I won’t sugar coat it — there are true eco hotels in Tulum that are trying to make a difference, then there are the “eco hotels” that are pure greenwashing. How can you tell the difference when planning your stay in Tulum?
Much like you, I always try to find eco-accommodation whenever I travel. But Tulum presents a fierce challenge. A place that oozes eco-chic vibes is actually facing one of the biggest environmental crises the Riviera Maya has ever seen.
According to Mexico’s Secretary of the Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT), of the 6,000+ cenotes spread out across the Yucatan Peninsula (including the best cenotes around Tulum), roughly 80% are contaminated with human feces and other toxins. This contamination is primarily due to mismanagement of waste, removal of essential mangroves, and loss of jungle from hotel construction.
The below-mentioned green hotels in Tulum were selected for their participation in the Travel Sustainability Partner Program by Booking.com and are some of the most eco-friendly villas, resorts, and bungalows in Tulum you can find.
No, they are not going to save the world or solve Tulum’s eco-crisis, but I would feel comfortable staying in these resorts as someone who endeavors to travel responsibly.
Contents
The Top 9 Eco-Friendly Hotels in Tulum, Mexico
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1. Papaya Playa Project
- Price: $$$$+
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Location: Beach road in Tulum Hotel Zone
- Features: Private beach, on-site Roca restaurant, events, spa
Papaya Playa Project is an eco resort in Tulum that seriously impresses! All the top influencers typically stay at PPP, and for good reason. They are one of the best hotels in Tulum thanks to their commitment to preserving the local environment while supporting the community they live in.
“SUSTAINABILITY MEANS LIFE FOR THE FUTURE GENERATIONS AND INTEGRITY FOR THE CURRENT ONE”
— Emilio Heredia, Project Director at Papaya Playa Project
In July 2015, PPP launched a mission to achieve zero emissions and zero contamination. During the building phase, Papaya Playa Project used just 7% of the original jungle, preserving over 93% of it. For reference, 5% is the average for the region while 30% preservation is the local environmental standard. Also, the watershed used in the resort is recycled and used to irrigate their plants and flora.
As for the stay itself, it’s quite an experience. Choose from casitas, cabañas, lofts, or villas, each equipped with wifi, king beds, natural boho touches, turquoise dip pools, rooftops, and more. 🌴
Here, you can breathe in the salty air and exhale all that stress weighing you down. Papaya Playa is one of the most popular places to stay in Tulum, so make sure to reserve your stay in advance! Check availability here.
2. Casa Coyote Tulum
- Price: $$$
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Location: Tulum Hotel Zone beside Casa Nômade, Km 9.2
- Features: Beach, spa, temazcal, nearby shopping, on-site Loco restaurant
Casa Coyote is the more affordable version of Papaya Playa Project — similar style and vibes, but unique in its own way as well. Like all the other green hotels listed here, Casa Coyote is a part of Booking.com’s Travel Sustainability Program, meaning the hotel goes above and beyond to serve with sustainable and eco-friendly travel at the heart of its initiatives.
As such, you won’t (or shouldn’t) find any single-use plastics, water throughout the property is recycled, the hotel supports local artists, there’s access to bike rentals and parking, and more! Their Mediterranean Chef Kitchen (Loco Restaurant) also claims to use “regional ingredients with sustainable growing practices.”
The hotel is definitely cute, but what I appreciate from Casa Coyote is their transparency right on Booking’s listing.
As you may know, there is no electricity from the town that reaches Tulum’s Hotel Zone. Yes, that means that most of this “eclectic” beach strip is run entirely on diesel generators. (You can smell AND hear it.) Casa Coyote specifically mentions this in their description and specifies their use of solar panels for energy production and that hair dryers/curling irons, etc, shouldn’t be used to avoid disruption.
As a purveyor of responsible travel, I would feel comfortable staying at Casa Coyote! Book now.
3. Habitas Tulum
- Price: $$$$
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Location: Tulum beach strip beside PPP, Km 4.5
- Features: Private beach, spa, temazcal, events, on-site Moro restaurant
Habitas Tulum is another must-mention when it comes to green hotels in Tulum. These guys are besties with PPP just next door. Habitas is pricey as well, but the experience you’ll take home with you will be unforgettable!
