Unwinding by the Waves: A Restorative Retreat at Tulum La Valise

"My wife, our two daughters (22 & 18), and I spent a week at La Valise in Tulum, and it was, without a doubt, the most luxurious and memorable vacation we have ever enjoyed. From the moment we arrived on the jungle side of the property until the very last sunrise on the beach, every detail was thoughtfully curated, every staff member went above and beyond, and the resort's design made us feel both pampered and completely at ease. Below is a full account of our stay, with special shout‑outs to the wonderful team members who made it all possible. --- ### Arrival & First Impressions We were greeted at the entrance by **Jorge**, who gave us a warm welcome and an informative tour of the property. Jorge's enthusiasm was infectious; he pointed out the private plunge pools, the rolling‑bed suites, and the best spots for sunrise on the beach. His knowledge of the resort's layout and his genuine smile set the tone for the entire week - we felt instantly safe and cared for. The check‑in process was swift, and we were escorted to our two jungle‑side suites. Each suite is a masterpiece of modern tropical design: a king‑size "rolling" bed that slides effortlessly onto the private patio, an outdoor shower framed by lush foliage, and a personal pool that feels like a secret oasis. The rooms also feature a rooftop terrace with a hammock, perfect for sipping a cold drink while listening to the jungle's gentle chorus. --- ### The Rooms - Private Luxury in the Heart of the Jungle **Suite 1 - Mother's Retreat** - King‑size rolling bed - the most comfortable we've ever slept on. - Outdoor shower with rain‑like flow, surrounded by tropical plants. - Private plunge pool - crystal‑clear water that stayed warm all day. **Suite 2 - Daughters' Hideaway** - Identical layout, giving us the freedom to enjoy separate spaces while staying together. - Rooftop hammock - a favorite spot for sunrise yoga and late‑night stargazing. Both suites were immaculately cleaned each day, with plush towels, high‑quality bath amenities, and thoughtful touches such as fresh fruit and a handwritten welcome note. The seamless indoor‑outdoor flow truly embodies La Valise's "jungle meets sea" philosophy. --- ### Dining - Beachside Breakfast & Culinary Delights Each morning we dined at the **beachside restaurant**, where the sunrise painted the Caribbean Sea in shades of gold and pink. The breakfast buffet featured fresh tropical fruits, made‑to‑order omelets, artisanal breads, and a selection of Mexican pastries. The service was attentive yet unobtrusive; **Selzin** always remembered our coffee preferences and ensured our table was set just the way we liked it. For lunch and dinner we explored the resort's two main venues: **La Valise** (beachfront) and **NÜ** (jungle side). Both restaurants emphasize locally sourced ingredients, sustainable seafood, and inventive Mexican cuisine. Highlights included: - **Ceviche** with freshly caught snapper, lime, and a hint of habanero. - **Grilled octopus** served on a bed of jungle greens, drizzled with a smoky chipotle glaze. - **Mole poblano** that perfectly balanced sweet, bitter, and spicy notes. The staff at both venues-**Letty**, **Elias**, and **Manuel**-were knowledgeable about the menu, offered excellent wine pairings, and made us feel like honored guests at every meal. --- ### Pool Area & Beach - A Tropical Playground The main pool area is a work of art: turquoise water surrounded by natural stone, vibrant tropical plants, and stylish lounge chairs. The **tanning beds** were a welcome addition for those who love a sun‑kissed glow, and the nearby bar served refreshing cocktails (the passion‑fruit mojito quickly became a family favorite). We spent many afternoons lounging by the pool, watching the kids splash in the water while we relaxed under the shade of a thatched pergola. The **pool staff**, led by **Iker**, kept the area spotless, refreshed towels promptly, and even offered complimentary sunscreen. The beach itself is a pristine stretch of white sand and calm Caribbean waters. The resort's private beach access meant we never had to fight crowds, and the gentle waves were perfect for a quick dip after a day of exploring Tulum's ruins. --- ### Activities & Safety La Valise offers a curated list of excursions-snorkeling in the cenotes, guided tours of the Mayan ruins, and private yoga sessions on the rooftop. We booked a **cenote tour** through the concierge, and the guide was punctual, knowledgeable, and respectful of the environment. Safety was never a concern. The resort's staff are trained in first‑aid, the property is well‑lit at night, and the security team (including **Anahi**) performed discreet patrols that made us feel protected without intruding on our privacy. Our daughters, both young adults, appreciated the sense of security that allowed them to explore the surroundings independently. --- ### Final Thoughts - Why La Valise Is the Ultimate Tulum Experience La Valise is more than a resort; it is a sanctuary where luxury meets nature. The combination of **exquisite jungle‑side suites**, **exceptional dining**, **stunning pool and beach spaces**, and **personalized service** creates an unforgettable experience. A special thank you to the entire team: - **Jorge** - for the warm welcome and flawless orientation. - **Selzin** - for the attentive breakfast service and thoughtful touches. - **Letty**, **Elias**, & **Manuel** - for making every meal a culinary adventure. - **Iker** - for keeping the pool area immaculate and inviting. - **Anahi** - for ensuring we always felt safe and secure. If you are looking for a luxurious, family‑friendly getaway that blends the serenity of the jungle with the beauty of the Caribbean, look no further than La Valise. We left Tulum with hearts full of gratitude, sun‑kissed skin, and a promise to return next year. Five stars-without hesitation!"

"La Valise Tulum is an absolute gem, offering a perfect blend of luxury and authenticity. From the moment you arrive, you're welcomed with warm hospitality and a level of personalized service that makes you feel truly special. The hotel's design is stunning-elegant yet deeply connected to nature. The rooms are beautifully decorated with handcrafted details, natural materials, and an effortless bohemian-chic aesthetic. Some suites even offer beds that can be rolled out onto a private terrace, allowing you to sleep under the stars while listening to the soothing sound of the waves. It's a magical experience you won't find anywhere else. The location is unbeatable, right on a pristine stretch of Tulum's famous beach. The atmosphere is peaceful and intimate, making it the perfect escape for those looking to unwind in a luxurious yet authentic setting. Every detail, from the carefully curated decor to the organic toiletries, is thoughtfully designed to enhance your stay. Service is impeccable-attentive yet discreet. The staff goes above and beyond to ensure your experience is unforgettable. Whether it's arranging a private dinner on the beach or offering tailored recommendations, they make you feel like a VIP. If you're looking for a chic, exclusive retreat that captures the true essence of Tulum, La Valise is the place to be."

"A Magical Honeymoon at La Valise Tulum - Pure Perfection! We stayed at La Valise Tulum for our honeymoon, and we couldn't have asked for a more magical and memorable experience. From the moment we arrived, the staff went above and beyond to make us feel special, welcome, and completely cared for. Their attention to detail and genuine kindness truly exceeded all our expectations. Even though it was sargassum season, Tulum still had so much to offer - and La Valise made sure we experienced the very best of it. They organized a private tour for us (which turned out to be a highlight of our trip!) and helped us discover the beauty of the area beyond the beach. When we mentioned our concerns about the seaweed, they offered us a seamless room change to a stunning jungle-view suite - and it was absolutely perfect. Peaceful, lush, and full of charm - waking up surrounded by nature was something truly special. Everything about La Valise feels exclusive, intimate, and thoughtful - from the architecture and design to the incredibly personalized service. It felt like a dream, and we're so grateful to have spent such a meaningful time there. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to the entire team at La Valise for making our honeymoon unforgettable. We'll definitely be back!"

"We stayed in La Zebra in mid January for 4 nights. I wished I booked longer. It is located on georgous Tulum beach with white sands and Palm trees. The beach club and food is really good. The ambiance is really nice. Our room was located on the beach with a plunge pool, which was heated whenever we asked for it. The room was very spacious with a nice decoration, exclusive Mexican atmosphere. The room is cleaned everyday. We found hot ginger tea and chocolates every night when we arrived in our room. You have everything ready in the room, from umbrellas to yoga mats, brewed Mexican coffee. Front desk team, Lucy, Ricardo, Estaban were great. Our special thanks to Juan Carlos, he helped us in everthing we asked for, from restaurant recommendations to private excursions. I would definetely recommend La Zebra to anyone travelling to Tulum. Come with or without children. Tulum Tips: The parties in Tulum begin with brunch, continues with sunset, dinner and night. Entertainment anytime of the day:))) Everything is perfect. You can put slippers in the room."

"Hands down, La Valise is just one of my favorite places in the world, and my partner and I travelled to many. We came here already 2 years ago and just love it everytime. The setting right on the beach is just phenomenal. Even though Tululm has become pretty crowded, you don't sense it here. It rather feels like you're in your little private oasis. The hotel itself is super special: the part on the beach feels like someones private house with an open living room to the ocean and the new part in the jungle is very well thought out and has a special vibe. They improved the breakfast a lot compared to two years ago, now they offer a wide range of healthy options and super nice smoothies. And the best part: The people!! The staff are so incredibly attentive, supportive, personal and care a lot for you. And we always meet incredible people there. So yah, after two times I know it's not been the last time we've been to La Valise. It has a truly special place in our heart."

"Booked the suite with rolling bed. Issues: stained robes, slow replacement, A/C not working initially, communication issues with staff, and missing welcome wine promised via Expedia booking. Loved the ambiance, left disappointed due to missed expectations given reputation and rate. We were very much looking forward to our stay at your beautiful property, and while we truly appreciated the unique design and overall atmosphere, I wanted to share a few disappointments that impacted our experience. We had booked the suite with the rolling bed, and checked in around 4:00-4:30 PM, hoping to unwind and take a few photos before our 7:30 PM dinner reservation. Unfortunately, several issues took up most of that limited window: When I reached for the robes, both had noticeable yellow stains. I texted the staff for replacements, and also reported that the A/C remote wasn't working-important since the doors cannot be opened with the A/C on. It took nearly an hour to receive the new robes and for someone to look into the A/C issue. While I understand things can take time, the service felt very slow, especially during a time-sensitive part of our stay. ... our booking on Expedia mentioned a complimentary bottle of wine in the suite, which we never received-something I had been looking forward to after the delays ... I left feeling disappointed that we weren't able to take the photos I envisioned, especially given the reputation and rate of the property. We were very much looking forward to our stay at your beautiful property, and while we truly appreciated the unique design and overall atmosphere, I wanted to share a few disappointments that impacted our experience. We had booked the suite with the rolling bed, and checked in around 4:00-4:30 PM, hoping to unwind and take a few photos before our 7:30 PM dinner reservation. Unfortunately, several issues took up most of that limited window. Dear La Valise Team, We were very much looking forward to our stay at your beautiful property, and while we truly appreciated the unique design and overall atmosphere, I wanted to share a few disappointments that impacted our experience. We had booked the suite with the rolling bed, and checked in around 4:00-4:30 PM, hoping to unwind and take a few photos before our 7:30 PM dinner reservation. Unfortunately, several issues took up most of that limited window: When I reached for the robes, both had noticeable yellow stains. I texted the staff for replacements, and also reported that the A/C remote wasn't working-important since the doors cannot be opened with the A/C on. It took nearly an hour to receive the new robes and for someone to look into the A/C issue. While I understand things can take time, the service felt very slow, especially during a time-sensitive part of our stay. Additionally, while I was getting ready, the staff troubleshooting the A/C appeared to be having a serious conversation about The A/C, which made the situation feel uncomfortable. Lastly, our booking on Expedia mentioned a complimentary bottle of wine in the suite, which we never received-something I had been looking forward to after the delays. While we truly loved the ambiance and would have enjoyed staying longer, I left feeling disappointed that we weren't able to take the photos I envisioned, especially given the reputation and rate of the property. Thank you for taking the time to read"

"Small, boutique hotel with very attentive staff. Very quiet and relaxing. Beautiful pool. However, many bugs/scorpions in jungle-side rooms with outdoor bathrooms-next time I would book beachside. The staff is so friendly, knows all of the guests names and make everyone feel so comfortable. Very quiet as the restaurant and beach areas are for guests only. And while very hot/humid in mid-May, the jungle pool is so beautiful and relaxing. Beware of the bugs on jungle side though. ... there are lots of grasshopper type bugs, moths, mosquitos and worst of all scorpions ... Some of the rooms on the jungle side have outdoor bathrooms which isn't appealing to me, especially in the middle of the night. Beachside in the future, that's for sure. This property is a small, boutique hotel but the level of service is above and beyond. The staff is so friendly, knows all of the guests names and make everyone feel so comfortable. Very quiet as the restaurant and beach areas are for guests only. And while very hot/humid in mid-May, the jungle pool is so beautiful and relaxing. Beware of the bugs on jungle side though. I recognize this couldn't be avoided but there are lots of grasshopper type bugs, moths, mosquitos and worst of all scorpions (which are apparently harmless). Peaceful to be amongst the trees, but my (irrational) fear of bugs made it so I couldn't really relax while sleeping. Some of the rooms on the jungle side have outdoor bathrooms which isn't appealing to me, especially in the middle of the night. Beachside in the future, that's for sure."

"Absolutely loved La Valise Tulum! The vibe is relaxed and bohemian. Perfect if you're looking to unwind and disconnect. The wellness activities (yoga, meditation) were amazing. Food options were great with lots of fresh, local ingredients."

"Truly eco-conscious resort. They use renewable energy, support local communities, and have eliminated plastic. Impressive!"

"The wellness program at La Valise Tulum is next level. Daily sunrise yoga on the beach, sound healing sessions, and an incredible spa. If you're into holistic health and wellness, this is your spot."

"Great experience overall. The yoga classes and wellness activities were fantastic. Perfect for couples."