TULUM, Mexico – The Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya debuted in January 2022, marking the arrival of Hilton’s prestigious Conrad brand in the Mexican Caribbean. Nestled in a secluded bay eight miles north of Tulum, this luxurious resort is enveloped by lush tropical forest and pristine Caribbean waters, offering an immersive retreat. The property seamless blends contemporary design with artisanal Mexican elements, showcasing local materials and craftsmanship in every detail. 

Checking-In

Situated near the town of Tulum, the Conrad is 70-90 minutes from Cancun International Airport (CUN) and 60-80 minutes from Tulum International Airport (TQO).

Guests may arrange private transportation through the Conrad concierge (with 48 hours’ notice) or opt book their own independent transfer services. For those renting a car, complimentary valet and self-parking are available.

Tip: The concierge can arrange taxi service for off-property excursions or airport transfers with pre-arranged fares.

Upon arrival, guests are welcomed into Conrad Tulum’s striking lobby, a space that excudes elegance and tranquility. They are offered a refreshing tropical drink as the attentive staff handles check-in.

Each guest recieves a beaded bracelet which doubles as a room key. Simply tap the wooden medallion against the door to gain access. The reverse side of the medallion features a QR code, providing instant access to daily activities and restaurant menus.

Once check-in is complete, guests are whisked off to their room in their designated casa via golf cart.

Optional Packages

Flavors of Tulum

For guests seeking an all-inclusive dining experience, the Flavors of Tulum package is available at an additional rate of ~$150-$300 USD per adult, per night (plus 16% VAT and a 15% service charge). Children ages 1-4 dine for free, while those ages 4-17 receive a discounted rate based on age.

The package includes three meals per day: Breakfast at Arbolea’s buffet, lunch and snacks at any of the three Chiringuitos (Crudo, Leña, and Carbon), dinner at one of the resort’s fine dining venues (Maratea, Autor, Kengai, or Ukai), beverages and ice cream at Cafetal, and open bar access during operating hours at any of the 11 restaurants and bars.

Ceiba Club

For an elevated level of exclusivity and service, guests can upgrade to the Ceiba Club for an additional rate of ~$150-$500 USD per room, per night (plus 16% VAT and a 15% service charge). Pricing varies, and guests often receive an emailed offer before arrival.

Tip: The rate appears to be somewhat negotiable—so consider making a counteroffer to the hotel’s initial offer.

The Ceiba Club upgrade includes private check-in and check-out, personal concierge service, enhanced in-room amenities and welcome gifts, exclusive access to the Ceiba Lounge, featuring dedicated servers and bartenders offering custom cocktails and a selection of hot and cold gourmet bites throughout the day, complimentary soft drinks and mini-bar snacks, late-night room service (11 PM–6 AM) from a limited menu, reserved beachfront area for Ceiba guests, and a 10% discount on spa treatments.

Tip: Complimentary food and beverages are limited to the Ceiba Lounge only.

Getting Around

The resort is woven into Tulum’s jungle-fringed coastline and lush mangrove forests, with guests immersed in nature at every turn. Serene pathways connect the guest casas to the main lobby, pools, and restaurants, where sightings of iguanas, lizards, and the occasional family of tejones (raccoon-like creatures native to the region) add to the enchantment of the surroundings.

The trails make for pleasant and leisurely walks across the resort. However, for those who prefer a more effortless journey, guests can call the front desk to arrange 24/7 golf cart transportation.

Guest Rooms

Most rooms measure 505 square feet, the primary distinction lies in their views rather than size. Rooms are categorized as “Tropical View” or “Ocean View”, though all face the water. First-floor rooms offer tropical views, while second-floor rooms feature either tropical or partial ocean vistas; third-floor rooms provide full or partial ocean views.

For those seeking an elevated experience, the Conrad offers three suite levels, each increasing in size and luxury. At the pinnacle, the Presidential Suite is four times the size of a standard room, boasting a billiards table, bar, kitchenette, and an expansive balcony with breathtaking panoramic views.

Designed to blur the line between indoors and the nature outside, the rooms incorporate natural wood materials and soothing palettes inspired by the surrounding landscape.

The Tropical View Guestroom with 1 King Bed was thoughtfully arranged to maximize space. It featured a wooden lattice entryway, a cozy sitting area, a dining table with chairs, and a sleek wooden partition, mounted with a 65″ flat-screen television, that discreetly separated the bedroom from the bathroom.

