Olas Tulum

There was a time when Playa del Carmen itself was a nice quiet break from the bustle of Cancún. Now it’s a full-fledged resort town, and for a bit of the old, undeveloped Riviera Maya you’ll drive a little farther down the coast, to the barely-there Olas Tulum — just five rooms on a stretch of beach, out past the ancient Mayan walled city of Tulum. Olas Tulum is not a luxury hotel, but a small eco-friendly retreat with a style best suited to those looking for a travel experience that’s more independent than pampering.

The rooms, contemporary and pared-down in style, are not so much about luxury or pampering as the simple pleasures of sunlight and ocean breezes, with a strong emphasis on back-to-basics sustainability. The idea is to fully unplug (literally: there's no air conditioning), to sit on a porch or lie in a hammock and contemplate the Caribbean.

Between an off-the-grid location outside of town and the option of self-catering, it’s all quite a change from the usual Riviera Maya experience, as close to a vacation home as it is to an all-inclusive resort. It's right next door to Sian Ka’an nature reserve, a wonderland of well-preserved wildlife as well as dozens of distinct archaeological sites. There’s ample opportunity for snorkeling or biking, and the surrounding countryside is packed with cenotes, deep-water swimming holes, a delightfully low-key local attraction.

Over a daily communal breakfast, you'll have the opportunity to exchange tips, directions, and favorites with dedicated "hosts" and your fellow guests. How else would you learn about the margarita joints that don't advertise? And if doing your own cooking doesn’t sound like your idea of relaxation, the staff is happy to prepare a reasonably priced lunch or direct you to the best of the local restaurants for dinner.

HOW TO GET THERE:
Olas Tulum is located 105 miles, about a 2-hour drive, from the Cancun International Airport. Transfers can be organized for up to 2 guests at a cost of $140 each way.