2 Ends of the Spectrum- Azulik or Suenos??

[Obsessed]

We originally planned our honeymoon in June, but I decided I couldn't wait that long to get back to Tulum, so we've moved it up to March. After much research and availability inquiries, I've some how narrowed it down to 2 completely different establishments.....Azulik and Suenos!!!

I know Azulik is on the rockier part of the beach and that it is clothing optional (I choose to cover myself, but it doesn't bother me for those who want to be free!), but the view from the villa patios and thinking of laying on that outside swinging bed....I can barely contain myself!!

Then you have Suenos that is down on that gorgeous/sparse stretch of beach!! And I've read such amazing things about the service!

Price is pretty comparable, but Suenos includes breakfast, where Azulik does not.

Oh, how am I ever going to decide???? Maybe I'll just flip a coin!!!;)

[topshelf]

I may not be the one to ask as I've never been to Azulik, but my wife and I have traveled to several resorts throughout Mexico that would probably be considered "honeymoon" spots. We visited Suenos in July and absolutely loved it. We like to try new places and haven't repeated a place in Mexico yet, but if I can afford it, I'm fairly certain we'll return to Suenos.

[PhyllisB]

Suenos Suenos Suenos!

Sure, you may miss the outside swinging bed at Azulik, but you'll love walking the beach down there and you'll love the breakfasts. (Although Azulik will, I think, bring breakfast to your room.) We honeymooned at Suenos and will never forget it.

I understand the dilemma though. I love the big wide open beaches down south, and that there are typically fewer people, but WindyCity's Azulik trip reports have always made me think that we should check it out sometime. But usually the south beach area wins me over every time.

How long is the trip? Could you do a little of both?

[Malisa]

I vote for Suenos as well. I love the south beach and the sexy swing bed loses it's appeal when I remember that there are several other patios with swing beds all in a row, all of which have a full view of each other. Nude beaches are one thing, but having my neighbors watch me make out is another.

[Obsessed]

Topshelf- your trip report was one of the reasons Suenos is on my list!!
Phyllis-I think you're the #1 Suenos fan!! We're only going to be there for 4 nights, so we really want to stay in one place!! If only we could spend a week at each place....that would be a dream!!!
Malisa- I didn't think about the hanging beds being in view from the other patios....that is definitely something to think about.

Everybody who has stayed at Suenos has absolutely loved it and I know it would be an excellent choice, but I just can't get Azulik out of my mind!!

And to make matters harder....Hamaca Loca just e-mailed as said they have availability for La Tortuga for my dates. Ahhhh!!! So many places so little time!!!:eek:

[PhyllisB]

Nahhhhhhh -- skip Hamaca Loca. Stick with Suenos or Azulik. You'll be more pampered at both places.

[ilovewyoming]

Suenos! and we LOVE Hamaca Loca. Differnece in the two: Suenos, more modern, beautiful, you get a great breakfast, and can arrange dinners too! Yoga area..great people. We LOVE Hamaca Loca to just
"get away" from pretty much everyone. No meals provided. More rustic. I would go to Suenos. BUt then again , i would also look into Hechizo De Luna, which we are in the process of giving a trip report. LOVE that place too! Depending on what you want: Total Isolation, being on your own (together) not too busy: Hamaca Loca. Pampering: Suenos. Middle of the best beach in the world, along with the most amazing deck and view and location, and the BEST room/cabana...this is the place...Are you confused. Every time we go down there we discover new places we love . Good luck

[mayaflya]

Malisa- I didn't think about the hanging beds being in view from the other patios....that is definitely something to think about.

Everybody who has stayed at Suenos has absolutely loved it and I know it would be an excellent choice, but I just can't get Azulik out of my mind!!

I just have to add a lonely vote for Azulik....and nothing in this is meant to contradict the many virtues of Suenos....Azulik is different. It is definitely not about the beach or service at Azulik. It is the raw energy and passion of the setting on the cliffs...beds hovering over the crashing surf below....surging in and out...the freedom of feeling alive in a deep primal way...abandonment to sensuality...but maybe that's just me....;)

[minniemex]

I can feel the pull between the two places. Such a hard decision. I guess you have to just make a list of things you really love about both places, give each item a number from 1-10 and see which place comes up the best choice. Then, maybe you just want to experience the swinging beds at Azulik. Maya's description sure sells me! But I know I am happier on the south beach overall.:p

[PhyllisB]

Ya. They are two totally different places, but both are fabulous in their own ways. I like minnie's idea of figuring out what is MOST important to you. For those of us who love our long beach walks, the south beach is where it's at. If you're drawn in by the cliffs and the beds @ Azulik, then go for it! You'll have a fantastic time either way.

