Name: Amansala
Address: Carretera Boca Paila Km. 5.5, 77780 Tulum, Mexico, Carretera Boca Paila Km. 5.5, Quintana Roo, 77780, Mexico
Price range: Prices for upcoming dates start at $122 per night (We Price Match)
Rating: 7.3

Info & prices
Facilities
House Rules
The Fine Print
Guest Reviews (346)

Hotel Amansala

Beachfront · Private Beach. Property is on or next to a beach and has a private beach. Airport shuttle. Airport shuttle available at an additional charge. You can request this in the next step.

Carretera Boca Paila Km. 5.5, 77780 Tulum, Mexico –

A view of the pool at Amansala or nearby

A general sea view or a sea view taken from the hotel

A television and/or entertainment center at Amansala

A restaurant or other place to eat at Amansala

The staff was wonderful. They upgraded me to a beachfront room and I enjoyed the healthy cuisines. I also enjoyed my yoga classes on second floor with the beautiful beach views. Kun is a great instructor - he played us his ukelele one day and it was beautiful. Miss staying here already!

Laura

United States of America

The hotel was super run down and old, especially for the price. There were roaches in our room and our thatched roof had a hole that leaked when it rained, right over the bed. The staff were wonderful, but the property needs an overhaul, everything is quite old and dingy.

Lei

United States of America

The staff (specially Emanuel) was so friendly and accommodating. The room was very clean and nice. The grounds were very well maintained.

Erica

United States of America

Great breakfast and perfect location on the beach! The beach area was perfect and great poolside

Daniel

United States of America

We definitely had the best view on the property. Top floor so we could get a natural cross breeze and right over the ocean. The buffet breakfasts were always delicious, colorful and healthy.

Carrie

United States of America

We loved our stay at Amansala! Our room was upgraded for free upon arrival, which was amazing. The location was perfect, all of the staff were kind, welcoming, and friendly, and the atmosphere was calming and peaceful. We can’t wait to come back! Thank you again!!

Sarah

United States of America

Amansala was somehow even nicer than we had expected and I would definitely stay here again. We went Dec 19-22 and it was very quiet with not too many guests. Short cab ride or ~20 minute walk from all the excitement on the south side of the beach. It was like staying in a little treehouse community! Staff spoke fantastic English and were very kind and helpful. And we really loved their dogs!

Jacquelyn

United States of America

Wow what an amazing stay at an amazing hotel. Everything about it was incredible. If you are staying in tulum and looking for a place full of total peace and tranquillity then pick amansala. I also would like to say how amazing the staff is also especially quan Garcia and angel these guys were amazing. And not to mention the owner is such a cool and down to earth person that makes an effort with the guest which I thought was a great thing. So guys if you have the chance book book book it's absolute heaven :)

Bulent

United Kingdom

We loved the tiered beach front seating! Perfect view from every angle. This truly separates Amansala from other hotels!

Sara

United States of America

I loved how friendly and knowledgeable of the staff was and how accommodating the pool bar was. They make strong drinks they have great conversation and they really tied in the whole tropical vibes to be real and fantastic. I loved the standing swimming pool with a view of the ocean is quite spectacular. I recommend you spend at least one whole day poolside.

Guest

United States of America

Image of the property

Image of the property Image of the property

Image of the property

Image of the property Image of the property Image of the property Image of the property Image of the property Image of the property Image of the property Image of the property Image of the property Image of the property

8.4

Great location!

What guests loved the most:
“The staff was wonderful. They upgraded me to a beachfront room and I enjoyed the healthy cuisines. I also enjoyed my yoga classes on second floor with the beautiful beach views.”

Laura United States of America
“The hotel was super run down and old, especially for the price. There were roaches in our room and our thatched roof had a hole that leaked when it rained, right over the bed.”

Lei United States of America
“The staff (specially Emanuel) was so friendly and accommodating. The room was very clean and nice. The grounds were very well maintained.”

Erica United States of America
“Great breakfast and perfect location on the beach! The beach area was perfect and great poolside”

Daniel United States of America
“We definitely had the best view on the property. Top floor so we could get a natural cross breeze and right over the ocean. The buffet breakfasts were always delicious, colorful and healthy.”

