About Hunab Lifestyle Center
Hunab Lifestyle Center is an open-air shopping and entertainment complex in Tulum’s fast-growing Aldea Zamá district (www.hunabtulum.com). Covering about 4,300 m² (www.hunabtulum.com), Hunab blends local bohemian culture with modern luxury. The name “Hunab” means “One God” in Maya philosophy, reflecting a unifying concept. Inside the plaza, visitors find artisan boutiques, casual eateries, a jungle garden bar (Ancestral mezcal lounge), a rooftop pool bar, and even two hotels – Motto by Hilton (115 rooms) and Hotel Indigo (opened in 2023) (www.inmexico.com) (www.hilton.com). All structures use natural local materials (jabin wood, “chukum” limestone, woven fibers) so the design feels at one with the jungle (www.inmexico.com) (www.hilton.com). In fact, Hunab’s landscaping included transplanting jungle plants (85% survived) and growing Fernando Laposse’s 7m “Big Charro” agave-fiber sculpture on-site (www.inmexico.com), cementing its reputation as a sustainable, art-infused gathering place.
Events and Programming
Hunab isn’t a traditional concert venue, but it hosts a mix of cultural and wellness events. Typical activities include daytime tastings, pop-up markets, and wellness gatherings. For example, the “LUSH” rooftop event (Dec 2022) offered yoga, sound-healing, breathwork, TRX, ice baths and salsa classes by the pool (www.ticketfairy.com). The Ancestral mezcal bar regularly holds guided tastings and cocktail nights (www.hunabtulum.com). On weekends you might find local DJs spinning lounge or electronic music on the rooftop. Community celebrations (like Día de Muertos) and art exhibits have also taken place here. Because programming is flexible, visitors are advised to check Hunab’s social media or local event listings for current happenings. Tickets and prices vary: past events ran general-entry passes around US$20–30, with optional wellness upgrades (e.g. GA $22, wellness pass $44 (www.ticketfairy.com)). In between events, the center feels like a bustling open-air mall where shoppers, diners and hotel guests intermingle under Tulum’s signature sunset light.
Tickets and Booking
There is no general admission fee to enter Hunab – the marketplace, bars, and shops are open to anyone. However, specific activities (wellness workshops, pool day-passes, special dinners) require tickets or reservations. Tickets are sold online or at the venue: yoga classes and parties are usually booked through the event organizer’s website or social media, while day-pass access to Motto’s rooftop (with drinks and pool use) is handled by the hotel (www.daypass.mx). For example, the Motto day-pass (12:00–17:00) includes cocktails and lunch items. Pricing depends on the event: most year-round special events are modestly priced (often $20–$50 USD). To secure a spot for popular attractions or dining, it’s wise to book early; the rooftop bar and Ancestral often require advance table or day-pass reservations on weekends. No single box office exists, so visitors should purchase tickets through the activity’s listed vendor and arrive with confirmation (email or printed) ready for faster entry.
Seating and Layout
Hunab’s layout is more like a resort courtyard than a theater – it has no fixed “seats.” The ground floor is arranged around a central landscaped garden, with shops, cafes and the Ancestral bar lining the walkways. Each restaurant or bar has its own tables and lounge seating; for best views, look for tables by the edge of the garden or pool. The highlight is the rooftop level (accessed via the Motto hotel elevator) which features two infinity pools surrounded by loungers, daybeds and couches (www.hilton.com). Guests typically fan out on sunbeds by the pool when using a day-pass. Acoustically, sound carries in the open air but there are no echoing halls – music from bars and DJs drifts through the complex at low volume. In practice, any open seat is fine; midday sun can be intense, so the coolest spots are either shaded patios or the rooftop after sunset. (Reaching these spots early is key on busy days.) Overall, the venue is intimate and informal: you can wander freely from poolside lounge chair to café table without assigned seating.
Getting There and Parking
- Driving: Hunab is located on Avenida Cobá at the entrance to Aldea Zamá (Tulum’s central neighborhood) (www.hunabtulum.com). There is a public parking lot on-site (no fee for customers) (www.daypass.mx). This lot can fill early on weekends, so arriving before midday is best. Once parked, the entire center is pedestrian-friendly.
- Public Transit: Local buses (RUTA buses on Av. Tulum/Cobá) stop near Aldea Zamá. These run frequently from Tulum town. Colectivos (shared vans) also travel between downtown and the beach road, with drop-offs a short walk away. The walk from Tulum’s central plaza is only about 5 minutes (es.hunabtulum.com).
- Taxi/Rideshare: Taxis and apps (Uber/Didi) can drop off at the main Hunab entrance. Short rides from downtown or the hotel zone are common (roughly 3–5 minutes by car (es.hunabtulum.com)). There’s a convenient pull-up area at the front gate for passengers.
