Casa Malca Tulum (FKA Pablo Escobar’s Mansion):VIP Photo Shoot & Day Pass

ZAMA (Ancient name of Tulum)

Tulum used to be a sleepy and budget-friendly jungle getaway.

Then, COVID and eventually inflation happened.

Despite gaining popularity with those fleeing pandemic restrictions, Tulum is desperately trying to uphold its “zen” bohemian image.

Casa Malca (ex home of drug lord Pablo Escobar) is no different. It was refurbished by art collector/dealer (Lio Malca).

Among the bike riding, matcha drinking and flowy fabric wearing crowd, they don’t advertise or display their beach club prices anywhere (I could find online).

There wasn’t a sign outside the property either!

I read that their hotel guests were complaining about day pass holders taking over!

That may explain why stricter policies are now in place.

The most recent random cost I saw was $160. It was $188 upon arrival.

You can always email them for the current price.

A stay at the mansion averages about $400 per night.

In the past, you could roam the entire grounds freely and take pictures to your heart’s content.

Now, certain areas are only reserved for hotel guests. Or those with a photography reservation.

I fell into the latter.

The beach pass purchase is required for the photo session.

Without it, you can only take pictures of art around the beach area.

Casa Malca VIP Photo Shoot

I booked the photo session in advance. The $200 per hour was close to the average researched rate.

The last time I paid for pictures (outside of a cruise) was in Colombia thru Airbnb. Usually I do my own photo shoots (via Android or Canon).

Julie was my photographer and she was very nice and patient.

I received the pictures the following day. Their website lists a longer time frame.

The pictures are beautiful, but I don’t think they were edited. Thankfully,  I have some experience in that area.

That defeats the purpose of paying someone though!

If I could change anything, I would have asked to see more of the pictures to make slight adjustments to my clothing here and there.

In addition, inquire about their editing process!

There were four out of twenty locations to choose from.

I wanted the IG famous wedding dresses and let the photographer choose the other spots.

After the photo session, I chose a beachfront day bed and ordered shots, drinks and food.

Adrian was my server and he was very attentive and charming.

There’s three restaurants to choose from. Variety is not an issue!

Pictured below is fish tacos, Asian style rice, and wings.

Artistic View Point

The food was delicious! The freshly squeezed OJ was compliments of the bartender for my birthday!

The mansion/hotel is an artistic masterpiece.

I saw Italian inspiration that reminded me of Versace’s work.

Art was literally everywhere.

Like Tulum, every corner inspired a photograph.

The only thing I didn’t do was the underground pool.  I don’t know how to swim anyway.

As someone who will not balk at paying for an experience, I would definitely do the beach club again!

Did I mention the beach was clothing optional???

~Poof…Bee Gone

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