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P R O F I L E | T U L U M T R E E H O U S E
Set in the jungle and situated near a biosphere reser ve,
a Caribbean beach and Mayan ruins, Tulum Treehouse is a
discreetly luxurious refuge.
W R I T T E N B Y K A R I N E M O N I É
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n Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, Tulum is a hot spot for travelers from all over the world.
With its high-end restaurants serving delicious food, sublime natural landscapes with
pristine beaches, and an exceptional archaeological site along the coast, the small
beachtown has everything, including Tulum Treehouse.
Surrounded by tropical vegetation, Tulum Treehouse—a member of Design Hotels—is a
unique, five-bedroom property that can host up to 10 people. Each bedroom features an en-
suite bathroom, a private terrace, an outdoor shower and a hammock. Available to rent (only
three rooms or in its entirety thanks to two additional rooms located on the garden level),
the house is the result of a fruitful collaboration between creative minds, and reflects a mix
between international design and local craftsmanship.
In charge of the architecture, Tulum-based Co-Lab Design Office subtly combined
polished concreted in a sandy tone with locally sourced Tzalam wood throughout, striving
to integrate the structure with its surroundings. Guests discover spacious bedrooms among
the trees while wraparound terraces and open-air spaces—like the 12-person dining area on
the rooftop—invite guests to enjoy the views from every angle. Based in Berlin, Annabell
Kutucu worked on the interior design, creating peaceful spaces where simplicity and pureness
pervade. Organic materials from the region were preferred for a contextualized aesthetic.
Furniture and decorative accessories were sourced from both international designers and
Mexican artisans: Local textiles are from Mexican brand Caravana; baskets, hand-woven
by craftswoman Rosalinda, are made with the local fiber
bejuco that was used by the Mayans; and ceramics are by
La Chicharra, a Oaxacan maker who collaborates with
local designers—including Valeria Tamayo and Justina
Ricárdez—and blends traditional techniques with
advanced technology. A Yucatan family of carpenters
who collects fallen, displaced and diseased trees from the
tropical region of Veracruz created the furniture; while
the natural products for skin and hair care, body oils and
other aromatic products with indigenous ingredients are
from local beauty brand Lolita Lolita.
At the heart of Tulum Treehouse, which relies on a full
solar setup and a water treatment and irrigation system,
is sustainability to help preserve the fragile and beautiful
ecosystem. Here, the play between light and shadows,
breeze and birdsong, and bright sunlight and lush green
plants dictate the rhythm of life—one where a slow pace
and quality time prevail in a relaxing atmosphere shaped
to soothe the body and mind. designhotels.com