Retiro Maya?

[Nelms]

My wife and I are planning a trip to Tulum in March, and came across a small cabanas resort called Retiro Maya. I got in contact with the owner via e-mail, who is very responsive, and three references she gave me were very positive. However, I haven't seen any reviews of the place here or on Trip Advisor. Does anyone know this place? Where is it located? How close is it to other places, like Zamas? Is the swimming area rocky or sandy? Any information pro or con would be appreciated. We'll file a trip report when we return.

[Nelms]

Well, I'll answer my own question, based on our week at Retiro Maya.

Positives: fabulous, nearly deserted beach, with soft, cool sand, no rocks to impede walking or swimming, great surf for body surfing on windy days, beach goes on for miles for long walks, clothing optional with 30% - 40% topless and 5% - 10% nude use; nice cabanas with king-size, comfortable beds, mosquito nets, sand floors, no electricity at all, candles provided; very helpful staff; located within a short beach walk of two great restaurants (Posada Margherita four minutes north, Ana y Jose nine minutes south).

Negatives: Despite three months prepayment, room reserved was not available for two days (substitute was fine), shared bath had limited or occasionally no hot water, occasional toilet stoppages; owner Lu was absent our week and none of the staff spoke any English; restaurant was open sporadically and had very little business (OK for breakfast, but we ate dinners elsewhere).

Bottom line: nice place, fabulous beach, great vacation, recommend the cabanas with private bath.

[roni]

There is a photo of it from the beach on the pictures thread on this site -

[Gale in KY]

Their website is beautiful, but, doesn't list any rates for the cabanas..what price range do they fall in?

[Nelms]

Gale, according to Retiro Maya's latest FAQ sheet, which you can obtain by e-mail from the address provided on their web site, prices for a cabana for two with private bath (recommended) range from $85 in low season to $100 in high season to $125 at "prime time" (Christmas, New Years, Easter). In addition, the two "front row" cabanas closest to the beach have a $25 surcharge, although this is not mentioned in the FAQ price quote. I would take one of the private-bath cabanas on the second or third row at $100 a night. There is also a nice three-bedroom house on the property, which seems to be available by the bedroom at $150 a night if not rented to larger groups. Be sure to check these prices with Lu, the owner, before you make plans.

[roni]

Gale, according to Retiro Maya's latest FAQ sheet, which you can obtain by e-mail from the address provided on their web site, prices for a cabana for two with private bath (recommended) range from $85 in low season to $100 in high season to $125 at "prime time" (Christmas, New Years, Easter). In addition, the two "front row" cabanas closest to the beach have a $25 surcharge, although this is not mentioned in the FAQ price quote. I would take one of the private-bath cabanas on the second or third row at $100 a night. There is also a nice three-bedroom house on the property, which seems to be available by the bedroom at $150 a night if not rented to larger groups. Be sure to check these prices with Lu, the owner, before you make plans.

I guess there are folks who will pay those prices for those accomodations. I am not one of them :) In 2003 we paid $72 a night for electrified, air-conditioned comfort within a kilometer or two of Retiro Maya.

[Nelms]

Roni, I also have the feeling that Retiro Maya's prices are about $25 too high. But then, I'm not sure you can find a place that small, that quiet, on that fine a beach, with really nice cabanas with king-size beds, for less. I believe both Ana y Jose and Posada Margherita are higher, although with more amenities. In our case, the lack of electricity, A/C, noise, etc. is part of the attraction. And we are really picky about the beach. Many resorts have beaches that are rocky, weedy, or smelly, or have fringing reefs that prevent good body surfing on windy days, or don't offer the possibility of miles-long walks. You should also keep in mind that although the dollar hasn't fallen against the peso as much as it has against the euro, prices in Mexico are higher than in 2003.

[barbj050]

hi did you eat at any restaurants you enjoyed....would love a restaurant review..thanks and thanks for the hotel review ....staying at cabanas tulum in may....cant wait to chill...

[Nelms]

Barbj -- Four restaurants to recommend, in no particular order:
1. Ana y Jose, right next to Cabanas Tulum, I think. Mexican, seafood, dramatic Mayan architecture, moderate to expensive, no reservations required.
2. Posada Margherita, Italian (try Taglierini with shrimp), small, romantic, on the beach, reservations required.
3. Que Fresca at Zamas, on the beach, Mexican, seafood, moderate, week-end entertainment, no reservations.
4. Tres chiles, on the south side of the road between 307 and the Tulum beach, contemporary Mexican with interesting dishes, salsa made at the table, inexpensive to moderate, no reservations.
Enjoy!

[barbj050]

thanks for the heads up on restaurants....we will be right next door to ana y jose.... :)

[Worldtraveler02]

My wife and are going to Tulum in late June. We are looking for nice cabanas on a great beach for around $100 per night. Any recommendations between the following places:

1) Retiro Maya
2) Papaya Playa
3) Neuva Vida

Thanks,

Greg