By Debra Griboff

The El Pez beachfront hotel in Tulum, Mexico, has upped the luxury quotient.

When it opened with on-the-beach luxury rooms with heatable plunge pools that offer stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. Nature’s wonders are on display: Pelicans fly at sunset and turtles nest during the season.

Each air-conditioned room has a king bed and sofa, a lounge area and high-end bathrooms with double vanities. For families, the king-size bed can be split into twins.

The décor beautifully augments the locale. Local Mayan stone, tropical woods, natural Mexican hand-woven fabrics and textiles set the tone — rustic but elegant. And relaxation is ensured: These are TV-free rooms. 

Daily maid service, turndown featuring artisanal chocolates and herbal teas are provided, along with a safe and minibar. Fresh coffee is delivered in thermoses to the room’s outdoor terrace each morning at sunrise. In-room Nespresso machines are also provided.

In addition, all rooms have A/C, free WiFi and concierge service, along with dining and bar options. El Pez’s restaurant primarily offers a seafood menu, as well as handcrafted cocktails.

Brendon Leach, CEO of Colibri Boutique Hotels, El Pez’s parent company, calls the new additions “staying true to our unpretentious and thoughtful approach to barefoot luxury hospitality.” 

El Pez is set in Turtle Cove, a 20-room hotel that offers oceanfront rooms, suites and cabanas.

**The El Pez is temporarily closed, but expects to re-open. The hotel is part of the Colibri Group, which specializes in boutique hotels. The El Pez’s sister resort in Tulum, Mexico, La Zebra, is also a luxury haven, noted for its authentic Mexican cuisine and craft cocktails. This is the original El Pez story.