COQUI COQUI

"Coqui Coqui showcases a lifestyle; a cocoon which represents the flora, the earth, the fruit, the woods and the landscape, the folklore and the traditions of the culture: At the soul of everything is the Yucatan." 

— Nicolas Malleville

When owners Nico Malleville and Francesca Bonata first set eyes upon each other in a small beach café on an undeveloped stretch of mystical Mexican coastline in 2003, neither knew the wonders that were awaiting them. 

Surrounded by Mayan jungle and vivid turquoise waters, Coqui Coqui is a chic, eco oasis opposite Hartwood on Tulum’s Boca Paila beach road. On arrival, you’re greeted with a warm welcome, the now nostalgic signature scent of orange blossom and tropical coco, a perfumery gift bag and refreshing lime and mint concoction — the perfect way to begin your escape.

We opted for the romantic ocean facing Terrace Suite. Nothing compares to waking up, drawing back the rich velvet curtains to a pastel sunrise and the shimmering Caribbean Sea. Morning coffee enjoyed on the terrace, staring out at the endless ocean is a memory that will live with us forever.

Originally built by Nico and Francesca as a home, the hotel consists of only six rooms. It is earthy, wild, moody and elegant all at once. The rooms combine a touch of luxury (like the huge stone bathtub), with laidback rustic living. Low lighting, a saltwater shower and a lack of air conditioning might not be ideal for some, but for us (and many others), it is a dreamy escape from the normality of living in a frantic world. 

“It is just a basic little house, but somehow, it has turned into a place that people love.”  

— Francesca Bonata, Owner, Coqui Coqui

Like a lot of Tulum now, yes it is expensive — but this is complete luxury in the most simple, tasteful way. Breakfast isn’t included, but the restaurant serves up a selection of fresh juices, fruit, eggs and our Mexican favourite, Huevos Rancheros.  

If like us, you love to relax and unwind — book in to the spa, you won’t regret it. The 3-hour Ocean Bath Spa Ritual is incredible. Dewy coconut aromas fill the air as you are exfoliated, massaged, coated in mineral rich Mayan clay and left to unwind in a candlelit bath infused with essentials oils and frangipani flowers. We made sure to bring plenty of candles, bath oils and scents back with us to recreate our Tulum tropical haven at home. 

COQUI COQUI | Carretera Tulum Ruinas Boca Paila, KM 7.5, Boca Paila, Tulum, Quintana Roo, CP77780

http://www.coquicoqui.com

COCO TULUM

An eco-friendly boutique hotel situated at the half waypoint on the Boca Paila beach road, Coco takes you back to Tulum basics — sand underfoot, beachside palapas, hammocks and mojitos. We stayed for two nights and the beginning of our adventure and opted for the middle Tower Room with private bathroom (the other rooms share bathrooms). The rooms are clean, contemporary and comfortable, with huge king beds draped in romantic mosquito netting. The jet lag swiftly kicks in, but in Tulum, count it as a blessing. Waking up at 5am is nothing to complain about when a pastel sunrise unlike any other awaits you — the Tower’s private terrace was the perfect viewpoint high above the tropical foliage. 

Another Coco Tulum bonus is being situated next door to Posada Margartita and El Tabano. The location is perfect for venturing to the restaurant and bars at the beginning of the beach road — it may not look it, but it is deceivingly long! (With no streetlights, venturing up and down at night, torches and taxis are a must) Coco’s own restaurant Juanita Diavola serves up delicious pizza, freshly baked in their outdoor wood-fire oven day and night. Service was a bit slow, but we’d say it is the best pizza in Tulum and well worth the wait.

COCO TULUM | Carretera -Bocapaila Km 8.5, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico

http://www.cocotulum.com