[Margoinmexico]

:wave:I have to say, that they are all good choices...they all have their merit.....

I'm a coin flipper myself, I don't always do what the coin says to do, but when that coin is in the air, you find out what you really want it to say, and then do that. And then there is the best 2 out of 3 if you didn't get what you wanted the first time!:twocents:

I've been in all the places that have been talked about here, and I would have a hard time choosing which one too. They are all fab, so let the fate take it's turn, you won't get a bad choice! If you have any specific questions, I'd be glad to help.

:boat:

[beachreader]

I don't always do what the coin says to do, but when that coin is in the air, you find out what you really want it to say, and then do that. And then there is the best 2 out of 3 if you didn't get what you wanted the first time!:twocents:




I do that too! Flip the coin, and then sometimes my true mind kicks in and gives me the answer. Kind of cool how that works.

I can make lists and lists and then just one little thing will pop up and make the decision for me.

Maya's description of the raw power of the surf so close underfoot is very appealing, and there is a unit or two that promise more privacy than the others (can't remember their names). Having said that, Suenos has breakfast, and a pool protected from the wind (if there is wind).

:twocents:


P.S.: Four days isn't enough!!

[Obsessed]

I'm in a love triangle!!! It's funny that the first 2 times I went to Tulum, Azulik, Suenos and Hamaca Loca were never even on my list....and now I can't friggin decide between the 3!!! I'm made up my mind and changed my mind a hundred times since yesterday!!! I'm not usually so indecisive!! Thanks to everyone for their advice, opinions and suggestions!!! I'm definitely going to make the pros and cons list....and if that doesn't work, I WILL flip a coin then just book it right then and not look back!!! I really can't go wrong with any of the choices!!! I'll keep ya'll posted!!!!:p

[ildipoo]

I am going nuts choosing as well. We love long beach walks so I think we should be further south. Suenos is too expensive (12% tax is not included in their rates either). At this point, I have no idea what our choices are if we want to be down south on the beach.

[heenan]

Quite a dilemma - and a reason to return to Tulum often.
We have stayed on the south Tulum beach on our four previous trips because of that amazing beach. But I always thought Azulik's rooms and decks looked great.
For our trip in January, we are going to stay in both spots. A couple of night at Azulik to see how we like it, and four nights back on the south end of the Tulum beach. Great compromise!

[Margoinmexico]

:wave:Idlepoo and Obsessed, flip that coin and start dreaming of how wonderful it is going to be.....vacations are about dreaming and relaxing.....! :p:p:sun::p:p

[Obsessed]

Well, when I enlisted the help of my fiance to make a decision, I was informed of our budget! BUDGET???? Either I never heard him tell me of a budget beforehand, or I chose to ignore it;). (I'm of the mindset of spend your money because you can't take it to the grave with you....and he is all about the stinking budget....but we even each other out, so that is good!!!)

So anyway, both Azulik and Suenos are now off the table :mad: But we have narrowed it down to Hamaca Loca La Tortuga and Nueva Vida Alma del Mar!!! I know I'll be happy with either one....once again the price is pretty comparable between the 2, but NV does include Breakfast and has a restuarant, so I'm leaning more towards NV, but future hubby likes the thought of being a little more secluded at Hamaca Loca. I am booking one of them TOMORROW, so the decision will be made by tonight!!!

Any opinions, suggestions, etc on the 2 would be greatly appreciated!!!

I might change my name from "Obsessed" to "Indecisive" :eek:

[PhyllisB]

Budget Shmudget! This is your honeymoon! You're only going to take one, we hope, so make it a great one!

Well of course it'll be good at either NV or HL, but seriously. Take the chance to pamper yourselves a little! Or, in exchange for something a little more budget-conscious, he has to agree to go back again next year with all your savings :)

I tend to prefer the seclusion of the south beach, but on-site breakfasts are super-convenient. I don't know that we'll be able to help you much on this, because there are a LOT of NV fans and a lot of HL fans around here. You seem to know the pro's and con's of each already so I'm not sure how much help we'll be.

