Xela: a Mexican coastal escape

Situated in Tulum on the Mexican coast, overlooking the Caribbean Ocean on one side and a lush tropical forest on the other, you will find Xela – a new achingly beautiful luxury seaside hotel.

Here, laid-back luxury is the name of the game with sun-drenched patios shaded by driftwood-like pergolas and striped sun cushions elegantly strewn about.

The escapist resort, which forms part of Namron’s bijou collection is set to open mid-October, and features 12 stylish rooms drenched in dusty pink and orange, sand and mushroom hues that have been elegantly amplified by metal and glossy black accents.

Taking its name from the echoing rush of the sea that’s heard when a shell is placed against the ear, Xela, was first constructed as a home. Over the years, new owners have added a third floor and additional rooms, envisioning a guesthouse or boutique hotel.

In 2020, local architect Carlos Larios was commissioned by the then-owners to add communal spaces, a bar, a spa and a garden-fronting gym. 

These additions were the architect’s chance to incorporate home elements into a hotel design.

“Designing a hotel presents unique challenges,” Larios explains, “but it is closely related to residential living on a different scale. Xela allowed us to create spaces where guests feel at home, whilst being immersed in the natural environment.”

Today, the uber-elegant hotel effortlessly blends sophisticated and rustic – the interiors are a perfect blend of industrial and minimalist (cement floors and metal accents), rustic (weathered wood and handmade pottery) and a sort of farm-style rustic, think built-in benches and artisan touches and even a farm-to-table menu offering by the in-house chef.