Carrie United States of America
“We loved our stay at Amansala! Our room was upgraded for free upon arrival, which was amazing.”

Sarah United States of America
“Amansala was somehow even nicer than we had expected and I would definitely stay here again. We went Dec 19-22 and it was very quiet with not too many guests.”

Jacquelyn United States of America
“Wow what an amazing stay at an amazing hotel. Everything about it was incredible. If you are staying in tulum and looking for a place full of total peace and tranquillity then pick amansala.”

Bulent United Kingdom
“We loved the tiered beach front seating! Perfect view from every angle. This truly separates Amansala from other hotels!”

Sara United States of America
“I loved how friendly and knowledgeable of the staff was and how accommodating the pool bar was.”

Guest United States of America

One of our top picks in Tulum.Offering a beautiful setting on Tulum Beach, Amansala features charming accommodations 5 minutes’ drive from the famous Mayan ruins. This peaceful resort is set in gardens and has a spa.

Each room at the Amansala has attractive décor with tiled floors and some are set in huts with thatched roofs. All accommodations comes with a safety deposit box and a private bathroom.

Guests can enjoy a range of healthy local food in the Amansala’s restaurant. There is also a bar and lounge area offering impressive sea views.

The resort’s spa offers a range of treatments including wraps and massage. There are also yoga classes and fitness programs: front desk offers information about costs and vailability.

Set on the Mayan Riviera, the Amansala has a picturesque location surrounded by coves and lagoons. The center of Tulum is approximately 1.9 mi away, while Playa del Carmen is a 50-minute drive from the resort.

This is our guests' favorite part of Tulum, according to independent reviews.

Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 8.5 for a two-person trip.

We speak your language!

Amansala has been welcoming Booking.com guests since Mar 14, 2012

Missing some information?

Brilliant!

Most Popular Facilities

Beachfront

Swimming pool

Free WiFi

Free parking

Outdoor pool

Airport shuttle

Bar

Bookers love...

“beautiful beach”
11 related reviews

“friendly staff”
11 related reviews

“breakfast included”
10 related reviews

“boutique style”

Located in the best-rated area in Tulum, this hotel has an excellent location score of 8.4

Breakfast Info

Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free, American

FREE parking!

Checkin day

Checkin month

Checkout day

Checkout month

Availability

When would you like to stay at Amansala?

Check-in Date

Check-out Date

Rooms

Adults

Children

Just booked in Tulum 1 property like Amansala was just booked in the last 15 minutes

An Inside Look at Amansala

AMANSALA is the ideal setting for a yoga retreat, family reunion, beachfront wedding or personal retreat from city life. The village like setting consists of two properties, Grande and Chica with 24 spacious well designed cabanas each. AMANSALA offers relaxed eco chic accommodation like no other boutique hotel in Tulum. Rooms are spacious, with attention to detail throughout. The restaurant serves fresh fish, local produce and the tastiest mango margaritas in the Riviera Maya.

Hotel surroundings

–

Closest Landmarks *

Ziggys
0.8 miles
Parque Nacional Tulum
1.3 miles
Cesiak
3.2 miles
Tulum Bus station
3.2 miles
Tulum Archeological Site
3.7 miles
Bus station Tulum Ruins
3.9 miles
Sian Ka´an Biosphere Reserve
5.3 miles
Cenote Dos Ojos
11.3 miles
Xel Ha
12.2 miles
Xcacel-Xcacelito
13.4 miles

Beaches in the Neighborhood

South Tulum Beach White sand
250 feet

Closest Airports *

Cozumel Airport
41.4 miles

All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.

What Travelers Love About This Location

“Beachfront location is beautiul, as was our beachfront room. Friendly and helpful staff.”

Camilla

Australia

9.1

“amazing hotel beaches are great apart from the sea weed. but it was an exeptional event. the service at the beach is great. the food isnt good and the choice of...”

Aurelio78

United States Minor Outlying Islands

“Fantastic staff, great food, awesome location”

Edward

Singapore

9.5

Are you missing any information about this area?

Brilliant!

