You cannot find a more perfect location for a relaxing vacation. RIght on a gorgeous beach, quiet besides the constant roar of the waves. The service is absolutely perfect; everyone cares deeply that you will have the perfect vacation. Paco (manager) and all of the staff couldn't be more helpful. The food was excellent and they will do anything you ask. The only suggestions I would make are: have a mat outside the rooms so you can wipe your sandy feet before entering your room; have a chest of drawers. We were there for seven nights and there was no where to put our clothes other than on a bench in the room. The rooms are also a bit dark. But, I would go back tomorrow if I could.

My husband and I spent a beautiful week at Al Cielo in December. We were looking for someplace completely romantic and relaxing to celebrate a special anniversary, and Al Cielo fulfilled our wishes so well that we felt like we had dreamed it up. The staff are not only welcoming, generous and helpful hosts, but also interesting to spend time with if you feel like chatting. On the other hand, for a small hotel it was also able to afford us a remarkable level of privacy. The light films of cloth that float around your beach palapa can even give the illusion that you have the beach to yourself.

The hotel describes the rooms as rustic so I am not sure what some other reviewers expected. They are not plush, but they are spotless, the woods used in building and decor are beautiful and create a warm and artistic atmosphere, the beds are large and comfortable, the bedding fine, towels plentiful, and the rarely needed air conditioning efficient. The large rain showers, with windows looking out on the ocean, are apparently a new addition and a fantastic experience on their own. Best of all, of course, you can practically roll out of your front door into the waves.

I could have given the room a 4 instead of 5 because a dresser or a few more shelves for storage would have been handy and the lighting a little better arranged. But there are many ecological hotels on the Yucatan coast that turn all lights off completely after 10pm, and I'm sure more clothing storage will come with the constant attention given to improving accommodations. We were very happy, so a 5 it is.

I can't say much more than has already been said about the restaurant. The setting is gorgeous during the day, romantic in the evening. The food is superb, fresh, creative, interesting, and plentiful, the wine excellent and the staff as in all areas was helpful and perfect.

As to the surroundings, we had been to Xpu-ha beach in the past and, like other reviewers, found it to be one of the most breathtaking we've visited. The beach itself is goes on forever and the swimming and snorkeling from shore are fantastic. Whether walking the two miles of shore at sunrise or sunset, kayaking, or just gazing at the horizon, the light and colors are amazing and immediately tranquilizing. We have spent a lot of time in the area in the past and this wasn't a trip during which we felt the need to venture about much, so I'll leave descriptions of anything beyond Xpu-ha to others who explored while at Al Cielo.

Although we have a long list of places we want to travel to, we are already thinking about going back to Al Cielo next month for a quick bit of R&R after a busy winter.

Our sincerest thanks to all for making our visit so memorable.

We stumbled upon Al Cielo when we were looking into the hotel nex door (Esencia).

Hotel: Only 4 rooms, two at beach level, two on second floor. In the first floor, you are literally right on the beach. The second floor has a better view of the beach (you can see the whole beach), but need to walk up a set of stairs.

Rooms: Comfortable, very high ceilings, king-sized beds. Compared to Tulum, Xpu Ha has 24 hr electricity and hot water. However, I don't recommend drinking the water anywhere along the coast.

Bathrooms: Spacious, airy, with a bath tub, robes, etc. Good water pressure and plenty of hot water.

Restaurant: Now that is the real treasure. The rate includes breakfast, and it is a real breakfast and not a skimpy by any means. The breakfast included about 4 varieties of fresh fruit, fresh OJ, eggs (try the eggs with bacon and mole), warm bread, tea/coffee.
Paco, the hotel manager, was kind enough to make a dinner for us one day and this guy hit a home run. He basically created a very nice multi-course meal using some of the fish a local fisherman brought that afternoon. We actually saw this guy fishing about 100 yards out on the reef. There are plenty of big lobsters on the reef (the spiney variety and not the Maine lobster).

Beach: White powdery beach. Clear water. I preferred the stretch in front of al Cielo's rooms to that of Esencia. Just enough small waves to have that constant buzz to remind you that you are by the sea.

The only negative that I can think of is the few town folk who come to the restaurant on the weekend may take up some of the cabanas. But there are plenty to go around and if you want a particular one, just throw your beach towels there. Still, compared to Esencia, you get a much better bang for your buck here.
Tip: Take an insect repellent with DEET.

Al Cielo is a treasure. The most beautiful beach in all the area. And extremely private. The restaurant is outstanding. Hard to believe a menu like that exists down there on the beach! I especially recommend the quacamole. And I got lucky - Victor caught a stone crab that was delicious. And you can't leave without having the creme brulee.
The staff is superb and the owner, Andres Olavarrieta, is there to make sure everyone is properly taken care of. I plan to return with my children this summer.