- Biking/Walking: Tulum is very bike-friendly. A short dedicated bike path leads right into Aldea Zamá. The venue is roughly a 5-minute bike ride from Tulum Centro (or about 12 minutes on foot) (es.hunabtulum.com). Bike racks are available near the entrance.
Inside the Venue
- Bars and Lounges: Ancestral mezcal bar is a cozy jungle-garden setting that “invites you to discover artisanal spirits” with tastings (www.hunabtulum.com). By contrast, the rooftop hosts Bar Hunab and two infinity pools (www.hilton.com), with sofas and cocktail tables overlooking the treetops. Both bars serve local and craft cocktails – the rooftop is famous for sunset views and swing-style seats beside the pools.
- Dining: There are several eateries under the Hunab roof. Notably, Bistró Coba (attached to Motto) offers Mexican-inspired breakfasts, salads and grill dishes all day (www.hilton.com). The rooftop also serves light modern-Mexican fare. On busy days, food trucks or pop-up stands may appear. Most venues accept credit cards and run on Tulum meal times (brunch through dinner).
- Wellness & Fitness: Quinto Elemento Spa provides massages, facials and holistic treatments in bamboo-wood cabanas. A gym adjacent to the spa is available for feel-good workouts. During events, fitness classes (yoga, sound healing, etc.) are held poolside. Towels and showers are provided on the rooftop (included with day passes) (www.daypass.mx).
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi is available to visitors throughout the center (www.daypass.mx). Restrooms are located near each bar and restaurant (including on the roof). There is no coat check or locker facility, so keep personal items with you. Signage is minimal, but the complex is intuitive to navigate once inside – simply follow the paths to the bars, dining areas or elevators up to the rooftop.
Nearby Amenities
- Restaurants: Aldea Zamá has grown into a mini culinary district. Within a few blocks of Hunab you’ll find trendy spots like Casa Jaguar (steakhouse), XIBAK (Mediterranean-Mayan fusion) and artisan coffee shops. Tulum’s main town (5–10 minutes walk (es.hunabtulum.com)) offers casual taco stands, juice bars and international cafés, so pre- or post-Hunab dining is easy.
- Bars and Nightlife: Besides Hunab’s bars, local nightlife is a short ride away. The beach road (Zona Hotelera) is just minutes by taxi and hosts clubs like Papaya Playa and Gitano. For laid-back evening drinks, many sit-down bars in downtown Tulum (like Batey or Safari) are within walking distance.
- Hotels: If you need alternate lodging, Aldea Zama has several boutique hotels and apartments. The nearest larger hotels are Motto by Hilton and Indigo within Hunab. Tulum’s luxury jungle resorts (like Azulik) and newer high-rises are about a 5–10 minute drive, as indicated in area distanced guides (es.hunabtulum.com).
- Transportation: Bike and scooter rentals line the nearby streets, making it easy to explore cenotes and ruins outside town. A tourist shuttle stop for sights is also a 2-minute walk. There is a small grocery/market in Aldea Zama for snacks or supplies.
What Makes This Venue Special
Hunab stands out because it feels more like a bohemian jungle resort than a mall (www.hunabtulum.com). It artfully combines Tulum’s Mayan-cultural soul with contemporary lifestyle. Its gardens, thatched roofs and raw-chukum walls give an earthy vibe, while artworks like the massive “Big Charro” sisal sculpture showcase Mexican craftsmanship and sustainability (www.inmexico.com). Being part of Aldea Zamá, Hunab embodies an eco-conscious community (Aldea Zamá is a 250-acre development for 3,000+ families with a “boho, sustainable contemporary lifestyle” (www.hunabtulum.com)). Locals appreciate that Hunab offers everything – shopping, dining, relaxation, and culture – in one place. For many visitors, the unique charm is the seamless fusion of jungle and luxury: imagine having a cocktail in an open-air palapa bar surrounded by tropical greenery, then dining under the stars on rustic wooden decks. Hunab’s commitment to preserving nature (leaving most trees standing, using local building materials, supporting reforestation) has also earned it respect. In short, it’s become a social landmark for Tulum: a cool hangout spot praised for its relaxed vibe and immersive design, often described as Tulum’s “ideal gathering place” (www.hilton.com) (www.hunabtulum.com).
Visitor Tips and Information
- RSVP Early: Restaurants and bars fill up quickly at night and on weekends. Make a reservation or arrive early for dinner or sunset drinks. The rooftop pool area especially is first-come for loungers, so get there by noon if you want shade.
