Kati Kaan a villa in the Sian Kaan Biosphere of Tulum

Tranquil and breathtakingly beautiful, it offers a private white sand beach kissed by the sparkling turquoise waves of the Caribbean.  It’s a marvel: a rare jewel in the Sian Kaan biosphere, which is a natural Unesco World Heritage site and Mexico’s largest nature preserve with flora and fauna found nowhere else on earth.  Fronted by the sea, the property is backed by the Campechon lagoon; the natural, freshwater marine aquifer for MesoAmerica, featuring canals carved by the Maya in 500 BC. 

New, airy, and light-filled, the villa fits well with its unique surroundings.  A blend of Mayan and modern styles, its heart is an immense palapa, artistically woven with native palms and rising three stories. The house is constructed with warm hardwoods and features chukum plaster, a natural clay that filters the air, regulates temperature and shines with a touch-inviting luminosity. 

Throughout the house, details make the difference: custom-made wood furniture was specially designed for the Kati Kaan modern esthetic.  The linens are Frette, the bedcovers are simple: locally woven soft cotton in tasteful designs with a shot of Mayan color.  The stone floors are hand-hewn, smooth and perfect for bare feet.  The décor incorporates native flavor with local artists’ work in painting, weaving, ceramics and glass.  

Up on the roof is the 360º view of the sea and the lagoon.  Featuring a jacuzzi, bar, and lounge area, it’s the perfect place for watching spectacular sunsets or the peering into the inky dark skies of Sian Kaan, where stars look close enough to touch.  

The villa was designed to respect nature and have low environmental impact.  It’s been carefully created to circulate fresh sea breezes and cool, both day and night.  Awnings and umbrellas offer protection from mid-day sun and provide pleasant areas to relax, read, or rest.  On the beach, there are thatch-roofed palapas, lounge chairs, cotton covered beach beds, and even a pergola-covered table for dining on the sands.

Local, made-to-order, eco-friendly products grace the bathrooms and a catchment system recycles gray water to minimize waste.  The pool is saltwater with no harsh chemicals.

A well-considered guest experience means there are convenient light switches, multiple charging outlets and AC units in every room.  Alexa is yours to command.  Screened windows bar errant insects. Adjustable shutters and blackout curtains for sliding glass doors provide privacy if desired.  The entire house and pool area is wired for sound with Sonos—all set to play from Spotify.  

The food and the service are magnificent.  Jacki is a genius in the kitchen and the food reflects it: fresh seafood, local Mexican specialties or requested favorites.  It’s some of the most beautiful and delicious food on the entire Mayan coast, served with flair. Coffee and cocktails have only to be requested.  Customize your menu with the manager before arriving to ensure the perfect experience. Charges reflect actual costs with a 10% mark-up.

Jorge is the manager and he’ll do everything to ensure your stay is exceptional.  He oversees the very attentive staff and efficient grounds crew, helps his wife in the kitchen, mixes excellent cocktails, is the driver-on-demand, and plans all excursions.

There’s plenty to do at Kati Kaan: books and games, kayaks, SUP paddle boards and snorkeling gear are at the ready.  Many other adventures await: deep sea fishing, floating cruises in the canals of the Campechon? lagoon, massages in your room, exploring Mayan ruins, or wildlife expeditions to see storks, flamingos, turtles, manatees, and even crocodiles.

Kati Kaan is an extraordinary gem that offers the best of both worlds:  this splendid natural escape is only 15 minutes to Tulum Beach, where restaurants offer every cuisine imaginable, unique boutiques abound, and nightlife flourishes.