Diamante K

This hotel was founded and is owned by the Mexican actor Roberto Palazuelos, whose secondary passion is ecology. One look around the Hotel Diamante K, and that drive is clear; the hotel has a distinctly rustic, earth-friendly look, and all buildings on the grounds are constructed with wood from the surrounding forests. This, of course, says nothing of the towering old-growth palm trees that dot the grounds everywhere, or the stunning little beach, with its views of the turquoise sea framed by photo-ready rock outcroppings. The environment feels like an upmarket campground, with hammocks strung up and lounge chairs strategically placed to take in the shade and the breezes. There are no beach vendors nearby and things stay blissfully quiet, though keep in mind that frills are few here: There's no air-conditioning in the cabins and Wi-Fi is only available in public areas. Travelers looking to unplug and commune with a stunning slice of nature are in luck, though, as the hotel's earth-chic ethos translates into charming interiors and public areas that have a bohemian look, but it never feels forced or tacky. Most visitors are couples, as there's an undeniable romance to the hotel, though some families and groups of friends may pass through as well.

Diamante K is ideally located for travelers who want to escape the trappings of the Yucatan's bustling tourist zones, but want to still be close enough to the action. The hotel is 10 to 15 minutes north of main Hotel Zone by car, meaning that things stay quiet and calm. There are several small hotels nearby and some humble eateries within a five- to 10-minute walk. Otherwise, the main goal here is to relax and there's not much that's reachable on foot. Tulum's popular ruins are a 15-minute drive north of the hotel, as is the center of town for those looking for more dining and drinking options. Party-mad Playa del Carmen is about an hour north by car for those who have a car, and ferries to Cozumel depart from there. Cancun and its airport -- the closest to Tulum -- are a little more than a 90-minute drive from the hotel.

With ecological construction in mind, the materials used to create each of the 29 cabins here come together in mostly lovely ways. The combination of thatched ceilings, stucco or stacked-rock walls, and glazed concrete and stone floors with pebble inlays combine to create a look that's beachy, but polished. The bright colors and fabrics contribute to the breezy aesthetic, while varnished driftwood shelving and tables look sharp next to wicker pendant lighting. Of course, decor varies from one category to the next, and rooms like the Deluxe Suite that we visited feel lifted straight from a stylish magazine on beach-hut design and architecture. Others, like the Bungalow with Garden View that we saw, are more compact, a bit darker, and feel more humble.

In-room features are few. There’s no air-conditioning, no televisions, or Wi-Fi, though all rooms have fans and mosquito netting. Keep in mind as well that most rooms won't have working lights until the evening. Some cabins share bathrooms, though those that do have bathrooms include showers, basin sinks over mostly wooden countertops, and stucco or stamped-concrete floors and walls.

Given this hotel's simple style, it's no surprise that features here are few. The beach is a stunner, though it's small. The hotel's location helps give it a private feeling, and the sand is set with hammocks and lounge chairs. A few rocky outcroppings help create what feels like a private lagoon, and it's free of vendors or noise. There is no pool at the hotel, though, so the beach is the only option for cooling off. The open-air restaurant picks up breezes from the sea and serves well-liked Mexican food. Of course, prices are higher than at spots in town, and no meals are included with room rates. There’s a small lounge and bar just out front, with plenty of seating looking out over the ocean. Yoga classes are available but not included in room rates either. Wi-Fi is available in public areas, and generally works best around the restaurant.