La Zebra

La Zebra sits on the beachfront in Tulum. It’s hard to imagine a hotel closer to the ocean, with the restaurant sitting on the sand and the beachfront suites just seconds from the sea. On the other side lies thick jungle, which melds with the hotel’s palm-dotted gardens.

With beautifully designed suites in stylish wood and glass-fronted thatched buildings overlooking the sea, La Zebra lives up to its own ‘beach chic’ description.

The suites offer luxury, space and privacy right on the beach, cooled by the ocean breeze, and are inspired by Mexican art and vibrant colours, with dark wood furniture and lots of light pouring in through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Each one has one king-size bed and two single beds, accommodating up to four people. As well as a mini-bar, Nespresso coffee machines and complimentary tequila, many come with private plunge pools and balconies or terraces overlooking the gardens, the beach and the Caribbean.

Splash out on a penthouse suite, elevated above the beach, which comes with a large private terrace and plunge pool and panoramic ocean vistas.  

The restaurant's reputation is fully deserved: in what feels like a luxurious beach shack, you can savour delicious traditional Mexican cuisine which makes the most of locally-grown produce and fresh organic herbs, including fresh seafood from the day's catch and organic vegetables grown in the hotel's gardens. Feast on tropical fruit, Mexican coconut pancakes and huevos rancheros for breakfast, and tortillas, burritos, tacos and ceviche for lunch and dinner. Finish your meal with the Yucatan lemon and lime pie, and enjoy it all under the thatched palapa roof, overlooking the ocean.  

At sunset, head to the beach bar for a local craft beer or a cocktail from the hotel’s inventive cocktail menu, including sugar cane juice mojitos, cucumber margaritas, infused tequilas and fiery mezcals.

Indulge in multi-course tasting menus at the Chef’s Table, and learn the secrets of Mexican food on a cooking class.

There's a tranquil pool perfect for a dip, while the blissful spa is a lovely place to unwind, offering soothing Aloe Vera wraps, hydrotherapy, reflexology and treatments using natural, organic products including volcanic stones and crystals as well as coffee, vanilla, coconut and sea salt.  

You’d be forgiven for doing little more than lazing on the beach, but Mayan treasures are within easy reach - the Tulum ruins are just a few minutes’ bike ride away (the hotel has its own bikes), and have spectacular views over the Riviera Maya coastline. Further inland are the ruins of Coba, where ancient pyramids rise from thick jungle, and a couple of hours further afield – but worth the journey – lies Mexico’s most famous cultural attraction, Chichen Itza.

There are numerous nature and eco parks in the area, where you can go birdwatching and see wildlife from turtles to monkeys, and explore caves and canals. Meanwhile, the cenotes, some of which are a mere 10-minute drive away, offer unique swimming, snorkelling and diving opportunities. Tulum is also a fantastic spot for surfing and kiteboarding. If you're a golf fan, there's a golf course nearby. 

La Zebra’s concierges are on hand to ensure your stay is special, from champagne and flowers in your room to personalised excursions around the Riviera Maya.