Jashita Hotel Tulum

Hotel Jashita is an upscale boutique resort that's a sharp step up from the frequently bohemian hotels in the surrounding region. Tranquility is the name of the game here, and that's clear from the moment guests step through the archway out front. The grounds are lined with wood and concrete walkways over sand and tropical landscaping, with beams and slats above for shade creating the perfect beachy atmosphere. Interiors are refined, with a sharp minimalistic style. The lobby is done in sharp cream and gray shades, with whitewashed wood and jute furniture all lending it a style that's rustic, but polished. Pieces of driftwood are artfully placed here and there, and a Buddha statue imparts a dash of Asian-inspired calm.

The hotel benefits from wide open spaces. Once past the main buildings, the open gardens that are thick with vegetation make for a lovely place to relax, as do the family and adult pools. The hotel also has one of the area's more popular restaurants, a chic seaside affair that draws locals, other tourists, and hotel guests alike. The covered beach loungers and hammocks on the beach are, of course, a major plus and are tailor-made for kicking back on the sand. This property is best suited for those looking to truly step away from it all, as there's nothing much in the vicinity and the vibe is the opposite of party-hard. Expect to see plenty of couples seeking romance, as well as some families. 

As the main goal here is for guests to step away from it all, there's not much to do in the vicinity of the hotel. The hotel sits on a remote section of coastline just north of Tulum and there's literally nothing farther to the north of the property, furthering the wonderful sense of isolation. However, the flip side is that this remote location means a car or cab rides are necessary to see or do anything. It's a 20-minute drive into downtown Tulum, where there are all manner of boho shops, cafes, restaurants, and yoga studios. The town's famous ruins are a 15- to 20-minute drive from here, as is the area's famous Playa Paraiso (Paradise Beach). The Grand Cenote will take about 15 minutes to reach by car. Expect a 90-minute drive to Cancun International Airport. 

There are 30 rooms to choose from at Jashita, split between first-level units and second-story units with garden or ocean views. Decor is stylish and restrained, with a distinct minimalist bent. Details include off-white tile floors, plenty of sophisticated earth tones, and dark or warm wood furniture with clean, simple lines. A few leather accents add a subtly sexy edge, and the four-poster beds in every unit are undeniably romantic. Otherwise, jute seating adds a rustic quality, as do a few spare driftwood pieces. In higher category rooms, wooden chests and sculptural elements further the boutique vibe. 

Standard amenities include minibars, air-conditioning, large flat-screen televisions, safes, beach bags, and free Wi-Fi. There are no telephones in the rooms. All have some sort of outdoor space, whether it's a large terrace or balcony. Most of these have a hot tub or pool, and all are furnished with modern daybeds or lounge chairs. Bathrooms continue the sharp simplicity of the rooms, with contemporary chrome fixtures, marble vessel sinks, and plenty of counter space. Many bathrooms have only walk-in showers, and some include bidets as well. Rainfall showerheads come standard, as do a nice selection of premium toiletries. 

While this hotel is small, there are a number of features that help it live up to its upscale status. The gardens and walkways are the heart of the hotel, and spread out in all directions. From there, guests can make their way down to the beach, where kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkeling are available. Lounge chairs and hammocks are arranged on the sand, and while swimming is available, some sections of the shoreline are a little rocky, so exercise caution. There’s a family-friendly pool tucked away in the heart of the garden, plus a rooftop adult-only pool with bean-bag style loungers and hammocks creating an effortlessly relaxed vibe. 

The Sahara Restaurant servers three meals a day, with breakfasts available in the nook and terrace overlooking the ocean. Locals often enjoy meals alongside guests -- this is a popular restaurant for the area -- and the grill out by the family pool is turned on every night for gourmet dinners. The menu skews Mediterranean, and there’s a bar up by the rooftop pool as well. Note that room service is only available for honeymooners and guests on the top floor suite; everyone else has to head to the restaurant for food.

The hotel also operates a small spa with massages and other therapies available. It's a chic space done in earth-tone mosaic tiles and includes a hot tub plus rustic treatment rooms with pitched wooden ceilings. The hotel also has its own boutique. Fishing and diving excursions can be arranged, and parking and Wi-Fi are both free.