Site Inspection at Be Tulum Beach and Spa, Tulum, Mexico

Be Tulum is built into the jungle with reconditioned railway sleepers and sand, creating a beautiful path from reception to the powder white beach, zigzagging through the hotel suites between the lush tropical gardens. Birds flit between the trees. Suitcases are delivered by wheelbarrow to avoid guests struggling with the irregular path.

The suites have a consistent look and feel, but are individually designed with unique touches, artwork and features including private plunge pools, outdoor showers and palapa roofs.

A complimentary wellness program to nurture mind and body includes daily yoga at the Shala, meditation, ice bath sessions and ceremonies performed by indigenous practitioners. During my visit, I witnessed a local Shaman conducting one of these events, the Sacred Fire ceremony, which is intended as a healing and cleansing ceremony connecting to the cycle of life, clearing the old and making way for the new.

Across the road, towards the jungle, the hotel operates the Yaan Healing Sanctuary, which specializes in pre-Hispanic Mayan rituals and treatments. Time did not permit me taking a treatment but I took a tour through the lush and tranquil gardens to see the space and it is beautiful.

The resort restaurants include Maresias, which provides fresh, clean food, perfect for a light lunch on the beach. I wasn't able to sample Ocumare, the more formal restaurant, but another guest gave it a glowing review. Close to the beach, 4 Fuegos offers Argentine-inspired feasts fresh from the grill.

The resort pays careful attention to its musical program and performances, offering a diverse slate of artists and performances. My visit coincided with a mellow jazz performance (a calendar of events is listed on their website).

I toured the sister property of Nomade Tulum. Guests stay in Rooms, Tents, Treehouses or Suites. All have air conditioning and plumbing, though some have outside showers and toilets. Before visiting, I was concerned about privacy and noise levels but that seemed not to be an issue as the rooms have been placed and designed to mitigate being overlooked or any kind of disturbance, aside from the chirping of the birds!

The property has a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, Macondo, a Japanese restaurant offering Omakase style dining and an open-air beachfront restaurant, La Popular.

At peak times, the beach road can get jammed with traffic so guests need to leave sufficient time if traveling anywhere by car. Listen to hotel advice regarding departure times, especially to get to the airport. Taxis are expensive and price is set by the local union and is determined by zones.

The neighboring property, Nomade Tulum, is open to guests of Be Tulum. It is child friendly. It also offers a wide variety of rooms, including Deluxe Tents and Treehouses.

This path and the steps to some of the suites means that the property is not accessible for anyone with mobility needs. The treehouses in Nomade Tulum are in the treetops and require climbing up two flights of stairs.

Group bookings are available for both properties.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Tulum. In need of further inspiration? Check out Fora Advisor's Clare Risman's guide, Tulum, Riviera Maya, Mexico: Something for Everyone.