- Bring What You Need: Pack sunscreen, a hat and light clothing (comfort is key). Swimwear and flip-flops are fine for pool use; otherwise casual resort-wear is normal. Carry cash for any craft stalls or small purchases (most big vendors do accept cards). ID is required for alcohol and spa check-in.
- Accessibility: The pathways are mostly flat and ramps/elevators serve the hotels. Guests with mobility needs will find it more accessible than many jungle clubs. Still, it’s outdoor terrain, so let staff know if assistance is needed (e.g. wheelchair-friendly table, elevator access).
- Age Restrictions: Families are welcome during daytime. However, evening events at the rooftop or spa classes are typically 18+. Always check with staff. If you have young children, the ground-level courtyard is safer for them than the pool area after dark.
- Permitted Items: Small personal cameras and phones are fine anywhere. Drones or professional video equipment may require permission. Smoking is only allowed in outdoor-designated areas (the center generally keeps bars and restaurants smoke-free). Large bags or outside food/drink may be checked at event entrances, so travel light.
- Plan Transit: If you’re staying downtown, budget ~5–10 minutes by taxi to Hunab (the new access ramp speeds this). Late-night buses are infrequent, so arrange rideshares or taxis back in advance. 🚲 Bicycles are a popular option – the bike lanes directly serve the plaza.
- Opening Hours: Most of Hunab is open morning through late night. The complex itself typically operates roughly 7 AM–1 AM daily (per local listings) (www.tripadvisor.com.mx). Shops and restaurants usually open around 10 AM and close by 10 PM (with bars staying open after).
- Insider Tip: Check Hunab’s Facebook/Instagram for pop-up events (they often post on-site specials or guest Bartenders). Also, many vendors at Hunab offer visitors special treats like welcome mezcal shots or samples – don’t be shy to ask the friendly staff about their latest experience offerings.
Is there an entrance fee to Hunab Lifestyle Center?
No, Hunab is free to enter. The outdoor plaza and shops are open to all without a ticket. Only special activities – like wellness workshops, themed parties, or a hotel rooftop day pass – require separate tickets or passes. Think of Hunab as a public mall or park: you pay only for events or services you join, not to access the center itself.
How do I buy tickets for events or the rooftop pool?
Tickets and day passes are purchased online or at the venue. For Hammerh performances or yoga classes, check the promoter’s website or Hunab’s social pages. The Motto by Hilton rooftop pool requires a “day pass” (usually booked through the hotel’s site or booking desk). These passes often include snacks and beverages. Always buy ahead, as popular events can sell out. There is no central box office; each event or venue handles its own sales.
What is the capacity and seating layout of Hunab?
Hunab isn’t a fixed-seating theater, so it doesn’t have a stated “capacity” in seats. It spans about 4,300 m² of open space. Guests freely wander between shops, bars and eateries. Seating is informal: you can sit at any available table or lounge chair. The rooftop pool area has dozens of sunbeds and cabanas (first-come, no assigned seats), while ground-level bars and restaurants each have their own tables. In short, think of it as a casual resort zone—no reserved rows, just pick any open seat around the plaza or pool.
Is there parking at Hunab, and how do I get there by public transit?
Yes, Hunab has a large free parking lot onsite for visitors (noted with the Motto day-pass) (www.daypass.mx). It can fill up on busy days, so arrive early. For public transit, Tulum’s Route 1 buses run along Av. Tulum/Cobá and stop near Aldea Zamá. Colectivos also serve the area. From downtown Tulum it’s just a short 5–10 minute walk into Hunab (es.hunabtulum.com). Taxis or rideshare apps can drop you right at the entrance (the plaza is only a few minutes by car from most points in town) (es.hunabtulum.com).
Are there hotels inside Hunab Lifestyle Center?
Yes, Hunab contains two hotels. The Motto by Hilton Tulum is a 115-room “micro-hotel” on-site (www.hilton.com), and in late 2023 the Hotel Indigo Tulum opened next door (www.inmexico.com). Both are built into the Hunab complex. Guests of these hotels have direct access to the center’s amenities (pools, bars, restaurants). You can book rooms or rooms-with-pool passes on the hotel websites if you want to stay overnight or use the facilities.
Can I use Hunab’s rooftop pool, and what does it cost?
The rooftop pools belong to Motto by Hilton, but day passes are sold to outside guests. A typical 5-hour day-pass includes unlimited use of the pools, a welcome cocktail, lounge chairs and towels (www.daypass.mx). This is usually booked through the hotel or a day-pass vendor. Pricing varies by season and package; as a reference, past pool events have noted general admission around $20-30 plus upgrade options (www.ticketfairy.com). Children under 18 generally need a supervising adult, and extra amenities like private cabanas or spa add-ons cost extra.