Each room is well-appointed with modern amenities, including a Nespresso coffee maker with pods, a water kettle with tea selection, a stocked mini-bar with fridge, and glass water bottles. Guests also receive two plush spa robes and slippers. Rooms are stocked with C.O. Bigelow toiletries and upscale Byredo bath products in the Mojave Ghost scent, a Conrad hallmark.

For outdoor relaxation, second and third-floor rooms feature a private balcony with a soaking tub, while first-floor rooms feature a mini plunge pool.

Tip: The first-floor plunge pools are less desirable, as they can accumulate leaves and sand. Additionally, both the plunge pools and soaking tubs fill slowly, with warm water rather than truly hot.

Overall, the room was exceptionally functional and user-friendly, with intuitive lighting and well-placed outlets. Housekeeping was prompt each day, and nightly turn-down service added an extra touch of hospitality.

Tip: Bring a refillable water bottle, as water stations and ice machines are conveniently located on the first floor of each casa, across from the elevators.

The Pools

The Conrad offers guests 5 distinct pools, each catering to a different mood and ambiance. The main infinity pool, adorned with striking blue tiles and framed by swaying palms, serves as the resort’s centerpiece. Flanking either side are two jacuzzi tubs, perfect for unwinding after a cool dip. Just beyond, a second-tier infinity pool cascades towards the beach, offering breathtaking views of the Caribbean. During the day, the main pool creates a stylish yet unpretentious atmosphere.

For those seeking a more secluded retreat, the resort also features 3 more secluded casita pools, offering a quiet escape.

Shaded cabanas and loungers are available in abundance, with no additional charge for guests. The attentive pool staff circulates frequently, setting up sleek black metal loungers and crisp white umbrellas, providing ice buckets for beverages and menus for poolside refreshments.

Tips:

(1) Service Charges & Tipping: VAT (16%) and a service charge (15%) are automatically added to every check. While additional gratuity is not required, cash tips (USD or pesos) are greatly appreciated. An on-site ATM is available in the lobby for convenience.

(2) Securing the Best Spot: Poolside cabanas are highly sought after. By 10 AM, many guests have already placed their belongings within to reserve them. However, loungers by the pool and beach remain available throughout the day. Arriving early ensures the best selection.

(3) Children’s Pool: While there is no designated children’s pool, families with children will find plenty of space to enjoy the water.

(4) Pool Hours: Swimming is permitted until 8 PM, when all pools close for the evening.

The Beach

The private beach is a pristine stretch of soft, white sand and crystal-clear aqua waters. The staff diligently clears any sargassum (seaweed) each morning, although some accumulation may appear later in the day. The sloping beach is ideal for families, with shallow waters perfect for wading.

On calm days, guests can take advantage of kayaks and paddleboards (complimentary for the first hour) to explore the private bay. Snorkeling gear is available for rent, while scuba diving can be arranged for an additional fee – both excellent ways to discover the bay’s abundant tropical marine life.

The Spa

The on-site spa is a sanctuary of relaxation, offering an array of luxurious spa treatments in a serene, nature-inspired setting. While treatments are priced at a premium, many guests find the experience well worth the indulgence. A dedicated golf cart service ensures seamless transportation from guest casas to and from the spa for all appointments.

Inspired by Mayan mythology, the spa experience begins with a copal limpia cleansing ceremony and a guided meditation, setting the stage for a truly multi-sensory journey. The spa’s welcoming atrium is designed to resemble a cenote, echoing the region’s natural limestone sinkholes. Inside, guests will find 16 private treatment rooms, as well as elegant men’s and women’s changing areas.

The spa offers an extensive menu of Mayan-inspired treatments, incorporating indigenous herbs, chanting, aura cleansing, and holistic rituals. For those seeking a more traditional approach, Swedish, deep tissue, and Ayurvedic massages are also available.

One of the standout experiences is the Kinich Ahau Journey (80 minutes) – a deeply immersive treatment that begins with aura cleansing, followed by a four-hand massage using hot poultices filled with corn and cocoa seeds ($5400 MXN/~$270 USD).

Tip: Avoid booking treatments before you arrive. The spa frequently offers 20% discounts on services when you book with one of the staff members circulating the pool areas. Keep an eye out for spa staff to enjoy a treatmes at a better value.

The Gym

The fitness center at the Conrad is a spacious and modern facility, located on the lower level of the main building. Surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows that offer lush jungle views, the gym provides a serene yet invigorating environment for workouts.

Equipped with top-tier Life Fitness machines, the gym caters to a variety of fitness routines: (1) a section of treadmills, ellipticals, and stationary bikes line the back wall, overlooking the tropical foliage, (2) A strength-training area near the entrance includes a dumbbell rack, inclined benches, and cable machines, and (3) a separate spin room and yoga studio are available for individual use or scheduled classes.

