Welcome to Babel, not your average hotel, and definitely not your typical tourist trap. Nestled in the jungly heart of Tulum, this striking pink-toned structure is a game-changer for architecture, sustainability, and how we think about living with nature instead of just on top of it.
At first glance, it’s all curves, shadows, and sculptural beauty. But what you’re actually looking at is a living, breathing concept: architecture that responds to its environment, not just imposes itself on it. Designed by Mexican studio V Taller, Babel is inspired by the mythical Tower of Babel and reimagines space as something flexible, poetic, and completely in sync with the natural world.
Instead of sprawling out and flattening the forest, Babel goes vertical. Its eye-shaped layout and central courtyard optimize airflow and bring in soft, filtered light, no need for constant A/C or harsh artificial lighting here.
The building uses traditional materials like chukum (a natural stucco from the Yucatán Peninsula) that help regulate temperature and blend beautifully into the jungle landscape. And yes, those dramatic arches? Not just for looks, they’re part of the project’s bioclimatic strategy.
Soft pink curves and sculptural arches create a dreamlike rhythm across the facade, where light and shadow shift throughout the day, transforming the architecture into a living artwork. The interplay of forms, both bold and delicate, turns every angle into a photo-worthy moment that feels carefully composed yet effortlessly natural.
A central tower rises like a serene sentinel, its smooth facade punctuated by narrow vertical slits that filter light into the space below. Inside, a quiet, temple-like chamber wraps around a circular pool, where the still water reflects a dramatic triangular opening carved into the ceiling. Framed by greenery and open to the sky, this architectural moment feels both sacred and cinematic, a hidden retreat that turns light, form, and shadow into a sensory experience.
Inside, it’s a vibe: each unit includes a kitchen, dining space, jacuzzi garden, and just enough variation in layout to make every home feel unique. Some are short-term rentals, others are for long-term residents, creating a year-round, rooted community that doesn’t vanish with the seasons.
A serene, terracotta-toned living space showcases earthy textures, warm natural light, and a refined material palette. Walls in sunbaked hues form a calming backdrop for relaxed sofas, woven rugs, and solid wood furniture with primitive silhouettes.
Sculptural lighting and large-scale framed art give the space a curated, gallery-like feel, with pieces thoughtfully placed to evoke a sense of casual sophistication. Oversized sheer curtains soften the vertical drama of the high ceilings, while subtle architectural details and handcrafted decor add depth and quiet sophistication.
In another apartment, neutral tones and organic materials take center stage in the living room. Filtered sunlight washes over a minimalist sofa, sculptural wood tables, and a layered jute rug, creating a space that feels both serene and elemental.
Arched windows cast a diffused glow across the space, emphasizing the organic curve of the ceiling and the earthy plaster walls.
This tranquil bedroom pairs clay-toned plaster walls with a wood bed frame and an integrated vanity. The arched mirror and ceiling echo the organic curves of the architecture, while neutral linens and natural textures invite calm.
Babel is more than architecture, it’s a statement in rose-colored concrete, offering a vision of design that nurtures instead of disrupts. When you’re next in Tulum, skip the beach resort and seek out the tower where light, shadow, and jungle converge.