Maria Del Mar Boutique Hotel

Given its small-scale, the Maria Del Mar Boutique Hotel has a surprisingly striking and stylish entrance. A slat-wood walkway leads guests into the rectangular building, where an inviting lobby awaits. Reclaimed wood and handmade details, such as woven seats, slouching baskets, and turquoise light fixtures, set the scene for the hotel's contemporary minimalist style. The check-in desk, set behind a layer of variegated wood, adds more texture and natural elements to the space. 

Though the property doesn't have its own restaurant, it shares a roof with an unaffiliated restaurant and bar. This hip space, furnished with bentwood chairs and pretty patterned-tile floors, gives guests the option to float between the two environments. But its the property's beach that claims the most attention. The water here is calm and the scene is tranquil, with most folks soaking up sun, reading, or sipping drinks. The pool area also tends to be quiet, especially as it lacks any sort of deck space. 

Clientele here tend to be couples in their 30s and 40s, and the adults-only policy (no kids under 16) encourages a serene and romantic setting. Guests are drawn by the property's look as well as its knowledgeable staff and its excellent walkable location.

Maria Del Mar is located on the beachside of Tulum's hotel zone, right on the sandy coastline. Popular restaurants and boutiques are all within a 10-minute walking radius. Those that wish to explore a bit farther can reach Coba Avenue, the main road to Tulum pueblo, in a 15-minute walk. The Tulum ruins can also be reached in a 15-minute bike ride. The northern entrance to Sian Ka'an (the biosphere reserve and UNISCO World Heritage Site) is a 20-minute bike ride or drive away. Cancun International Airport is a 90-minute drive north. 

The fashionable decor seen in public spaces continues in Maria Del Mar's 18 guest rooms. A soft, neutral palette of sandy hues is dressed up with natural woods and geometric patterned tiles. Rooms are anchored by enormous variegated wood headboards, handmade from material recycled off old fisherman's homes. Platform beds are topped in crisp white sheets, and each is draped with a knit shawl. Light fixtures, fashioned together from clusters of sticks, are also made by local artists. Guests report leaving the screened-in windows and doors open at night to listen to the ocean. Despite their somewhat rustic look, all rooms have modern amenties including air-conditioning and ventilation fans, free Wi-Fi, and Bose speakers. Electricity is provided by a generator 24 hours a day (rare for the beach area). Other helpful amenities include safes, loaner beach bags, and bottled water. 

Bathrooms continue the look with wood-plank vanities; vessel sinks; and walk-in, rainfall showers. Luxe extras like bathrobes and organic, and bio-degradable coconut toiletries are stocked in the bathrooms. Bottles of after-sun lotion and insect repellent give a few more helpful items, and hairdryers are on hand. 

Jungle View Rooms start off with decent space and garden views, while Partial Sea View Suites have better views, a larger interior with a sitting area plus a king bed and sofa bed. Sea Balcony Junior Suites can fit up to four thanks to two cushioned couches that can convert to single beds. Penthouse suites have excellent views, more space, and upgraded Malaya toiletries and Nespresso machines. The Oceanfront Penthouse Suite has a plunge pool on the terrace, while the Sea View Penthouse sports a large terrace with loungers and a table for eight.  

Beyond a doubt, the beach here is Maria Del Mar's top feature. This semi private sandy spot, shared with two other small hotels, fronts calm bay waters. Despite rocks bracketing the shoreline, the beach has soft white sands leading out to the water. Maria del Mar’s portion of the beach is furnished with padded wooden loungers and sunbeds, both on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Another spot for a dip is the property's courtyard pool, an L-shaped body of water with beachside views. A handful of hammocks and a sandy perimeter lined with mangroves surround the space, but there's no real sundeck. Those looking for a sunbathing spot should consider the sundeck down toward the beach, though it’s often used for massage treatments and private yoga classes (both for a fee). Another spot for massage is the hotel's modest spa, a one-room treatment area with two massage tables and a two-person jetted tub for hydrotherapy. 

The property doesn't actually have its own dining venue. The hip restaurant and bar, Mina, adjacent to the hotel, is actually independently owned. (A fact that could come as a surprise, as it's advertised on Maria Del Mar's website.) Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are available, although nothing (including breakfast) is included in room rates, and items cannot be charged or delivered to the room. 

A small selection of Malaya products, ceramics, and clothes are for sale in the little lobby area by reception, and guests can thumb through a few magazines and books here. Freebies include Wi-Fi, beach towels from reception, and parking that can accommodate up to 30 cars.