From lazy days by the lagoon, to underground cenote tours and comfortable accommodation, this Wakax Hacienda review reveals all about this special hotel.
Wakax Hacienda was the final stop on our three-week family road trip around Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. We’d enjoyed endless beach days, cenote dips, Mayan ruins and feasted on street tacos. After a lot of moving around we were ready for a few days of relaxation. It turns out we’d chosen the perfect spot!
A part of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and a holder of two prestigious Michelin ‘keys’ (similar to the restaurant stars), Wakax Hacienda is a unique hotel set within a 160 hectare estate. It’s got the feeling of a small village, with hacienda-style architecture, hotel rooms dotted through the grounds, a palapa-style restaurant, several swimming pools and even a church. These are located between cenotes (Mexican sinkholes with crystal clear water) and lagoons. Just leaving our hotel room feels like a little adventure, as you amble along sandy paths, spotting large lizards and hearing beautiful birdsong.
Wakax Hacienda Hotel Review
We were travelling as a family of four, with our three-year-old son and 5-month-old daughter. In this hotel review I’ll dive into the amenities, our room, the restaurant and activities on offer. If you’re considering booking a luxury stay near Tulum, my guide to Wakax Hacienda should help!
Staying at Wakax Hacienda
I should start by saying that this is without a doubt one of the most unique hotels I’ve ever stayed at. I’ve visited countless resorts around the world, but they’re usually large block hotels, with a handful of swimming pools and restaurants on the grounds. This is very different!
Once you’ve turned off the main highway between Cancun and Tulum, and driven to the entrance of Wakax Hacienda, you feel like you’ve arrived at a secret village. Golf buggies and bicycles are the modes of transport on offer. It’s rugged and rustic, and full of charm.
We checked in at the reception area; a huge building with high ceilings and pretty views over the grounds. We were then driven to our room by golf buggy. The service was welcoming and attentive, without being overly formal. In fact, that was the general feeling of the hotel. It’s high-end and luxurious, but rustic and charming too.
Our Room at Wakax Hacienda
We stayed in a large room, which had plenty of space for a super king bed for us, plus a double for our toddler, and a cot for our baby. This was set up for our arrival. The room had polished limestone walls and floors, a dressing area, minimalist Mexican furnishings, and a huge bathroom with walk in shower and double basin. There was a little seating area at the entrance, plus a terrace at the back door, with lush jungle views.
We loved how spacious it was, especially as we had four of us staying in one room. It was only a 5-10 minute walk to get to any of the locations on the property, such as the restaurant, lagoon or swimming pools.
A few details I noticed were:
- The way the cot was totally set up for our arrival, including a mosquito net.
- The inclusion of a baby bath in the bathroom area, plus a bottle warmer by the coffee machine.
- The extra robe, a perfect size for our toddler! So adorable, and very thoughtful.
There are a range of room options to suit various needs, from standard double rooms, right up to beautiful two-bedroom villas with plunge pools.
Activities at Wakax Hacienda
Although I mentioned we were quite tired from our busy three-week road trip, we arrived at Wakax Hacienda and wanted to make the most of the amazing setting. This is a hotel where you can laze by a pool all day, or you can get out and try some adventurous activities! We did a bit of both. If you’re planning a visit, here are a few of the activities you can do.
Paddleboarding or kayaking: Head to the lagoon area and you can get out on the water and explore. These are available on a complimentary basis. There are lifejackets provided, in a range of sizes (suitable for kids too). The lagoon stretches quite far, and it was lovely venturing out to see parts that weren’t visible from the main decked areas. We also visited the little waterfall too!
Cenote swims: There are a few cenotes within the hotel’s grounds. We enjoyed swimming and paddleboarding in one of them. We’d visited several cenotes during our trip through Mexico, but to be able to wander to them from our hotel room felt extra special!
Underground river tour: I spent a few hours one morning with David, the on-site activity leader, exploring the cenotes and underground river. This is an extraordinary experience where you descend through a small passage into a cave area, following an underground river. Once inside, you use torches to see beautiful stalagmites and stalactites, as well as wildlife including bats and cave mice. It’s a very special activity, and amazing that this is located within the grounds of the hotel.
Swimming pools: We spent a lot of time by the hacienda pool. It’s spectacular – one of the most photogenic swimming pools I’ve visited on my travels. It’s set within the basement of the hacienda, and even has a hammock hanging between the arches. There are two other smaller pools at the hotel, including one that’s really shallow (great for little ones).
Cycling: We didn’t get out on bikes as it was a bit complicated with two kids! However, most people were exploring the resort on two wheels. There’s even a complimentary bike tour, which takes you to some of the more interesting spots.
Yoga: There were daily yoga classes at the resort. The yoga space overlooks the lagoon in a stunning location. It’s definitely a great spot for channelling the zen vibes!
Dining at Wakax Hacienda
The hotel’s restaurant El Cocal is located steps from the lagoon. It’s where breakfast, lunch and dinner are served. For a large resort, we felt it would have been nice to have another location to visit for meals too, although El Cocal was a lovely space to dine at! It’s worth noting that you can order food to be taken to the Hacienda swimming pool.
