If you’re dreaming of a hotel that truly captures the magic of Tulum—jungle vibes, luxury design, beachfront bliss, and access to the best nightlife—look no further than Kanan Tulum Hotel & Spa. This adults-only, eco-chic boutique hotel in the heart of the Zona Hotelera combines barefoot luxury with sustainable, jungle-inspired style, offering a one-of-a-kind experience you’ll be reminiscing about long after you leave.
Here’s everything you need to know before booking your stay—and why Kanan might just be your new favorite hotel in Tulum.
Table of Contents
📍 Location: Why Kanan’s Spot in Zona Hotelera Is Everything
Kanan Tulum is perfectly located in the heart of the Zona Hotelera, the most desirable (and yes, priciest) area of Tulum. You’re literally footsteps from the beach and within walking distance of the area’s most iconic day clubs, boutique shops, and trendiest restaurants.
- 19 minutes to Tulum Centro
- Under 30 minutes from all major cenotes (check my full [Tulum Cenote Guide] for the must-visits)
- Short walk to hotspots like Casa Jaguar, Ilios, and Gitana
Trust me—if it’s your first time in Tulum, you’ll love being right in the middle of the action without constantly relying on taxis (which can add up fast).
💸 How Much Does It Cost to Stay at Kanan Tulum?
Room rates vary by season and room type. During the low season, we snagged a room for $250 USD/night, but in peak season, prices easily hit $600+.
💡 Insider Tip: Guests at Kanan get access to the beach club and spa and their famous rooftop restaurant with no minimum spend—a huge perk. We saved tons by avoiding overpriced taxis and enjoying amenities on-site. (FYI, a 2.3-mile ride from Papaya Playa Project back to Kanan was quoted at 800 MXN, or ~$40 USD.)
🌿 The Vibe: Eco Luxury Meets Jungle Treehouse
When you picture Tulum, you think jungle, ocean, and parties, right? That’s Kanan in a nutshell. It’s like staying in a luxe jungle treehouse on the beach—vines hanging from ceilings, sand underfoot in the restaurant, wooden bridges over the pool, and even human-sized bird nests on the rooftop for sunset dinners.
Some property highlights:
- Adults-only eco luxury hotel (no kids!)
- Only 25 rooms, so it feels exclusive and personal
- Beachfront restaurant with swings and sand floors
- A beautiful swim-up bar + natural-style pool
- Karma, a second-floor bar with music
- Rooftop fine dining with jaw-dropping views
- On-site spa and beach club access
- Secure, free parking and 24/7 security
And yes—I have to shout out the beach club bathroom, which literally has sand coming right up to the toilet. It’s bizarrely relaxing.
🛏️ Rooms at Kanan Tulum: Rustic-Luxe Jungle Comfort
Each of Kanan’s 25 rooms is labeled with a Mayan number instead of a traditional number. It’s a fun touch… unless you forget your symbol and try to open the wrong door (oops).
We booked the 2 queen bed room, and it was massive with amenities like:
- Fresh drinking water vessel, replenished daily
- Bathrobes, mini fridge, iron, safe, and hair dryer
- Huge wooden soaking tub + rainfall shower with natural wood floors
- Biodegradable body products that smell incredible
- Bug spray and aloe lotion toilettries
- Comfortable beds with nightly turndown service
- A set of beach towels in a woven carry basket
- And the best part… a sprawling balcony overlooking the pool and ocean, with a full couch setup. Heaven.
Downsides?
- Loud music until late (you’re in Tulum, so expect a party vibe)
- Limited power outlets—only one bed had a convenient plug by the nightstand
- Bathrooms are semi-open with minimal sound privacy (just something to keep in mind if you’re not super close with your travel companions). There are curtains for the toilet and shower areas, but even if you can’t see them, you will still be able to “hear” them.
🍴 Dining at Kanan Tulum: Breakfast in the Sand & Rooftop Magic
🔻 The One Downside
Let’s get the not-so-great part out of the way: the drinks are watered down—big time. Unfortunately, this seems common in high-end Tulum hotels (looking at you, Papaya Playa Project). For cocktails that actually pack a punch, head into Tulum Centro or check out nearby restaurants like Gitano or Ilios.
🌅 Rooftop Restaurant: Bird Nests & Sunset Views
Now for the unforgettable part—dinner in the treetops. The rooftop restaurant features only 10 nest-style tables, perched above the jungle canopy with a panoramic view of the Caribbean Sea. It’s hands-down one of the most magical dining experiences of my life.
- Reservations required (do this early in high season!)
- $150 USD minimum spend per person, but waived for hotel guests
- Try the Sea Duo (octopus & shrimp)—worth every peso
- Stunning sunset followed by full moon rise? Unreal.
Our server even offered to take photos for us and turned into our personal photographer for the night. I’ll let the pictures do the talking here, because words don’t do it justice.
🌴 Beach Club Breakfast
There’s something so special about sipping your morning coffee with your feet in the sand. The beach club restaurant offers a peaceful start to the day, just steps from the ocean. I ordered the fruit plate, and it was fresh, vibrant, and filling.
👯♀️ Who Should Stay at Kanan Tulum?
Kanan Tulum is perfect for:
- Couples on a romantic getaway
- Solo travelers wanting luxury + social vibes
- Friends on a stylish Tulum escape
- Girls’ trips
- Travelers searching for romantic Tulum hotels for couples
This is not the place for:
- Families with kids (adults-only policy)
- People sensitive to noise or seeking absolute peace and quiet
- Travelers with mobility issues (no elevator, lots of stairs)
🌟 Final Thoughts: Is Kanan Tulum Worth It?
Absolutely. I’d rate our stay at Kanan Tulum a 9/10. The jungle-meets-beach design, incredible location, unforgettable dining, and warm service made our trip unforgettable.
If you want to experience eco-luxury, nature, spa and beach access, and nightlife in one gorgeous package, Kanan Tulum should be at the top of your list.
