A Jungle Retreat Close to Tulum Town

Located on the western side of Tulum, Hotel Bardo is an adults-only boutique hotel surrounded by tropical vegetation. Unlike the beachfront resorts along the Caribbean coast, Bardo offers a more secluded setting within reach of the town's restaurants, shops and surrounding attractions.

The hotel combines contemporary Mexican architecture with private outdoor spaces. Its low-rise villas feature textured walls, natural materials and handcrafted decorative objects, creating a distinctive alternative to conventional resort accommodation.

A central swimming pool, restaurant and bar provide communal spaces, while the individual villas offer additional privacy.

Staying in a Private Villa

Bardo's loft-style villas measure approximately 60 m² and combine a bedroom, living area and bathroom with a semi-outdoor shower.

The Private Pool Villa includes its own plunge pool within an enclosed jungle garden, allowing guests to spend time outdoors without leaving their accommodation.

The Private Jungle Garden Villa offers a garden-focused layout, while selected higher-category villas include heated pools.

The hotel incorporates Mexican craftsmanship through handmade textiles, ceramics and decorative pieces. Its contemporary interiors provide a contrast to the surrounding vegetation.

Dining and Exploring Tulum

Milum Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a menu influenced by regional Mexican cuisine. The adjoining Kinky Room Bar offers cocktails and evening drinks.

Guests can also arrange treatments at Spa 13 or participate in activities such as yoga and traditional temazcal ceremonies.

For excursions, Tulum's archaeological site is an interesting starting point. Its Maya ruins occupy a coastal position overlooking the Caribbean Sea.

The surrounding area also contains freshwater cenotes, including Gran Cenote, and beaches along the Tulum coastal road.

Because Bardo is located inland, transport should be planned for visits to the beach. Renting a car or arranging taxis provides greater flexibility when exploring the wider region.

Stay Inspiration

Hotel Bardo | Tulum, Mexico

An adults-only boutique hotel offering contemporary villas, private outdoor spaces and a jungle setting close to Tulum town.

Particularly suited to couples looking for privacy, distinctive architecture and the flexibility to explore the surrounding coastline and cultural attractions.

Explore Hotel Bardo

#TravelAndEscapes #LesCouleursDeTulum #HotelBardo #TulumMexico #BoutiqueHotels #JungleRetreat #TulumTravel #StayInspiration #LesCouleursDuMonde

A Jungle Retreat

Located in a residential area of Tulum, NABOA Hotel is an intimate boutique property with ten suites surrounded by tropical gardens.

Designed by Mexican architecture practice Jaque Studio, the hotel combines contemporary architecture with traditional materials and local craftsmanship. Rounded walls, textured finishes and carefully positioned openings create interiors that feel connected to their surroundings.

Unlike Tulum's beachfront hotels, NABOA is situated inland, offering a quieter setting while keeping the town centre and Caribbean coastline accessible by car.

Bathrooms Designed Around the Experience

One of NABOA's most interesting features is the attention given to its bathrooms, which form an integral part of the accommodation rather than simply serving a practical purpose.

The Nest Suite, measuring approximately 62 m², includes a deep soaking bathtub, an indoor rainfall shower and a private terrace furnished with handcrafted seating.

For a more open-air experience, the Tropical Suite offers approximately 86 m² of space, including a private terrace, an outdoor bathtub and a separate jungle shower.

The larger Pavilion Suite accommodates guests across two bedrooms and includes two bathrooms with rainfall showers and soaking bathtubs.

These different layouts allow travellers to choose between a private indoor bathing space and a more direct connection with the surrounding vegetation.

Dining and Exploring Tulum

The hotel's LU_LO Restaurant & Bar, led by chef Carlos Bordonave, combines Mexican cooking techniques with international influences and seasonal ingredients.

Guests also have access to an infinity pool surrounded by greenery, a yoga studio and a rooftop terrace.

NABOA is a convenient base for exploring the wider Tulum area. The archaeological site overlooking the Caribbean Sea, nearby cenotes and the beaches along the coastal road can all be incorporated into a stay.

