Waking to the sound of tumbling waves and the soft brushing of palm leaves in the wind is something that can never be tired of. The heat of the morning sun warms the sand and sea each day, setting the scene for the oasis famously known as Tulum beach.

Tulum is renowned for being the quintessential hot spot amongst refined travellers looking for an escape to some of the best beaches in the world. The vibrant city of Tulum epitomises this dream. Set upon the Caribbean coast, Tulum beach is lined with white sand beaches and sparkling clear seas as far as the eye can see. From the dream of vacating the bustle of New York City and replacing office attire for the simple pleasure of walking barefoot in the sand at this beach hotel in Tulum, Ahau was born. Designed, additionally, with the intention to echo Tulum’s rich culture and rustic features, Ahau is independent in its design and beliefs. Building upon the natural beauty of the land, this beach hotel in Tulum was designed not to alter the surrounding area, but to nurture the hotel’s foundations and environment. It is an eco-friendly beachside resort that allows guests to immerse themselves in the hotel’s features and amenities – all of which concentrate on wellness and relaxation.

Consisting of a grand selection of beachfront or jungle view rooms and suites, each and every bedroom is designed for optimum relaxation and comfort. Inspired by earthy Caribbean style, the rooms boast tasteful wooden features such as the sand-toned beams and furniture which run throughout each spacious room. Including white four-poster beds which are surrounded by soft linen drapes and grand stone bathrooms, each room offers a perfect surrounding with thoughtful touches, such as a private balcony fit for dining or relaxing in the woven hammock. Included in these rooms is the option of a single king bed or multiple queen beds with individual fans hidden amongst the canopy of the linen drapes. The private and welcoming nature of the rooms which Ahau has to offer are just one of the many reasons that travellers choose to stay at this natural paradise of a resort.

It is clear that the prevailing attraction and aim of this particular beach hotel in Tulum is the wellness and peace which guests will find once having immersed themselves in all that Ahau has to offer. Boasting multiple restaurants, the hotel features a blend of both Caribbean and Mexican cuisine – from traditional Mexican dishes such as ceviche and tacos to the open-air bar and grill serving fresh fish, meats and vegetables. There’s even the highly renowned vegan restaurant situated within the complex, Raw Love Cafe. Raw love cafe is a firm favourite with not only hotel guests, but many other travellers to this area. All the restaurants concentrate heavily on the nutritional values of the food which they offer. It is evident that the hotel’s concentration upon wellness is present in each and every aspect and amenity.

Ahau’s extensive wellness program offers a variety of yoga practices such as vinyasa flow yoga each morning as the sun rises and toning acroyoga. Further to this, salsa lessons and temazcal ceremonies are practiced (in which participants will enter a ‘sweat lodge’, where the body and soul are healed). These particular ceremonies are indigenous to Mexico and are said to cleanse participants and lead to a sensation of rejuvenation or ‘rebirth’. Such ceremonies are practised around the cycle of the moon, following tradition. Purification of the body and soul through a temazcal ceremony is a unique experience which Ahau is proud to offer. Each and every wellness service that is offered is chosen with the precise aim to improve the mental and physical wellbeing of guests.

This is not the end to Ahau’s countless benefits which it offers to guests. Nestled amongst the tropical greenery lies a massage hut which allows guests to fully unwind with a selection of lavish treatments and services. Exploring further into the depths of the foliage guests will discover the ‘Jungle Gym’. This highly unique gym is filled with hand crafted wooden equipment and offers personal training with the ocean as your view. For those of us who crave a little more adrenaline, Ahau has a wonderful partnership with one of the best kite-surfing instructors in Tulum who teaches not only the skills needed to master kitesurfing, but also opens one’s eyes to the thrill of the sport. Whether guests wish to engage in a more active lifestyle or soak up the sun with a cocktail in their hand, Ahau holds endless possibilities.

Being born from a love of Tulum and the landscape upon which the hotel was built, the protection of the surrounding area’s natural beauty is imperative. Ahau is one of very few beach hotels in Tulum which is proud to be honoured with a Greenkey, certifying the hotel’s dedication towards creating an eco-friendly space. This is paralleled with Ahau’s mantra, ‘wherever nature is, there is beauty to be found’.

Ahau is also famed for the towering sculpture which is situated upon the entrance of the hotel. Created by South African artist Daniel Popper, the sculptural artwork is named ‘Ven A La Luz’, meaning ‘come into the light’. Crafted from intertwined wood and rope, the sculpture depicts a woman opening her heart – with lush greenery as the centrepiece of the sculpture. Since its creation, this has become a proud symbol of Tulum and the values that the area wishes for all visitors to discover. The warm message that the sculpture portrays is reflected in Ahau’s practices and beliefs. Due to the success of the sculpture, the Ahau collection is even creating a charity in honour of Tulum. The funds collected from visitors to the sculpture will go towards preserving Tulum and giving back to the local community.

Ven A La Luz is certainly one of Tulum’s greatest attractions, but there are many more to be discovered. The Tulum ruins and a number of Mexico’s infamous Cenotes are only a short distance from the hotel. The Maya ruins of Tulum are a relic of the walls around which the city was built. Encapsulating the culture and history of Tulum, these ruins are a true spectacle of history and culture. When exploring Mexico, travellers will discover the land’s hidden Cenotes too – stunning freshwater caves, surrounded by a flush of greenery and wildlife. The Cenotes are found deep within the warm land and filled with vibrant crystal waters – it is true to say that the Cenotes are one of Mexico’s natural treasures.

Tulum offers something which other holiday destinations cannot- a peaceful and accepting atmosphere which could not possibly be replicated. This coupled with the history and culture of the ancient Mayan people leaves Tulum as one of the most intriguing beach destinations in the world. Amongst the great selection of beach hotels in Tulum, Ahau’s charm and style shines through. Guests seeking relaxation and rejuvenation amongst one of the most beautiful beaches in the world will find this in Ahau. The unique and distinguished Caribbean resort allows visitors to find peace whilst walking barefoot along the sand.