PHOTO: https://www.facebook.com/LaZebraTulum/

Fodor's Expert Review La Zebra

Name: La Zebra
Address: Carretera Tulum–Boca Paila, Km 8.2, Tulum, Quintana Roo, 77780, Mexico, Tulum, Quintana Roo, 77780, Mexico
Telephone: 984-115–4726;984-124-0888;303-800–1943-in the U.S.
Price range: $$$

Carretera Tulum–Boca Paila, Km 8.2, Tulum, Quintana Roo, 77780, Mexico, Tulum, Quintana Roo 77780, Mexico See on Map

Luis Fernando Dominguez Mora

La Zebra is a luxury boutique hotel set in a stunning location between the lush vegetation of the tropical forest and the amazing white-sand beach of Tulum. With a beach chic style permeating every corner of the property, this hotel offers upscale design and the laid-back attitude that a place like Tulum requires.

room

Each one of the 29 suites available at La Zebra, come with a king size bed and two single beds, which showcases the family-friendly concept of the hotel. Décor is tasteful, contrasting elements of tropical wood with fresh neutral colors. The outside decks are delightful with great views of the garden or beach. The plunge pools of some of the suites are varied on size and design, being the penthouse’s one the most spectacular.

bathroom

The bathrooms keep with the same beach chic style. They come with double vanity sink on a tropical wood countertop. Most suites include two overhead showers. All bathrooms are equipped with organic toiletries of local origins.

lobby

Like most lobbies in the Riviera Maya, this one is a huge circular palapa. A colorful design on the floor and an impressive zebra mural painting are the distinctive features here.

YOU SHOULD KNOW There is no sitting area in the lobby, which at times can be a bit problematic as long waits can occur during rush hours.

pool

Besides the wide array of plunge pools featured on the different suites, La Zebra has now a small but cute swimming pool with swim-up bar. A refreshing spot with good balance of sunshine and shaded areas, and an extended sitting area.

spa

La Zebra offers to its guests a full-service Spa with a variety of massages, therapies and treatments available. Some of the most intriguing are the therapy with crystals, aromavedic massage, passion Mayan scrub and the romantic ritual for two.

dining

The restaurant at La Zebra is located under a wide palapa roof with colorful hand-painted tables and hardwood floor. Enjoy delicious dishes from the Mexican Contemporary cuisine in a casual beach-like setting. An experience on itself, the Chef’s Table offer extraordinary 8, 10 and 12-course tasting menus.

Looking for a bold recommendation? Try the New York steak with chocolate and chilli sauce.

drinking

As part of their Mulberry Project, La Zebra has just started a new mixology program where cocktail experimentation never ends. Enjoy what’s been called ‘Tulum’s best mojito’ at the funky beachfront bar or in the refreshing swim-up bar by the pool.

LOCATION

Getting Around

From Cancun International Airport you can get either a taxi or a private luxury transfer service, for the almost 2-hour drive to La Zebra. Once there, you will need to take the mini-buses or call a cab to visit downtown Tulum or other nearby attractions. Fort he nearest restaurants, bars and beach clubs you can either walk or get a bike.

Restaurants

For authentic Mexican food in a casual but intimate atmosphere Casa Gaviota (4-minute walk) is a good option. Cenzontle (7-minute walk) serves traditional Mexican dishes with a gourmet twist. For a healthy snack or delicious desserts by the beach, Raw Love (9-minute walk) is very popular in the area.

Bars

Xaman Bar (5-minute walk) has been called a ‘contemporary temple for cocktails’ and although it doesn’t get that far, it does offer a long list of original ethnobotanical cocktails. In downtown Tulum, Encanto Cantina (24-minute drive) has a wide array of craft beers and mezcales, available to enjoy in a bo-ho chic atmosphere.

WHY WE LIKE IT

Because it’s chic, but cool. It manages to be elegant and laid back at the same time. The beach is one of the best in the area. We love the décor of the suites and those splendid terraces with plunge pools and ocean views.