The Heart of Zorba & Mahayana: An Appreciation Post

At Zorba and Mahayana, the turquoise sea and swaying palms may be what first draw you in — but it is our people who define the experience.

This is a note of gratitude. To our team. And to the many wonderful guests we’ve had the privilege of welcoming over the years.

A Foundation Built on Care

When Mahayana was first established in 2016, gathering our small collections of beach homes under one umbrella, Maricella from our housekeeping team, was part of our original staff and to date our longest standing employee. She started with us in about 2012 and still works with us today.

Needless to say, she has been with Mahayana since the very beginning. Through thousands of guest arrivals, celebrations, weddings, and family reunions, she has shown up with unwavering dedication. The care you feel when you walk into a beautifully prepared villa — fresh linens, thoughtful details, everything in its place — is often thanks to her steady hands and pride in her work.

In an industry known for constant turnover, her loyalty means everything.

Growing Together

Our concierge and guest services team — Chabely and Miriam — have also been part of our journey for many years.

They are often the first point of contact for our guests and the reassuring presence throughout each stay. From planning intimate dinners to coordinating milestone celebrations, they do it all with warmth and heart.

What makes their story even more special is that we have watched them grow personally alongside the properties. From solo life to building families and raising children, they’ve navigated life’s big chapters while continuing to care so deeply for our guests.

Zorba and Mahayana are not simply workplaces — they are communities where life unfolds.

My Own Journey

I have had the privilege of serving as Reservations Manager and Guest Experience lead since Mahayana first opened in 2014, and later when Zorba was established in 2018. I began this role with the previous owners, my lovely parents, when my own children were still toddlers — they are now 19 and 22 years old.

In many ways, I have grown up alongside these properties.

We have seen the area change dramatically — grow, shift, and evolve at a rapid pace. Through it all, we have done our very best to adapt while remaining rooted in what first drew us here: the natural beauty, authenticity, and quiet luxury of what many still lovingly call “old Tulum.”

We care deeply about people, relationships, and trust. We want the very best for our team and for every guest who chooses to stay with us. We understand what a privilege it is to welcome families and small groups from all over the world into these homes. It is something we never take lightly.

Staying True

In a time when it feels harder and harder to stand out in a sea of businesses, we hold onto one simple belief: if we remain committed to our roots, to our standards, and to genuine hospitality, good things will come.

We are incredibly grateful to the dedicated members of our team — those mentioned here and the many others who work behind the scenes every single day. Our return guests often recognize the familiar faces raking the beach or plucking coconuts from the trees.

And we are equally grateful to the guests who have trusted us over the years. Many of you have returned again and again. Many of you have become friends.

If you have stayed with us and experienced the warm hospitality of our team, and you would like to show us some love, we would be so appreciative of a Google review for Mahayana or Zorba. Your words truly help small, independent properties like ours continue to thrive.

And if you haven’t yet stayed with us but are considering a visit — you are warmly welcome. It would be our pleasure to host you, to share our favorite hidden corners, and to introduce you to the magic of the Tulum we know and love.

With gratitude, always.

Snow Colbeck ~ Reservations & Guest Experiences Mahayana & Zorba Tulum Beach Villas

Mahayana Tulum and Zorba Tulum are boutique multi-villa rental properties for couples, small groups of friends, and families.