Azulik

An ethos of “pure love” — plus a clothing-optional beach, and, crucially, no kids. This, in a nutshell, is the appeal of Azulik, a wellness-oriented retreat on the Caribbean coast of Tulum, a town that is itself somewhere in the space between the unspoiled idyll of an undiscovered escape and the buzzing excitement of one of the region’s hippest destinations. Azulik, like Tulum, is a bit of both; but its tranquil atmosphere and its unusual architecture, ecologically sensitive approach, and low-tech comforts tip the balance more towards serenity than revelry.

To that end the villas are without televisions and without electric light. (Don’t fret, there’s a plug for charging your devices.) What they do have is Mayan mosaic bathtubs, decks with daybeds, and views of the surrounding jungle and/or the waters of the Caribbean. Three restaurants span an impressive range, from avant-garde Mayan cuisine to traditional Mexican fare and — taking advantage of the seaside location — sushi. And it wouldn’t be a wellness resort without an impressive spa, based on ancient Mayan rituals but offering treatments that are perfectly familiar to international spagoers. Tulum may not be the end of the world anymore, but Azulik is as calming as it gets.