I do think HL is in the process of building a restaurant/dining area but can't remember the status. Ilovewyoming & todobien stopped in and I think reported on it in their current trip report, though.

[PhyllisB]

Alternatively, if you could hold off until June, the rates will have gone down. March is still in high season, and low season usually starts mid-May sometime. So then you could still have your Suenos or Azulik!

I'd still argue for splurging on the honeymoon. :D

[beachreader]

Ack, the dreaded budget!!! :eek:

Both choices are great, but can you find out if Hamaca Loca's restaurant will be done by then? Probably so, since you're going in March. That will help a lot, since there aren't a lot of other choices down there.

If you care, I think I would pick NV for the many conveniences of the location. They have room service available (nice for a quiet dinner at home), and there are plenty of restaurants within easy walking distance so you don't have to think too hard at dinnertime. Both units have great beachfront decks, but NV's is larger. NV also has beach beds (if you like those) and chairs and tables, while HL has chaises.

Since NV's beach is so long, you won't feel crowded there at all.

I don't know if you'll have a car, but if you plan on going car-free, NV would definitely be the better choice. If you do have a car, you'll have access, but a longer drive at night down to HL.

Just my :twocents:.

[ildipoo]

Beach beds at NV? Excellent! I'm actually thinking of booking an extra night because we are only going to be there 1 full day. Even tho its 3 nights, we arrive late and check out on 3rd day so I think we need another night to walk the beach! :wave:

[minniemex]

Again, I know your conundrum! Which do you pick?? I am a fan of both, but have never stayed at HL. I would love to stay there, but unfortunately I don't have the $$ or the time to stay at all the places I want to! You have narrowed your choices down to two great properties again. I guess I would have the say, flip the coin.:wave:

[TheWindyCity]

I vote for Suenos as well. I love the south beach and the sexy swing bed loses it's appeal when I remember that there are several other patios with swing beds all in a row, all of which have a full view of each other. Nude beaches are one thing, but having my neighbors watch me make out is another.

In my abscence from the board for the last few weeks, I missed a great thread with my name all over it!!

I just got to clear one thing up, Malisa...I think that most visitors to Azulik use the deck chairs, soaking tub, and hanging bed to relax, read, and catch some morning sun. I don't think anyone would actually be making out or even more on the bed in broad daylight. At least we never saw anything but respectable use of the deck during the day. So I just wanted to clear part up. (Just for the record, I can't vouch for what may happen at night, as it is pitch black on the deck, with nothing but starlight above. You could not see more that 5 feet in front of you!)

Obsessed, I do believe that there may be a continental breakfast at Azulik that may be included in the room price, and I'd suggest contacting them to see if that is something they include with an internet reservation.

Would it be possible for you to have a stay in Tulum long enough to visit both places, and experience the best of both worlds?
The soaking tub on the deck was another reason we chose Azulik. There is nothing like soaking in the tub, watching the sun rise, (maybe with a little champagne?) or relaxing on the deck bed after a day on the beach, being lulled into a stupor by the waves crashing below.

When we return to Tulum, we will give the South beach a go , but we will still return to Azulik as well. You can't beat the summary that Mayaflya gave....and the large seafront decks are part of the romance that is Tulum.

Good luck in your choosing!

[Malisa]

[QUOTE=
I don't think anyone would actually be making out or even more on the bed in broad daylight.
QUOTE]
Well stated. I guess all I was trying to say, was that as Mayafly pointed out, it is a very sensual location. From the view of the rocky shore and the sound of the surf, the energy of Auzulik is amazing - and I personally think it's a shame that the neighbors are so close.

[Obsessed]

Wow! I thought I had my mind made up on Nueva Vida, but WindyCity, you've gone and got me all confused again!!! ;) I just e-mailed Azulik and they do include a continental breakfast if you book one of their specials, including the 4 nights for 3 that we would book. Azulik had been off of the table until I changed our days around for our flights and got a much better deal.....we saved so much money on airfare, I had just about had the fiance talked into Azulik. But this morning we decided on Nueva Vida, now I'm back on my Azulik high!!! I HAVE to make a decision by tomorrow!!! I have to stop the madness!!! :eek:

[minniemex]

I HAVE to make a decision by tomorrow!!! I have to stop the madness!!! :eek:

flip the coin!:D:wave::D

[PhyllisB]

Yep, WindyCity will do that to ya. Read his trip reports and your decision will be made...

