I stayed in a nearly $900-a-night suite in Tulum with a bed that rolled onto the balcony. It was paradise in a crowded tourist destination.

Wanting to expand La Valise Mexico City, hotelier Yves Naman found a beach house right on the sand in Tulum and transformed it into an 11-room luxury boutique hotel he opened in 2017.

In 2022, La Valise expanded to include 11 jungle suites that face the Mayan tropical forest. The beach and jungle sides of the resort — which are just across the street from each other — have their own pool and restaurant. Guests can access everything, no matter which side they’re staying on.

Our room was on the jungle side, which we realized was a very fitting name as we began walking around. Every path was shaded with lush palms and towering trees, and there was even a natural cenote on the property.

Our bedroom opened onto the terrace, where two wooden chairs were basking in the sun.

I could spot the tops of trees and the palapa roofs of nearby suites as the gentle sound of flowing water from the cenote filled the air.

It truly felt like we were in the middle of the jungle.

I loved this partially outdoor shower, which our tour guide assured us was completely private. I preferred it over the bathtub-only option in my suite at Azulik, Tulum’s most famous resort.

The weather was beautiful throughout our stay, and I loved showering in the warm air as I admired the surroundings.

I have to confess that I gasped in delight when I walked up the winding wood staircase to our roof and saw the space.

Two sun loungers with plush gray cushions were already soaking up the sun’s rays. Next to them, a few wooden tables were arranged for drinks or snacks.

Three clay vases decorated the steps to the jacuzzi, which was already bubbling invitingly.

A jug of filtered water sat on the console below the big black-and-white painting. We could replenish it whenever needed with a quick text to the concierge desk.

Wood, wicker, and stone are the main materials used in all the suites, an intentional design to help the resort blend into its jungle surroundings.

As with many restaurants in Tulum, NÜ is an open-air space. The wooden dining tables and chairs were arranged under a straw roof, and the plants covered the walls.

My mom, who loves gardening, was immediately hooked by the beautiful setting. The only thing I found strange was the alternative rock soundtrack, which felt out of place in such a serene environment.

We briefly stepped onto the balcony and admired the stars before sinking into the plush king-size canopy bed.

Even with a looming deadline in the morning, I felt incredibly relaxed. I quickly realized that La Valise had some real magic.

The dish, which featured fried eggs on top of onions, beans, fresh cheese, and red ranchero sauce, was perfectly cooked. I loved the addition of fresh avocado and pickled onions, which added a burst of color and flavor.

I spent a lot of time in the restaurant while working on a story that day and was blown away by the service at La Valise. Occasionally, one of the bartenders or servers would come by to say hi. They’d often bring cold water, a fresh juice, or a cocktail they had just whipped up.

The guacamole — which cost 300 pesos, or about $14 — was fresh and flavorful. We also tried a roasted tomato salsa, which was deliciously smoky and paired perfectly with the tortilla chips.

The Baja fish tacos cost 400 pesos, or about $19, and came packed with tempura fish, pico de gallo, a purple cabbage salad, mashed avocado, and a drizzle of chipotle mayonnaise. The toppings were all delicious, although the fish was just slightly dry.

We were huge fans of the chicken tacos, which cost the same amount and featured grilled chicken, manchego cheese, marinated peppers, and purple onions. The meat was juicy and tender, and the accompanying green salsa and spicy oil added even more flavor. My only critique was the parsley on top, which felt like an unnecessary garnish.

Rolling the bed out onto the balcony couldn’t have been easier. I just removed the stoppers in front of the wheels and gave the bed a light push. My mom and I giggled as we watched the stars above us. It felt like camping in your backyard — but in a luxurious king-size bed.

We stayed there for a while as I worked and she sketched, a quiet but special memory in a unique setting.

Not wanting to risk it with the mosquitos, we decided to roll the bed back inside before going to sleep. But months later, we still talk about how much we loved our suite.

I had never stayed at a resort as small as La Valise. It’s not a flashy hotel, but it doesn’t need to be. Peacefulness, I learned, is a luxury in itself.

From its lovely suites to its relaxing lounge areas, every inch of La Valise seems designed to soothe the soul. The staff are incredibly sweet and friendly, easily recognizing you hours into your stay. And I’ll never forget gazing up at the stars from my plush hotel bed.

Tulum may have a reputation as the new Miami, but you can still find paradise at La Valise.