XELA Tulum sits on a quiet stretch of South Tulum’s sandy coastline, surrounded by palms and the sounds of the jungle. The building began as a private beachfront home, and that origin still shapes the overall atmosphere. Its footprint has grown gently to include 12 rooms and suites, a rooftop terrace with open views of both sea and treetops, and an infinity pool that leads towards 50 metres of private beach. The scale and layout give the property a residential feel, with each space designed to reflect the region’s landscape and cultural traditions.
Interior designer Alex Heyde-Ballengee collaborated with artisans across Oaxaca, Michoacán, Yucatán and the surrounding communities. Custom furniture made from Mezquite and Parota woods brings warmth to the interiors. Woven Oaxacan chairs, coconut and conch-shell baskets, and Yucatecan hammocks give rooms and social areas a tactile quality. The palapa roof aligns with the long-standing architectural methods of the Yucatán, while more than 100 pieces of red clay pottery sourced from local makers add depth and character. Stone-worked side tables, hammered copper accents, and natural fibres such as henequen and jute create a cohesive, grounded palette.
The seven rooms and five suites each have their own look and mood. Earth-based colours form the backdrop, with light touches of orange reflecting coral and the warm tones of the evenings. The XELA Suite includes a workspace, a private balcony and a soaking tub finished in traditional Chukum plaster. The Palmas Suite offers a personal terrace and plunge pool tucked away from the main areas. Coco and Charcoal Suites sit close to the shoreline, with doors that open directly onto the sand for easy access to the beach. Bathrooms feature handcrafted basins, natural textures and locally sourced materials.
Communal areas follow an open-flow layout. The main living space is open-air and designed for informal gatherings. A sunken lounge takes inspiration from divan-style rooms and features a long table and a sculptural wooden chandelier. The infinity pool is furnished with low loungers and artisan-made umbrellas, creating quiet corners that look out to the beach. The restaurant serves modern Mexican dishes guided by seasonal produce and coastal ingredients, and the rooftop bar provides wide views across the jungle and sea, especially at dusk.
Wellness has a discreet presence across the property. Hidden cabins offer treatments shaped by regional techniques, herbal elements, and natural oils. A compact gym overlooks the gardens and provides a peaceful place for morning sessions. Join curated experiences arranged by the team, including visits to cenotes, explorations of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere, and guided trips to nearby Mayan archaeological sites. Cultural activities such as cacao ceremonies, sound baths and energy-focused sessions are also available.
XELA’s location places you within reach of South Tulum’s dining and wellness scene. Independent restaurants, boutique shops, and small creative studios line the area. NÜ restaurant and La Valise Spa are a short walk away, and the surrounding stretch of coastline offers further options for days out.
XELA Tulum offers a beachfront experience shaped by local craft, cultural heritage and thoughtful hospitality. The intimate scale and design-led atmosphere create a setting where days unfold at a gentle pace, leaving space for reflection, connection and calm.