Because the hotel is located away from the beachfront, arranging a rental car or reliable transport is advisable when planning regular excursions.

Stay Inspiration

NABOA Hotel | Tulum, Mexico

A ten-suite boutique hotel combining contemporary Mexican architecture, individually designed accommodation and distinctive bathing spaces.

Particularly interesting for travellers who appreciate architectural details, privacy and a smaller hotel environment.

Explore NABOA Tulum

#TravelAndEscapes #Tulum #NABOATulum #BoutiqueHotels #MexicoTravel #HotelDesign #TulumStays #StayInspiration #LesCouleursDuMonde

A Boutique Stay on Tulum's Caribbean Coast

Located at kilometre 8.7 along Tulum's beach road, La Valise Tulum is a boutique hotel with 22 suites divided between two distinct settings: eleven facing the Caribbean Sea and eleven surrounded by tropical vegetation.

The property combines the privacy of a small hotel with direct beach access, a natural cenote, swimming pools and spaces designed for spending time outdoors.

Its architecture reflects the coastal environment through palm-thatched roofs, timber, natural textures and handcrafted decorative objects.

Choosing Between the Beach and the Jungle

The beachfront suites are particularly appealing for travellers who want to spend most of their time beside the sea. Some feature high palapa ceilings, generous terraces and large bathtubs.

The Beachfront Master Suite is one of the hotel's most distinctive accommodations. Beneath a seven-metre-high thatched roof, its king-size bed can be rolled onto a private terrace, allowing guests to sleep outdoors overlooking the Caribbean.

On the jungle side, the atmosphere is different. Suites are surrounded by vegetation, with private outdoor spaces and access to the property's cenote and swimming facilities.

Several accommodation categories incorporate indoor-outdoor bathrooms, allowing guests to experience the tropical surroundings while retaining the comfort of a private suite.

Spending Time at La Valise

The hotel offers a private beach area, spa treatments and dining experiences. Guests can enjoy regional Mexican cuisine at NÜ Tulum or arrange activities through the concierge.

Bicycles are available for exploring the surrounding area, while the hotel's location provides access to Tulum's beach road and the southern coastal region.

La Valise also has a boutique featuring handcrafted objects, clothing and accessories, including pieces made by local artisans.

For travellers choosing between the two sides of the property, the decision is largely about preference: immediate access to the beach and ocean views or a more secluded setting among the trees.

Stay Inspiration

La Valise Tulum | Tulum Beach, Mexico

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Raffia Details in Tulum Interiors

Raffia introduces texture into interiors through its woven structure, natural colour variations and decorative finishes.

Obtained from raffia palm leaves, the fibre is used to create baskets, decorative accessories and woven surfaces. Different techniques produce distinct results, from tightly structured patterns to loose fringes and textured edges.

In Tulum-inspired interiors, raffia combines particularly well with cotton, linen and timber. Its natural beige colour complements pale walls and neutral fabrics, allowing the texture of each material to remain visible.

Decorative cushions with raffia details or embroidered palm motifs introduce a tropical reference without dominating the room. Combining a few carefully selected pieces creates a more balanced interior than repeating the same material throughout.

Stay Inspiration | IKAL Tulum Hotel, Mexico

Located beside the Caribbean Sea within Tulum's protected national park, IKAL offers cabañas and bungalows surrounded by tropical vegetation.

Its architecture incorporates natural materials, including bamboo and traditional Mayan-inspired finishes. The hotel's accommodation illustrates how handcrafted details and organic textures can be incorporated into contemporary coastal design.

→ Explore IKAL Tulum Hotel 

Further Reading | Les Couleurs du Monde Magazine

Explore additional interior inspiration featuring linen, woven details and warm neutral tones in our third edition.