[ildipoo]

Wow! I thought I had my mind made up on Nueva Vida, but WindyCity, you've gone and got me all confused again!!! ;) I just e-mailed Azulik and they do include a continental breakfast if you book one of their specials, including the 4 nights for 3 that we would book. Azulik had been off of the table until I changed our days around for our flights and got a much better deal.....we saved so much money on airfare, I had just about had the fiance talked into Azulik. But this morning we decided on Nueva Vida, now I'm back on my Azulik high!!! I HAVE to make a decision by tomorrow!!! I have to stop the madness!!! :eek:

I know how you feel! It took me about 3 months to book NVR and now that I've done it, I wish I chose something else. HOWEVER, I know that it will be great so what's the problem! I also agree about tossing the coin. I think that if you want something smaller and more intimate, choose Azulik. But overall I don't think you can go wrong. Just do it!

[mayaflya]

Wow! I thought I had my mind made up on Nueva Vida, but WindyCity, you've gone and got me all confused again!!! ;) I just e-mailed Azulik and they do include a continental breakfast if you book one of their specials, including the 4 nights for 3 that we would book. Azulik had been off of the table until I changed our days around for our flights and got a much better deal.....we saved so much money on airfare, I had just about had the fiance talked into Azulik. But this morning we decided on Nueva Vida, now I'm back on my Azulik high!!! I HAVE to make a decision by tomorrow!!! I have to stop the madness!!! :eek:

Check out this other thread if you need more info.....http://www.tulum.info/showthread.php?t=4576

Windy, I think our work here is done;)

[TheWindyCity]

Amen brother!

[Obsessed]

I just payed the deposit on Alma del Mar at Nueva Vida!! I really wanted to stay at Azulik, but 'budget boy' won out!!! ;) I'm still super excited about Nueva Vida and can't wait for March to get here!!!! Thanks to everyone for their suggestions and advice!!! :wave:

[itsjustme]

Wahoooo your booked!!! Deciding where to stay drives a person to drink Tequila...lots of it. Glad you got that done with....don't think "should have" booked here or there. It's all going to be good...you're heading to Tulum. :D:D:D:D

Now, I see we might be at NVR the same time. What are the exact dates you have booked? We are staying 3/23 - 3/30 at the Casa Mexicana at NVR.

[kimba]

OK, I love Azulik and Copal and the Maya Spa, but I have one observation of Azulik that might help make up your mind:

The "walls" are thin, if you get my drift. And I know that from walking on the little boardwalk pathway!

[kimba]

Oh wait, you did make up your mind already! Nevermind!

[PhyllisB]

Kimba! Good to see you!

[kimba]

:)

[Obsessed]

ItsJustMe.....we're leaving on the 22nd, so we'll just miss you!! We'll try to save some of the tequila for you!!!;)

Kimba....I definitely catch your drift!!!!....and it will be our honeymoon and all!!!

I'm happy with the decision and I'm not looking back!!! :beerchug:

[itsjustme]

Bummer we're going to miss you two.

Wanted to do Sex on the Beach....SHOTS....to celebrate your wedding.

heheheheheee :D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

[Obsessed]

Bummer we're going to miss you two.

Wanted to do Sex on the Beach....SHOTS....to celebrate your wedding.

heheheheheee :D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D


Ha!! I so had to read that twice!!! I know, it would be nice to meet some other Forum Folks!!! :beerchug:

[minniemex]

I'm happy with the decision and I'm not looking back!!! :beerchug:


That is a wonderful attitude. You are going to love Nueva.

Like I keep saying, I don't think there are many properties in Tulum that I would hesitate staying at. It just takes way more vacation time and money than I have to do them all.:(

[beachreader]

I just payed the deposit on Alma del Mar at Nueva Vida!! I really wanted to stay at Azulik, but 'budget boy' won out!!!


And hey, maybe "budget boy" has other ideas on what to do with the money, like a fabulous gift for you! :D

You'll be thrilled with your choice when you get there. The decks on those front units at NV are really amazing. You'll get tired of staring at the water all the time. :)

And the location is so great for meals, easy walking distance to La Zebra and Om and Casa Violeta, or just having room service for two on your deck. I know you'll get into town for some meals, but it's always nice having options!

[Margoinmexico]

:wave:She´s booked! Obsessed! Congrats! this has been a good long decision process, I do hope you took it´s just me´s advise and had a shot to celebrate!

now on to the rest of the planning process....!:palmtree::sun::palmtree: