Tulum Travel Guide
Ahhh….Tulum, Mexico. If you’ve never been and you love relaxed luxury destinations, put it on your list to visit once we are able to resume traveling. I went there with my husband about 4 years ago and I was hooked. It is now one of my favorite places to visit. You can unplug, change into your swimsuit, sundress and sandals and focus on the business of relaxing. The Bohemian chic decor everywhere will slay you on the spot!
Years ago Tulum was a sleepy beach town but it has recently become a hot spot and for good reason. There is one beach road, lined with trendy bars, awesome restaurants, cute little shops and beautiful boutique hotels. Everything on the beach side is on the sand and everything on the jungle side is lush with vegetation. You can walk everywhere and explore, spend lazy days on the beach, enjoy a spa day, take a yoga class or take a day trip to the Mayan ruins or the cenotes. A long weekend is all you need.
Fly into Cancun and rent a car for the 90-minute drive down the coast. Most hotels have a shuttle service if you prefer not to drive. I personally learned my lesson after having to ride my bike for 10 miles one day. I like having a car on vacations because I like to scour the entire area. I like riding bikes too but I wasn’t in good enough shape to go long distances in that extreme heat! I have experience traveling in Latin America and one thing I will say is I felt completely safe here. Just use the same common sense you use when traveling anywhere and you will be golden.
Ok, so here’s the skinny.
Places to Stay:
This is a tough one because there are many AMAZING properties but here are my 2 favorites.
Photos via BeTulum.com and Hotel Guru
We wanted to stay at Be Tulum but there was a private event that weekend so it was closed to the public. This property is like a private paradise with ocean front or jungle view rooms. They have a spa and a restaurant so if you like to stay put you don’t have to leave the property. How does a hammock and a private pool right outside your door sound?
Oh my goodness! This is where I want to stay next. This looks like a paradise dream come true and it is right in the middle of all the action yet feels very private.
Where to Eat and Drink:
There are tons of restaurants to choose from. We tried a bunch of different places, some for dinner and others for cocktails.
Hartwood
photo by Gentle & Hyers
This off-grid restaurant is soooo good. You have to wait in line to make reservations but it is worth it. All the cooking is done by an open fire and they source everything locally. It is fresh, delicious and healthy. The dining room is outdoors and the atmosphere is delightful. There is nothing better than fresh fish cooked on an open fire!
Gitano Tulum
This place is also outside and has the best mezcal. We went bar hopping one evening and this place was a fave. It was steps away from our hotel.
Where to Shop:
Mr. Blackbird, Josa and La Troupe were 3 of my favorites but all the shops are wonderful. Mr. Blackbird has the most beautiful handmade jewelry. Josa is great for kaftans and totes and La Troupe will have that special pillow. Just stroll along the beach road and stop when something catches your eye, which will be every second!
I could go on and on but it’s fun to just go and explore. We walked and walked and would pop into all the different hotels for snacks and cocktails. They are all so beautiful. The food is fresh and simple and the sea is steps away from everywhere. The design is right up my alley so I felt at home, not to mention they speak my language in Mexico, literally, so communicating was easy. Tulum is truly a fantastic get away, I can’t wait to go back.
Have fun xocc.