Set on the peaceful shores of Soliman Bay, Casa Xixim embraces the ancient Mayan tradition of Hanal Pixán, inviting guests to share in a heartfelt tribute that blends rich cultural rituals with eco-luxury living. It’s a chance to step off the beaten track and really connect with the spirit of the Yucatán Peninsula.

Today’s discerning travellers crave more than just ticking off sights—they seek genuine connection. Rising interest in cultural and eco-conscious journeys reflects a yearning for authentic immersion in the traditions, communities, and ways of life that render every destination truly unique.

Casa Xixim, an eco-luxury villa nestled quietly on the serene shores of Soliman Bay in Tulum, Mexico, embodies this ethos at every turn. Designed by award-winning architects Specht Novak, the villa sits in harmony with the environment, offering an immersive living experience that treads lightly on the land and honours the local biome.

This October, Casa Xixim pays heartfelt homage to the Yucatán Peninsula’s vibrant cultural legacy by celebrating Hanal Pixán—the “food of the souls.” This ancient Mayan tradition, a forerunner to the widely recognised Día de los Muertos, is a sacred feast of remembrance, life, and the unbroken bond between the living and those who have gone before. Guests staying during this special time are warmly invited to delve into these meaningful rituals firsthand.

From October 31 to November 2, Casa Xixim opens its doors for an intimate Hanal Pixán experience. Visitors can partake in the villa’s house altar ceremonies and venture into Tulum pueblo’s colourful festival, where intricately crafted altars, regional dishes, and storytelling bridge past and present. It’s a heartfelt tip of the hat to ancestry, community, and the enduring spirit of the Mayan people.

Food photography by Adrienne Moore.

The culinary offering is a vibrant celebration in itself. Casa Xixim’s kitchen, guided by acclaimed Chef Joaquin Cardoso of Loup Mexico City and brought to life by the villa’s accomplished in-house chefs, serves up Hanal Pixán-inspired dishes. These meld ancestral flavours with modern culinary techniques, creating a feast that delights the senses and the soul alike.

Photograph by Dana Robinson.

Guests will enjoy scratch-made tamales wrapped in fragrant regional banana leaves—an age-old Mayan feast staple—stuffed with succulent duck, pork, chicken, or vegetarian fillings. These are served with chayitas, a traditional delicacy made from chaya (Mayan spinach), accompanied by fresh salsas, guacamole, and escabeche to tantalise every taste bud.

A specially curated beachside dining table, adorned with radiant cempasúchil (marigolds), fresh eucalyptus, and sugar skulls, offers an evocative setting that honours life, memory, and tradition in equal measure.

More than just a villa, Casa Xixim blends the intimacy of a boutique hotel with the luxury of private home living. Guests during Hanal Pixán are encouraged to create personal altars with photographs and keepsakes of loved ones, guided gently by the attentive Casa Xixim team, enriching the experience with intimate reflection.

For those eager to explore this serene blend of culture, nature, and luxe comfort, detailed information and bookings are available at Casa Xixim’s website.

About Casa Xixim
Perched on the protected and unspoiled Soliman Bay, Casa Xixim is a 4,800 sq ft sanctuary designed by Scott Specht of Specht Novak Architects. The villa offers a bespoke retreat tailored to discerning travellers seeking a private villa with all the personalised touches of a boutique hotel.

Ideal for families or groups of friends, the eco-conscious home features multiple primary suites, a self-sufficient design, and a minimal environmental footprint—immersing guests in the beauty of the local biomes.

Casa Xixim delivers a seamless blend of privacy, luxury, and sustainable living, with private chefs, tailored activities, and expert day planning, making it the perfect launching pad for those wishing to uncover Tulum’s hidden gems and cultural heart.