Tulum Beach Cabana Question, Diamante K vs. Retiro Maya

[wyatt.jamin]

Hello Tulum Info Posters, I'm hoping you can help me.
My wife and I are staying in Tulum for a few days this winter and we're wanting to stay in a private beach cabana that is both very romantic and reasonably priced. The two places we have received recommendations for are the Retiro Maya and the Diamante K. We've read good things in some guide books about Diamante K, but it seems a lot bigger than Retiro Maya (Retiro only has 13 cabanas), and We're wondering if that means the cabanas at the Diamante K are crowded together without much privacy. At any rate, we'd really appreciate at advice you guys could give. If you've stayed at either one, please do briefly tell your experience. If you can compare the two, so much the better. Also, the Diamante K has 2, 3, 4, and 5 star cabanas. What are the differences? The prices for the 2, 3, and 4 star cabanas are only about $5 apart, but the prices for the 5 star cabanas are double those of all the others. Why is this? Is it worth paying double for the 5 stars? (plus price-spread among different 5 stars at Diamante K is over $40, I'm wondering why). We're willing to pay more if it gives a much more private/romantic setting, but we don't want to pay twice as much if theres not much of a difference?

In terms of comparing Retiro Maya to Diamante K, here are things we are particularly interested in:
1) What are the general atmosphere's of the two places (are they different?)
2) How romantic and private are they?
3) Are they clean and safe? (differences?) (Clean bathrooms?)
4) Is there a difference in location (one on a better beach, or another closer to better restaurants, etc.)?
5) Just a general recommendation of which one you would choose. (The prices for the Retiro Maya cabana and most of the Diamante K five-stars are about the same).

Thanks so much for your advice!

B

PS. Are there any other beach cabanas that you think are even better (both in quality and price) than the Diamante K and Retiro Maya? Why?

[Shazam Man]

I think Retiro Maya is by Cabanas Copal and Azulik. I've been to Diamante K 3 times.

Be aware, it's pretty much 'high end' camping. Unless you need total cleanliness, more than 1 or 2 light bulbs at night, a/c, and don't want a mosquito net over you, don't go there. We really enjoy the cabanas, mostly for the beautiful coast.

At Diamante K, it's very relaxing, great restaurant, small beach, though you can walk to the longer beach to the ruins by traversing some rocks to the north. I've stayed in anywhere from a 'hammock room' for $5 a night, to a two bed cabana for about $24, to their 'honeymoon' room for about $70.
I actually recommend other places down the beach (south) in Tulum. Cabanas Copal and Azulik (with marked off clothing optional beach) are nice, as is Maya Tulum. I've eaten at Amansala, and it's nice too. We've stayed at those places more recently. Posada Marguertia is really nice, and I think has A/C. The beach is LONG and empty. I would recommend staying at Maya Tulum or Posada Marguerita, exploring there, and go to Copal/Azulik for a massage or two. Try Diamante K's restaurant, but their small artificial beach might disapoint you.

To answer your questions

In terms of comparing Retiro Maya to Diamante K, here are things we are particularly interested in:
1) What are the general atmosphere's of the two places (are they different?)
See above.
2) How romantic and private are they?
Diamante K IS romantic, but if you want get by yourself, ie clothing optional, your wife wants to lose the top, try going down south.
3) Are they clean and safe? (differences?) (Clean bathrooms?)
Most of the nicer cabanas are safe and clean (but remember, they're 'high end camping. You probably won't go to bed without sand on your feet at Diamante K or any Cabana)
4) Is there a difference in location (one on a better beach, or another closer to better restaurants, etc.)?
See above
5) Just a general recommendation of which one you would choose. (The prices for the Retiro Maya cabana and most of the Diamante K five-stars are about the same).
Neither. (Just my personal taste.) Try one of the places I mentioned, or Zahra's. DO eat at Diamante K though!