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Nestled only 13 miles away from downtown Tulum, the Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya achieves perfection. It’s a sprawling resort full of soul and wildlife, a respite where sparkling turquoise waters meet calming mangroves. My persnickety New York soul can confirm there’s nothing uncool about the Conrad: every element of the place flows seamlessly and stylishly, down to the room key—a comfortable, waterproof beaded bracelet.

In 2015, Tulum exploded in popularity as a hip, less traditionally touristy Mexican travel destination. Influencers flocked to feast on fish tacos in casual bungalows with cool vibes. Ablaze with beachfront revelers and beats, the hotel zone exploded with hit-or-miss boutique hotels, many too noisy at night for sleep and serenity, others lacking charm and amenities. My advice to you: don’t risk any aspect of your precious Paid Time Off. Stay at the Conrad, which offers the ultimate Tulum experience—close to the action but a paradise in its own right. After opening in 2022, it’s currently an uncrowded getaway with stellar reviews. They’re also running a Black Friday sale that sweetens the pot.

Perfection in hotel form can mean sterile and stifling, as large resorts can lack character, personalization, and culture. My partner and I are those annoyingly discerning travelers who seek out all of the above in our hotels. We usually don’t spend more than two to three nights at the same place, eager to ensure we’re maximizing our exposure. We also rarely spend much time at our temporary homes, choosing to instead soak up the local scene. And though we love water and the beach, we don’t love lounging around in the sun for hours. We want culturally relevant experiences, stimulating environments, and flavors we want to bathe in.

I had no idea all of that would be found at the Conrad. When we arrived, it nearly took our breath away. Copal incense, an integral part of Mesoamerican (more specifically Mayan) life that signals respect and promotes relaxation, burns at the entrance. The property blends modern architecture with natural materials, a wholly congruous extension of the surrounding beauty. This isn’t your typical resort that comes plastic-wrapped, blending artifice with easily digested Mexican culture.

The rooms are quaint and handily designed, with cool A.C., comfy beds, showers stocked with Byredo, and a view that confirms you are indeed in the jungle.

As for the beach, it couldn’t be more idyllic. Minimalist but well-maintained, we didn’t have to overlook a collection of seaweed or floating trampolines. The water is warm and so pristine that we didn’t need the provided snorkels to spot fish. We spent hours there playing volleyball and Scrabble, swimming, and spotting wildlife (from coatimundis we mistook for monkeys to crabs), and snacking in between visits to the property’s restaurants.

Three of the best restaurants in Tulum are on-property, and the top-rated Autor tickled us with inventive dishes packed with Mexican flavor. The staff exceeded our expectations with their warmth, personalities, and expertise. When bartenders noticed our interest in tequila, an impromptu and informative mezcal-tasting session ensued. My diet is strictly pescetarian, and the chefs nimbly adjusted dishes with intention. The intention was delectability.

After four days at the Conrad, we were both completely elated, relaxed (a rare feat for Millennial workers)—and not ready to leave. We even uttered the unthinkable for intrepid travelers: “Let’s come back.”

Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya Cost