Are you ready for an iconic bohemian adventure by the sea? Zorba Beach Homes, located at KM9 on Tulum beach, is a stunning property nestled between pristine jungle scenery and a magnificent private beach. The time I spent there was much more than I could have ever expected. There was something to do every day and I never wanted to leave!
The Property
First, there’s the property itself–the five villas which comprise Zorba Beach Homes are painstakingly constructed with really unique artistry. This includes handcrafted tiles, copper lighting, colonial-era doors, and ceilings speckled with fragments of recycled glass bottles. These bottles gracefully reflect the light streaming in every morning from the Caribbean. Rather than cut down the surrounding scenery, the region’s trademark palms and mahogany trees actually extend into the homes themselves at times cutting right through the villa ceilings. Other trees were refashioned into charming wooden tables and support beams that enhance the rustic ambience of the place. The place gives you a very warm, laid back and mellow feeling overall. The gated entrance from the road ensured exclusive privacy for the length of my stay.
My Villa at Zorba
I stayed at Zorba Villa 2, a gorgeous three-bedroom villa that is only a two-minute walk from the beach. I spent most of my time there relaxing on the sand in the provided loungers, taking in the fresh ocean breezes and distinct pink-orange sunsets under the charming shade of the Palmas. These seemed to hallmark every evening in what truly seemed like my own private paradise.
The villa comprises of a primary floor consisting of a bedroom with a queen-sized bed and ensuite bathroom, while the upper floor features two more bedrooms, one king-size and one queen-size, with both containing an ensuite bathroom and Juliette balcony offering some of the most breathtaking ocean views I’ve ever seen. The linens are always fresh, and housekeeping services are available every day except Sunday.
Facilities
The villa offered full use of sea kayaks, SUP’s and boogie boards to enjoy the waters; I found the kayaking to be especially peaceful, although it was also a bit of a workout!
The bedrooms also have air conditioning provided. However, they request that you only use it at night since the property is “off-grid” and they are trying to conserve electricity. The property’s commitment to environmental protection is actually quite admirable, and almost everywhere you look the world of nature seems to take over—the fresh smell of the ocean and the sounds of tropical birds flying from palm to palm are a calming constant.
Elsewhere on the premises, there’s a posh yoga studio offering private lessons, ping pong tables, a shared pool, and a 1500-square foot rooftop patio with stunning views of the surrounding area—there was so much to do that I didn’t even get a chance to explore all of it, although the patio is definitely not to be missed and a primary reason I would come back.
Food at Zorba Beach
The kitchen features a handy Nespresso maker with a few complimentary pods. However, it’s advised to bring your own pods since the complementary ones run out fast. The complementary ones run out fast. Breakfast can be enjoyed in front of a spectacular beachfront view that could be seen right through the glass doors. Every. Single. Morning. It’s so serene that it’s difficult to put into words, there’s nothing like it.
In and Around Zorba Beach
The surrounding area is chock-full of tourist attractions. This includes lush cenotes and ancient Mayan ruins, luxurious nearby spas, and tantalizing restaurants. I spent time at a number of local markets sampling exotic ingredients unique to the area. There’s also a chef on-site who prepared some amazing local dishes—be sure and ask for what specials are currently available. Shuttle services, childcare services, airport transfers, massages, and group tourist excursions can also all be easily arranged. Overall, this was the vacation of a lifetime and I definitely plan on returning, especially for the kayaking and the Zen-like time spent on the rooftop patio.