So, how eco-friendly is Habitas Tulum? I’d say pretty eco. 🌿
They have integrated and applied sustainable efforts in nearly every aspect of their business — from the organic produce used at their Moro Restaurant (which is so delicious, by the way!), to the construction of the hotel grounds in the preservation of the soil and jungle, to receiving the Oceanic Champion Badge for having removed all single-use plastics throughout the facility, and more.
Habitas also recycles and composts, and has partnered with or launched several local projects including:
- Cooperativo Ambio’s Scolel’te Program, which supports reforestation from the proceeds earned from concerts and screenings hosted at Habitas;
- Tulum’s Proactive Response aimed at supporting local families in need due to the pandemic;
- Plastic Hunters, led by Habitas co-founders, an initiative that places waste receptacles in high-need areas around Tulum to educate about proper waste disposal.
Unfortunately, Habitas Tulum typically sells out rooms weeks (even months) in advance. If you’ve fallen in love with this place and know you want to stay here, make sure to book your stay now.
4. TerraNova Boutique Hotel
- Price: $$
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
- Location: La Veleta neighborhood (0.9mi to town)
- Features: Pool, wifi, desks for remote work, bar/cafe
TerraNova is a lovely little eco hotel located in the La Veleta neighborhood in Tulum. It’s not in town, yet is still centrally located with lots of Tulum activities located nearby — perfect for relaxing while exploring all that this coastal resort town in the Riviera Maya has to offer. If you are a digital nomad in Tulum, you will especially appreciate the high-speed wifi and desks in each room!
As for TerraNova’s green thumb, you can expect all your creature comforts but without plastic waste, plus options to reduce water usage. Organic ingredients are used when possible.
According to its participation in the Travel Sustainable Program, TerraNova also employs local guides/businesses, as well as invests a percentage of revenue back into local initiatives (but which exactly are not mentioned).
In any case, this unassuming eco hotel in Tulum is exceptionally rated with reviews from guests raving about the welcome they received from the owner, Rafa. If you’re looking for a laid-back hotel to stay at in Tulum while you work online, then reserve your stay TerraNova.
5. Libelula Tulum
- Price: $$$
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Location: End of Tulum’s beach strip in Sian Ka’an (7mi to Tulum Centro)
- Features: Private secluded beach, spa/massages, on-site restaurant & bar
Libelula Tulum is a family-owned eco glamping retreat set on the outskirts of South Tulum Beach inside the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve (on the coastal side). This is the hotel to stay at if you’re looking to escape the crowds of Tulum and enjoy your own private slice of green (and blue) paradise!
Libelula was designed to preserve the jungle and beach while offering guests to experience the Caribbean Sea right at their fingertips (or should I say toe tips?)
All the cabañas are built and furnished with local Mexican material and labor. Worried about where to eat as you’re off-grid? Don’t — the property has enlisted their own dear friend as their chef! Their à la carte menu features the fresh catch of the day and sustainably-sourced veggies and fruits.
What’s more, Libelula is a part of the Marine Turtle Protection Program — May to October is turtle season, so please be mindful of your footprint when on the beach and dunes.
Ready to go eco glamping in paradise? Check availability at Libelula here.
6. Alaya Tulum by Ahau
- Price: $$$$
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Location: Tulum’s Hotel/Beach Zone, Km 8.3
- Features: Beachfront, private beach club, sun beds, yoga terrace, on-site restaurant, pet-friendly
Alaya Tulum is an eco-friendly beachfront hotel in Tulum’s Zona Hotelera. It is one of the few hotels in Tulum that I’ve founded certified by FEE’s Green Key — Foundation for Environmental Education.
What does the Green Key certify?
“The Green Key award is the leading standard for excellence in the field of environmental responsibility and sustainable operation within the tourism industry. This ecolabel represents a commitment by businesses that their premises adhere to the strict criteria set by the Foundation for Environmental Education.”
—Control union certifications (source)
Alaya seems to be owned by the Ahau Collection, which is a rather large business in Tulum. But just because it’s not small or family-owned, should we dismiss it?
