Until recently, Tulum was a sleepy town on Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula with deep connections to its Mayan roots.
Even when American beach bums began to move there, Tulum still carried a quaint, hippie-chic vibe. But the town’s popularity exploded over the pandemic, according to Sally Sudol, an agent with the Agency who moved to the area nearly 20 years ago. It’s become a luxury destination because of its beaches, ancient ruins and chill vibes.
“It’s a place that the world has discovered where you can go and be yourself, no matter what that self is,” she said. “If that’s a partier, then you can be a partier. If that’s a living holistic lifestyle and being into meditation, then you can do that.”
Tulum is known as an eco-chic oasis, with a focus on sustainable architecture and lifestyles. But the town has seen some big changes in infrastructure since the pandemic, including a new airport serving the city and the partial completion of the Tren Maya, a train line that brings passengers up and down the Caribbean coastline, also known as the Mayan Riviera. In addition, the more than 5,500-acre Parque del Jaguar opened last September, and Calle 7 in downtown Tulum is being developed into a dining and shopping destination.
Now the town has a decidedly luxury bent. Wealthy transplants, dubbed the “Tulum-inati,” are seeking out large villas where they can relax in a private jungle paradise with their families or friends several times a year, but rent it out to other visitors for a healthy return on the investment.
Prices
More well-heeled buyers are looking to buy luxury villas in lieu of the more affordable, compact condos that were popular in the 2010s.
“Right now villas are super trendy,” Sudol said. She currently has a listing for a five-bedroom, six-bathroom home on Tulum Beach Road—known for its restaurants, hotels and nightlife—with ocean views, a private pool, several lush outdoor areas and an open floor plan for $7.1 million.
Revourproductions
Owners often hire managers not only to help them organize excursions and extras like personal chefs for their stays, but also to handle incoming vacation-rental guests.
Although there’s an oversupply of smaller condos, substantial villas are harder to come by, according to Jason Waller of Christie’s International Real Estate Mexico Luxury Properties, who has sold properties in the area for 20 years.
“Where we see things going is luxury,” said Waller, whose firm merged with Christie’s in January. Large villa rentals with room for a dozen or more people “get a good return and people are making good money,” he added.
Amenities
Beautiful beaches, swimmable cenotes (underwater caves the region is known for) and ancient Mayan ruins have long been among Tulum’s attractions. But with the addition of the Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport—which opened at the end of 2023 and is about 30 minutes from the center of Tulum—and the Tren Mayan, Tulum is “booming,” according to Waller. “There’s a lot more access now.”
There’s a Bohemian style to the residences that attracts buyers. “We get architects from all over coming down to design incredible-looking buildings,” Waller said. And designers aren’t afraid to get whimsical in Tulum. “There’s a new building being built right now and the entrance of the building is a giant jaguar and you walk in through the mouth,” he added.
Speaking of, the new Jaguar Park is another highlight of the area. The protected state park, about a 15-minute drive from the center of Tulum, offers beaches, walking paths, panoramic views, ruins and wildlife.
Tulum Beach Road, officially called Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila, is a popular destination for nightlife. Calle 7, located in the center of town, is another up-and-coming destination for shopping and dining.
“This is going to be a corridor of restaurants, shops, cafes, little bars, things like that,” Waller explained. “When you’re in town, you can walk from your property and head over there and have access to everything you need.”
Notable Visitors
Celebrity sightings are not rare in Tulum. Actors Justin Theroux and Nicole Brydon Bloom got married there in March, according to TMZ. Actress Heather Graham, country musician Maren Morris and R&B singer Jacquees have also been spotted on the white sands of Tulum’s beaches this year, TMZ has reported.
Although the region’s major infrastructure projects will bring long-term growth, the building process has meant locals and tourists have had to contend with construction traffic and unpaved roads. But as projects are completed, that’s set to change, according to Giovana Saldivar of Riviera Maya Sotheby’s International Realty.
“This year is the evolution for Tulum,” she said, who confirmed her clients are looking for big homes. Saldivar is seeing more quality homes go up in Tulum and the immediate area, with U.S., Canadian, French and Brazilian buyers driving demand.
“Before you wouldn’t see that in downtown,” Saldivar said. “And now there’s a lot of life in the town.”
Source: mansionglobal
