Hey loves!
By popular demand on my Instagram, I'm SO excited to share this post with you all!
I could ramble on and on about all the reasons why I love Tulum so much, but I know you're really just here for all the juicy info so I'm going to get right to it!
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SO, WHAT IS TULUM?
Well, that's a loaded question, but if I could sum up Tulum in just a few words:
It's chic, sexy, & mysterious.
It's the perfect adult-only escape.
It also has a lot of history and the Mayan culture is beautifully integrated everywhere you go.
Tulum is a feeling, not just a destination.
Tulum is a feeling, not just a destination.
And besides, no one judges you for walking around with no bra, your unwashed beach hair, and no shoes, so what's not to love about that?!
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GETTING TO TULUM:
You need to fly into Cancun International Airport.
From there you have about a 2-hour drive South to get to Tulum.
Do NOT rent a car.
Any of the boutique hotels in Tulum can arrange private transportation for you. (I did this for all of my trips to and from Tulum).
Once you're in Tulum there are plenty of
taxis & free bicycles to utilize.
However, I found the most effective way to get around was to rent a scooter from a shop in town.
It's MUCH easier than driving a car since parking is very limited on the beach road. Plus, it's convenient to be able to pull over, hop off, and enjoy the local shops.
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THE BEST PLACES STAY IN TULUM:
Before I dig into where I stayed, it's important to know
how Tulum is laid out.
how Tulum is laid out.
There's one main road that runs along the beach in Tulum and the entire stretch of dirt road is stuffed to the max with dreamy everything! It's called Tulum Beach Road (or at least that's what everyone refers to it as. LOL!)
On either side of the beach road, there are breathtaking boutique hotels, incredible places to eat, & exquisite shops filled with plenty of stunning handmade goods. All with an indoor-outdoor vibe and every single one of them just as stunning as the last.
If you want to truly experience Tulum then you must stay on the beach road.
That's where all the best places to stay are.
The best food.
The best shops.
The best experiences.
And I promise you...you will miss out if you aren't staying there.
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These are the two places I stayed in Tulum:
1. Nest Tulum
Nest is a dream.
I've stayed here twice now and love everything about it.
It's a 12 villa boutique hotel and to be totally honest, it feels like coming home to family.
I stayed in the new Tulik One room this summer (which was recently built) and it was beyond my expectations!
From the 15 foot ceilings to the walls of 10 gorgeous glass doors to the expansive patio to sip champagne - this room was incredible!
(And the easy access to the beach is definitely a bonus.)
Like all of Tulum, everything at Nest is so beautifully decorated, yet
perfectly simple.
perfectly simple.
Spending a week here and lounging under one of their private cabanas or in their outdoor living areas is so effortless.
Plus, they'll even bring your complimentary 4-course breakfast in bed (upon request).
It doesn't get much better than that.
2. Azulik
Ohhhh, Azulik...
You really do deserve a blog post all of your own.
I can't begin to tell you how amazing this jungle ocean resort is.
It's a true artist's vision brought to life.
It's a total adult-only experience where you're likely to see celebrities also living their best life.
It's almost entirely made of bamboo.
It's off the grid with no wifi in the rooms.
It's everything you need to really unplug for a getaway.
And at night it gets lit up with candles which is a stunning sight to be seen!
There are nets almost anywhere to lay on and drink spicy margaritas, endless good music, elaborate shops to splurge, and two 5-star restaurants on-site with stunning views that can feed you Wagyu beef seared on a rock while you sip & stare at the ocean if you want.
However...
This place is pricey.
There's also no AC.
That said, you won't be able to see about 75% of Azulik if you don't stay here because it's extremely exclusive and they only let guests enjoy most of what it has to offer. (I learned this the first time I ever went to Tulum, and the experience as a guest vs. visitor is night and day. I promise you'll want to be on the guest list.)
So...my recommendation?
Splurge on one or two nights here so you can truly experience Azulik.
It's worth every single penny.
But then move on to one of the other amazing places in Tulum that has AC...because Mexico is hella hot y'all and even when you book Azulik's Sky Villa (like I did), it's still hot and the mosquitos will not be your friend here.
It's worth every single penny.
But then move on to one of the other amazing places in Tulum that has AC...because Mexico is hella hot y'all and even when you book Azulik's Sky Villa (like I did), it's still hot and the mosquitos will not be your friend here.
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Other places we've been to and would recommend staying:
Casa Malca
Pablo Escobar's old mansion turned boutique hotel with funky artwork and lavish furnishings.
Nômade
A laid back, beachy-boho sanctuary that shares Mayan culture and embraces love and life's journey.
Be Tulum
Luxe, chic, and exclusive suites that showcase raw and natural beauty. (Also a celebrity favorite.)
Sanará
Luxury eco-boutique, perfect for any yoga lover or those who want to relax and dream.
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THE BEST PLACES TO EAT:
Tulum takes so much pride in their food - it's an art form here and I can 100% say that I only ever ate phenomenal meals the entire time I have been here, no matter where I went.
If I could only pick 2 places to go back to while staying in Tulum, these would be my must-have picks:
The açaí bowls at Matcha Mama are out of this world!
Grab a quick & affordable snack here.
They're filling & refreshing.
And the girls here have perfected the texture and flavors of their creations to a T!
Make sure you also snap a cute picture while sitting on the swings and waiting for your order.
It's the cutest, tropical backdrop and such a cute spot to hang out that you won't want to forget!