→ Explore Magazine 03, page 54

#Tulum #TulumInteriors #Raffia #NaturalFibres #InteriorDesign #DesignStays #Coastal #LesCouleursDeTulum

Natural Textures in Tulum Interiors

Natural textures play an important role in Tulum's contemporary interiors, particularly through the combination of woven fibres, timber and mineral finishes.

Pendant lights made from rattan or palm fibres introduce texture through their woven construction, while solid wooden stools and side tables retain the grain and irregular shapes of the timber.

These materials contrast with smooth plaster walls and lightweight cotton or linen bedding. Geometric patterns can add detail to a single surface, while handcrafted wall decorations introduce different weaving techniques and structures.

The combination works particularly well when furniture and decorative objects are selected for their materials and craftsmanship rather than their quantity.

In Tulum's humid tropical climate, ventilation and appropriate finishes are important for maintaining natural fibres and wooden furniture.

Stay Inspiration | Era Hotel Tulum & Spa, Mexico

Located in Tulum, Era Hotel Tulum & Spa is a boutique hotel featuring contemporary architecture, natural finishes and a restrained interior palette.

Its design incorporates textured surfaces, timber details and decorative elements that complement the surrounding tropical environment.

The property provides an accessible example of the natural materials and contemporary design associated with Tulum's hospitality interiors.

→ Explore Era Hotel Tulum & Spa

#Tulum #TulumInteriors #NaturalMaterials #InteriorDesign #MexicanDesign #DesignStays #Coastal #LesCouleursDeTulum

Private plunge pools have become a distinctive feature of boutique accommodation in Tulum, particularly in hotels designed around secluded gardens and outdoor living spaces.

Unlike larger swimming pools, plunge pools are designed primarily for cooling off rather than swimming. Their compact size allows them to be incorporated into private terraces, enclosed courtyards and small tropical gardens.

In Tulum, some guest rooms open directly onto these outdoor areas, creating a connection between the bedroom and the surrounding vegetation. Limestone walls, timber doors and shaded terraces provide privacy while allowing natural light and fresh air into the space.

The design is particularly suited to the region's warm climate. A private pool provides somewhere to cool down after visiting the archaeological sites, exploring nearby cenotes or spending time at the beach.

When choosing accommodation, it is worth checking whether the pool belongs exclusively to the room, whether the terrace is overlooked and whether the outdoor area receives direct sunlight or remains shaded.

Stay Inspiration | Una Vida Tulum, Mexico

Located in Tulum Pueblo, Una Vida is a boutique hotel surrounded by tropical gardens.

Its Tropical King + Private Garden & Plunge Pool accommodation features a private outdoor area with a plunge pool, allowing guests to enjoy the garden directly from their room.

The hotel also provides access to a larger shared swimming pool and is conveniently located for exploring Tulum's restaurants, beaches and cenotes.

→ Explore Una Vida Tulum

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Shaded Outdoor Living in Tulum

Shaded outdoor spaces are an important part of Tulum's architecture, allowing terraces and courtyards to remain usable throughout the day.

Traditional palapa roofs, constructed using timber and palm leaves, provide protection from direct sunlight while allowing air to circulate beneath the structure.

In contemporary hotels and private residences, these roofing techniques are combined with plaster walls, stone flooring and simple wooden furniture.

Hammocks, built-in seating and outdoor loungers make these spaces suitable for reading, resting or spending time outside during the warmer hours.

The orientation of a terrace is equally important. Deep roof overhangs and strategically positioned walls provide shade, while openings towards gardens encourage natural ventilation.

In Tulum's tropical climate, these architectural choices help create comfortable outdoor spaces with less dependence on mechanical cooling.

Stay Inspiration | Hotel Muaré Tulum Wellness and Spa, Mexico

Located in La Veleta, Hotel Muaré is an adults-only boutique hotel featuring contemporary architecture influenced by traditional Mayan construction.

Its villas incorporate natural materials, private gardens and outdoor seating areas. Palm-thatched roofs and textured finishes connect the architecture with the surrounding tropical vegetation.

