A Private Piece of Paradise in Tulum

For some destination wedding couples, accessibility is key. But for others, spending the extra time necessary to arrive at a remote location is worth the effort. Mukan Resort is the definition of remote – with only one road in and out and a distance of 20 miles to the nearest town. What makes Mukan’s location extra special is that it’s the only resort set in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere, a UNESCO World Heritage site on the Yucatan Peninsula. Guests typically fly into Cancún International Airport, take a two-hour drive to the trendy beachfront town of Tulum and finally board a private boat transfer to Mukan.

Our longstanding love affair with Mexico is a badly kept secret and Mukan epitomizes what we love most – stellar service and fresh ceviche. It’s a paradise of privacy carved amongst a lush landscape of mangroves and jungle…capped-off with 200 yards of white sand beach. With just 10 rooms, the on-site staff stands at-the-ready to cater to every whim. A maximum of 20 guests are accommodated between rooms in the main villa and beach bungalows peppered throughout the property. It’s hard to imagine a place better suited for a destination wedding buy-out. A nuptial takeover would feel like enjoying a sprawling, private estate vs staying at a traditional resort.

Due to its unique location within the biosphere, Mukan’s creators kept to strict building restrictions and eco-conscious guidelines, so you can sun tan with peace of mind. Another symptom of the setting is that everything is planned with purpose – including meals. Being unable to just run out to the store, Mukan’s chefs rely on only the freshest local ingredients and strive to minimize waste wherever possible. The menu changes daily, but there’s always ceviche and a variety of Mexican wines to choose from.

Weddings here are a cinch, since the resort’s resources and grounds are entirely at your disposal. We envision a sunset ceremony on the dock, rooftop cocktails and a bonfire, beachfront reception under the stars. For pre- or post-wedding plans, be sure to charter a boat to explore the biosphere and its distinct and varied wildlife, including manatees, crocodiles and stingrays.

Imagine swinging open your screen door every morning to a view of the Caribbean Sea and a fresh cup of coffee or cooled coconut on the porch and at-the-ready. Here, seclusion and luxury converge – paradise found!

This article first appeared in Destination I Do's Spring/Summer 2019 issue. You can order a copy here.