5-stars isn't even enough. It is literally the most perfect, beautiful place I've ever stayed on vacation. Accommodations are immaculate and everything set up with one central theme--RELAX. There are complimentary, daily yoga classes offered on the top of the dining structure (in addition to other activities), they burn this aromatic wood from pots while you amble down the sandy paths to your room, and everything is open-air by design.
Aside from the stunning grounds, our favorite thing here was the staff. From the reception to the bar staff to the wait staff to housekeeping to literally everyone you will encounter, the level of service and commitment to detail is unlike anything I have ever encountered. Everything I asked was answered with enthusiasm and genuine concern. Things I didn't even ask for were done just to make our experience more memorable. For example, my sister had purchased a souvenir blanket at a local shop and left it lying on the bed. When housekeeping came, while making the bed, they ornamentally arranged the blanket on top--just because that's who they are.
The food is gourmet quality and, from an LA perspective, reasonably priced. The drinks were a little pricey, but excellently concocted. The pool service was perfection, with our server running around in the jungle heat to help us with a perpetual smile and gracious attitude. If I'd been running around waiting on people in that heat, I can't say I'd have the same attitude, to be honest. But again, that's who they are.
This is an especially good choice for those who want to escape the traditional experience of a brick and mortar hotel. You'll be staying in a (very comfortable) tent in the jungle, with electricity, but no TV. There is AC and it worked extremely well. Your private bathroom is outside, blocked from public view by solid walls of bamboo branches. I took a shower at night, outside, looking up at the stars above me. It was not uncommon to see a little lizard scamper away when I walked out to use the toilet.
Is anything really "perfect"? Of course not, but this came pretty darn close. My major complaint was that in order to preserve their environment of calm and relaxation, they don't have hotel phones, so any time I needed something, I had to actually walk to the front desk and request it. They apparently use WhatsApp to communicate with guests on the property, but as I'm not a young kid anymore (*sigh*), I couldn't figure out how to make it work. I'm sure they would've helped if I'd asked. But it wasn't such a big deal and the grounds are so calming and lovely, I didn't really mind the walk much anyway, except when I was in a rush, so I never even bothered to ask.
Only other negative that comes to mind is the massive amount of seaweed on the beach, but this isn't really their fault. As far as I know, literally all of the beachfront properties in Tulum are struggling with this same issue, which has apparently grown worse recently, presumably in response to climate change. I will say that this establishment does an exceptional job of hiring staff who work tirelessly in the heat to remove the debris. I personally wasn't inclined to swim in the ocean, but from my understanding, that's pretty much the situation with all of the hotels. However, because they do such an excellent job of constantly removing the seaweed, what you WON'T encounter is the smell of rotting weed that is so strong, it's literally unbearable. My sister and I passed by some hotels while we there that weren't so attentive and trust me, you could smell it from the street outside. You won't encounter that here.
I cannot say enough good things about this hideaway. I hesitate to even call it a hotel because nothing about it is hotel like. It is more akin to paradise. I'm sure there are other wonderful properties in the area, but having had the gift of experiencing Habitas, it is unlikely that I'd stay anywhere else when I visit Tulum again. Yes, it is pricey, but I'm old enough to know that you get what you pay for. When I checked out, I realized that my sister and I had racked up a fairly large bill for restaurant and bar costs (I was fully expecting that). Habitas charges a discretionary $5/day fee for tips to service persons at the facility who don't traditionally have an opportunity to receive gratuity, i.e. groundskeepers, housekeeping, etc. Because my bill was on the high side, the check out representative suggested that we remove that fee (it's entirely up to you whether or not to leave extra). I told him absolutely not--they deserved every dollar of that fee and more. How many places have you stayed at where you can say that or feel that way. Probably not many.
But that's who they are.
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