→ Explore Hotel Muaré Tulum Wellness and Spa 

#Tulum #OutdoorLiving #TulumArchitecture #TropicalDesign #DesignStays #Coastal #LesCouleursDeTulum

Woven Wall Art in Tulum Interiors

Handwoven wall panels introduce traditional fibre-working techniques into contemporary interiors, using texture and structure as their principal decorative elements.

In the Yucatán Peninsula, artisans work with plant fibres such as henequén and palm leaves to produce baskets, mats and other woven objects. Similar techniques also inspire contemporary wall decorations.

The panels pictured here demonstrate how different weaving methods create distinct surfaces. Tight, overlapping patterns produce a structured appearance, while loose fibres and long fringes introduce irregularity and movement.

Large woven pieces work particularly well against smooth plaster walls, where their construction becomes the main visual detail. Natural variations in the fibres give each handmade piece its individual character.

Although this decorative style is associated with contemporary Tulum interiors, the techniques themselves are part of a much broader tradition of Mexican craftsmanship.

Stay Inspiration | Aldea Balam, Francisco Uh May

Located approximately 21 km from Tulum, Aldea Balam is a small boutique hotel in Francisco Uh May, a village known for its local artisans.

The hotel's rooms incorporate handmade furniture and local decorative objects. Its location provides an opportunity to explore nearby workshops and shops specialising in woven baskets, lamps and woodcarving.

→ Explore Aldea Balam 

#Tulum #MexicanCraftsmanship #WovenWallArt #InteriorDesign #Handwoven #Yucatan #LesCouleursDeTulum

Crochet, Beads & Shell Details

Crochet, beads and shells introduce texture and decorative detail into contemporary beachwear, creating interesting combinations of materials, shapes and finishes.

Crochet bikinis are particularly distinctive for their visible stitching. Open patterns, scalloped edges and textured surfaces give each design a different appearance. Neutral shades such as ivory, sand and terracotta emphasise the structure of the fabric.

Beads and shells introduce another decorative element. They appear along bikini straps, as embellishments on swimwear and in jewellery designed for coastal settings. Their size and placement influence the overall look, from delicate details to more elaborate designs.

Combining these elements works particularly well with simple beachwear. A textured bikini, a lightweight linen shirt and a few carefully selected accessories create a balanced combination without competing patterns.

In Tulum, these styles complement the destination's relaxed approach to beach fashion.

Shop | Les Couleurs du Monde

Explore our selection of bikinis and one-pieces, with different silhouettes, textures and styles for days by the sea.

→ Explore Bikinis & One-Pieces in our Shop

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Earth Tones & Statement Accessories

Earth tones provide a versatile foundation for resortwear, particularly when combined with distinctive accessories and contrasting materials.

Khaki trousers, sand-coloured shirts and simple bikini tops create a practical wardrobe for warm destinations such as Tulum. Lightweight cotton and linen are suitable for daytime dressing, while relaxed silhouettes allow pieces to be worn in different combinations.

Accessories introduce a stronger visual element. Wide-brimmed straw hats, leather belts and sculptural bracelets add structure to otherwise simple outfits. Gold-toned jewellery complements olive, beige and brown fabrics, while darker leather creates contrast.

The proportions are important. A large hat or statement bracelet works particularly well when the remaining accessories are kept minimal.

Stay Inspiration | Our Habitas Tulum, Mexico

Located between tropical vegetation and the Caribbean Sea, Our Habitas Tulum offers accommodation with palapa roofs, timber details and natural textiles.

Its beachfront setting provides a fitting backdrop for the relaxed resortwear and earthy colour palette featured in this article.

→ Explore Our Habitas Tulum 

Shop | Hats & Headpieces

Complete your resortwear wardrobe with hats and headpieces from the Les Couleurs du Monde Shop, including structured brims, woven designs and decorative fringes.

→ Explore Hats & Headpieces

#Tulum #TulumStyle #Resortwear #EarthTones #StatementAccessories #SummerHats #Coastal #LesCouleursDeTulum