9 Eco-Minded Boutique Hotels in Tulum for a Sustainable Stay
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As Tulum blossomed into a Bohemian haven and seemingly eco-friendly destination over the past few decades, a dark truth began to reveal itself.
Despite a facade of organic restaurants and eco-conscious resorts, tourism began to take its toll on the natural environment and communities that surrounded Tulum. Many accommodation options turned to greenwashing to make unsuspecting visitors feel more at ease.
I won’t sugarcoat it—there are true eco-hotels in Tulum that truly try to make a difference, and then there are the “eco-hotels” that are pure greenwashing.
So, how can you tell the difference when planning your stay in Tulum?
I always try to find eco-accommodation whenever I travel, but Tulum presents a fierce challenge.Although this beachfront city oozes eco-chic vibes, it’s 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.
One of the best ways you can do your part to help Tulum overcome its environmental woes is by staying at real-deal, eco-friendly accommodation options.
Booking.com selected the green hotels below for their participation in the Travel Sustainability Partner Program. As such, they are some of the most eco-friendly villas, resorts, and bungalows in Tulum!
As someone who endeavors to travel responsibly, I would feel comfortable staying at any of these resorts.
Here are the best sustainable hotels in Tulum! 🌿
The Best Eco-Friendly Hotels in Tulum
1. Papaya Playa Project
- Price: $$$$+
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Location: Tulum Hotel Zone along QROO 15
- Features: Private beach, on-site Roca restaurant, events, spa
Papaya Playa Project is an impressive Tulum eco-resort dedicated to the cause.
They’re one of the best hotels in Tulum, thanks to their commitment to preserving the local environment and supporting the community.
“SUSTAINABILITY MEANS LIFE FOR THE FUTURE GENERATIONS AND INTEGRITY FOR THE CURRENT ONE.”
— Emilio Heredia, Project Director at Papaya Playa Project
In July 2015, PPP launched a mission to achieve zero emissions and zero contamination.
During the building phase, Papaya Playa Project used just 7% of the original jungle, preserving over 93% of it.
For reference, preserving 5% of the jungle is the average for other hotels in the region, while 30% preservation is the local environmental standard. The resort’s water supply is also recycled and used to irrigate its plants and flora.
They also have fun initiatives to help preserve local ecosystems, like their Turtle Program, which helps to keep turtle nests and hatchlings safe, a reef preservation program, beach cleaning, and community aid.
As for the stay itself, it’s quite an experience.
Choose from casitas, cabañas, lofts, or villas, each equipped with WiFi, king beds, natural boho touches, turquoise dip pools, rooftops, and more. 🌴
Here, you can breathe in the salty air and exhale your worries. Papaya Playa is one of the most popular sustainable accommodation options in Tulum, so make sure to reserve your stay in advance! Check availability here.
2. Casa Coyote Tulum
- Price: $$$
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Location: Tulum Hotel Zone beside Casa Nômade, Km 9.2
- Features: Beach and beach club, spa, temazcal, nearby shopping, on-site Loco restaurant, co-working area
Casa Coyote is a more affordable version of Papaya Playa Project — similar style and vibes, but unique in its own way.
Like all the other green hotels listed here, Casa Coyote is part of Booking.com’s Travel Sustainability Program, which means the hotel goes above and beyond in its sustainable and eco-friendly travel 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, bike rentals and parking are available, and more!
Their onsite dining option, Loco Restaurant, also claims to use “regional ingredients with sustainable growing practices.”
While this hotel is definitely cute, what I appreciate about Casa Coyote is their transparency right on Booking’s listing.
As you may know, no electricity from the center of Tulum Pueblo reaches the Hotel Zone. That means that most of this “eclectic” beach strip is run entirely on diesel generators. Which you can smell and hear!
Casa Coyote mentions this in its description and specifies that it uses 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: $$$$
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Location: Tulum Hotel Zone beside PPP, Km 4.5
- Features: Private beach, spa, temazcal, events, on-site Moro restaurant
Habitas Tulum is another must-mention when it comes to green hotels in Tulum.
These guys are besties with PPP just next door. While Habitas is pricey as well, the experience you’ll take home with you is unforgettable!
So, how eco-friendly is Habitas Tulum? I’d say pretty eco. 🌿
Sustainable efforts have been integrated into nearly every aspect of their business, from organic produce used at the restaurant to their construction process and preservation of the jungle.
They also received the Oceanic Champion Badge for removing all single-use plastics throughout the facility.
Habitas recycles and composts and has partnered with or launched several local projects, including:
- Cooperativo Ambio’s Scolel’te Program, which supports reforestation through proceeds that are earned from concerts and screenings hosted at Habitas
- Tulum’s Proactive Response aimed at supporting local families in need due to the pandemic
- Plastic Hunters, led by Habitas co-founders, an initiative that places waste receptacles in high-need areas around Tulum to educate about proper waste disposal
Unfortunately, the rooms at Habitas Tulum typically sell out weeks (and even months) in advance.
If you’ve fallen in love with this place and know you want to stay here, make sure to book your stay now.
4. TerraNova Boutique Hotel
- Price: $$
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
- Location: La Veleta neighborhood (0.9 mi to downtown Tulum)
- Features: Pool, wifi, desks for remote work, bar and cafe
TerraNova is a lovely little eco-hotel in Tulum’s La Veleta neighborhood.
It’s not in town, yet it is still centrally located with lots of Tulum activities 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 and businesses and invests a percentage of revenue back into local initiatives.
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 in Tulum while you work online, reserve your stay at TerraNova.
5. Libelula Tulum
- Price: $$$
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Location: End of Tulum’s beach strip in Sian Ka’an (7mi to Tulum Centro)
- Features: Private secluded beach, spa/massages, on-site restaurant & bar
Libelula Tulum is a family-owned eco-glamping retreat set on the outskirts of South Tulum Beach, set inside the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve along its coastal edge.
