Leading Tulum’s quest for decadent desert-island chic on the tranquil martini-clear waters of Soliman Bay, it may be hard to imagine Jashita had left much room for improvement. But wander, sand underfoot, through the coconut palms of their extravagant makeover and it’s abundantly clear that this hotel’s benchmark for success is to supersede your expectations.
Let time slow right down among foliage-framed vistas of champagne sands and azure waters from the 30ft showpiece glass pool. Or gather for cocktail hour and uninterrupted seascapes on cushion-strewn sofas at the elevated terrace. With the jungle rearranged to lend postcard-perfection wherever you cast your gaze and privacy wherever you lay your towel, private nooks and hideaways abound. Easily glamorous enough to attract well-heeled posers on location, Jashita somehow still manages to inspire its guests to abandon pretence and truly let go. Perhaps thanks to the Venetian family who built it from the dunes up, whose palpable love and homespun charm pervade throughout.
Highs
- Soliman Bay, a breathtaking protected aquamarine cove, waist-deep for miles with a fish-teeming reef – there's snorkelling equipment in your room
- A small selection of beautiful suites with four-poster beds draped in chiffon curtains, and plunge pools on their terraces
- Just 12km from Tulum and daily boat trips include Mayan temple tours, fishing and diving
- The Pandano Restaurant’s exquisite menu mixes top-notch Mexican, Italian home-cooking and freshly grilled fish
- Beautiful spa and wooden yoga platform overlooking a lagoon
Lows
- For action beyond summer music and forgetting the world, it’s a 10-minute taxi to Tulum
- Some sea views from the 2nd floor are obstructed by trees
- If you like the surf, you may prefer Tulum beach to these tranquil Caribbean sands
- Full pre-payment required on reservation
- No twin beds
Best time to go
High season runs from November to April when the weather is dry and temperatures hover around 30C. American travellers favour Christmas and New Year in Tulum so it gets busy. Travel in November or May for slightly lower rates, fewer people and lower temperatures. June to September are the hottest months and traditionally the wettest, before hurricane season reigns for a few weeks. But Caribbean weather is such that you can get lucky (or not) any time of the year.
Our top tips
If you can tear yourself away from Soliman Bay, sample a staple Mexican lunch at an authentic Mexican taquería watching señoras make tortillas by hand. There are plenty in Tulum, and Jashita’s staff can recommend the best.
Also popular with Tulum’s residents is the rustic lobster shack on the beach nearby. They cook over a fire and serve delicious conch and lobster ceviche, squid and fish. It's a hidden gem with virtually no tourists; Tommaso tipped us off!
Also popular with Tulum’s residents is the rustic lobster shack on the beach nearby. They cook over a fire and serve delicious conch and lobster ceviche, squid and fish. It's a hidden gem with virtually no tourists; Tommaso tipped us off!
Location
Jashita is on the beach in Soliman Bay, overlooking the Caribbean Sea. It’s about 12km from the restaurants, beaches and nightlife of eco-chic resort Tulum in south-east Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, and 120km from Cancún International Airport.
By Air:
The nearest international airport is Cancún (120km away). There are direct flights from Europe (approx. 10 hours) and the US (4 hours from New York). Alternatively, take an internal flight from Mexico City.
From the Airport
Hiring a car is the usual way to drive the straight coastal route from the airport. The hotel can arrange transfers on request (1.5 hours) and there are buses including Ado’s airport transfers, and shuttle buses known as colectivos.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.
More on getting to Mexico and getting around
Airports:
- Cancún International Airport 120.0 km CUN
Other:
- Beach 0.1 km
- Shops 10.0 km
- Restaurant 0.5 km