Picolo recommends · Wooden villas in Tulum
Azulik Tulum: candlelit treehouses of wood and vines above the Caribbean
No light switch, no TV, just wood, vines, candles and the sound of waves against the rocks. Azulik in Tulum is the hotel that looks like something a bird built.
Tulum
The Maya ruins on the cliff above the sea.
When the sun goes down in Tulum, the candles are lit. They are the only lighting in the villa, flickering across walls of bent wood and vines that twist around the window. Below you the Caribbean breaks against the rocks, and somewhere in the dark a bird you do not recognise is calling.
Azulik sits along the beach in Tulum on Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula and is built almost entirely from wood and natural fibres, on stilts above the rocks and the jungle. It is adults only, and the villas are known for having no TV and being lit by candlelight. In return, many have their own bathtub and a view straight out to sea.
We will be honest: Azulik divides its guests. Some love it, others miss the light switch. Read this before you book. The links to the hotels are partner links. If you book through them, Picolo may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
The resort
The villas along the coast, seen from above.
The villa
Round windows and the sea outside.
The hammock
Inside the villa, facing the sea.
The bed
A canopy bed under a wooden roof.
Picolo’s verdict
Why we like Azulik
The whole place looks as if it grew by itself. Wooden walkways wind between the villas, and there is hardly a straight line anywhere.
The rooms open onto the sea, and nature sets the mood. It suits couples who trade a little comfort for an experience. Bring a head torch, the paths are dark after sunset.
The beach
The Tulum coast from above.
What is it like to stay at Azulik?
Azulik: a hotel without right angles
The whole place looks as if it grew by itself. Wooden walkways wind between the villas, and there is hardly a straight line anywhere. The rooms open onto the sea, and nature sets the mood: sun in the morning, wind and waves in the evening.
It suits couples who want something completely different from a standard beach hotel and are happy to trade a little comfort for an experience they will talk about for years. Bring a head torch or use your phone, as the paths are dark after sunset.
Book your stay: See rooms at Azulik
Cenote
The freshwater caves of the Yucatán.
Things to do in Tulum
The Mayan ruins of Tulum stand on a cliff right above the sea and are one of the most photographed sights on the Yucatán. Inland you will find cenotes, the natural sinkholes of crystal-clear water, and further away lies Chichén Itzá. Read more in our guides to Tulum and the Riviera Maya and the cenotes and Chichén Itzá, or start with our Mexico travel guide.
When is the best time to visit Tulum?
Winter and early spring are the driest and most popular months. The Caribbean hurricane season runs from June to November, and at times of year seaweed (sargassum) can wash up on the beaches. Check conditions before you travel.
When should you book?
December to April: high season, so book several months ahead.
May and November: fewer guests and often easier to get a sea-view villa.
Mix it up: spend a few nights at Azulik and the rest somewhere more traditional, for both the adventure and the comfort.
Alternatives
Would you rather stay somewhere else?
Two other places in Tulum, chosen for different reasons.
Frequently asked questions about Azulik Tulum
Do the rooms at Azulik have electricity?
The villas at Azulik are known for being lit by candles and have no TV. Check the hotel's own description of the room you book if you need to charge devices or work.
Is Azulik adults only?
Yes, Azulik is an adults-only hotel, and the atmosphere is calm and romantic.
Where is Azulik?
Azulik is on the beach road in Tulum on Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, on the rocks right above the Caribbean.
Where should I stay in Tulum?
Stay along the beach for the sea and nature hotels such as Azulik and Papaya Playa Project, or in Tulum town for restaurants and lower prices.
When is sargassum season in Tulum?
Seaweed can wash ashore at certain times of year, most often in the warmer months. The amount varies from year to year, so check up-to-date information before you travel.