Hotel Cielo y Selva

The sunrise was amazing, and waking up for it was worth it. We stayed in a glamping tent and found it very comfortable. We were there in late December and early January, and it was cool enough at night that we didn't need the fans. Marta and the rest of the staff were warm, welcoming, and friendly throughout. The hotel sits right on a long sandy beach in a quiet, undeveloped area, which is rare. The water was pleasant and calm for swimming, though not as clear as Tulum. The community works to keep the beach tidy, but plastic debris washes up in the remote areas, as it does on many coasts. The stretch right in front of the hotel was very clean. You can walk about 700-800 metres one way and 1-1.5 km the other. Getting to Punta Allen is part of the experience. From the entrance to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve it's roughly 45 km and took us around 2.5 hours. The first 30 km were bumpy but manageable, and the last 10-15 km were much rougher, with big potholes and deep ruts. The drive in felt long, though the return seemed surprisingly quick. A car with decent clearance helps. Our Logan had more clearance than a normal car, though we saw regular cars make the drive too. The road is remote, but there was enough traffic that we didn't feel in danger of being stranded if something went wrong. Hotel food was good but the menu was limited. We also had lunch at one of the tourist-oriented restaurants down the beach in Punta Allen and enjoyed the very fresh seafood. There's a charming little beach café with coffee and delicious desserts as well. Punta Allen itself is simple and a little run-down, with only a few restaurants and small shops. Snorkelling boats leave from the marina on the lagoon behind town and go to the reef offshore. Our trip was excellent, with a great guide and lots of marine life, and was well worth the time. This isn't a place for luxury travellers or anyone after Tulum-style comfort, amenities, or nightlife. People who like nature, quiet, and simplicity would probably enjoy it. Two or three nights felt just right for us, and longer might feel limiting. We're glad we went and loved seeing this peaceful part of the coast, though we probably won't return, simply because there are so many other beautiful places to explore.

Hotel Cielo y Selva is a great place for adventurers and nature lovers willing to trade some comfort for a slice of untouched paradise. The hotel's beach is beautiful and well maintained, though farther stretches can be littered. The nearby village of Punta Allen is small and a bit run-down, with only a few restaurants, some closed while we were there, plus two tiny supermarkets for essentials. The hotel staff are warm, attentive, and genuinely friendly, if occasionally a little scatterbrained. Rooms are clean and practical, with a fan but no air conditioning. There's no cell signal, but the Wi-Fi is surprisingly good, so you can disconnect without going completely offline. The hotel food was delicious, though portions were on the small side, so bring snacks and plenty of water for the day. Mosquitoes are relentless in the morning and evening, so don't forget repellent. You can take boat and snorkeling tours from the hotel to see marine life, dolphins, turtles, and rays in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. The drive to Punta Allen is an adventure too. The last 45 kilometres are a bumpy sand road with deep potholes and big puddles. Google Maps says about two hours, but it's sensible to allow twice that. An SUV is highly recommended, even though the hotel says any car can manage. Once there, the rough journey is quickly forgotten.

The people are what make the difference here, and it's great value for money. A beautiful, very quiet and uncomplicated place to unwind. It offers a simpler way of doing things, without the glitz or the noise.

The place exceeded our expectations. We stayed in a cabana with running water, a great shower, and power available around the clock. The bed was comfortable, and we slept well to the sound of waves and wind in the palms. Staff were exceptional, and the food was fresh and delicious whenever we ate, served from 8am to 9:30pm. It's a long, bumpy three hour drive, but you'll be glad you found this little paradise. I'd stay at least two or three nights to make the drive worthwhile. Two thumbs up.