Are children and pets allowed at Hunab Lifestyle Center?
Hunab is family-friendly during daytime hours. You’ll see strollers and families enjoying the shops and cafes. Kids can swim in the pools if accompanied by an adult (check pool rules or event policies). Small pets are welcome on the premises (the day-pass notes “small pets allowed up to 10kg” on the rooftop (www.daypass.mx)). Just note that many evening events or dining spots are adults-oriented (18+ after dark). Always confirm any age or pet policies with the specific venue upon arrival or online.
What dining options are available and do I need reservations?
Hunab has multiple on-site restaurants and bars. The main ones include Bistró Coba (Mexican/all-day dining), a rooftop bar/restaurant, and the Ancestral mezcal lounge. Since these can get busy, especially on weekends, reservations are recommended for dinner and brunch spots. You can reserve by calling the venue or using their website/online reservation widget. For casual bar service or daytime visits, walk-ins are usually fine. In high season or for special events, it’s safest to book ahead to avoid waiting.
What is the dress code at Hunab Lifestyle Center?
Dress is very casual. Daytime attire can be shorts, sandals, swimwear (for pool use) or light summer dresses. Evenings call for “resort casual” at most – jeans, sundresses, nice sandals. There is no formal dress code. That said, if you’re heading to the rooftop pool make sure your swimsuit is modestly acceptable in a public setting (cover-ups are often provided). Loungewear and flip-flops are common. In short: beach-boho-chic is perfect for Hunab’s vibe.
Is Hunab Lifestyle Center wheelchair accessible?
Hunab was built recently with accessibility in mind. The ground-level plaza has flat walkways and ramps. The Motto hotel has an elevator to reach the rooftop, which guests can use. Tables and restrooms are generally accessible. Still, it’s an open-air complex with gravel or stone paths in places, so if wheelchair access is needed, it’s best to call ahead. The staff can note any special assistance. In practice, many visitors with mobility needs find it reasonably accessible for a jungle setting.
Can I bring outside food or large bags into Hunab?
Generally, outside food or coolers are not permitted. Hunab is a commercial center, so each restaurant expects you to buy from them. Large backpacks or coolers may be checked by security. Bags are usually allowed if reasonable, but there is a courtesy check at event nights. Personal items (camera, small bag, laptop) are fine. The key is to travel light. No open alcohol (must buy drinks on site) and follow any requested guidelines posted at entrances.
What currency is used and do vendors accept cards?
All transactions at Hunab are in Mexican Pesos (MXN). Major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, AmEx) are widely accepted at restaurants, bars and shops (www.tripadvisor.com). It’s wise to have some cash on hand for small shops, tips or any outdoor vendors. ATMs are available in town but not inside Hunab. Using card or e-wallet is convenient; just make sure it doesn’t require a magnetic strip, as chip-and-pin is common here.
What are Hunab’s opening hours?
Hunab itself is essentially open all day. According to local listings, the center operates from about 7:00 AM to 1:00 AM daily (www.tripadvisor.com.mx). Individual shops and restaurants have their own hours (typically 10:00 AM–9:00 PM). The rooftop bar stays open into the late evening (often until 10–11 PM). For planning, breakfast spots open by 8 AM and droppers (bars/restaurants) wind down around midnight, with cleaning crews afterward.
Where are the restrooms and is Wi-Fi available?
Restrooms are located by each major venue inside Hunab. You’ll find facilities near the Ancestral bar, inside the Motto hotel lobby, and on the rooftop by the pools and bar. They are typically free for customers. As for Wi-Fi, most restaurants and lounges offer free wireless internet to guests (www.daypass.mx). The signal covers both ground and rooftop areas, making it easy to stay connected. You may need to ask staff for the network name/password when you arrive.
Can I take photos or use a drone at Hunab?
Personal photography is welcome (Hunab’s aesthetic is very “Instagrammable”). Feel free to snap shots of the architecture, art installations and surroundings. However, drones and professional video equipment usually require special permission from management (for safety and privacy reasons). If you just have a smartphone or camera for personal use, you’ll be fine. Just be respectful when taking pictures of others, as Hunab is a public space.
Where is the “Big Charro” sculpture?
The Big Charro is a 7-meter tall sisal-and-wood sculpture by Mexican artist Fernando Laposse. It stands inside the Hunab courtyard as a centerpiece art piece. This massive horse-like figure was grown from agave fibers over many years (www.inmexico.com). Visitors often stop to pose with it – you can find it by walking past the shops toward the center garden. It symbolizes Hunab’s link to local craftsmanship and nature.