From Cabanas Copal to Azulik Hotels in Tulum, Mexico

Azulik Seaside Cabana in Tulum, Mexico

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I was quite happy with my room at the Cabanas Copal eco resort in Tulum. In an area like the Mayan Riviera, where massive resorts are the rule rather than the exception, it can be hard to find an authentic experience where you can just relax on the beach without being bothered.

On the beaches of Tulum, it’s quite possible to find this paradise. At Cabanas Copal, they offer an unpretentious experience in rustic beachside huts. The beach is un-crowded, the sand pristine, and there’s no one there trying to sell you anything. Because there’s no electricity, the evenings are quiet and filled with candlelight from each occupied cabana- very romantic.

The problem, though, was that the cabanas are VERY rustic. It’s almost like camping with a straw roof over your head and a private bathroom. The huts are on the ground, so small wildlife can enter and exit, as can the wind and rain (more than once my stuff was soaked when I got back).

Bathtub at Azulik Eco Resort in Tulum, Mexico

I fancy myself a pretty adventurous gal, and was getting used to the crabs scampering by my feet, the tarantula that wandered into the common area, and the iguanas that watched me (very seriously!) as I walked by, but I was starting to feel dirty. All I wanted was a hot shower in a clean stall and something to stop the incessant itching of my mosquito bites (my AfterBite stick just wasn’t cutting it anymore).

So I’ve switched to the hotel next door, Azulik. It’s heavenly. The seaside beach cabanas are up on stilts, so there’s no unwanted company scurrying in from the storms. The bathtubs are made from large, hollowed out tree trunks; a swing “bed” hangs in the middle of the room (there’s a regular bed, too) and the straw roof is about nine feet high. There’s also a swing and another bed on the seaside deck.

The only downside is the lack of privacy, as there’s no blinds, just wooden slats that block a bit of the view but otherwise don’t do much. So I’m getting used to bathing while my neighbours are on their nearby deck and getting changed without an ounce of bashfulness. These suites also have private tubs out on the decks, so you can soak it up while looking out into the ocean.

Yes, I am quite happy here.

Tags: Azulik Hotels, Cabanas Copal, Eco, eco resort, Mayan Riviera, Mexico, Tulum