Nest, Tulum
After a long, busy season of travel and work, my stay at Nest was just what the doctor ordered. Small, quiet, and tucked way down on the less-developed south end of Tulum Beach, the hotel's relaxed vibe and low-key charm immediately quelled any anxiety I'd had about Tulum "not being the same." As soon as I stepped on to the palm-shaded property, I felt like I'd come home.
Made up of just twelve rooms spread between three small buildings connected by a winding pathway outlined by torches, Nest feels more like a private beach house than a hotel. Maybe that's because that's exactly what it used to be. The hotel opened earlier this year and is operated by a few former managers from nearby Be Tulum. Their ultimate vision was to retain the private home feeling while combining their favorite elements of Be's stellar service, and in that they've succeeded 100%. My room was located in the top floor of a circular tower, and with the two breezy balconies, white-meets-wood decor, numerous hammocks, and ocean views I felt like a very lucky, very tropical Rapunzel.
Breakfast is included in the stay, and it's as delicious as it is generous. It starts with a shot of fresh-squeezed lime juice and a shot of probiotics, plus juice, fresh fruit, coffee, almond milk, toast, and whatever you want to order from the kitchen — huevos rancheros, pancakes, eggs, yogurt, granola. Also very generous is the hotel's happy hour and its endless glasses of wine, beer, and mezcal. Be prepared to reign yourself in after mezcal number three or you may miss your hard-won Hartwood reservation. Not that I know from experience, or anything.
Besides the very beautiful, very thoughtful decor (natural textiles, rustic wood furniture, fresh flowers, and incense) in the common areas and the hotel's dreamy beach location, my favorite thing about Nest may have been the staff. They were attentive and welcoming, but never the slightest bit overbearing. I was traveling solo and spent a lot of time reading and writing in the lounge and on the beach, and though we chatted occasionally and my drinks were somehow always magically full, I never once felt interrupted or rushed or judged. It was heaven, dipping into that turquoise sea and returning to the beach to be alone with my thoughts, and — like I said earlier — exactly what the doctor ordered.
