I spent a night at Azulik, the most famous hotel in Tulum. I wouldn't go back.

Anneta KonstantinidesSep 7, 2024, 17:26 IST

Azulik is a stunning resort in the Tulum jungle, but it's not worth staying the night. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

I recently spent the night at Azulik, a luxury eco-resort nestled in the jungle of Tulum, Mexico.
I thought my treehouse suite, lit by candlelight, was beautiful.

"Reconnection" is a word that appears often on the website of Azulik, a luxury eco-resort nestled in the jungle of Tulum, Mexico.

It welcomes you to a "sanctuary for reconnection and wellness." It promises spaces that were created for "reconnection and spiritual alignment." And it instructs you to "reconnect with the wonderful ecosystems around you."

Reconnection wasn't what I found at Azulik's famed sunset hour, where guests were glued to their phones as the sky changed from orange to gold. Nor was it at the resort's beach club, where I spotted multiple camera tripods, or by my treehouse suite, where a security guard ensured no one got a free photo opportunity.

Azulik's breathtaking scenery and treehouse suite made for some beautiful pictures, and my massage at the spa was heavenly. But from the hidden fees to the lackluster dining, I found a resort whose appeal mostly runs Instagram-deep.

Azulik didn't respond to a request for comment.

Azulik is one of the most famous hotels in Tulum.

The Azulik resort features 48 villas, two on-site restaurants, and a private beach club. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

Before I left for Tulum, I wanted to learn more about Azulik's origins.

Tulum's resort is connected via these unique suspended pathways, made of branches. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

My stay began in the check-in lounge, where I was immediately handed a clipboard with a two-page disclaimer.

The lobby at Azulik. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

Once our disclaimers were signed, it was time for a tour.

Waterways glisten under the suspended pathways throughout the resort. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

As we walked through one of the lounges, I stopped to check out the event schedule written on a chalkboard.

The activity board in an Azulik lounge showcased a range of classes and workshops. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

Then, it was time for Azulik's traditional "energy cleansing" welcome ceremony.

We had our welcome ceremony in this tent, standing on the wooden platform. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

Once the tour was complete, we arrived at our treehouse villa.

My villa for the night was framed with a lush of beautiful trees. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

Our dreamy suite was one of my favorite parts of Azulik.

I paid $510 to spend a night in the Mayan Villa. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

Since the villa has no electric lights, there were candles spread throughout the space.

A staff member comes into each room to light the tea candles every night when the sun sets. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

We were also surprised to find that there was no shower.

My room's handmade mosaic bathtub. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

As my mom and I walked around the resort, we realized much of the space was dedicated to the spa.

One of the spa's many pools and massage beds. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

We then headed to the rooftop for Azulik's famed sunset hour.

The rooftop had suspended nets, allowing you to sit over the resort.Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

Most of the seating was reserved for the private VIP "nests."

One of the nests on the rooftop at Azulik. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

The rooftop offered a 360-degree view of the jungle and the sea, which was undeniably stunning.

We caught a stunning sunset during the rooftop hour. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

We then made our way to Tseen Ja for dinner.

The bridge to Tseen Ja. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

Our meal began with the yin and yang bao buns and truffle edamame.

The yin and yang bao buns at Tseen Ja.Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

We also tried both bowls of ramen on the menu.

The miso kurobuta ramen at Tseen Ja. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

Glowing orbs illuminated the resort's stairs and pathways, guiding us on our walk back to the villa.

The pathways of Azulik at night. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

We began the next morning by enjoying room service on our terrace.

Our small breakfast on the terrace. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

We then headed over to Imix, Azulik's private beach club.

Azulik's private beach club is clothing-optional. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

After soaking up some sun, we checked out Azulik's stunning spa.

The spa at Azulik is beautifully designed. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

Before checking out of the resort, we stopped by Kin Toh for lunch. Unfortunately, the food was just as disappointing as Tseen Ja.

Our plate of tacos at Kin Toh. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

Azulik is a stunning place, but much of our experience felt like a tourist trap rather than a luxury resort.

The entrance to Azulik's Kin Toh restaurant. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider

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