LUXWT Prime Review

By Mario Del Duca

What’s your definition of luxury? If it’s being in a secluded eco-friendly place on the edge of an outstanding beach with the Caribbean breeze airing your room and very friendly staff ensuring that you make the most of your visit, then the seven room Casa de las Olas in Tulum is your type of luxury! A member of the Afar Magazine hotel collection, Casa de las Olas brings a new perspective on how to ensure guests enjoy Tulum and the surrounding area. We had been to Tulum several times before this trip but, a short while into our stay here, we felt that we had never been before! Previously we had kept to the main strip adjacent to the beach and the local Tulum ruins but a key part of the Casa de las Olas experience is the assistance the staff provide in helping see new places and experiencing places that perhaps your average visitor to Tulum does not get to see.

We received some fantastic recommendations that made this a memorable trip - the restaurants that we visited were excellent and, because a community seems to naturally form with staff and other guests, some of your experiences in Tulum may be with a group of new friends. We particularly loved this about Casa de las Olas as it was very new to us and, from a hotel point of view, it definitely worked! We never thought we would ever go on a bird-watching trip with an incredibly experienced guide and friend of Casa de las Olas but we did so with other guests and enjoyed it very much. Casa de las Olas is on the southern edge of Tulum and is the last property before the protected biosphere of Sian Ka’an making it very quiet but also an excellent spot to enjoy an empty beach and the biosphere from. The building is one of the oldest in the area but is very well-designed with the palm trees providing a natural green canopy and harnessing the breeze to make the rooms airy and therefore there is no need to switch on the air conditioning either during the day or at night.

In fact Casa de las Olas is very environmentally friendly with all electricity coming from solar panels on the roof and water from a cenote (sink-hole) that is situated at the back of the property. In fact you can also swim in the crystal clear denote to cool down after a day in the hot Caribbean sun! Breakfasts are cooked and served by the charming Lulu who seems to have become an institution when it comes to serving excellent meals at Casa de las Olas. We particularly liked the fact that the food is all locally sourced and organic and, if you’re lucky and you plan to just stay on the beach on one of your days, pray that you have fish tacos for lunch! Everyone eats at a community table which is a great opportunity to get to meet other travelers and hear about their stories and where they have been or are planning to go in the Tulum area. This table is where it all comes together - friendships are forged and adventures are planned.

We wanted to eat at the famous Hartwood restaurant but couldn’t get a table even though we thought we had tried every channel to do so but the staff came to the rescue and, not only did they get us a table, but they joined us for a memorable experience. As we’re internationally renowned foodies (own words!) our only regret was not being here for the twice-yearly “Eat Retreat” which is a week-long food fest which Casa de las Olas organizes with Tulum’s top chefs. Oh well, we will have to plan another trip! Switch off your cell phone, take off your shoes and relax at Casa de las Olas! Who is Casa de las Olas ideal for? Eco-aware travelers looking for a community feel.