Tulum - Mexico
Starting with a place that has captured my heart, Tulum. This place is a dream come true for bohemian lovers seeking both barefoot luxury and authenticity. Located on the Caribbean coast in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo.
Let’s start with the basics.
Tulum is popular all year round, but the high season is November-February.
Getting there:
The closest airport is Cancun, where you will land and travel approx 2 hours south to Tulum. I personally did this by hire car, but there is something named the ADO bus available at a cheaper cost of course. The journey is simple, pretty much one straight road into Tulum centre.
Weather:
They say the best time to visit Tulum for weather is Oct-Dec. I was there from Jan-March and only had one rainy week, with probably 10 cooler evenings where I needed sleeves. Generally, 27-30c in the day and 20c at night. If It’s one thing I learned then do not trust what it says on your phone and weather apps as it changes so quickly! If there is ever rain then is passes quickly and doesn’t ruin your day. It was sticky and humid when I was there so expect to sweat - but I did not care one bit as the sunshine is just perfect. Mosquitos!!! Keep spray on you at all times. They are in full-force out here and love your ankles/feet the most which ITCH like you wouldn’t believe! Most restaurants do have spray if you forget but please, for your own sake, spritzzzzzz that stuff.
Currency:
Mexican pesos and US Dollars are both accepted and used in Tulum, but I definitely recommend using peso’s as you will pay more using USD (don’t ask me why, but it’s true). Most ATMs have the option of local currency so select this.
Transport:
Taxi is your main one here, but don’t be afraid to negotiate prices! It’s no secret tourists will be over-charged, and haggling is a universal language. It almost became a talent of mine. On average, from one side of the beach to the other should be around $400 peso.
Bikes are also super cheap to hire for the day, $200 Peso (£7) average, an easy way to get around. I enjoyed my Tulum bike rides but I accidentally did a few drunk – tequila is everywhere you look remember!
Is Tulum expensive?
The beach: yes. The town: not so much.
To summarise, the tranquil beachfront hotels, those sunrises and sunsets – they come at a price, but you CAN do Tulum on a budget. You’ll find that the streets in the Town are filled with local and small businesses offering the same food & drink at a much lower price.
Where to stay:
Tulum pretty much splits into the beach, the town, and Aldea Zama which is almost like a residential complex of apartments/hotels and small restaurants. I stayed in all 3 during my 2 months there. Keep in mind, if you are staying on the beach, it is one long road which is full of traffic on the weekends, so allow yourself an extra 30/45mins to travel. For example, BAK (restaurant) is at the south of the beach so you will be waiting a while to reach it as it is just one road. I did find that walking was sometimes quicker. Some advice, connect your bluetooth and have a little taxi party with your driver to pass the time, mostly, they love to get involved - or even teach you some Spanish.
The Beach
White sand beaches, azure waters... think sunrise yoga, sun-salutations on the beach and holistic healing heaven. More expensive? Yes, but the inner peace and calmness is truly priceless here. I cannot even put into words how amazing the stars are at night, you can see Orion’s belt so clearly.
There are a mix of super boho ‘eco-chic’ hotels with beach huts and straw roofs, and the more glamorous minimal boutique spots.
From my personal experience:
My recommendations:
Beach Hut Vibes
Each hotel has their own little family and inclusive feel. Everywhere you turn are wooden sign posts for yoga retreats, hotel spas and beachfront cabanas. The beach huts can be quite loud, there are birds named ‘Great-tailed Grackle’ which are NOT great because they scream at the top of their little lungs from sunrise & all day, all around Tulum. I have never experienced a bird noise like it. So if you are a light sleeper (like me) maybe a real roof is better than the thatched for some quiet - or pack some ear plugs. While on the subject of animals, you will probably see some cute little raccoons running around looking for snacks - I wanted to cuddle them but I was advised they aren't the friendliest or fur balls and to stay away.
Minimal Heaven
Hotel Lamat
Disclaimer: hammocks look cute but impossible to climb into whilst looking cute
From my Instagram whilst I was away, (@emmamilton) you will know how much I loved Panamera. Lamat is their sister hotel next door, following the same minimal vibes. There are no TVs in the rooms which didn’t bother me but I had a few Qs about this. You don’t need the TV with that beach, trust me. The interiors of these two in particular is so clean, so bright and just perfect. It truly is such a dream.
