Romantic Hideaway Cabañas on the Ocean, Near Tulum.

Being a 1st time solo traveler - both to Tulum AND in general - I was a bit reluctant to take a chance on this place, especially given the more opulent (and basically, familiar) hotel options. But the reviews here were the deciding factor and after several indecisive moments .. I took a chance and booked it. It was a decision I was so glad I made! I arrived later than expected (around dusk; thanks American Airlines), but was still cordially greeted by Abrim (sp?), who welcomed me and showed me to my cabana, which is one of the 3 smaller units on the property (but the closet to the shore). As luck would have it, I was the ONLY one there the week of my stay. YAHTZEE!

The location and view alone brought about instant peace and joy but the cabana itself is a great little piece of island-like decor; quaint, rustic, minimal, clean, modestly decorated, and smack dab ON the beach. I literally just walk out the door and onto the sand. The 2 beds are small (and truth be told, quite firm for my taste) but nicely prepared. Nets are draped for mosquito protection (although I'd recommend investing in some repellant and/or Cintronella candles; as best said by a previous reviewer- "what lives outside also lives INside"). Bathroom is small but sufficient. A water dispenser and small dorm refrigerator (with a few items to start me off) are provided, as are two fans (there is no air conditioning).

But I rarely used them. The ocean breeze via three big windows was plenty for keeping the place cool, especially at night, when the sound of the waves sooth you to blissful sleep. Then morning gives way to the "other" sounds of nature (birds and geckos are your natural alarm clock). And then there is THE VIEW. MAAAN. I either spent most of my time just sitting on the provided beachchairs or swaying in the hammock. Just too bad about the awful seaweed epidemic. The mounds that wash up onto the shore are a sad eyesore to an otherwise beautiful view.

As for food and activities, I just went out to nearby Tulum for that (best to rent a car by the way as the property is quite secluded). Still, there is a local cenote for swimming/snorkeling, and the beach is shared by two nearby hotels that have restaurants with great food (Hotel Cielo was my fave). So all in all, my stay was the BEST. I'll put it this way; you know the guy in those heist movies that "gets away" with his share and then enjoys it on a secluded tropical beach? Well THAT's how this place made me feel.