Pepem Holistic Experience - Peaceful Retreat Near Tulum

Review of Popem Holistic Our experience at Popem Holistic was very disappointing. The hotel is located deep in the jungle, very far from everything. Upon arrival, we were greeted with no electricity. For three nights in a row, there was no power after sunset. Their solar panels are far too small to support the needs of the property. Throughout our stay, there was no hot water at all. The room had no air conditioning, only a fan, and at night it was so hot that I had to open the doors to get some air. Breakfast was very repetitive with almost the same limited options every day. The staff at breakfast were sometimes friendly, but often not — especially if you arrived 30 minutes before breakfast ended. They would tell you that it was too late to order food or even a juice because they were in a hurry to finish. One of the biggest problems was the increasing number of scorpions in our room. It was impossible to relax or sleep peacefully, constantly worrying about stepping on one or finding one in our clothes or bed. At check-in, you receive a note (in Spanish) stating that the hotel is not responsible for any bites, and the nearest hospital or clinic is very far away. Because of the scorpions and the overall conditions, we decided to check out two days earlier than planned. We simply couldn’t stay there any longer. Unfortunately, I cannot recommend this place.

May as well be a bait and switch. Bartender was fired (?) the day we arrived, so we were told their drink menu couldn't be honored for the duration of our stay. Management messaged to say they could only serve a limited menu, but even when my partner ordered a margarita we were told that nobody knew how to make one. We were the only couple at the resort for several days. The staff told us management wouldn't approve any new food to be purchased, so the restaurant menu wasn't to be honored either. Later the management told us some things are difficult to find in a small town like Tulum, but there are two huge grocery stores that we personally shopped at which were as stocked as any super walmart. This explanation came after we couldn't get milk for our coffee, and "there's no milk in a small town like Tulum" is a completely false line of reasoning. They have kitchenettes in the rooms but no cookware, nor plates/silverware. We were told they're "stored elsewhere" but it's pointless since you can't actually use the fridge. Their solar system cannot supply enough battery power to run it overnight. One of the staff literally told us not to plug it in because we'd run out of power for fans/lights during the night. The electricity will frequently cut off for 15+ minutes at a time. The rooms can't be secured (we stayed in two) because the door locks are broken, so plan to take everything with you if you leave. Hot water takes forever, runs out immediately, and has zero water pressure. One of the chairs in our room had an obvious fecal stain on it when we checked in - we told the staff about it but it wasn't changed until we messaged management the next day. After that, staff told us not to message management because they'd get in trouble. After one sleepless night where the staff stayed up drinking next to the pool and shouting until 3am, my partner was told her scheduled massage had been canceled because management had fired the masseuse. We were told "she would come back if you pay cash" according to the front desk guy, which felt like a weird scam. From the messages we were sent when we told the management about the myriad issues we had, it sounded like they were actually there for the shouting party. Seems weird when they also tell guests to respect a quiet atmosphere. Employees constantly complained about management, and the management basically told us "people don't come here to drink" when we told them we were upset their menus wouldn't be honored. I hated this place, and we checked out two days early to go to an airbnb 40 minutes away. Maybe at some point this place used to be nice - it sure photographs well and looks pretty in person - but the experience is garbage and I hated being there.

The huts are very nice and very a pleasant place to be. The property is very beautiful and peaceful. It’s very fun being walking distance to a bunch of cenote’s. The staff were wonderful especially Adan the chef and his team. His food was amazing. He made it hard to go out and explore for food because it was so great here. A tip, don’t ask for anything specific, just let him make what he’s feeling. For every meal. That being said the Tulum area is sort of an extension of Cancun. Just kind of one resort after another. Not a lot of real Mexican culture. It’s definitely pretty but very busy and touristy. Pepem and its surrounding area ended up being our only area we really enjoyed. The myan ruins were interesting.

We found the overall atmosphere, particularly from the staff, to be very relaxed and uncluttered. The standard of accommodation, facilities and food is truly excellent. The kitchen staff are amazing. There are plenty of activities to do in this local area but really, there is also no need to leave the hotel. One point that we hope the management will address is the morning restaurant music is too loud and the petrol leaf blower around the restaurant are not calming. However Hotel Pepem and its staff served as a perfect stopover for a few nights whilst travelling back from Belize. As Belize is a regular destination for us, Hotel Pepem will be part of the adventure in future. Strongly recommendable!