Top 3 Eco Friendly Resorts in Tulum, Mexico

Tulum is a town on the Caribbean coastline of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. It’s known for its beaches and well-preserved ruins of an ancient Mayan port city. Tulum is about a 1 hour drive south of Playa del Carmen and only 25 minutes south of Akumal.

Tulum is separated into 3 main areas.

The Tulum Ruins will be found on the main highway as you head south to Tulum. The ruins can be accessed by walking, bicycle or taking a taxi. Once you arrive to the ruins, the entrance fee is minimal, about $5 per person. You can explore the ruins on your own, hire a certified guide, and head down to the beach below to cool off.

Tulum town is a little further down the same road and is slowly developing. The town itself is about 3 miles from the beach. Here you can find a selection of small hotels, restaurants, and shops. Like any town, there will be banks, pharmacies and other useful things like car rental, a medical clinic, and convenience stores.

The Tulum beach strip is a small road that runs the length of the beach and leads you to the arch, which is the access to the Sian Ka’an biosphere. You can find accommodation on both the beach side and across the road. This area has a very relaxed, bohemian feel to it. Almost everything is accessible on foot in the main area, and bicycles are available for rent.

Getting to Tulum: Fly into Cancun International Airport and then drive 1.5 hours to Tulum.

Papaya Playa Project

The name Papaya Playa Project is congruent with the mission to constantly seek to improve the natural surroundings, the community, and the resort as a whole. They have put into action an ambitious sustainability and social responsibility project to lead a more conscious operation and to inspire others to do the same.

“SUSTAINABILITY MEANS LIFE FOR THE FUTURE GENERATIONS AND INTEGRITY FOR THE CURRENT ONE”

Emilio Heredia, Project Director at Papaya Playa Project

On July 2015 they launched their mission to achieve a zero emissions and zero contamination community. The resort has retained 93% of the original jungle. This compares to the norm in the region of just 5%, and 30% which is the local environmental regulation.

The drinking water is being transformed using the very latest environmentally friendly technology which also uses less energy for processing then typical systems. Pool water uses less chemicals and energy as well, for cleaning and enjoyment.

Wastewater is treated and becomes recycled water for the irrigation of plants and jungles. The food is locally grown wherever possible and comes from organic gardens. Papaya Playa Project has an existing cashew nut orchard with 150 banana and coconut trees were we are planning to revitalize the soil naturally with micro-nutrients and organic fertilizers to revive the soil throughout the plantation while adding more trees. 

This hotel has villas for groups of 10, casitas with 1 king bed, and cabanas that has 1 double bed and air conditioning. The Beach Club’s new design merges with nature and the sea, provides music by guest artists and resident Djs. Ingredients at Crocodrilo Restaurant are sourced on the local organic market. Kitchen is often the host to famous international chefs invited to introduce their signature and thematic menus.

Our inspiration is our love for Nature, the simplicity of the jungle and the sea, the elements of Mother Earth through a simple interaction.

Papaya Playa Project

Sanara

Sanara, meaning ‘you will heal’, is a barefoot luxury hotel on Tulum Beach. Sanara possesses beach garden sanctuaries, Wellness Center, ocean-front Yoga and a highly acclaimed conscious kitchen, the Real Coconut. Sanara believes in harnessing the power of nature, couples with our own innate healing capabilities to support our own vitality.

Sanara offers the opportunity to support our relationship with ourselves and by doing so, deepen our care for our world, holding space for deep introspective and physical healing, both within our conscious settings, and beyond.

Sanara

All of the structures have been designed to work with the natural habitat. The beach side foundations are raised to minimize environmental impact and to leave nesting sea turtle sites undisturbed.

Sanara is not connected to municipal water or sewage systems. A microbe based system is utilized to deal with waste water and sewage. Organic waste is collected to be used for compost, and recycling is separated on site. Sanara possesses a no single use plastic policy across the property.

The Real Coconut Kitchen at Sanara uses organic, chemical free, local food. Pasture-raised eggs and chicken and wild caught fish and seafood is sourced. Local partners work with Sanara to compost waste materials.

Rooms all come with a signature wellness kit including a personal yoga mat, hammam towel, bathrobe, and house made amenities. There is 24-hour electricity, air conditioning and high speed wifi.

You have the choice of Tamarind Beach Side Suites, Beach Garden Villa or Papaya Jungle Poolside Rooms and Suites. Beach side suites include individual private garden courtyards, outdoor bathtubs and spacious shaded front decks. Sleeps 3-4. Many of the suites and villas can be rented as a whole or separated into smaller units.

Our mission is to tread ever more softly on our path, caring deeply for ourselves, each other & our world, profoundly considering our choices and continually questioning the ripple effects of our actions.

Daniella and Charlie, founders of Sanara

Alaya

Nestled amongst the jungle trees and steps away from the beach, Alaya is Tulum’s most enchanting hotel. With intimate social spaces, treehouse guest rooms, and a beautiful Yoga shala, Alaya is perfect for those looking for a quiet oasis in the heart of Tulum’s beach. 

 Using the science of Permaculture, we’ve designed a resort/community that mimics a healthy ecosystem and enhances biodiversity, allowing a coexistence in harmony with nature. 

Alaya

Ideal for yoga and wellness retreats, guests can enjoy private beach access and wellness activities that promote inner peace. Sleep well in villas inspired by the raw natural beauty of Tulum and awaken to views of the crystal-blue ocean. Experience the sheer magic of Tulum and embark on a journey to Alaya.

Alaya is part of the Ahau Collection. When you stay in one, you can visit all sister hotels including beach clubs. Named for the Mayan sun god “Kinich Ahau” meaning “universal consciousness,” the Ahau Collection is committed to promoting natural harmony and organic experiences rooted in a deep respect for Mother Nature.

Through its commitment to the environment and the three pillars of sustainability, environmental, sociocultural, and economic, three members of the Ahau Collection hotels in Tulum have achieved Green Key certification in Mexico. In addition to the resorts’ focus on sustainable hospitality and eco-friendly initiatives the Ahau Collection is committed to improvements and projects in the local community and in nature. From stimulating economic growth and creating jobs for local residents in Tulum to protecting marine life and nature preserves to limiting food waste and ending hunger, the Ahau Collection strives to bring goodness to the world.

The rooms at Alaya range from 2-6 max occupancy. Rooms contain stone walls, natural Mexican architecture, handmade wood furnishings, wood planked floors and high pressure rain shower heads. During your stay take part in yoga, ues Tulum’s all natural jungle gym, rent a bike, and take part in sound healing.