We're a couple in early 30's, stayed in January for a few days and found a rustic cabanas on the beach with a great view in the morning when the sun rises and you can actually see it in the window and feel it in your body as the sun warms you up. I would think that if you don't have the sea view you wouldn't enjoy the place as much. Lack of facilities is a big plus... all the candles adds to the excitement: assuming you still have some left... Otherwise search for a luxury/all inclusive?...

I just recently returned from Copal and cannot say enough about the place! Stunning! The cabanas are tucked back in coconut groves and sandy paths that feel like you're on an island of your own. While it was May and quite hot, night time was very cool, even being in a gardenview cabana (#33, highly recommend it). The decor inside was simple and beautiful, w/a tiled shower and lovely sink/mirror.

Had plently of hot water, and while the staff was a little hit or miss, overall everyone was very friendly and helpful. The price was perfect, $80 a night w/a summer special of 7 nights for the price of 5. The bar and restaurant both had good food, and was in walking distance to other great restaurants like Zama's and TreceLunas, as well as great shops.

The beach was amazing and you could walk for awhile w/o any rocks, even saw a sea turtle while there. There was quite a few iguanas and lizards, but they kept to themselves. While I usually like to go to a different spot every year for vacation, I think I'm going to have to return to Tulum next year, and I couldn't imagine staying anywhere other than Copal!

Cabans Copal, May 17th to 23rd

First thiings first ,,,, thank you to all of the TI members who gave me advice on Cabanas Copal ,,,, some positive and some negative but all helpful in our decision to stay here. And a huge thank you to WindyCity for all of his help.

My wife and decided to go to Mexico for our 3oth anniversary. We travel abroad (mostly Europe) once a year and always do our own planning. We are the kind of travelers who look for the small intimate place to stay and avoid large chain style hotels. We try to experience the culture, the people and the local foods. The thought of an all-inclusive gave me the chills. So it was Cabanas Copal that looked just right for the kind of experience we wanted.

We spent 6 nights at Copal and we were not disappointed. Were there things to complain about? Sure, but why ,,, when you are staying in this tropical paradise ,,,, the crashing waves ,,,, the fantastic food and the freedom of total nudity on the beach and the grounds. I read many negatives about Copal ,,,,, such as: "the mosquito netting had holes in it" ,,, we never used it as there were no bugs with the great breeze ,,, "lack of hot water" ,,, didn't want any as after a hot day on the beach the cool shower felt wonderful ,,,, "food is expensive and of poor quality" ,,,,, sure it cost more than in town but the fish tacos, margaritas and the friendly service of Erica (also gave us Spanish lessons) made it worthwhile to eat there, especially at the Tun-Tun bar ,,,, "not enough or too much nudity" ,,, hey, it's clothing optional so do what makes you happy. This was our first experience with a C/O and I saw a pattern on new guest, including myself. After 15 mins on the beach, the wife is topless, after 45 mins the husband is nude, after 1-1/2 hrs, the wife is nude. And after a few more hours, they are swimming and walking the beach nude as it feels so natural ,,,"unfriendly staff leaves you to fend for yourself" ,,, I loved that part ,,, nobody bothers you and if you want or need anything, they were more than happy to help ,,, just ask.

Would I go back to Cabanas Copal? Yes, as soon as possible. Maybe try Azulik next time, if money permits. Thanks Copal, it was a great vacation.

Anyone needing any details, feel free to e-mail me. Joe

My wife and I just got back from a two day stay at Cabanas Copal tacked on to the back end of a company event in Cancun. The resort and facilities are exactly as advertised - rustic, no frills and wonderfully ralaxing.

We came to Cabanas Copal with no expectations other than to slip off and break away for a couple of days of solitude and relaxation. We got exactly that. We arrived several hours before the scheduled check-in. By the time we finished lunch, our cabana was ready for us.

We had a great seaside location overlooking the beach. Our cabana was as basic as you could get. Forget about privacy, the curtain dividing the toilet an shower stopped two feet off the stone floor and to use the toilet you sat with one foot in the open shower stall. So what, who cares....

We had no bugs - none...the first night we slept with the mosquito screen around us. The second, we pulled it back and just enjoyed more of the breeze coming through the screen.

This is a clothing optional resort and a number of the guests took advantage of the option. At least an equal number didn't. It was very comfortable either way -even for a first timer like me. I ended up taking full advantage of the option.

The Cabanas Copal restaurant was adequate but you're missing a lot if you don't venture on down the road and check out Zamas or some of the other local restaurants in the area.

One of the highlights of our stay were the early morning massages done in the open air platforms overlooking the beach that you'll see on the website. It was without question one of the best massage experiences I ever had. The massage itself was wonderful and coupled with the sun, early morning breeze and the overall setting the whole hour was almost an out-of-body experience.

If you're up for an off the beaten path experience, skip Cancun, head straight for Tulum and check out Cabanas Copal.