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."

"We only stayed for one night, but La Valise managed to create a memory that will last a lifetime. From the moment we arrived, Selzin, our concierge, made us feel like special guests. He welcomed us with kindness and charm, and after initially offering one option, he surprised us by upgrading our stay - a gesture that made the experience even more magical. The upgrade was personally approved by Iker, the general manager, whose presence and attention reflect the heart of the hotel's philosophy: genuine hospitality. The service throughout was warm, thoughtful, and seamless. Every person we encountered was smiling, attentive, and truly happy to help - which is not something you can fake. The food? Absolutely exceptional. Breakfast was fresh and beautifully prepared, and the atmosphere - whether jungle side or beach side - was the perfect balance of serenity and tropical dream. What makes La Valise stand out is not just the luxury or the design (which are both breathtaking), but the feeling - of being seen, valued, and cared for. We're so grateful for this short but special time here. Thank you to everyone who made it unforgettable. We'll definitely return - and next time, we're staying longer. Warmest wishes, Mariia & Marco"

"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."

"We went here for our honeymoon. We had signature suit with jungle view with rolling bed. The room was absolutely amazing. Super nice, quite and we had breathtaking jungle view. Our staying was living in a dream. Staff was so helpful and friendly. They helped us with restaurant recommendations and even for booking and arranging. Also now I am big fun of small luxury hotel groups, it has quality vibes. There were very few guests staying and we really enjoyed serenity and calmness of the place. Meal portions were little bit small. For example avocado toast comes with just one piece of small bread."

"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."

"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!"

"We had a reservation at Nu Tulum and the food was exceptionally beautiful and delicious, as well as the service. Our first night, we wanted rest but our room was near the restaurant where a wedding was taking place. It was extremely loud until midnight, which was not mentioned at booking. They offered to move us, but the next night they upgraded us to beachfront. Still, it was loud with another wedding. The service was still excellent and the beach side view was incredible. I would stay again, but not if I really needed a quiet night. It was a STUNNING hotel and the rooms are quite beautiful. We had a reservation at Nu Tulum and the food was exceptionally beautiful and delicious, as well as the service. Our first night, we really wanted rest and our room happened to be near the restaurant where a wedding was taking place. This was never mentioned in our booking and it was EXTREMELY loud til midnight. I did eventually call the front desk and they offered for us to move rooms (which I was too tired to do). The next night, they upgraded us to the beachfront side since it became available and we had wanted to book that originally. It was still very loud that night with another wedding, but not quite as loud. Just know that it may not be as quiet and relaxing as you think at night. However, the service is excellent, the people were so beautiful and wonderful. And the beach side was just an incredible view. We loved it. I would stay again, but not if I really needed a quiet night. 🙂 Just be aware. Still a 9.8/10."

"We stayed on the jungle side. Tropical plants surrounded the beautiful pool with the rooms amongst lush vegetation. The attention to detail and all staff was exceptional, especially Anna & Iker at concierge. Superb breakfast included, with options to eat on the beachside with sunrise, in the jungle side, or in your room. I could have stayed forever. We stayed on the jungle side... tropical plants surrounded the beautiful pool with the rooms nestled amongst the palm trees and lush vegetation. The attention to detail and attentiveness of all staff was exceptional..but Anna & Iker (part of the front of house concierge team) really went above and beyond to make us feel so welcome. Superb breakfast included with our room... and you could choose to eat it on the beachside (our choice as you got the sunrise and oceanviews)... or in the jungle side.. or in your room. I could have stayed forever. Absolutely stunning boutique property split between the Beach side..and the Jungle side. We stayed on the jungle side...tropical plants surrounded the beautiful pool with the rooms nestled amongst the palm trees and lush vegetation. The attention to detail and attentiveness of all staff was exceptional..but Anna & Iker (part of the front of house concierge team) really went above and beyond to make us feel so welcome. Superb breakfast included with our room...and you could choose to eat it on the beachside (our choice as you got the sunrise amd oceanviews)..or in the jungle side ..or in your room. I could have stayed forever"

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