The jungle of Tulum, long coveted for its beaches, natural cenotes and wellness scene, is becoming a playground for the architectural avant-garde. A paradigm among the lush vegetation is this striking villa designed by CoLab Tulum. Notably, one of the founders worked with Rem Koolhaus for five years, and the firm also designed the iconic Luum Temple.

Inspired by the natural beauty of the peninsula, Casa Aviv folds in and out of the nature that surrounds it. The home is quiet, too, as it’s located within the residential Aldea Zama community. 

We love the way light moves through the high-ceilinged spaces, dramatically snaking across the textured walls and flooding the sunbathing rooftop. A day spent wandering from the jewel-blue of the infinity pool to the cinematic open kitchen would be a restorative use of time. 

Casa Aviv is a private jungle oasis shielded from the hubbub, yet close enough to the beaches and downtown so that every option is available to you. 

This two-story vacation rental in Tulum has four large bedrooms, all with king-sized beds and en-suite bathrooms. On the ground floor you will find the spacious living and dining room, fully equipped kitchen and two of the bedrooms. The second floor has a stunning walkover bridge that leads to the other two bedrooms.

Aldea Zama is one of the safest residential areas of Tulum, and at its entrance, there is a 24/7 security guard. The neighborhood has restricted access to non-residents.

The home has a washer and dryer, and heating and air-coniditioning.

This rental also comes with an expert concierge team that you may tap for private chef, massage, beach club and dinner bookings or set up tours and excursions.

RELAX INTO THE COASTAL BEAUTY OF THE MAYAN RIVIERA

Tulum’s ancient archaeological treasures and spectacular coastal beauty have seen the Mayan Riviera area expand with tourism in recent years but with over one million acres of protected biosphere to explore in the UNESCO Sian Ka’an and Parque Nacional Tulum, there’s room to explore.

The coastal resorts are bustling, but the town nestled into the jungle along the highway, is much more low key, with cheap and delicious eats and quieter streets away from the hustle.

The towns of Valladolid, Merida Bacalar, Playa del Carmen and Akumal, as well as the ancient Maya ruins of Chichen Itza, Uxmal, Ek Balam, Coba, Muyil, Xel-Há, are all within reach for day trips. Cozumel and Isla Mujeres are off the coast to the north close by. Cancún is the entry point for the area and is just over ninety minute drive.

LOCATION

Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico, nearest airport: Cancun International (90 mins).

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Year round, but fall through spring for milder temperatures.