Zula Inn Aparthotel

What it's like

Zula Inn is a small, low-key aparthotel run by 2 brothers, set back from the main road in a quiet spot in Santa Teresa. The hotel describes itself as 9 self-contained bungalows facing a tropical garden and pool, and booking sites now list around 11 units including a family house. It's been around for years, and recent guest reviews from 2025 and 2026 tend to praise the staff and the location, close to both the beach and the restaurants.

The social center is a thatched rancho beside the pool, with sofas, hammocks, cable TV and wifi. There's also a shallow kids' pool, which makes it an easy pick for families. The beach is a couple of minutes' walk away, and shops, banks, a pharmacy and doctors' offices are close by around the crossroads, so many guests get by without a car.

Rooms

All units are self-catering, which is the main draw here:

• 1-bedroom bungalows: a double bed plus a single, a fully equipped kitchen, air conditioning, a ceiling fan, cable TV, a private bathroom with hot water and a balcony over the pool.
• 2-bedroom bungalows: 2 bedrooms with their own A/C, 2 double beds and a single, a full kitchen and a balcony over the garden and pool. Good for families with kids or friends sharing.
• Family house: booking sites also list a 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom family house.

Booking listings mention free parking, a front desk, luggage storage and help arranging airport transfers and car rentals.

Eating at Zula

The same family runs Zula Restaurant, open since 2004 and known for Israeli and Costa Rican food: hummus plates, falafel, shakshuka, schnitzel and gallo pinto, plus fresh fruit smoothies. The hotel says inn guests get a discount there. With a kitchen in every unit, you can also stock up at the nearby supermarkets and cook. For more ideas, see our restaurants guide.

Things to do

The owners can help set up the usual area activities: surf lessons and board rentals, canopy tours, horseback riding, sport fishing, a day trip to Tortuga Island and visits to Cabo Blanco and the Montezuma waterfalls. Our surf guide covers the breaks, and our day trips page has more ideas.

Who it suits (and who it doesn't)

Zula Inn suits families, friends traveling together and anyone on a longer stay who wants a kitchen and a pool without paying for a beachfront resort. It's simple and homey rather than fancy, and it isn't on the sand. If you want ocean views from your room or on-site spa services as part of the stay, look elsewhere.

Getting there

From the Playa Carmen crossroads, turn right toward Santa Teresa and go about 1 km; the hotel is on the right, and there are signs. You can drive via the Paquera ferry, take the direct bus or a shuttle, or fly to the Tambor airstrip and take a short taxi. Our travel guide and driving directions have the details.