1 Restaurant On Site

Restaurant

Food: Caribbean, Mexican

Menu: À la carte

5 reasons to choose Amansala

Why book with us?

Manage your bookings online

The staff speaks English

Booking is safe

One of our top picks in Tulum

House Rules Amansala takes special requests – add in the next step!

Check-in

3:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM - 12:30 PM

Cancellation/
prepayment

Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodations type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check what conditions apply to your preferred room.

Children & Beds

Children of all ages are welcome.

To see correct prices and occupancy info, add the number and ages of children in your group to your search.

0 - 2 years

Can use a crib

FREE

This property doesn't offer extra beds.

The maximum number of cribs allowed depends on the room you choose. Double-check the maximum capacity for the room you selected.

All cribs and extra beds are subject to availability.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Amansala accepts these cards and reserves the right to temporarily hold an amount prior to arrival.

The Fine Print

Please note that the room doors at this property do not have locks, however safety-deposit boxes are provided.

Please note that the use of air conditioner in room has an extra charge.

It is not allowed to bring food and beverages to the hotel and beach area.

To contact the property, just through email provided it on your confirmation. In the hotel there is not telephonic signal.

Please inform Amansala of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.

See all guest reviews for Amansala

Newest Reviews for Amansala

Reviewed: August 23, 2019

Lluís
Spain
8.3

Very Good
- • Leisure trip
- • Family with young children
- • 2 rooms
- • Stayed 3 nights
La platja plena d'algues, un mar de color marró i impracticable.

Stayed in August 2019
Reviewed: July 14, 2019

Ddealejo
United States of America
7.9

Good
- • Leisure trip
- • Group of friends
- • 2 rooms
- • Stayed 3 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
That they turn the AC off for.certain parts of the day.
Good breakfast and pool area

Stayed in July 2019
Reviewed: July 4, 2019

Joanne
Australia

1 helpful vote
6.3

Pleasant
- • Leisure trip
- • Family with young children
- • Basic Room
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Never stay in the Budget room far to overpriced.. luckily we only stayed one night
The location

Stayed in June 2019
Reviewed: June 22, 2019

Raihan
Singapore

4 helpful votes
8.3

“Relaxing getaway”
- • Leisure trip
- • Group of friends
- • Garden Plus Room
- • Stayed 3 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Prices were all in USD. You can pay in pesos but with a bad rate. Cheaper to pay in USD. Not very close to other restaurants. Had to walk quite a bit.
The pool bar overlooks the sea. There are also comfortable chairs and beds on the beach itself. Great for naps. The room is cosy especially after 9pm when the a/c turns on. Staff were great! We needed a taxi to bring us to our tour pickup point at 6am and one of the staff went above and beyond to ensure we got it. Albeit the high cost of the taxi, he was able to get us one through personal contacts. We were two girls and felt very safe at the property and in Tulum in general.

Stayed in June 2019
Reviewed: June 19, 2019

Laura
United States of America
10

“Magical experience if you are looking to unwind and relax in a unpretentious healthy environment.”
- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveler
- • Beach view room
- • Stayed 3 nights
Better massage location like on beach would be even nicer.
The staff was wonderful. They upgraded me to a beachfront room and I enjoyed the healthy cuisines. I also enjoyed my yoga classes on second floor with the beautiful beach views. Kun is a great instructor - he played us his ukelele one day and it was beautiful. Miss staying here already!

Stayed in May 2019
Reviewed: June 6, 2019

Lei
United States of America
4.6

“I couldn’t wait to get back home!”
- • Leisure trip
- • Group of friends
- • Garden Plus Room
- • Stayed 3 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
The property in general was very old and run down.
The hotel was super run down and old, especially for the price. There were roaches in our room and our thatched roof had a hole that leaked when it rained, right over the bed. The staff were wonderful, but the property needs an overhaul, everything is quite old and dingy.

Stayed in June 2019
Reviewed: May 30, 2019

Erica
United States of America
10

Exceptional
- • Leisure trip
- • Family with young children
- • Basic Room
- • Stayed 4 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
The staff (specially Emanuel) was so friendly and accommodating. The room was very clean and nice. The grounds were very well maintained.

