Hilton’s Conrad Hotels & Resorts brand has planted its maiden flag in the Mexican Caribbean with the Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya. Situated at the threshold of a secluded bay, tropical forest, and Caribbean coastline, the lifestyle resort sets a new standard for luxury in the Yucatan Peninsula thanks to elevated designs that nod to local heritage and ancient Mayan architecture. The design team, led by HBA, fostered an immersive bond with the setting by emphasizing the area’s local flora and fauna and the distinct quality of Mexican craftsmanship.
“We paid homage to the locale by maximizing the sweeping ocean vistas and surrounding environs, incorporating indigenous materials throughout the design, and working with local artisans and makers,” says HBA San Francisco partner Miguel Baeza. “Drawing inspiration from the local Mexican culture, infused with modern design touches, we sought to create a [contemporary] lifestyle sanctuary with a relaxed luxury feel and curated moments of authenticity.”
Local artisanry is evoked throughout public and private spaces—beginning with engraved oversized doors at the entrance. Warm wood tones adorn walls and ceilings, while smooth and rough stone finishes enrich each environment with texture.
HBA also crafted several of the resort’s F&B spaces, including upscale café and market Cafetal and the Chaak Bar. Mexico City-based studio Ersawe designed sophisticated onsite restaurant Autor and the Ukai sushi bar, which balances both contemporary and traditional themes. Mediterranean concept Maratea was crafted by interior designer Paulina Moran, while Ezequiel Farca pays homage to Mexico’s Japanese immigrants with teppanyaki option Kengai.
Nestled within lush mangroves, the Conrad Spa Tulum is conceived as a wellness refuge home to an outdoor pool and thermal facilities. The resort also boasts a separate 55,000-square-foot event space comprising modern indoor-outdoor settings for a range of gatherings.
Calming tones define each of the 349 guestrooms and suites, complementing the overall organic palette. Floor-to-ceiling windows, private balconies, and even plunge pools at select ground floor rooms further reinforce the romance of surrounding nature. Spacious suites are also equipped with ample living room space, an adjacent eight-person dining room, and a spa-inspired master bathroom endowed with a soaking tub and rainfall shower.
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