amansala · founder
Melissa Perlman
"Traded in my Jimmy Choo's for Flip Flops"
Melissa Perlman · Founder & CEO, Amansala
"Traded in my Jimmy Choo's for Flip Flops"
Melissa Perlman · Founder & CEO, Amansala
Amansala is named in Sanskrit after Tulum's peaceful, crystal-clear waters. To this day, it is still one of Tulum's most iconic, eco-chic boutique hotels.
It is founded on the belief that a vacation is when you return home looking and feeling better than when you left.
Amansala's design and atmosphere reflect the wabi-sabi philosophy, using natural materials and organic shapes. The rustic, weathered look of the buildings, the unpolished wood, and the hand-crafted details all contribute to a sense of authenticity.
What started as a simple idea just after 9/11 while sitting in a studio apartment in NYC has grown into a brand known globally amongst jet setters, the well-traveled, and those who pride themselves for being in the know of the latest hot spots.
"In a predominately male-dominated industry, Melissa created a niche that incorporates style and comfort with purpose and community."
In 2017, Melissa became a partner in Gitano Tulum and Grupo Gitano. Today she is an investor and active partner in Grupo Gitano, her strong business savvy supporting James' vision for the growth and business of the brand.
Melissa Perlman is a dynamic entrepreneur, visionary hotelier, and wellness pioneer whose trailblazing spirit has helped shape Tulum into the wellness destination it is today. After relocating to Tulum following 9/11, Melissa began building Amansala, a beachfront health and wellness retreat, literally room by room.
Her passion, grit, and creativity transformed that vision into one of the largest and most iconic properties in Tulum, now boasting over 100 rooms, multiple yoga shalas, beachfront restaurants, and a thriving wellness community.
Melissa is also the founder of Bikini Bootcamp, an innovative and wildly popular fitness retreat that combines movement, mindfulness, and adventure. Launched long before wellness travel became mainstream, Bikini Bootcamp helped redefine what it means to reset — blending results-driven workouts with the soul of a beachside escape.
In 2017, Melissa expanded her entrepreneurial journey by becoming a partner in Gitano Tulum and Grupo Gitano. As an active investor and strategic partner, she plays a key role in guiding the business alongside founder James Gardner, bringing her strong business acumen and deep understanding of brand building, hospitality, and experiential travel.
Widely recognized as a thought leader in the global wellness and boutique hotel industry, Melissa is known for her unique ability to create spaces that feel both inspiring and deeply rooted in nature. Her influence spans curated wellness experiences and luxury lifestyle concepts that blend authenticity with elegance.
"After traveling all over Southeast Asia to some of the world's best beaches, she heard about a little piece of paradise just a few hours' flight from New York City and fell in love with Tulum. What started as an idea for a 'pop-up' turned into the most iconic Tulum hotel — and two kids learning how to navigate the bumpy road of being a savvy hotelier in a macho-dominated society where things are still a bit like the Wild West."
She feels blessed to have found her life's calling, which combines her love of fitness, food, the beach, design, people, and self-development. Her warmth is contagious, and she often says she feels like she is having one continuous dinner party with amazing people coming week after week.
She is a mother of two and resides with her family in Tulum, where she continues to be hands-on in making Amansala the special place it is.
"Amansala is more like staying at a friend's beach house than a hotel."
— the reserve channel"Amansala, a blend of the Sanskrit words for water (ambha) and peace (santi), describes itself as eco-chic. Like many other places in Tulum, the boutique resort has a rustic, low-fi elegance."
— yoga journal"At Amansala, the water is Technicolor turquoise, the sand plush enough to sleep on, the air tinged with the scent of jungle flowers — the ideal spot for a major mind-body reboot."
— elle"The location alone makes the Amansala Resort a perfect addition to any wish list — it's situated in Tulum along a secluded beach in the Mayan Riviera."
— popsugar"Reese Witherspoon, Drew Barrymore and Cameron Diaz took time out of their busy schedules and jetted down to Tulum, Mexico for a girls-only fitness vacation at the swanky Amansala Resort."
— radaronlineKnown as one of the most iconic hotels in Tulum, surrounded by white sand, palm trees, and turquoise water. The village-like neighborhood consists of two properties, Grande and Chica, within a few minutes of each other — comprising various rooms and cabanas, three yoga shalas, and two restaurants serving delicious fresh food.
Melissa's dream started with one cabana in the sand. She was the architect, project supervisor, and much more. Amansala is so beautiful because Melissa has been hands-on since day one.
Melissa's children were raised on the beach living in huts, surrounded by nature. Talk about a working mom.
A team of Tibetan monks came to bless Melissa's place to heal and align the mind, body, and spirit.
Melissa dressed to impress but got her hands dirty with the local fishermen, choosing the fresh whole fish for the clients.
Drew came so frequently she knew the staff by name.
Melissa, Dylan, and Leah.
Living her best life.