Stayed in May 2019
Reviewed: May 22, 2019

Tiago
Brazil

1 helpful vote
3.3

“WORST aroud the world”
- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Beach view room
- • Stayed 4 nights
We had a trap in our honey moon. We booked a room with a Sea front view, and we paid more for that, but when we get in the room, they alocated us in a partial view. At the moment that we asked on the reception about it, they said that we had paid for a partial sea view. When I showed my reservation that says "SEA FRONT VIEW" the guy on the reception just say: I don`t care what is write on booking description, on my fee you just pay for partial view, its your fault, if you want you are free to go, but will have to pay.". Extremely rude. They made the honeymoon on a nightmare. I was counting the day to leave the hotel Hate it.
NOTHING............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Stayed in April 2019
Reviewed: May 19, 2019

Maciej
United States of America
Age group: 35 – 44

1 helpful vote
5.0

“Tulum”
- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Basic Room
- • Stayed 3 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
The check in was weird. At the beginning we were just offered ‘better room’. Okay, sea view and a little bit bigger size. But paying extra dollars just for that wasn’t worth it. The power once wasn’t working, Air Conditioner is programmed to turn on just around 10 PM, in the morning there’a no chance to use it. Water in the shower and sink is salty. WiFi is quite slow, there’s no Fridge. But the most important, the cleaning service is bad. The room actually wasn’t ready for guests. Everything was sticky, bad smell and a lot of ants. Swimming pool is old. I won’t come back. Sorry to end our vacation in this place.

Stayed in May 2019
Reviewed: May 6, 2019

Linda
United States of America
10

“it was a perfect place to stay”
- • Group of friends
- • Basic Room
- • Stayed 4 nights
everything was great

Stayed in May 2019
Reviewed: May 5, 2019

Rawad
Saudi Arabia
6.7

Pleasant
- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Basic Room
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Ac runs only from 10 pm to 7 pm
Good stay at the beach

Stayed in May 2019
Reviewed: May 3, 2019

Tatiana
United States of America

1 helpful vote
6.3

Pleasant
- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveler
- • Basic Room
- • Stayed 4 nights
The food was not great and I think this hotel is overpriced.
The beach was great.

Stayed in April 2019
Reviewed: April 28, 2019

Daniel
United States of America
7.1

“budget facilities at a high price”
- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Basic Room
- • Stayed 2 nights
felt a little like a bait and switch. Upon checking in they immediately said they would show us our room, then two others that are better to pay to upgrade. Unsurprisingly, the room was super tiny and facing the highway, with barely enough room to put our things. He tried to hard up sell the other rooms, showing a room that was $150 a night more first. We did upgrade to a slightly larger room since the first wouldn't do (especially after seeing what it compared to), but the whole thing did leave a bad taste in my mouth and made us feel like a walking dollar sign right off the bat. I also felt $20 for a yoga class at the hotel I'm staying in seemed really steep, and a charge each day for bike rental, the AC did't work at all. I've traveled in hostels and on tight budgets in the past, so that isnt an issue for me if I'm paying less, but for what they charge I do think it's way too much.
Great breakfast and perfect location on the beach! The beach area was perfect and great poolside

Stayed in April 2019
Reviewed: April 25, 2019

Camilla
Australia

1 helpful vote
9.2

Awesome
- • Leisure trip
- • Group of friends
- • Basic Room
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Bikini bootcamp and yoga retreat clientele were revolting. The yoga retreat had a topless photo shoot in the pool which precluded other guests from using the facilities.
Beachfront location is beautiul, as was our beachfront room. Friendly and helpful staff.