Credit: Alaya Tulum by Ahau Collection
According to Ahau Collection, sustainability and Mother Earth are at the forefront of their business model.
“From the sourcing of ingredients used in our restaurants’ ingredients to the building of our casitas and cabanas on the beach to our eco-conscious amenities and water preservation practices, everything the Ahau Collection of resorts and hotels does is with a mindful eye on the earth.” —Ahau Collection
If you’re looking for an oasis in Tulum with a green thumb, you can feel good about staying at Alaya. Reserve your stay here.
7. Pepem Eco-Luxury Hotel
- Price: $$
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Location: Tulum Jungle, beside Cenote Dos Ojos (13.6mi from Tulum Centro)
- Features: Jungle, nearby cenotes, wifi, outdoor pool, garden, bike rentals
Pepem is an eco-luxury hotel near Tulum for adults only. It’s located amid the jungle just outside of Tulum and is situated right beside one of the most popular cenotes in Tulum — Cenote Dos Ojos.
“Designed for the eco-conscious traveler” Pepem features a self-contained, off-grid “Eco Village” that is powered by solar and wind energy. The hotel uses fresh underground cenote water (purified). Bicycles are also available for rent. To top it off, you can get a massage or take part in sacred cenote ceremonies during your stay at Pepem.
Credit: Pepem Eco-Luxury Hotel
Unwind in the silence and beauty of the Mayan jungle knowing that you’re doing your part to keep your footprint low. Book your stay at Pepem Eco Boutique Hotel now.
P.S. Critters are welcome on this property — make sure to pack biodegradable mosquito repellent! (Chemicals and sprays containing DEET are discouraged.)
8. mangleX Eco Cabanas Tulum
- Price: $$
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
- Location: South Tulum Beach, near Sian Ka’an Reserve
- Features: Jungle, access to semi-private cenote, plunge pool
mangleX is not your “standard” hotel in Tulum — the eco cabañas here are elevated above the mangroves near South Tulum Beach, away from the crowds.
The hotel is fully solar-powered (not diesel-generated like most hotels along Tulum’s hotel zone), and the water is sourced from the freshwater cenote.
Wastewater is then recycled, filtered, and pumped back into the ground. The construction of the cabañas is made from local materials and wood.
mangleX is not the place for you if you’re looking for luxury. You will find your comfort here but in a rustic setting. Ideal for the eco-conscious adventurer! Check cabaña availability here.
9. Hotel Dos Ceibas Eco Retreat
- Price: $$$
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Location: South Tulum Beach, near Sian Ka’an Reserve
- Features: Private secluded beach, spa/wellness center, yoga, beach bar & restaurant
Dos Ceibas is an eco retreat and beachfront resort located in South Tulum Beach. Like many of the other ecological hotels in this area, Dos Ceibas is all about integrating with nature.
As such, its cabañas are consciously designed with local materials, and the hotel sources its energy from the sun and wind. What’s more, its bungalows have no air-con (fans are provided instead) and the shower water is salty! 🌊
To make your stay even more memorable, outdoor massage services are available as well as healing temazcal cermonies. (Not familiar with temazcals? Read our Mexican temazcal experience.)
Dos Ceibas was built with love and intention for the environment and the local community. If you don’t mind going without AC or showering without freshwater to lighten your footprint (you’ll be salty from the beach, anyway!), then book your eco retreat at Dos Ceibas now.
Final Words
I would love to hear your thoughts about these sustainable and eco-friendly hotel options in Tulum!
As a reminder, all of the accommodations featured in this guide were selected after hours of vigorously researching among all the “Eco Hotels” one can find marketed in Tulum. After living in Tulum as a digital nomad, I was able to scout out a few of the hotels that are too large and too greenwashy for their own good. Those are not mentioned here.
It’s my hope that none of the hotels mentioned are greenwashing and are taking advantage of the local environment and community.
If you are concerned or have information about bad practices that you know of regarding any of these hotels, then please let me know in the comments below. Likewise, a few other true eco-hotels may also not be featured here. If you know of one or more that deserve to be on this list, please reach out!
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Featured image credit: Papaya Playa Project
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