We spent a long time looking at different places in Tulum before we settled on Hemingway, and we're very pleased we chose it. We didn't want to stay in some sterile air-conditioned faux cabana, but equally we didn't want to rough it. Hemingway was the perfect combination for us.

Its a small place, about 8 Cabanas which gives it a nice friendly feel. Initially we thought we wanted a beach-front cabana, but there were none available, so we stayed in 'Iguana' which was actually rated as a Garden cabana. In reality it was set back only slightly from the beach, still surrounded by sand, and you could see the sea from our porch, maybe 20m maximum from the water, and actually the surrounding gardens gave it a nice secluded feel, unlike the beach-front ones which seemed a bit more exposed.

The Cabana itself was completely detached, and has the perfect 'look' of the traditional cabana, using all of the natural materials. Inside, however, it was very comfortable and spacious, with two double beds, and a lovely big bathroom. Although the bathroom doesn't have a door, it still provides privacy, and there is a little screen should you wish. This is more than made up for however, by the little details such as a real conch shell as a soap dish, and a mini hammock to store toiletries. The cabana is simply, but nicely decorated, with lovely fabrics. The beds were comfortable, if a little short (Iguana is a twin cabana) and although all of the windows are screened with netting, the beds have thier own mosquito nets, which add to the romantic appeal! All of the cabanas have porches at the front , with a hammock and chairs, so its nice to sit if you fancy a break from the sun.

The beach is lovely, we had read that there were rocks directly in front of the property, but although there are a few rocks, literally a few paces to right takes you into a perfect blue sea with a sandy bottom. One of the nicest things about Hemingway is that instead of regular sun loungers, there are double size 'day beds' made out of wood, some hanging like hammocks, and some on the ground. Not only are they great for couples, but they're made up each day with proper sheets and thicker cushions so they are very comfy. There are hammocks in between the palm trees as well. The beach was never crowded, and we could always find a bed, and often we were the only people in the sea all along the beach!

A word about Paola (the owner), the staff, and the restaurant. Breakfast each morning was fine, toast, coffee, fresh orange juice and a fruit platter, and while the staff were friendly, we might have struggled if we hadn't spoken spanish, as only Paola and the barman (both only around in the evenings) speak english. Throughout the day you can get beers and soft drinks just by poking your head round the kitchen door, and they're reasonably priced. In the evenings however, there is a full bar and one night we had a nice, but quite expensive (by local standards) cocktail there. In the evenings the restaurant has 4 tables for dinner, and you have to book in advance, we ate there one night, and the food was excellent. However, there is no menu, Paola tells you 'what's on' as it were, and no prices are mentioned. When the bill came, we were shocked at how expensive it was, a starter and main course, with two glasses of (low end) wine were far more expensive than any other meal we had throughout our stay in Tulum (even Hechizo where we had 3 courses and a bottle of wine). Excellent food, great location, not so sure about the price.

The properties in Tulum are spread out along a long beach road, we thought Hemingway was great, as it was within walking distance of a few lively bars and shops, as well as being a short cab ride into the pueblo, but was still very quiet.

Overall we loved our time at Hemingway, and would recommend it to anyone. Sure, the service is 'laid back' to say the least, and you might get the odd insect in the cabana, but for us, the character and charm of the place, and the picture perfect location more than made up for it.

This is just about the only un-pretentious, modest and straight-thinking cabana on a beautiful strip of beach sadly awash with expensive, 'hippy' cabanas. Owned by an Italian, the cabanas are beautifully simple, and the feeling of stepping straight onto the most perfect sand in the world first thing in the morning is unbeatable.

The cabanas have private hammocks on their 'patios' or you could use the fabulously indulgent double swinging beds on the beach. The showers are simple, fashioned out of concha shells, and there are no fancy gimmicks.

The food cooked by the charming Senora is quite simply outstanding - everyone we spoke to confirmed that it was the best food on the beach and they didn't know why they had bothered to try anywhere else! Always fresh fish of the day, with a heavy Italian pasta influence, and accompanied with decent non-pricey south american reds. A good breakfast too, although coffe could do with being hot.

Perfect for whiling away the hours with a book, walking along the beach or using as a bolthole to investigate the cenotes and fishing nearby. Sadly in range of the Cancun 'rent-a-car' massif, but remarkably the Hemingway Cabanas still retain a classy, un-pretentious air.

Highly recommended.

I stayed at the Hemingway in February of 2008 in the cabana above the small restaurant ("Estrella") . Don't expect reliable electricity, hot water, or a telephone. I had trouble sleeping the first night because the bed felt slightly moist from the constant seabreeze. But that is also a testament to the authenticity of the "eco resort" label. The views, the quiet, the sun, the sea breeze, the amiable loitering cat & dog, and the food really create an atmosphere hard to duplicate. The only lights at night are from the stars and the only sound from the wind. So, as others point out, bring a flashlight.

If you need a place to read a book, lose track of time and regain your peace, this is it. You can even take $12 yoga classes at the fancy mayatulum resort 100 yards down the beach. If you want to get wasted and party (I'm not knocking it) then consider someplace else.

I wouldn't recommed it for kids, the beauty of Hemingway is in the lack of stimulating activities.

The staff was attentive without pandering for tips. I also recommend the restaurant right across the street. - I think it was called "las Tablas".

booked through [--]
We stayed @ Hemmingway 23rd- 30th Dec 2007 Boa Cabana next to the cantina, We had hot water all day every day, We got a beach bed no problem everyday ( a few more wouldn't go a miss) breakfast was o k maybe a few more tables ? and quicker service, but it is manjana, great beach location, lunch great lobster with homemade pasta and vino blanco, with bruschetta to start. Car parking is minimal, our hire car got a slight scrape from another vehicle that had got stuck in the sand. only one electric socket in the room, power on from dusk till about 11pm if you must take laptop, mobile phone, and mosi killer you will have to juggle.
overall great location, hire car a must, basic amenities, but it is a get away from it all location. give it a try for a few days. I would certainly go back