Luxury is not the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about the Mayan jungle, yet somehow Kasa Parota Hotel Tulum has managed to make it happen. Kasa, a play on the Spanish word “Casa” (meaning home) strives to be exactly that, a home away from home, surrounded by the deep jungle, yet still providing all the luxuries of the modern world, all while being only about 15-20 minutes away from one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Located in the village of Tulum, an ancient trading post for the Mayans and later on a quaint fishermen’s village, the area has somehow survived not only the collapse of the Mayan and the conquest of the Spanish, but also the invasion of the modern world looking to cut down the jungle and put up huge resort hotels. The jungle, right at the edge of a UNESCO Heritage site, known as the Sian Ka’an Biosphere is practically untouched, hiding ancient ruins, birds, and animals as well as the world-renowned cenotes, which are pretty much flooded natural sinkholes with clear blue water and amazing sights. There are over 6000 different cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula alone, from pit cenotes to the cylinder, basin and cave ones, all offering surreal views for the visitors as well as cave divers and explorers.
To further blend this mix of natural beauty and luxurious amenities, Kasa Parota Hotel Tulum is located only about two hours away from Cancun International Airport, which receives direct flights from all over the world, welcoming people from North and South America, as well as Europe and Asia for a getaway in this unspoiled jungle.
Right in the heart of this Mayan jungle, Kasa Hotel Parota Tulum has become a home away from home for the wandering traveler looking for the simple and unspoiled natural beauty of the region combined with a few luxuries of the resort life. Guided by the saying “Mi Kasa, Tu Kasa” (my home is your home), everything about the hotel, from the rooms to the staff, is welcoming and warm. The open air reception features swinging hammocks and complimentary bikes that the guests can rent and explore the village located just 5 minutes away.
Walking into the open concept lobby, guests can catch a glimpse of the bright blue pool, right next to the restaurant Kocina, another named inspired by the spanish word “Cocina” (meaning kitchen), a place that feels like somehow you’ve walked into a friend’s home, who is welcoming you with amazing food and drinks. Most of the foods at the hotel are cooked over hot coals and spiced with a variety of Mexican & Mayan herbs to insure the freshness and the authentic taste of the region, while at the same time offering some classical dishes for the less adventurous eaters. From ceviche, shrimp tacos and grilled octopus to steak and burgers, or the vegan options made with jackfruit and freshly grilled vegetables, Kocina is bound to satisfy even the pickiest eater.
Even the name of the hotel is deeply rooted in the environment and points to another statement behind the hotel – its eco-friendly intentions. Parota is a type of wood that grows abundantly in the Mayan jungle and is used a lot in construction due to its fast growing rate which allows the jungle to regenerate quickly once the trees have been selectively cut. Known by a few names in the area, from Guanacaste or rain tree to Caro Caro or elephant-ear tree, the parota wood features reddish and dark brown colors alongside clearly distinct, creamy sapwood which makes for impressive furniture and accent pieces that are not only beautiful but also stand the test of time. But that’s not the only way in which Kasa Parota Hotel Tulum is looking to leave its mark, or better said not leave any mark on the environment. In an effort to operate in an eco-friendly manner and minimize the impact on the environment, the swimming pools are filled with salt water, eliminating the need for harsh chemicals, such as chlorine, which are present in sweetwater pools, thus being softer not only on the environment, but also on your skin, hair and eyes. Furthermore, they have completely eliminated plastic from daily use by providing glass water bottles that guests can refill with filtered water as much as needed.
A member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH), Kasa Parota Hotel Tulum has only been open for a few months, yet it has set out to leave its mark on the exclusive Aldea Zamá neighborhood of Tulum with its 39 spacious and comfortable suites, with fully equipped kitchens and oversized balconies. Aiming to provide the upscale luxury that has been missing at times in bohemic Tulum, Kasa Parota Hotel Tulum features an infinity-edge pool and complimentary bicycles for those looking to explore the nearby shops, restaurants, bars and beaches, along with locally-made organic toiletries provided by the famed Mayan Clay Spa, as well as free WiFi on the premises. Kasa Parota Hotel Tulum is also a family-friendly hotel, welcoming guests with children of all ages and more importantly providing adequate entertainment for every age from a signature infinity-edge swimming pool with a swim-up bar and restaurant, a shallow “beach” area for sun loungers and a place for children to play.
To take its luxury service to an even higher level, Kasa Parota Hotel Tulum offers in-room private dining with a local chef or for those who love cooking, every room comes with a fully equipped kitchen to bring to life all your master chef skills or make that one thing that you know for sure your picky children will eat without fussing.
The various tours around Tulum that the concierge at Kasa Parota Hotel Tulum can put together for guests, will not only enhance your experience of the place but also give you an opportunity to dig deep into the Mayan culture and get a sense of how big its impact has been in Central and South America. The concierge can help you with anything from diving in cenotes to swinging in the rainforest canopy, discovering the ruins of ancient Mayan cities or adventuring in protected biosphere reserves.
With an increasing demand for upscale, family-friendly accommodation in Tulum that not only preserve the natural environment, but also give visitors a unique access into the jungle and the Sian Ka’an Biosphere without disrupting the existing flora and fauna, Kasa Parota Hotel Tulum is sure to keep providing that elusive luxurious experience in the middle of a popular destination that feeds the hearts and minds of every traveler.
| Photos courtesy of Kasa Parota Hotel Tulum