If I could only pick 2 places to go back to while staying in Tulum, these would be my must-have picks:
1. Matcha Mama
Grab a quick & affordable snack here.
They're filling & refreshing.
And the girls here have perfected the texture and flavors of their creations to a T!
Make sure you also snap a cute picture while sitting on the swings and waiting for your order.
It's the cutest, tropical backdrop and such a cute spot to hang out that you won't want to forget!
2. ARCA
ARCA is fairly new to the Tulum night scene. However, it's quickly become the talk of the town and everyone's favorite spot for an incredible affair. (Including the locals.)
My experience here was out of this world.
From the time you arrive, no attention to detail is forgotten.
I would compare this to a Michelin restaurant, but with remarkable pricing.
Plan to share with whomever you're dining with since it's small, tapas-style plating.
And the waiters will be on hand to make sure your drinks never run dry and every last crumb is wiped off your table and plate before your next course.
If you eat here, prepare to be totally
WOWED!
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Other restaurants I loved & highly recommend:
The Real Coconut
You can eat here any time of day, but I especially enjoyed coming here at night for a handcrafted cocktail and dessert while watching the waves crash and the full moon rise.
La Popular
If you want to eat right on the beach and stick your feet in the sand, go to this gem at Nômade! The atmosphere is perfect to kick back and relax surrounded by boho perfection. Bring a large group or just your honey and enjoy some fresh tacos and drinks.Mur Mur
This place is happening all the time and perfect for a late dinner and drinks while being right in the heart of Tulum nightlife. They serve award-winning flavours and provocative dishes that are a total must try!Posada Margherita Ristorante
Charm, charm, and more charm! To get to this restaurant on the beach, you walk through the most gorgeous walkways decorated with tons of pottery. It truly feels like you're strolling a secret passage in Italy! Here you can enjoy a mouth-watering pizza or handmade pasta with a glass of wine.
Kin Toh
You'll want to save Kin Toh for your spendy dinner night and make sure you have a reservation beforehand. Kin Toh is at Azulik and showcases an atmosphere and vibe you won't feel or see anywhere else. If the menu is out of budget, at least stop by for drinks just to see the architecture.
Tseen Ja
This Japanese restaurant is also at Azulik and it totally feels like you're entering another world as you walk down a long rope ladder suspended over the jungle to get there. The chef here blends Mexican and Japanese cuisine seamlessly and every dish is amazing. Make sure to order the Wagyu beef and spicy tuna roll.
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TULUM ACTIVITIES YOU MUST DO:
Let me start by saying, I've never enjoyed a massage at a spa in my entire life, but this Mayan spa left me totally relaxed and refreshed.
Arrive an hour early so you can enjoy the cenote hot tub while sipping on fresh cucumber water.
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This is the world's best beach gym so you definitely don't want to miss it! If I could envision the most elaborate and unique gym fit for some cavemen, this would be it! Buy a day pass or one for the whole week - working out here isn't just exercise, but a one of a kind experience.
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TULUM ACTIVITIES YOU MUST DO:
#1
Indulge in a spa day at Yäan Wellness.
Arrive an hour early so you can enjoy the cenote hot tub while sipping on fresh cucumber water.
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#2
Go to Tulum Jungle Gym for a workout.
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I still cannot believe I did this! Do not leave Tulum without doing a snorkeling or diving tour of a cenote!
"On the other side of fear, there is joy and peace."
There are plenty of cenotes in Tulum to choose from, but I'd recommend having your hotel arrange for transportation since you'll be traveling outside of the beach road and you'll want to get there safely.
I did a tour at Cenotes Sac Actún and it was incredible!
(Do not do this tour if you are claustrophobic.)
For me, this was so worth stepping outside of my comfort zone to witness this natural beauty, and I really didn't know what I had got myself into until I was there, LOL!
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Other things to do in the area:
"On the other side of fear, there is joy and peace."
There are plenty of cenotes in Tulum to choose from, but I'd recommend having your hotel arrange for transportation since you'll be traveling outside of the beach road and you'll want to get there safely.
I did a tour at Cenotes Sac Actún and it was incredible!
(Do not do this tour if you are claustrophobic.)
For me, this was so worth stepping outside of my comfort zone to witness this natural beauty, and I really didn't know what I had got myself into until I was there, LOL!
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#4
Shop at all of the chic boutiques.
There's no shortage of artisanal goodies in Tulum.
The beach road in Tulum is a love fest of chic, sexy, and eccentric shops all showcasing the best of handmade and fashion. Start at Azulik's ZAK IK boutique and work your way down to the end of the road.
Every single one is irresistible so make sure to bring a budget for shopping these one-of-a-kind finds.
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- Tulum Ruins
- Windsurfing
- Paddleboarding
- Rent a boat
- Relax & sleep in
- Go to a Mayan ritual at night
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IS THERE SEAWEED IN TULUM?
If you're still reading and you know a thing or two about Tulum, you may be wondering about the seaweed?
The short answer:
Yes, it's there.
And if a crystal clear ocean water will make or break your trip, don't go to Tulum.
At least not until the seaweed is gone.
For me, it didn't affect my trip.
Yes, it was a shock the first time I went - some areas have more than others - but I fell in love with Tulum so much that it never stopped me from going back.
There's more than swimming in the ocean to experience in Tulum, so I promise you will not be disappointed if you can look past it.
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EL FIN
xo, Sara
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