What it is

A clubby 100-room and multi-villa creative retreat dreamt up with Design Hotels to help artistic types live their best lives, with live events aplenty.

What it isn't

Leaving a huge carbon footprint. The property kept 93% of the original jungle on the premises, compared to the average 5% by neighboring mega resorts.

What we think

Whether your Tulum fantasy includes thatched roofed casitas or full on villas fronting the frothing surf, Papaya Playa has you covered. And wherever you stay, you’ll have full access to their 900 yards of private beach; a 24-hour coffee shop; a solar-powered beach club; art walks and wellness programs (including temazcal tastings); and unlimited use of their flotilla of watercrafts, including kayaks, paddleboards, and kite surfing gear. Foodies obsess over the myriad edible offerings—so thoughtful they include a raw vegan restaurant that will, unlike most eateries in Vacationland, leave you feeling like you’re at a restorative spa. But you’re really here for events, which range from Sunday brunch (with oysters and live music) to an Authentic Journey meditation led by life coach Ava Angelic.

You're here because

The rate includes breakfast, and there’s nothing like a bounteous spread of tropical fruits and housemade everything to set your vacay pulse racing.

The Moment

You dig your heels into the sand at the newly opened beach club, and plan on lingering—you haven’t heard a D.J. this good in a while, and you need sustenance. So you go where the spirit leads you and order free-range eggs with squash blossom pesto. In a word? Delicioso.

Restaurants & Bars

Roca Restaurant - new eatery that serves indulgent raw-vegan and raw seafood bowls

Papaya Playa Project Restaurant - menu is largely influenced by the Mayan and Mexican traditions using locally sourced ingredients

Location

A pristine stretch of jungly coastline in Tulum, an hour and 48 minute drive from Cancun International Airport.