Funky Monkey Lodge

What it's like

Funky Monkey started life as a surf lodge, and it still has that easygoing, barefoot feel. It's a fenced, guests-only property in central Santa Teresa, close to the beach but set back in the trees where it's quieter than the main road. The heart of the place is a big pool and the Jungle Yoga Studio, and many of the units climb the hillside behind, which is where the ocean views come from.

It also goes by Funky Monkey Surf & Yoga Lodge, which sums up who comes here.

Rooms

The lodge has a wide spread of options, which makes it handy for groups who want to stay together on different budgets:

• Treetop apartments: an upper apartment with a jacuzzi and a lower one, both with ocean views, equipped kitchens, air conditioning and floating balconies. Both are about 200 steps up.
• Ocean-view rooms: a room for up to 4 and a large room for up to 7, both about 100 steps up.
• Luxury apartment: garden view, kitchen and air conditioning.
• Bungalows: 3 private garden bungalows for up to 4, plus a loft-style large bungalow for up to 7 with a kitchen.
• Private suite and 2 budget rooms: fan-cooled, simpler options; the budget rooms are small.

A cot for 1 child under 2 is free on request.

Yoga, food and facilities

All guests can use the pool and the Jungle Yoga Studio, which is free for guests to use whenever no class or event is booked. The lodge also runs retreats, and the team can point you to beach yoga classes in town. Our yoga guide has more studios nearby.

Breakfast is included every day, and there's a communal kitchen for cooking. For dinner, you're a short walk from the town's restaurants. Parking is free, and some rooms are pet-friendly if you ask in advance.

Who it suits (and who it doesn't)

It's great for surfers, families, digital nomads and groups who want space, a pool and a kitchen without paying luxury prices. The range of unit sizes, up to 7 guests, makes it easy for friends to book together.

The big drawback is the climb. The ocean-view rooms and treetop apartments are reached by 100 to 200 steps, which isn't ideal with heavy bags, small kids or bad knees; choose a garden bungalow if that's a concern. Some units are fan-only, which can feel warm in the hottest months. Quiet time starts at 10:30 pm, so it's not a party spot.

Getting there

The lodge is in central Santa Teresa, north of the Playa Carmen junction along the main road, and a short walk from Playa Santa Teresa. Message the lodge for exact directions before you arrive. Our travel guide covers flights, shuttles and the ferry.