In a small beach town 2 hours south of Cancun, some exquisite properties emerge, offering calm and cool in the warm sunshine by the Caribbean Sea. Below is our pick for the best hotel in Tulum with the best poolside experience: tried, tested, and #ladyofleisureapproved.
Every now and then, there is that special place you want to keep secret for as long as possible. The terrible twos in us say “MINE.” Immediately upon arrival, I realized Casa Malca is just such a place. Once a home for Pablo Escobar, the hotel and grounds have been artfully transformed into a true oasis of cool by owner and art dealer Lio Malca. The entry and main house are unbelievably designed and curated – a truly jaw-dropping arrival to your stay.
Everything seems well thought out – from the playful meandering wooden steps through the sand to the very functional foot washing stations near the pool. Cocktails are tasty (but sometimes inconsistent), sea breeze is flowing, and someone is always available to serve you. It should be noted that ingredients are listed on the cocktail list, which is always a great first step to a bar well-done.
Widely spread out on a quiet stretch of Tulum beach, the property has multiple options for lounging. Beach cabanas, hammocks in the trees, and of course, poolside beds and loungers. The pool itself is quite large and on the beach – both rarities for the area. The window to the sea (or to the pool, however you see it) is an intriguing feature, and most definitely a popular instagram destination. This makes for great people watching. Walk down a set of blue tiled steps on one end of the pool, through a fountain, into an underground grotto where you should definitely sing to your hearts content. Anyone will sound good with those acoustics. Keep an ear out for my next album entitled “Beached Whale Sounds from THE GROTTO.”
“…the hotel and grounds have been artfully transformed into a true oasis of cool…“
In addition to the pool experience, the Tulum hotel boasts uniquely decorated rooms, both in the main house and in separate villas around the property. Views of the beach and pool are unobstructed in some, with floor to ceiling windows (they have privacy glass for those that prefer not to put on a show). There are so many special moments here, that it would be criminal to share them all. You’ll just have to go see for yourself. It makes me happy that Casa Malca has successfully remained a well-known secret, and I hope it stays that way.
Sometimes flight times into Cancun aren’t the most convenient for the drive down to Tulum. If you need to spend the night in Cancun before heading south, check out these private pool hotels in Cancun.