Stayed in April 2019
Reviewed: April 21, 2019

Oleksandra
United States of America
Age group: 25 – 34

2 helpful votes
2.9

Very Poor
- • Couple
- • Basic Room
- • Stayed 6 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Place extremely loud, no phone in the room to call front desk, super dirty beach, they do not change beach towels , in the food we always found hair and they don’t care , we change room they offer us from beginning and they charge us 45 $ per day Room they wanted to give us was super small and it was right under the stairs and lobby, no windows no air conditioning ,

Stayed in April 2019

Sleeps	Room Type
	Basic Room 1 full bed	Show prices
Start of dialog content 댴 Private bathroom Free parking This room comes with simple décor, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom. Our simple queen room is back to basics with a small room on the beach side of the road. The room is a bit small and towards the back of the property near the road. With that being said its still a 60 second walk to the water... It can be noisy with passing traffic. So if you are a light sleeper this room type may not be for you. Room Facilities: • Shower • Safe • Free toiletries • Toilet • Private Bathroom • Bathtub or shower • Mosquito net • Wardrobe or closet • Towels • Linens • Clothes rack • Toilet paper Parking: Free! Free public parking is available at a location nearby (reservation is not needed). Select everything you want to know more about (Your response helps provide better info for travelers) Beds Bathroom Kitchen Breakfast Room capacity Room view Room facilities Parking Smoking Other What do you want to know about the options you selected? Enter your feedback Submit Cancel Thanks for your time! Your feedback will help us improve so you can book more easily next time. Close Sorry – there was an error submitting your response. Please try again. Retry Missing some information? Yes / No Great! Thanks for your response. Check-in Date Check-out Date Rooms Adults Children End of dialog content
× 6	Triple Room 2 full beds and 1 king bed	Show prices
Start of dialog content 댴 Private bathroom Free parking Spacious room located in our garden with 3 beds. It comes equipped with a safe and private bathroom. Room Facilities: • Shower • Safe • Free toiletries • Toilet • Private Bathroom • Bathtub or shower • Mosquito net • Wardrobe or closet • Towels • Linens • Clothes rack • Toilet paper Parking: Free! Free public parking is available at a location nearby (reservation is not needed). Select everything you want to know more about (Your response helps provide better info for travelers) Beds Bathroom Kitchen Breakfast Room capacity Room view Room facilities Parking Smoking Other What do you want to know about the options you selected? Enter your feedback Submit Cancel Thanks for your time! Your feedback will help us improve so you can book more easily next time. Close Sorry – there was an error submitting your response. Please try again. Retry Missing some information? Yes / No Great! Thanks for your response. Check-in Date Check-out Date Rooms Adults Children End of dialog content
	Beach view room 1 king bed	Show prices
Start of dialog content 댴 Private bathroom Free parking Beachview room with a king-size bed, private bathroom and closet. Room Facilities: • Shower • Safe • Free toiletries • Toilet • Private Bathroom • Bathtub or shower • Mosquito net • Wardrobe or closet • Ocean view • Towels • Linens • Clothes rack • Toilet paper Parking: Free! Free public parking is available at a location nearby (reservation is not needed). Select everything you want to know more about (Your response helps provide better info for travelers) Beds Bathroom Kitchen Breakfast Room capacity Room view Room facilities Parking Smoking Other What do you want to know about the options you selected? Enter your feedback Submit Cancel Thanks for your time! Your feedback will help us improve so you can book more easily next time. Close Sorry – there was an error submitting your response. Please try again. Retry Missing some information? Yes / No Great! Thanks for your response. Check-in Date Check-out Date Rooms Adults Children End of dialog content
	Double Garden View 2 queen beds	Show prices
Start of dialog content 댴 Private bathroom Free parking This room features rustic decor with wooden furniture, fan, mosquito mesh, sofa, and a private bathroom with complimentary amenities. Room Facilities: • Shower • Safe • Free toiletries • Toilet • Private Bathroom • Bathtub or shower • Mosquito net • Wardrobe or closet • Towels • Linens • Clothes rack • Toilet paper Parking: Free! Free public parking is available at a location nearby (reservation is not needed). Select everything you want to know more about (Your response helps provide better info for travelers) Beds Bathroom Kitchen Breakfast Room capacity Room view Room facilities Parking Smoking Other What do you want to know about the options you selected? Enter your feedback Submit Cancel Thanks for your time! Your feedback will help us improve so you can book more easily next time. Close Sorry – there was an error submitting your response. Please try again. Retry Missing some information? Yes / No Great! Thanks for your response. Check-in Date Check-out Date Rooms Adults Children End of dialog content
	Partial Sea View Room 1 king bed	Show prices
Start of dialog content 댴 Private bathroom Free parking Cozy room with partial sea view. Have a bit more light than the garden rooms and are just steps from the sea. Room Facilities: • Shower • Safe • Free toiletries • Toilet • Private Bathroom • Bathtub or shower • View • Mosquito net • Wardrobe or closet • Towels • Linens • Clothes rack • Toilet paper Parking: Free! Free public parking is available at a location nearby (reservation is not needed). Select everything you want to know more about (Your response helps provide better info for travelers) Beds Bathroom Kitchen Breakfast Room capacity Room view Room facilities Parking Smoking Other What do you want to know about the options you selected? Enter your feedback Submit Cancel Thanks for your time! Your feedback will help us improve so you can book more easily next time. Close Sorry – there was an error submitting your response. Please try again. Retry Missing some information? Yes / No Great! Thanks for your response. Check-in Date Check-out Date Rooms Adults Children End of dialog content
	Garden Plus Room 1 full bed	Show prices
Start of dialog content 댴 Private bathroom Free parking Overlooking the resort's gardens, this room comes with simple décor, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom. It is set in the back of the property with a king bed and a bit more light than the economy rooms. Room Facilities: • Shower • Safe • Free toiletries • Toilet • Private Bathroom • Bathtub or shower • Mosquito net • Wardrobe or closet • Towels • Linens • Clothes rack • Toilet paper Parking: Free! Free public parking is available at a location nearby (reservation is not needed). Select everything you want to know more about (Your response helps provide better info for travelers) Beds Bathroom Kitchen Breakfast Room capacity Room view Room facilities Parking Smoking Other What do you want to know about the options you selected? Enter your feedback Submit Cancel Thanks for your time! Your feedback will help us improve so you can book more easily next time. Close Sorry – there was an error submitting your response. Please try again. Retry Missing some information? Yes / No Great! Thanks for your response. Check-in Date Check-out Date Rooms Adults Children End of dialog content
	Beach Front Room 1 king bed	Show prices
Start of dialog content 댴 Private bathroom Free parking Rooms are 35 square metres. Room Facilities: • Private Bathroom • Bathtub or shower • Wardrobe or closet • Ocean view • Towels • Linens • Clothes rack Parking: Free! Free public parking is available at a location nearby (reservation is not needed). Select everything you want to know more about (Your response helps provide better info for travelers) Beds Bathroom Kitchen Breakfast Room capacity Room view Room facilities Parking Smoking Other What do you want to know about the options you selected? Enter your feedback Submit Cancel Thanks for your time! Your feedback will help us improve so you can book more easily next time. Close Sorry – there was an error submitting your response. Please try again. Retry Missing some information? Yes / No Great! Thanks for your response. Check-in Date Check-out Date Rooms Adults Children End of dialog content

