Destination Guide: Tulum
WHERE TO STAY
Tulum is sexy!
For me, it represents paradise on earth! It is my MOST fave destination in the entire world! EVER. Sure, everything is overpriced, but the essence is simply beautiful! The aesthetics are captivating, the gastronomy is amazing, and the people are stunning, among many other things! The ambience is chic, boho, and thankfully NOT Cancun.
Years ago, I packed three suitcases and relocated to Tulum, on a whim, way before it became a "TikTok" trend or catered to Instagram Influencers—it became my home away from home! With THREE different settings, the beach, the jungle, and the town (the pueblo) into one, Tulum truly welcomes and caters to all breaths of life! But if you are expecting a wild “spring break-type” of party scene, endless water sport activities, and all-inclusive resorts, do NOT come to Tulum! Tulum is serene! C’mon, you’ve seen it, you’ve heard about it, you’ve read about it, and YOU wanna go!
But HOW do you get to Tulum? It’s easy!
1. Purchase a round-trip ADO Bus Ticket at the airport upon landing (you can purchase at one of the many airport terminal counters).
2. Book a private shuttle or rent a car (off-site ONLY)—do NOT reserve a car from the airport! You will pay high fees, be forced to attend a time-share presentation, or risk not have a car readily available at pick-up time. It happens ALL the time!
3. Tulum is TWO hours south of Cancun International Airport, so if you decide to get a taxi, please note that it WILL be costly!! **FYI There are currently no UBER services available in the region!
4. Take a “Colectivo” (a shared minibus), if you don’t mind riding with locals/strangers and wanna save BIG, since this method is the most economical!
And WHERE do you stay in Tulum?
If you are fancy and got money, then the BEACH area is for YOU!
Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila BKA as the Beach Road, undoubtedly, is the main reason why EVERYONE comes to Tulum! It is a dreamy, fascinating, and lengthy, two-lane scenic road that divides the beach and the jungle. It is surrounded, in full splendor, by rustic eco-chic and boutique hotels, over-priced shops, beautiful women, gorgeous men, beach clubs, scooters, taxis, cyclists, hippies, delicious restaurants, cenotes, and off course, many bars!
Parking is scarce, however, and traffic jams are the new norm, for no reason, so I suggest that you leave your heels at home and just walk, walk, and walk! You. WILL. fall. in. love!!
So, dress to impress, bring your mosquito repellant, Mexican pesos, comfy shoes, and splurge! Lay out, catch a tan, dip in your pool, book a magical hotel, and enjoy!
My FAVE Beach Hotel….
I discovered Azulik back in 2011, and since, it has been the most luxurious, gorgeous, and romantic adults-only hotel that I have repeatedly stayed at! Azulik offers beautifully designed stylish ‘see-through’ garden, jungle, and beach villas, with outdoor terraces that include lounge chairs, canopy beds, dangling swinging beds, plunge pools, outdoor hot tubs, and/or layout nets. Azulik has adopted a pure, free, and eco-friendly environment; hence, which is why clothing is optional! It’s a place to truly disconnect, relax, catch a view, and enjoy a delicious meal at one of their remarkable restaurants! However, be ADVISED that Azulik does NOT have AC (only a ceiling fan), lights, a TV, or a pool; they only one power outlet for all your electronics, and Wi-Fi is only available in common areas. Only some rooms have showers; all others primarily have a bathtub. As a guest, will access to the entire grounds and your own semi-private beach (read the rules, as they change often)! If you would love to stay here, but pricing is just too steep, I also recommend that you check out: Kanan, Papaya Playa Project, Mi Amor, Radhoo Tulum, Habitas Tulum, La Valise, Mamasan Treehouses, and/or one of the several Glamping Tents, to experience the true essence of Tulum!
My FAVE jungle hotel is….
Hotel Bardo! It is stunning, enchanting, bohemian, and a perfect haven for couples! It is a secluded, exclusive retreat that offers a relaxing atmosphere, lovely interior designs, and amazing food! The ambiance, energy, and harmonization are a total VIBE!! So, grab a drink, take a dip in the pool, and meet the other guests; OR lay on your hammock and enjoy some lovin’ in your private plunge pool! And partake in their yoga, temascal, massage, or sound healing sessions! You WILL love all of it!! And to top it off, Hotel Bardo is less than a 10-minute walk from Palma Central, which is a gourmet park with numerous food trucks.
My other jungle hotel suggestions are: Orchid House, Tulum Oasis, Sanah Villa, and any of the charming glass Airbnb homes. You can also find some rustic eco-chic cabanas 20 minutes outside of Tulum in a small town called Macario Gomez.
THE PUEBLO
Now, if the beach is too pricey, the jungle is too rough, if you’re on a budget, or just simply wanna enjoy the heart of Tulum, then the PUEBLO is the BEST option for you!
When I lived in Tulum, I rode my bike to the Pueblo almost daily to enjoy a cup of coffee, a delicious breakfast, to meet friends for dinner, or attend one of the many weekly events—You will be surrounded by an overabundance of locals, tourists, and expats. The Pueblo is generally a safe typical Mexican town, so you will also see kids running and playing on the streets, parents sitting outside and coexisting with their neighbors, stray dogs sleeping on the sidewalks, several budget hotels/hostels, and some-sort of business, in every corner. With so many restaurants, lodgings, and bars to pick from, I’d like to assist you by providing the following suggestions:
Hotel recommendations:
Esmeralda Boutique Hotel, Aloft Tulum, Zenses Wellness and Yoga Resort, and Akalché Tulum. There are also so many nice hostels and budget hotels, as well as entire properties to choose from for big parties.