Casa Malca is a Selected hotel located in Tulum, Mexico. It has been recognized by the Michelin Guide for its exceptional hospitality and unique experience.

How many Michelin Keys does Casa Malca have?

Casa Malca has been awarded Selected by the Michelin Guide, indicating a very special stay.

Where is Casa Malca located?

Casa Malca is located in Tulum, Mexico, in the North America region.

What makes a Selected hotel special?

Selected hotels provide very special stays with excellent service and a unique sense of place.

How do I book Casa Malca?

You can view more details and booking information for Casa Malca through the Michelin Guide website. Each Michelin Keys hotel offers a unique booking experience tailored to their guests.

Casa Malca | Selected in Tulum, Mexico

Name: Casa Malca
Address: Tulum, North America, Mexico
Rating: 4.5

Expert Review: Casa Malca

Casa Malca, Tulum: A Michelin Key Selected Oasis of Art and Bohemian Luxury

Casa Malca in Tulum, Mexico, a distinguished Michelin Key Selected property, consistently garners high praise for its unique blend of artistic flair, luxurious comfort, and prime beachfront location. Guests frequently describe it as an exceptional and unforgettable destination, often calling it a "paradise" and "the best in Tulum."

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The overall sentiment for Casa Malca is overwhelmingly positive, reflected in consistently high guest review scores across various platforms. Booking.com shows strong ratings, including 9.1 for location, 9.3 for cleanliness, 9.1 for facilities, and 9.1 for staff. Agoda also reports an impressive overall rating of 8.6, with a perfect 10.0 for cleanliness and 9.5 for service. Guests frequently use words like "amazing," "fabulous," and "exceptional" to describe their stays, highlighting a sense of tranquility and a unique, luxurious experience.

2. Key Highlights

Casa Malca stands out for several compelling reasons. Its design and art collection are paramount, curated by New York gallerist Lio Malca, featuring striking contemporary pieces, including Keith Haring prints and sculptures by KAWS, which adorn every corner of the property. The beachfront location on a pristine white-sand beach, nestled at the quiet end of Tulum's beachfront road and adjacent to the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, is another major draw. Guests also love the unique amenities, such as the two beautiful swimming pools, including a serene underground pool, and the vibrant beach club with free cabanas and yoga. The attentive and friendly service is frequently mentioned as a highlight, making guests feel welcome and comfortable.

3. Room Quality

The 41 rooms and suites at Casa Malca are celebrated for their distinctive design, blending traditional Mexican style with contemporary luxury and Lio Malca's art collection. Each room is unique, thoughtfully appointed with amenities like air conditioning, minibars, and private bathrooms with complimentary toiletries. Many feature floor-to-ceiling windows, sustainable bamboo linens, and original artworks. While some rooms in newer buildings have an "industrial-chic" look with polished concrete, often praised for their spaciousness, rooms in the original house, particularly ocean-facing suites, are noted for being brighter and more expansive. Guests appreciate the comfortable beds and high-quality mattresses.

4. Dining Experience

Casa Malca offers a vibrant culinary scene with two to three restaurants, including the highly-rated "Philosophy." Philosophy specializes in lighter takes on Mexican and international cuisine, using locally sourced ingredients. Options include gourmet grilled fish tacos, ceviches, salads, and fresh seafood dishes. Breakfast, which is often included, receives exceptional reviews, with guests enjoying fresh pastries, French toast on homemade brioche, omelets, and Mexican classics like Chilaquiles or Divorced Eggs, all served with ocean views. The Haring Bar also offers tropical cocktails.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Casa Malca consistently receive glowing feedback. Guests describe the staff as "friendly, attentive, and always willing to go above and beyond to make guests feel welcome and comfortable." Reviewers frequently highlight the professionalism and kindness of the team, with individual staff members often being singled out for making stays "beyond exceptional."

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel boasts an enviable location on an unspoiled beach, approximately 9.5 kilometers south of Tulum town, offering more privacy than busier areas. It is conveniently situated next to the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve. While downtown Tulum is about a 25-minute drive away, the immediate beachfront area provides access to boutiques, bars, and restaurants, often reachable by a short bike ride. The hotel offers free parking on-site and complimentary bicycles for guests to explore the area. Cancun International Airport is approximately 78 miles (125 km) away.

7. Value & Pricing

Casa Malca is positioned as a luxury property, and its pricing reflects this. While the average room price is around $666, some sources suggest it offers "unbeatable value" for a luxurious beachfront experience in Tulum, compared to the average hotel price in the area. Guests acknowledge the high cost but often deem it worthwhile for the unique experience, exceptional service, and stunning setting. Double rooms can start from $655 in low season, with ocean-facing suites in the main house costing more.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some recurring issues or criticisms have been noted. The "welcome" at the entry gate has occasionally been described as "frosty and suspicious." Service, although generally excellent, can be "hit and miss" at times, with some instances of slow breakfast orders or forgotten items. Some guests found the "industrial feel" of certain villas, with polished concrete, to not entirely match the sunny beachfront vibe, and non-ocean-facing garden view rooms were perceived as potentially gloomy. The high price point is also a common discussion point, though often accepted as part of the luxury experience.