Caribbean feel. The whitest, softest sand at your feet; the water just a few meters from you and the only sound your hear is the sound of the ocean, the wind and your company.

Retiro Maya is truly a place to unwind and unplug. Leave your worries behind and get fueled up for whatever is coming next.

Do not expect high quality service and luxury facilities, as it is not present at Retiro Maya. These things can be found elsewhere in Tulum. You stay in cabanas with doors that can't really close or be locked. Lizards and cockroaches are your roommates. The ventilator didn't work for us and the sheds where dirty. Electricity is only on from 5 pm. to 11 pm.. You can hear and smell the ocean - for better and for worse.

There is no real service. The reception (an open hut) is mostly unattended; also when your values are locked in the safe there and you have to carry your own luggage through the sand. But the atmosphere is fantastic as well is the margaritas (2 for 1) and the stories that you hear in the restaurant.

Expect no luxury and just enjoy the peace & quiet by the beautiful beach.

P.S Remember your own mosquito net!

We didn't stay at Retiro Maya, so I can't speak about the accommodations there. We were staying in town (Tulum) and so needed to head to a resort to get beach access. We chose Retiro Maya based on a number of friends' reviews and it ended up being an EXCELLENT CHOICE.

They have ample parking and the resort seemed very secluded and quiet. We parked ourselves on the beach, and then ordered a bunch of food and drinks, which they brought down to our beach location. The food was inexpensive, and for the price of a few beer and tacos, we had ourselves a day on the beach.

We were travelling in May, so the weather was still sunny and warm (30 degrees c) and the day on the beach was perfect!

The resort also offered massage therapy (which the woman I was travelling with took advantage of) and also has a resident Yoga instructor in the mornings. I returned for two mornings later in the week to do an early class in their covered studio.

The yoga class was excellent. Vigorous but relaxing at the same time. Both sessions I was the only student, so I had my very own solo instruction! It was great! Best part was, after Yoga and I was hot, running down to the ocean to get cooled off. And then sunning on the beach afterward to dry off is amazing.

All in all, a great experience, and one that I hope to repeat. Retiro Maya also offers yoga retreats, which would be fun, too!

Last month we have been travelling a lot in Mexico, having our honeymoon and we had some good and bad Mexican experiences. After a very intense time in Chiapas we arrived in Tulum. It was supposed to be just a two-days stop but when we arrived in Retiro Maya we felt like home. Federico was the first person we met and he found a solution for us to stay there (considering we arrived on the 30th December with no reservation!). Then all the people at the retiro have been so kind and friendly that the atmosphere was kind of magic. The place has good cabanas almost on the beach. You got your own hammock and chairs on the porch where you can enjoy a great margarita (IMP: there was the take 2 pay 1 for both margaritas and beers) and you got all you need to relax; everyday there is a different type of yoga or Qi Gong course you can join. the restaurant is good and tasty. The staff can help you to arrange for whatever trip or visit you like and give you suggestions according to your needs.
Tulum was magic by itself, but it was even more magic because of Retiro Maya.

I stayed at several hotels in Tulum and this one was my favorite. If you are expecting a 5 star resort, Tulum will disappoint you. This town is very laid back, boho chic, no hairdriers/curling irons (electricity goes out a lot too), spotty cell service...truly an 'off the grid/sand in your toes the entire time' vacation. That said, Retiro Maya's cabanas were just heaven to me. I left mine unlocked w/ the doors open the entire time. The sound of the ocean, the sun rising and shining into your room, the outdoor showers ( you can watch the moon/sunset at the same time), the hammocks, lounge chairs, the romantic (but necessary) mosquito netting, the charming bar w/ swings, and the prime location were just what I needed. It is a quiet hotel, and as a solo female traveler I felt completely safe the entire time.The beach was just steps away, and so are loads of places to eat. I did not try the yoga here, there are loads of places to do yoga (Utopia just 2 'doors' down and that's right ON the beach). I see other travelers that seem disappointed w/ the cabanas...maybe if they were called beach huts people wouldnt be so let down? This place is as rustic as Amansala and more charming than Maya Tulum ( in my opinion.) Thank you Frederico!