I stayed in a $500-a-night villa in Tulum, which had no electricity and was made almost entirely of branches. See inside.

• I recently stayed at Azulik, a luxury eco-resort nestled in the jungle of Tulum, Mexico.

• The unique hotel features 48 villas, none of which have electricity.

• My candlelit room also didn't feature a shower, although I had a beautiful mosaic bathtub.

From deluxe tents to Pablo Escobar's former mansion, there is no shortage of unique hotels in Tulum, Mexico.

But few are as famous as Azulik, a luxury eco-resort nestled in the jungle.

On a recent trip to review Tulum's brand-new airport, I spent the night in one of Azulik's electricity-free villas.

It was unlike any place I've ever stayed in before. Let's take a look.

Azulik calls itself a “sanctuary for reconnection and wellness.”

The resort features 48 villas, two restaurants, a clothing-optional beach club, and a spa.

Known for its stunning scenery and sunset views, Azulik has become a hot spot for celebrities and influencers. Vanessa Hudgens even tied the knot at the resort's museum in December 2023.

"I felt like I was transported to some kind of utopia, unlike anything I had ever been to before," she told Vogue following her wedding. "It was whimsical and magical, and I just fell in love."

The resort is connected via pathways that wind through trees and soar over waterways.

The suspended pathways, made from tree branches, are an intentional design choice, one that "invites us to pay attention to our every step" and "make space for the animals to crawl," according to Azulik's website.

While they looked beautiful against the jungle backdrop, the pathways were definitely bumpier than I expected. Still, I admired the stunning view as one of Azulik's staff members — known as "angels" — showed me the way to my room.

I spent the night in the Mayan Villa.

The price for a night in Azulik can vary widely depending on the villa you choose, and whether you're traveling during Tulum's peak season from December to April.

I paid $510 to stay in the Mayan Villa during my trip in May. According to rates on Azulik's website, a one-night stay in the same room typically costs $686 during peak season.

Every Azulik villa has a maximum occupancy of two people which, according to its website, is designed to "create an intimate atmosphere."

Children aren't allowed at the resort, and the website notes that the rooms aren't accessible for people with disabilities.

At the center of my room was a lush canopy bed flanked by a gauzy mosquito net.

I loved the surprising round shape of the king-size bed, which added a unique touch to the villa. It made my treehouse feel like even more of a jungle escape.

Later that night, I immediately sank into the plush mattress for a deep and restful sleep.

Above my bed was a ceiling fan.

Every villa at Azulik is also equipped with an air conditioner, which kept my room cool throughout the day as temperatures hit above 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Small candles were spread out across the electricity-free villa.

The candles in the room — lit by staff members every night as the sun goes down — were the only source of light in my villa.

According to Azulik's website, this is meant to "create an atmosphere of tranquility" and reduce "light pollution that severely impacts the environment of creatures like sea turtles."

Instead of a shower, every villa at Azulik has a handmade mosaic bathtub.

Another intentional design choice by the resort is trading a traditional shower for a rustic-feeling tub, meant to invite guests to "take your time, soak in the tub with bath salts and relax," according to Azulik's website.

It notes that the only villa with a real shower is the Moon Villa, where one night could cost you more than $4,000.

On top of a towel draped over the tub's edge sat half a coconut shell, to help scoop water during a bath.

Hanging over the tub was a floating shelf with provided toiletries.

While the shampoo and conditioner had a mandarin scent that was bright and lovely, the disposable plastic bottles felt like a strange choice for a resort that bills itself as eco-friendly.

Extra towels were nestled in shelves made of branches.

While I missed having a shower, I did appreciate how Azulik's cute and clever design touches — like these branches used as towel hooks — stayed true to the resort's jungle roots.

Next to the tub was a matching mosaic countertop.

I loved the shimmering white countertop, which featured depictions of delicate blue flowers.

The design perfectly coordinated with the green, blue, and purple florals that covered the small but colorful sink.

Tucked inside a separate wooden compartment was the toilet.

Unlike Habitas, an eco-resort in Tulum where both the toilet and shower are outdoors, you can access the bathroom inside your villa at Azulik.

But even with its tall wall of branches, the bathroom — which is just across from the bed — isn't exactly the most… private.

Here’s a peek inside.

A small window provided some light during the day and a few candles sat on the shelves, ready to illuminate a nighttime bathroom trip.

Hanging wooden shelves offered additional storage for clothes.

While there was no comforter on the bed, a plush blanket was tucked in one of the hanging shelves.

At the back of the villa was a wooden terrace with two chairs to relax in.

One of my favorite memories at Azulik was sipping Mayan hot chocolate and eating from a fresh plate of fruit on the wide terrace.

There’s also an outdoor hot tub.

Azulik refers to an "outdoor hot tub" on its website, which I found wasn't accurate — at least for my villa.

The outdoor tub was empty upon my arrival, although my tour guide said I could call on a staff member to come clean it if I wanted to use it.

But I didn't find the tub to be particularly inviting, or private. I could spot multiple massage beds from the nearby spa, as well as a security guard who was watching over the property.

Just steps away from my villa was a stunning view of the sea.

My room was next to a cliff overlooking the ocean, offering a breathtaking glimpse of the waves crashing against the sand.

While I found that much of a stay at Azulik is designed to cater to Instagram, there was no denying the natural beauty that surrounds and runs through the resort.

Want to find out more? You'll have to stay tuned for my full review.

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