Hotel Amansala

Amansala This rating is a reflection of how the property compares to the industry standard when it comes to price, facilities and services available. It's based on a self-evaluation by the property. Use this rating to help choose your stay!

Most Popular Facilities

Bookers love...

Availability

Room Facilities:

Parking:

Room Facilities:

Parking:

Room Facilities:

Parking:

Room Facilities:

Parking:

Room Facilities:

Parking:

Room Facilities:

Parking:

Room Facilities:

Parking:

Hotel surroundings

Closest Landmarks *

Beaches in the Neighborhood

Closest Airports *

What Travelers Love About This Location

Restaurant

5 reasons to choose Amansala

Why book with us?

See availability Facilities of Amansala

Most Popular Facilities

Outdoors

Pets

Activities

Food & Drink

Internet

Parking

Pool and Spa

Transportation

Services

Entertainment & Family Services

General

Languages Spoken

See availability House Rules Amansala takes special requests – add in the next step!

Search

Didn't find the right hotel?

Newest Reviews for Amansala

The Best of Tulum

Landmarks

Parks

Verified reviews from real guests.

How does it work?

It starts with a booking

Followed by a trip

And finally, a review

Save up to 50% in Tulum

Awesome! You're now subscribed

Amansala

Facilities of Amansala

House Rules Amansala takes special requests – add in the next step!