster rite of passage, Tulum offers its own eclectic mix of postcard-perfect tropical landscapes, Maya history, world-class DJs, yoga retreats, and a stylish carefree crowd.
Holbox offers a glimpse into the essence of Tulum from yesteryear – think fewer people, getting off-the-grid, and melting into a laid-back way of life. A true natural sanctuary, the island is known for its impossibly blue waters and spectacular white sands – it´s the kind of place you come to slow down and drink coconuts in the sunshine.
Don’t Miss at Be Tulum
- Yäan Healing Sanctuary: A place where ancient healing techniques meet contemporary wellness culture – a visit to this legendary spa in the hotel grounds must not be missed on any trip to Tulum. Beautifully landscaped into the jungle, the center features a cenote-inspired, therapeutic water circuit – a practice enjoyed before every treatment – and therapies performed with herbs and flowers from the spa´s organic rooftop garden. Come to Yäan and get rejuvenated with sensorial temazcal ceremonies, energy cleanses, restorative bodywork and yoga sessions in a treetop studio.
- Design-forward Accommodations: Be Tulum’s guest rooms are a masterclass in boho chic. Framed by naturally magical surroundings and housed within structures made from recycled wood, gorgeously curated interiors take cues from the queen herself, Mother Nature. Stone, wood, and palm leaves weave through the design while neutral tones and soothing dark hues drape across premium bed linens and furnishings. Bathe in outdoor showers, plunge into private pools, and relax on rooftops wrapped in jungle leaves. Take privacy to the next level at the stunning ocean front Be Haus villa.
- Responsible Culinary Experiences: The hotel’s Mexican fine-dining restaurant, Ocumare, harvests its vegetables from a local organic orchard run by Mestiza de Indias. As part of the growing regenerative agriculture movement, the project strives to recover heritage crops using ancient cultivation methods and fair labor practices, while combatting the harmful effects of Mexico’s agrochemical industry. Ocean front Maresias also sources thoughtfully, working closely with local fishermen to secure a variety of freshly caught seafood. Tip: go for dinner, stay for great cocktails and DJ sets, Tulum-style in the sand.
- Picture-perfect: If Instagram enticed you here, you’ll have endless opportunities to get those beach-ready, boho shots. Be Tulum is so photogenic you can look hip without even trying. But whether you envisage your snaps in the enchanting blue waters, unwinding on a waterfront daybed, or sipping a cocktail under a palapa, we have a hunch that photos will be the last thing on your mind once you`ve surrendered to the entrancing natural beauty of the surroundings.
What we Love about Nomade Holbox
- Architectural Beauty: Nomade has got the wow factor, pulling out all the stops to create truly unique builds while keeping its impact on the environment to a minimum. We were genuinely mesmerized by the treehouses – bejuco structures that reach 7 meters into the air with rooftop decks for stargazing – and the dramatic woven vaults of the main space. The materials are natural, the technology is forward-thinking, and with just 30 rooms, a smaller crowd gets to enjoy this intimate property.
- Wellness Program: The hotel’s extensive offerings encompass water healing therapies, different styles of yoga, cacao ceremonies, sound journeys, breathwork, and meditations in the Gratitude Tent, presented in a rolling weekly schedule. This comprehensive program is enriched by a roster of visiting practitioners who deliver private sessions on anything from astral chart readings to dream decoding. Nomade Holbox is a hit for both travelers who love their holistic treatments, and those who are curious.
- Magical Mixology: In a place where reflection and a sensitivity towards nature are inevitable, a sundowner watching day fade to night feels almost ceremonial. Nomade’s creative mixologists lend sunset rituals a helping hand. Be it a velvet soda, tangy elixir shot, mezcalita, or tropical smoothie, grab your tonic and head to the beach.
- Nature’s Embrace: People who value connection with nature and the elements will be in heaven at Nomade Holbox. Set on the west side of the island, this is one of the few places on the peninsula where you can see the sun set over the water. There are birds everywhere, including those who find refuge in Yum Balam nature reserve each year on route from north to south, and word has it you can see bioluminescence right on the hotel’s beach when the conditions are right.
Ready to plan a trip to Tulum and Isla Holbox?
Experience the natural sanctuary and wellness offerings of Tulum and Holbox for yourself! To start planning, we`ve put together an inspirational itinerary to show you how to best combine both Be Tulum to Nomade Holbox into one trip. All our example itineraries can be personalized into your dream vacation – simply get in touch with our travel planners, tell us what you love, and start planning your trip.
