Piedra Escondida

Piedra Escondida, roughly translated, means "hidden stone." The name suits, as the resort is tucked away between rock outcroppings on a stretch of private beach. This resort is composed of a cluster of three tan-colored palapas that are only steps from the  water. Palm and coconut trees ring the property, and a giant piece of driftwood adds an interesting decorative touch outside of the restaurant palapa. The beach itself features lounge chairs and hammocks shaded under cabanas, as well as wooden chairs and tables that are suitable for eating or meeting with others outdoors. While Piedra Escondida is within a few minutes' walk of many restaurants, shops, and bars, its positioning between the cliffs creates a sense of isolation and escape from the active resort culture that makes up the Tulum hotel zone.

The Boca Paila beach road is an active thoroughfare, lined with restaurants, bars, and other resorts. There is no shortage of tourist-specific services available in this area, especially tour centers offering everything from diving and snorkeling excursions, to boat trips through the Sian Ka-an Biosphere's protected lands. Large sections of the Boca Paila are lined with bike paths. Bike rentals are affordable and readily available here, and can also be arranged through the resort. Many of the resorts along this road offer a la carte spa services, including the nearby Ana y Jose Charming Hotel and Spa, which is about a five-minute drive from Piedra Escondida. The popular Om Spa is a seven-minute drive away by car. Guests of Piedra Escondida will have the opportunity to tour historical Mayan ruins at the Tulum Archeological Site, only a 10-minute bike ride away. The Coba Ruins, also popular among tourists, are located in the jungle about 35 minutes from the hotel.  

Rooms at Piedra Escondida are lovely in their simplicity. High palapa roofs sit on top of white walls with large windows, and doors that open onto private porches. Diaphanous curtains provide privacy, softening the natural light that enters rooms during daytimes. Beds at this resort are supported by European-style frames, rather than platforms made of wood or stone which are common among the area's eco-resorts. Furnishings are very simple, and limited mostly to dark wood bedside tables. Sparse decor includes some local folk art, such as wood carvings on walls. Some rooms have small futon-like couches built into the walls. A large guest room, located in the restaurant palapa, features two beds, plus a couch and coffee table. This accommodation also has memorable ocean and jungle views. 

Bathrooms feature modern fixtures, with colorful porcelain sink basins depicting Mexican-style designs. Blue and brown decorative tiles run along sinks, mirrors, and showers. Showers at Piedra Escondida have only low walls that separate them from the sink and toilet areas, but no curtains or doors. Bathrooms at this hotel carry the resort's own brand of toiletries, including shampoo, conditioner, and soap. Unlike those at some area hotels, guests here will find a number of electrical outlets in their rooms, good for charging handheld devices in a region where electricity tends to be limited.

The most valuable amenity at Piedra Escondida is the sense of privacy guests feel on this beach. While this great feature is offered by mother nature, there are some other manmade extras available to guests here. The on-site restaurant, which shares the hotel's name, is located in the resort's main palapa. Its menu focuses on Italian-style cooking and seafood. Seafood dishes are prepared with locally-caught fresh fish. Lunch and dinner must be purchased, but free a la carte breakfast is included in the cost of a stay. Live music is provided for guests on a twice weekly basis, and is free to attend. When out on the beach, guests and their children are welcome to use the plastic sand toys provided by the resort. These include small shovels and sand molds. Other services offered by the resort include connecting guests with car and bike rental services, as well as airport transfers. These services all cost extra, and are available by request only.