Additional amenities include bottled water and towels, men’s and women’s changing rooms, and small cubbies for storing personal belongings.

Kids Club and Teen Zone

The Kids Club and Teen Zone offer engaging, well-designed spaces for younger guests, ensuring an entertaining experience for all ages. These areas are fully staffed and provide a complimentary daily program of activities, including arts and crafts, face-painting, video games, and a DJ lab, where kids can mix their own tracks.

Tip: For parents seeking additional childcare options, babysitting services are available for an additional fee.

Culinary Experiences

The Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya has made an exceptional investment in its culinary offerings, boasting eleven distinct dining venues, ensuring guests can experience a different menu each day of their stay. The cuisine emphasizes fresh, high-quality ingredients, with each restaurant offering a unique take on regional and international flavors.

Start your day at Arbolea, which serves breakfast daily from 7 AM to 11 AM. The extensive breakfast buffet caters to every palate, featuring a made-to-order omelet station, traditional Mexican offerings, including a chilaquiles station, tamales, and quesadillas, continental selections, such as a salad bar, smoked salmon, fresh fruit carving station, an array of baked goods, a variety of yogurts, chia seed puddings, and cereals, and freshly squeezed juices, including orange juice, green juice, and a rotating daily selection.

One of the standout dishes is the French toast, a decadent creation made from thick brioche slices soaked in coconut milk, coated in brown sugar and egg, then fried to golden perfection. The toast is finished with a dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of coconut cream, and seasonal fruits such as brûléed bananas, figs, and strawberries—a true must-try.

Tip: Hilton Gold and Diamond members receive complimentary continental breakfast for two, with hot food available for a small additional charge.

For a relaxed midday meal, guests can choose from three chiringuitos (daytime snack bars): Crudo, Carbon, and Leña– all serving Mexican specialties. Lunchtime selections are also available from Ultra Mar, a poolside bar and restaurant near the main pool. The baja-style fish tacos (pictured above, left), shrimp ceviche (pictured above, top right), and baja-style shrimp tacos (pictured above, bottom right) were all repeat orders. Poolside service is impeccable, with attendants making frequent rounds to take orders, delivering refreshing cocktails, complimentary chips, and house-made salsas directly to your lounge chair.

In the evening, the Conrad’s four signature restaurants offer a diverse selection of global flavors: Autor (Nouvelle Mexican), Kengai (Pan-Asian), Ukai (sushi bar), and Maratea (Mediterranean-inspired). The service across all fine dining venues was attentive, warm, and highly knowledgeable, ensuring an elevated yet relaxed dining experience.

A highlight at Maratea was the ravioles ($420 MXN/~$21 USD), filled with ricotta cheese in a truffled beurre blanc sauce, finished with pistachio, sage, and olive oil. The grilled Galician-style octopus ($450 MXN/~$22 USD) served over onion puree with layered potato was a standout, with delicate yet complex flavor profiles.

At Ukai, the hamachi truffle sashimi—a light combination of thin-cut hamachi, green apple, parmesan cheese, dried miso, truffle oil, and ponzu ($510 MXN/~$25 USD)—was expertly prepared and beautifully presented.

Tip: During peak season, reservations are essential as dinner venues fill up quickly. During the low season, walk-ins are often accommodated.

To cap off the evening, Chaak offers an elegant selection of signature cocktails, providing a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere to wind down the night. For those seeking a more lively setting, Ultra Mar—the hotel’s main pool bar—is the social hub of the resort, featuring a rotating lineup of live music and DJ performances every night. Open until 1 AM daily, it’s the perfect spot for both midday refreshments and late-night drinks. Guests can enjoy their beverages at the bar, in cozy lounge seating, or around the impressive fire pit, which serves as a dramatic focal point after dark.

Final Thoughts

The Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya delivers a luxurious, nature-immersed retreat that seamlessly blends modern comfort with the beauty of its tropical surroundings. From the thoughtfully designed rooms and expansive pools to the diverse dining options and world-class spa, every aspect of the resort is crafted to offer a refined yet relaxed experience.

Whether you’re indulging in a gourmet meal, unwinding on the pristine beach, or exploring the lush jungle paths, the resort’s attention to detail and exceptional service make for a truly memorable stay. With its stunning coastal setting, well-appointed amenities, and warm hospitality, the Conrad is an ideal destination for those seeking both tranquility and indulgence in the heart of the Riviera Maya.

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