Morocco Meets the Yucatan
Nestled into the heart of the jungle, this villa for rent in Tulum is inspired by the style and beauty of North Africa in an exotic fusion of culture and design. A work of art from top to bottom, the structure and its gardens were designed as an homage to the emblematic style of Moroccan homes and built with a careful consideration for the tropical environment.
Rising two stories high, the villa envelops you within the jungle, with oversized doors around the central courtyard that allow the outdoor spaces as much focus as the interiors, for true open-air living. The bleached whites and ornate flourishes are punctuated with inky saturated hues and elemental materials that serve as a counterpoint to the greenery, in a captivating and spirited home that's both invigorating and peaceful.
As with most riads, what you see from the outside is only a small part of the overall design, with an inner world that reveals itself in phases.
Each of the eight bedrooms are designed to respect privacy and quiet reflection while encouraging a relaxing holiday together in the social spaces.
The main living room overlooks the pool, with a library and dining area as well as an airy terrace and solarium. The on-site chef serves a fusion of Mexican and Moroccan cuisine with cooking classes on offer and breakfast served daily.
Take the time for a massage or a meditative yoga session, to immerse yourself in a unique escape that blends two cultures and traditions in one of Mexico's most extraordinary destinations.
Around
Tulum's ancient archeological treasures and spectacular natural beauty have seen the Mayan Riviera area expand with tourism in recent years, but with over one million acres of protected biosphere to explore in the UNESCO Sian Ka'an and Parque Nacional Tulum, there's still room to explore.
The Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve was established in 1986 and declared a World Heritage Property by UNESCO in 1987. It covers 1.3 million acres, making it the largest coastal protected area in Mexico, and it has a barrier reef that is the second largest in the world. Visitors can expect to see manatees, marine turtles, howler and spider monkeys, crocodiles, toucans, and even jaguars.
The coastal resorts are bustling, but the town, nestled into the jungle along the highway, is much more low key, with cheap and delicious eats and quieter streets away from the hustle.
The towns of Valladolid, Merida Bacalar, Playa del Carmen and Akumal, as well as the ancient Maya ruins of Chichen Itza, Uxmal, Ek Balam, Coba, Muyil, Xel-Há, are all within reach for day trips. Cozumel and Isla Mujeres are off the coast to the north close by. Cancún is the entry point for the area and is just over a 90-minute drive.
Location
Tulum, Mexico. Nearest airport: Cancún International (120km)
Best time to visit
October through May
