Tulums Azulik Resort: Part High-End Ecolodge Part Tropical Glampsite

Azulik offers stilt-mounted treetop villas on the edge of the Caribbean. Terraces, rooftop hot tubs and high-end health treatments show off its luxury side, while limited electricity, thinly thatched roofs and a clothing-optional policy will please those looking to step away from modern life.

Why you might love it – and why you might not

It’s safe to say that Azulik won’t be for everyone. This resort near Tulum has candles rather than lights in its 48 rooms, and limited Wi-Fi. Guests may find that the artfully rustic roofs and walls let in the local fauna every so often, and beachside sounds and fellow guests are easily heard.

It’s not just sun and sand at Azulik – visitors can partake in wellness activities such as yoga

But the resort also has massive appeal. The views from its terraces are stellar, and you’re right among the trees here – an elevated walkway cuts through the canopy, while the sun slants around palm fronds. The treehouses are made from local materials, water comes from a nearby cenote (sinkhole) and the limited use of electricity means that unlike some would-be eco-friendly places to stay, Azulik walks the walk to back its talk. Messages to reception are delivered by rolling a ball down a tube, and there are beautiful decorative touches throughout, including Mayan-inspired handcrafted bathtubs.

Azulik also has plenty of activities on offer. There are yoga classes, meditation sessions, a temazcal (sweat lodge) and alternative therapies. Traditional Mexican and Japanese food is served in the restaurants, and the on-site SFER IK museum shows contemporary art and utopian projects under striking domes.

The resort is around 5km (3mi) from the center of Tulum, and there are excellent beaches right on its doorstep. This stunning part of Mexico has been affected by seaweed in recent years, which can cover the sea and pile up on the shore – if the beach is an important part of your trip, it’s worth researching the current situation. Tulum has plenty more to offer, including phenomenally situated Mayan ruins, swimmable cenotes and full-throttle nightlife.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.