An Otherworldly Eco-escape in Tulum

This unique eco-resort, tucked between the ocean and lush jungle of the Yucatan Peninsula, offers an otherworldly experience designed to stimulate the senses.

WORDS Gina Dionisio PHOTOS Supplied

Located in Tulum, Mexico, Azulik epitomises the concept of “barefoot luxury”. Surrounded by jungle and overlooking the ocean, the hotel fuses holistic wellness, ancestral traditions, experimental cuisine, art, and architecture into a singular hospitality experience.

Conceived by Eduardo Roth – a self-taught architect, ecologist, philanthropist, and entrepreneur – Azulik’s architectural language, composed of organic forms and natural materials, merges seamlessly with the Eden that surrounds it. Each of the 48 pod-like seafront villas offers a cocooned sanctuary for modern nomads, with palm-leaf roofs, reed-finished terraces, and tropical timber frames, immersing guests in the natural landscape.

At Azulik, nature, art, and ancestral wisdom exist in symbiosis. Inside the villas, hand-hewn wooden furniture and woven textiles pay homage to the rich craft heritage of the region. This focus on ancestral traditions and local craftsmanship is echoed in every aspect of the hotel – from holistic wellness programmes to Aníkena, its boutique showcasing ethically made, fair-trade garments and accessories from local artisans.

Twenty-five kilometres inland, in the village of Francisco Uh May, Azulik’s sister site emerges from the jungle – a biomorphic, ethereal structure that houses the SFER IK Uh May Museum. Also known as the “City of Arts” the space is dedicated to interactive art installations, artist residencies, and workshops, with a focus on sustainability, technology, and spirituality.

Azulik’s culinary offerings underscore its role as a transformative sanctuary at one with nature. With five restaurants serving everything from plant-based delicacies to seafood prepared with indigenous flavours, each dish deepens the connection between guests and the natural world around them. | azulik.com

Don’t forget to sign up to our weekly newsletter for the latest architecture and design news.