Belgian-born hotelier Yves Naman has become one of the most prominent leaders in the boutique hotel business. In 2015, he opened La Valise Mexico City in the trendy Roma neighborhood, converting a 1920s French-style townhouse into self-contained hotel suites. This launch established the La Valise Hotels brand and Namron Hospitality, which creates hotels that celebrate local culture and community.
Naman began his career with the successful Latin American trading company Encosta, based in Mexico City. His extensive travel experiences ignited a passion in him to create his own luxury boutique hotel, which ultimately launched an empire of sustainable properties throughout Mexico, including La Valise Tulum, La Valise San Miguel, NEST, Encantada, Radhoo, Xela, and Bespoke.
La Valise Tulum with its iconic sliding beds
Namron Hospitality
When Yves Naman opened his second La Valise property in Tulum’s chic bohemian beach destination, it quickly became an internet sensation. After falling in love with the area, he bought a beach house called Casa Dos Besos in 2006 and converted it into the popular La Valise Tulum.
Naman opens hotels with less than 20 rooms but also focuses on using traditional building techniques. For La Valise Tulum, he used traditional palapa roofs and chukum, a local stucco made from a rubber tree, for the flooring and walls. Naman also enlisted local artisans to craft custom furniture, including woven lamps and sculptural animal benches. He quickly created a viral moment at the property by adding a custom roll-out bed that enables guests to sleep under the stars.
By 2016, he found a property in San Miguel de Allende, a city he had fallen in love with. While that project took five years to develop, he went on to open an additional five hotels in Tulum, and one in Mexico City.
Yves Naman’s commitment to sustainability and the preservation of the places where he conducts business is reflected in initiatives such as the Tulum Pledge, a testament to his dedication to meaningful and responsible hospitality. “Together with the new mayor, we’re building the South of Tulum initiative to collaborate into making the beach better,” says Naman.
The Empire Rises
Throughout Mexico, Naman has dedicated himself to creating enriching experiences integrating local inspiration and artistic design. Sustainability is major part of the Namron philosophy, with a commitment to protecting and preserving the places where they operate.
“Each of these places is special to me because, beyond being hotels, they are experiences that connect you with the place in a genuine way,” says Naman. “They are spaces that invite you to live in the moment, to disconnect and feel the unique spirit of each destination.”
Guest suite at Xela Tulum
Josema Agosto
XELA (Tulum)
XELA is Namron Hospitality’s newest launch opened in 2024. Located between Tulum’s beaches and lush jungle, this twelve-suite boutique retreat feels more like a private villa. The hotel also offers a beachfront infinity pool and a sensational rooftop with uninterrupted 360-degree views of the Mayan Jungle and the Caribbean Sea.
Poolside at BESPOKE in Tulum
Jose Manuel
BESPOKE (Tulum)
BESPOKE, which will join the Namron Hospitality Collection in 2025, is a collection of 22 luxury residences in the quiet area of Tankah Bay, Tulum. These residences focus on privacy and comfort, all while offering an authentic Caribbean living experience. A spacious terrace, infinity pool, fitness suite, spa, and a unique restaurant complement the property. “Bespoke is the kind of place you walk into and feel like you have arrived home, but an enhanced version of a home,” says Naman. “It’s that perfect blend between the familiarity of a residential space and the luxury details that make every moment special.”
La Valise (Mexico City)
La Valise Mexico City, has recently undergone an expansion that includes five bedrooms, a new pool concept, and a lobby. This boutique hotel, known for its exclusive design and celestial theme, redefines luxury in the heart of Mexico City. “La Valise Mexico City is my refuge within the city chaos,” says Naman. “I have always felt that the city has an incredible, vibrant energy, but sometimes, you also need a place to disconnect, and that is exactly what La Valise offers here. You enter, and it is as if the city noise is still outside, giving you a breath of calm. It’s that place where you can recharge, take a breath, and then go out to explore again.”
La Valise Tulum beachfront suite with sliding bed
Namron Hospitality
La Valise (Tulum)
La Valise Tulum is located in South Tulum and offers eleven beachside and eleven jungle-side suites, each featuring private beach access. There is a natural cenote, pool, and private plunge pools. The unique rolling beds allow Instagram-worthy indoor-outdoor living. The property also offers an intimate new chic spa across the street. The hotel’s three restaurants (La Valise Restaurant, Los Bowls de Guadalupe, and NÜ Tulum) offer a wide variety of cuisines and cocktails.
“La Valise Tulum is my favorite corner to leave everything behind,” says Naman. “Here, luxury isn’t exaggerated; it feels natural, in tune with the beach and jungle surrounding it. I love walking barefoot on the sand from my room, feeling the simplicity and beauty of nature. It’s a place to disconnect from everything, where you can get lost in Tulum’s peace without worrying about anything else.”
La Valise San Miguel
Leandro Bulzzano
La Valise San Miguel (San Miguel de Allende)
La Valise San Miguel located in the vibrant cobblestone streets of San Miguel de Allende, is concealed behind a colonial facade. The quiet interior courtyard includes pools and art installations by Pedro Friedeberg. Each of the six unique and expansive suites features traditional artwork.
“La Valise in San Miguel is special to me because it captures the soul of this city that I adore so much,” says Naman. “When I think of San Miguel, I think of art, color, and the warmth that you feel in every street and corner. This hotel reflects all that; it’s not just a place to sleep but a space that embraces you and makes you feel part of the city.”
Beachfront Suite at NEST Tulum
Namron Hospitality
NEST (Tulum)
NEST is one of Tulum Beach’s original properties. It has just 12 guest rooms and a private villa. “NEST is like that secret place you only share with your closest friends,” says Naman. “It’s such a peaceful space that invites you to slow down and forget about distractions. Here, nature is in charge, giving it a unique serenity. Every time I’m at NEST, I feel it’s one of those rare places where time stops, and you can simply be at peace without rushes or worries.”
Suite at Encantada Tulum
Sofia Hernandez
Aerial view of Encantada Tulum
Namron Hospitality
Encantada (Tulum)
Encantada, is an 8-room luxury boutique hotel located directly on the beachfront. “Encantada has a magical air that envelops you when you arrive. It’s a place with a playful personality as if it wanted to remind you that traveling is also about dreaming a little, says Naman. “There’s something special in every corner and detail, giving it a unique vibe. Being at Encantada is like entering its own world, where luxury feels accessible and warm and where you allow yourself to get lost in the experience.”
Radhoo Tulum
Leandro Bulzzano
Radhoo (Tulum)
Radhoo is a jungle escape with 14 unique rooms completely enveloped by nature and surrounding a tropical pool. Some rooms feature expansive decks, and others elevated hammock lounges where you can admire the jungle views.
“Radhoo is my connection to the Tulum jungle, but with a modern touch,” says Naman. “I like that it’s so close to the beach, but surrounded by the jungle, like an elegant hideaway in the midst of nature. Here, I feel you can find both adventure and calm; it’s a place where you can disconnect and feel at peace but also surrounded by Tulum’s vibrant energy. It’s that balance between wild and refined that I love.”
Nü Tulum restaurant
Leandro Bulzzano
In addition, Yves Naman’s journey extended to gastronomy, where he ventured into the restaurant business, presenting NÜ Tulum and Los Bowls de Guadalupe. His visionary approach and creative leadership have played a pivotal role in shaping Namron Hospitality’s identity and unique offerings.
The future is bright for this young visionary, who plans to expand into other parts of the world including Le Particulier, a 20-room property that will be the first-ever branded hotel in the up-and-coming Roma Sur neighborhood in Mexico City, while expanding the brand into the U.S. next year with a new hotel in Miami.
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