A Complete Guide to the Best Areas to Live and Invest in Tulum

A Complete Guide to the Best Areas to Live and Invest in Tulum

By The Bucket List by Melina Villavicencio

Tulum has evolved into one of the most desirable destinations in the world — not only as a vacation spot, but as a place to live, invest, and design a lifestyle rooted in nature, freedom, and conscious luxury.

However, choosing the right area in Tulum is one of the most critical decisions for buyers and investors. Each neighborhood has its own identity, level of development, appreciation potential, and lifestyle offering.

As a certified realtor and interior designer, and as someone who truly loves to travel and experience places deeply, I’ve created this comprehensive guide to Tulum’s key areas, focusing on lifestyle, design, and investment strategy.

Aldea Zama: Urban Planning, Design, and Proven Appreciation

Aldea Zama is one of the most established and recognized areas in Tulum. It stands out for its master planning, wide streets, bike paths, and strong contemporary architectural identity.

Here you’ll find:

• Boutique condominiums and Villas
• High-end residential developments
• Restaurants, cafés, and essential services

Ideal for:

• Investors seeking stability
• Buyers looking for comfort and walkability
• Mid- to high-end vacation rentals

From an interior design perspective, Aldea Zama allows for refined, timeless spaces that blend seamlessly with the jungle — significantly increasing perceived value and rental performance.

La Veleta: Tulum’s Creative and Bohemian Core

La Veleta has undergone one of the fastest transformations in Tulum. It offers a relaxed, artistic, and international atmosphere, attracting creatives, digital nomads, and long-term residents.

Key highlights:

• Trend-driven restaurants and cafés
• Art studios and boutique developments
• Strong community feel

Ideal for:

• Mid- and long-term rentals
• Lifestyle-driven buyers
• Investors with a forward-looking strategy

This is a zone where interior design truly sets a property apart, elevating both lifestyle appeal and return on investment.

Region 15: Jungle Living with Strategic Growth Potential

Region 15 represents a clear opportunity for buyers who understand Tulum’s medium-term growth trajectory. Surrounded by nature and increasingly connected to the beach via key avenues, it is rapidly gaining value.

What defines this area:

• Eco-conscious developments
• Jungle-integrated architecture
• Wellness-focused concepts

Ideal for:

• Strategic investors
• Eco-luxury vacation rentals
• Projects where experience and design are central

Region 12 / Holistika Area: Wellness, Community, and Conscious Living

Centered around the iconic Holistika Hotel, this area is driven by a wellness-oriented lifestyle. Here, real estate goes beyond square footage — it’s about energy, balance, and intention.

Perfect for:

• Wellness-focused developments
• Studios and serene residences
• Long-term and retreat-style stays

As an interior designer, this is an area where thoughtful design directly enhances emotional and experiential value.

Region 8: Proximity to the Beach and Tourist Demand

Located close to the hotel zone and beach access, Region 8 is increasingly attractive for boutique projects aimed at vacation rentals.

Ideal for:

• Short-term rentals
• Investors seeking beach proximity without beachfront pricing
• Design-driven boutique developments

Tulum 101: A Master-Planned Community for Lifestyle and Investment

Tulum 101 is a private, gated development offering:

• Security and infrastructure
• Green spaces and amenities
• Beach club access and commercial areas

It’s designed for those who want a balanced lifestyle that blends living, vacationing, and long-term investment.

Region 11: Everyday Living with Full Services

Region 11 is one of the most practical areas for permanent living in Tulum. It offers easy access to:

• Supermarkets
• Gyms and shopping plazas
• Schools and daily services

Ideal for:

• Full-time residents
• Long-term rentals
• Stability-focused investors

Selva Zama: Nature, Design, and High Appreciation

Selva Zama connects Aldea Zama to the beach, offering a greener, more exclusive environment. Urban planning and sustainability play a key role here.

Perfect for:

• Families
• Premium investors
• Buyers seeking harmony between comfort and nature

New Tulum: Privacy, Exclusivity, and Beach Proximity

Located behind the hotel zone, New Tulum features high-end residential projects, private villas, and a more exclusive atmosphere.

Ideal for:

• Luxury buyers
• Personal-use residences
• High-end rental properties

My Approach: Beyond Buying Property — Creating a Lifestyle

At The Bucket List by Melina Villavicencio, I don’t just help you buy property in Tulum.

I help you choose the right area based on your lifestyle, financial goals, and the experience you want to live or offer.

As a certified realtor, interior designer, and passionate traveler, I understand that a well-located, well-designed property is not just owned — it’s lived, monetized, and remembered.

📩 If you’re looking for personalized guidance to identify the best area in Tulum for you, I’d be happy to support you.