Breakfast was a two-course affair, with a fresh fruit plate delivered shortly after sitting down, accompanied by honey, granola and yogurt. There were choices of main plates, including eggs, pancakes, waffles and Mexican favourites such as huevos rancheros. We really enjoyed the breakfasts here, and the staff were always willing to customise dishes to suit diets or appetites (great when you have kids!)
The main lunch and dinner menu featured a mix of traditional Mexican dishes (tacos, ceviche etc) and classics (burgers and pizzas). We tried several dishes during our stay. Our favourites were the tuna tostadas, and the steak, which came with charred spring onions, tortillas and sauces.
We also had a burger and pizza at the pool one afternoon, which were both good. We felt the food prices were on the expensive end of the scale. After several weeks exploring Mexico, dining at numerous restaurants, it was easy to compare quality and value across the trip!
Drinks at Wakax Hacienda
While the food might not be the main talking point, the cocktails were always excellent! We had several delicious drinks during our stay.
I loved the passion fruit mojitos and my partner enjoyed several smoky mezcalitas (a margarita made with mezcal). The bartenders were excellent, crafting delicious combinations day after day. The cocktails ranged from 200 – 300 MXN, and there was usually a cocktail of the day at a discounted price.
As with the food, you could also order drinks to the main hacienda swimming pool.
Is Wakax Hacienda Good For Families?
We thought this was an excellent hotel for us as a family of four, travelling with a toddler and a baby. The hotel provided all the baby essentials, such as a cot, baby bath, bottle warmer and high chair. We also liked the kids menu at the restaurant, which had lots of reliable options that our toddler liked (e.g. fish fingers and chips!)
The staff were wonderful with the kids too. One morning, one of the lovely ladies working in the restaurant insisted on holding our baby girl so we could eat our breakfast! It was so sweet to see how engaged she was with her.
It’s worth noting, that this is the kind of hotel you need to watch little ones like a hawk. The lagoon and cenote areas have deep water, so we were careful not to let our son explore on his own.
There was another family staying with two kids, age 4 and 7. It was great to see how the hotel fit with their needs. They were staying in a two-bedroom villa, which provided lots more space. The older child was able to take part in a lot more activities, too.
Would I Recommend Wakax Hacienda?
We absolutely loved our stay at Wakax Hacienda. Waking up in the jungle, to the sounds of tropical birds, was so special. I adored seeing my son interacting with this outdoor world, as he wandered around saying ‘hello Mr Lizard’ each day! It felt like we were enriching his life by staying there.
As adults, there was so much to do. We enjoyed our adventurous water activities, exploring the cenotes and lagoons. But the setting was also very peaceful, and we also loved that we got to rest properly, lazing on sun loungers and watching the world go by.
Tulum is a very busy touristy town these days, but this property feels worlds away. How amazing within fifteen minutes’ drive of the town, you can be this immersed in nature.
The service at the hotel was great throughout. We found it attentive, without being intrusive. I’d definitely recommend the hotel to couples or families looking for a nature-filled escape. Whether you’re looking for adventures on the water, or wellness activities, you’ll find it all here.
Need To Know: Practical info for staying at Wakax Hacienda
Location
Wakax Hacienda is tucked away in the jungle just off the main highway between Cancun and Tulum. It’s around a 15-minute drive from Tulum town and approximately 1 hour 30 minutes from Cancun International Airport (around 65 miles). While it feels completely remote, it’s actually in a great location for day trips to the Mayan ruins in Tulum, the beach, the Riviera Maya’s adventure parks, and several cenotes. We were happy we had a car, as it gave us flexibility to explore.
Prices
Rooms typically start from around $220–$230 (£170–£180) per night, rising to $500+ (£400+) for villas with plunge pools depending on season and room type . Prices vary quite a bit, so it’s worth checking different dates. Food and drinks can add up quite quickly, so factor that in when you book.
What are the best room types at Wakax Hacienda?
- Junior Suite with Terrace – great for couples wanting extra space and jungle views
- Two-Bedroom Family Suite – ideal if you’re travelling with kids
- Master Villas with Plunge Pools – best for a more luxurious stay, such as a honeymoon.
All rooms come with air con, WiFi and outdoor space, but the suites and villas are better for longer stays.
Who should book Wakax Hacienda?
This hotel is perfect for a range of people, including:
- Couples looking for a peaceful, nature-filled escape
- Families who want space and unique outdoor experiences
- Travellers who prioritise relaxation, wellness and adventure, over nightlife
If you’re looking for hotels near Tulum for beach trips or bars and restaurants, I’d recommend looking in Tulum itself.
How long should you stay at Wakax Hacienda?
We stayed two nights and it was just about enough time, but we’d loved one more! Three nights would allow enough time to enjoy the cenotes, lagoon, experience more of the activities.
I hope this review helps you to decide if this is the right hotel for you. You can check prices and availability here.
Let me know if you have any questions. If you’re planning a bigger trip, don’t miss my other Mexico guides.