This is the hotel to stay at if you want to escape the crowds of Tulum and enjoy your own private slice of green (and blue) paradise!
Libelula was designed to preserve the jungle and beach while offering guests the experience of the Caribbean Sea right at their fingertips—or should I say toe tips?
All the cabañas are built and furnished with local Mexican materials and labor.
Are you worried about where to eat since this accommodation option is off-grid? The property has enlisted its own dear friend as its chef! Their à la carte menu features the fresh catch of the day and sustainably sourced veggies and fruits.
Libelula is also part of the Marine Turtle Protection Program. May to October is turtle season! Be mindful of your footprint and where you’re stepping during this time.
Ready to go eco-glamping in paradise? Check availability at Libelula here.
6. Alaya Tulum by Ahau
- Price: $$$$
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Location: Tulum’s Hotel Zone, Km 8.3
- Features: Beachfront, private beach club, sun beds, yoga terrace, on-site restaurant, pet-friendly
Alaya Tulum is an eco-friendly beachfront hotel in Tulum’s Zona Hotelera.
It is one of the few hotels in Tulum that I’ve founded that is certified by FEE’s Green Key, the Foundation for Environmental Education.
What does the Green Key certify?
“The Green Key award is the leading standard for excellence in the field of environmental responsibility and sustainable operation within the tourism industry. This ecolabel represents a commitment by businesses that their premises adhere to the strict criteria set by the Foundation for Environmental Education.”
—Control union certifications (source)
Alaya is owned by the Ahau Collection, a rather large luxury hotel collective in Tulum. But should we dismiss it just because it’s not tiny or family-owned?
According to Ahau Collection, sustainability and Mother Earth are at the forefront of their business model.
“From the sourcing of ingredients used in our restaurants’ ingredients to the building of our casitas and cabanas on the beach to our eco-conscious amenities and water preservation practices, everything the Ahau Collection of resorts and hotels does is with a mindful eye on the earth.” —Ahau Collection
If you’re looking for an oasis in Tulum, you can feel good about staying at Alaya. Reserve your stay here.
7. Pepem Eco-Luxury Hotel
- Price: $$
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Location: Tulum Jungle, beside Cenote Dos Ojos (13.6 mi from Tulum Centro)
- Features: Jungle, nearby cenotes, WiFi, outdoor pool, garden, bike rentals
Pepem is an adults-only, eco-luxury hotel that’s located just outside of Tulum. Situated in the jungle, it’s actually 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 that’s been 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.
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. Azulik
- Price: $$$
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Location: Tulum’s Hotel Zone
- Features: Beautifully designed villas, private beach and beach club, restaurants, spa
Azulik takes reconnecting with nature to a whole new level! Surrounded by jungle, this beachfront property was crafted so guests could live in harmony with the natural environment.
Take one look at pictures of this beautiful property and you’ll understand the allure!
Built using sustainable materials, like reclaimed wood, the buildings seem to grow right out of the jungle. Elevated pathways weave through the property so as not to disturb the undergrowth and natural vegetation.
Guests can participate in activities like the “Nest Experience,” watching sunset from a perch overlooking the forest, and wellness sessions like Vinyasa yoga and tarot readings. Onsite restaurants, including Kin Toh and Tseen Ja, source ingredients locally.
The villas at Azulik don’t have traditional light fixtures, and guests are encouraged to use candlelight to move about their rooms after dark. This helps minimize light pollution’s impact on wildlife, including sea turtles, who can easily be confused by bright, unnatural lighting.
While you might not find traditional comforts like A/C, you will find a renewed sense of peace and tranquility.
9. Hotel Dos Ceibas Eco Retreat
- Price: $$$
- 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 don’t have aircon in favor of fans, and the shower water is salty! 🌊
To make your stay even more memorable, outdoor massage services and healing temazcal ceremonies are available. (If you’re not familiar with temazcals, read about 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 fresh water to lighten your footprint (you’ll be salty from the beach, anyway!), then book your eco-retreat at Dos Ceibas now.
What to Look For in Tulum’s Sustainable Hotels
Here are a few things to look for when choosing a truly sustainable accommodation option in Tulum and around the world!
- Transparent Practices
- Look for information on their website that clearly explain sustainability initiatives
- Certifications
- Check for certifications like Green Key, LEED, Green Seal, Earth Check, and GSTC
- Real Data
- Can the accommodation list actual data in regard to their eco-consciousness? Many hotels list ways in which they’re sustainable but don’t have the data to back up their claims.
- Press and Awards
- Responsible Landscaping & Building Materials
- LEED, BREAM, and EDGE certified hotels look at factors like indoor air quality, waster removal, and energy savings.
- Practices like Upcycling and Farm-to-Table Dining
A good place to start is to avoid the large resorts in Tulum’s eco-chic Hotel Zone, which largely run on diesel rather than solar power.
Final Words
I would love to hear your thoughts about Tulum’s sustainable and eco-friendly hotel options!
As a reminder, all the accommodations featured in this guide were selected after hours of vigorously researching Tulum’s eco-friendly hotel options.
After living in Tulum as a digital nomad, I was able to scout out some of the more greenwashed hotels that aren’t mentioned here.
If you’re concerned or have information about bad practices at any of these hotels, 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!
Read more:
- 10 Essential Tulum Tips: What to Know Before Visiting Tulum
- What’s the Cost of Living in Tulum Mexico?
- What to Wear in Tulum: The Perfect Packing List
- Ultimate Tulum Itinerary: How to Spend Your Days in Tulum
Featured image credit: Papaya Playa Project