Others to have a look at: Be Tulum, Azulik, Papaya Playa, Nomade. All of which gorgeous hotels with a similar luxury vibe.
The Town:
I went to a couple of perfect cheaper-option hotels in the town when extending my stay, and I loved them. They are of course more basic but if you are going to be out and about exploring or sunbathing down at the beach (the pools in the town are usually covered by shade unless on the roof) that doesn’t necessarily matter. I would recommend for longer stays and for better reliable wifi and phone signal, they usually have TVs and fridges which are hard to come by in the beach huts.
My Town recommendations:
My friend stayed at one called Una Vida which is also heaven. I loved the vibe in the town, lots of little shops, restaurants and always so busy with fire performers in the main street in the evenings. If you are on a lower budget the town is a great option, as you can just taxi to the beach to visit.
Aldea Zama:
Mistiq - Tulum
When we first arrived, I stayed at Mistiq while we found our feet and decided where we wanted to be. It was a great place, gorgeous pool area and modern apartments with Netflix etc. I would only recommend if you are hiring a car as you are in the streets where not many taxis pass, and they are dark at night and confusing to navigate. Other hotels here in Zama are in busier streets so check on the maps, the price is also lower here than the beach! I would recommend apartments for families with children as there are full kitchens, large pools and a lot more space.
Where To Eat:
Most restaurants make bookings via Whatsapp which is so handy with the phone signal being bad, and you get super quick responses! There is quite a similar theme to the restaurants here, lots of pork and fish. However, if you want to try the BEST pizza of your life, you must visit Pizza Pazz @ Tulum Munchies and order a ‘Tres’ to be precise. I could go into so much more detail about specific orders but you would be reading for 2 hours. OK one more - the cheesecake sticks in the photo below will change your life.
My recommendations:
Brunch / Lunch
Daytime Beach Vibes
(Some you pay to enter for the day, others you can just spend on food/drink)
Evening Dinner
Town:
Party:
Taboo and Bagatelle (weekends especially) are super fun, loud, ‘dance on the table’ venues. BAK is a close contender with fire performers. Papaya Project on a Saturday is a great party. IT is a more intimate venue but always has a cool DJ on. There are lots of secret jungle parties going on and beach ceremonies always!
Ecc tip: I am still a member of a Tulum group chat, which has all the promotors, venue owners and DJs in it – who send daily updates of events & secret jungle parties – if you book your trip with Eccelentia I am happy to give you the parties that are on when you are there and arrange guestlists! Extra VIP edge.
What to Wear?
Laidback is really the dress code here, anything goes. Heels are swapped for Haviana’s and my god mine did some milage. As for clothing, think flowing maxi dresses, crochet and fedoras. It’s an ideal place to get playful with your wardrobe and channel your inner boheme here. Have a look at my page for some of the outfits I wore, I am also currently creating a Tulum lookbook with outfit inspo for you this summer so stay tuned.
Ecc tip: Don’t waste a kilo of your luggage allowance by packing your hairdryer as the wattage is different, when you plug it in, virtually no air comes out. Check if where you are staying has a hair dryer otherwise I would definitely purchase one when you get to Tulum town/at the airport. You would be surprised how powerful those little hotel ones can be!
If you need any hair/nail treatments out there then Pretty Nail is the place to go, just Whatsapp them for an appointment!
Cute quotes all around
Another tip, keep face wipes in your bag if you can as you get super dusty - my skin was breaking out so this way I kept it clean when wearing no make-up. Also packing an anti-humidity oil or serum for your hair will be one of the best things you do. I personally recommend this balm and I am creating your holiday beauty must haves blog next.
Shopping:
There are so many boutiques, stalls, stores full of heavenly Tulum handmade clothing, dreamcatchers, crystals and whatever else you could imagine. My tips would be: If you are on a budget go to the Tulum town ones, half the price. The beach ones are stunning but expensive, they say there are 2 prices on Tulum beach, the local price and tourist! Always haggle as they do need the sales just as much as you need those stunning gladiator sandals! Side note: I have never seen so many pharmacies in my life!
If for whatever reason you need the usual European stores, a 45 min journey to Playa Del Carmen will grace you with Zara, H&M, Sephora.
Tourism:
OK, I admit, I wasn’t a typical tourist. However I went to incredible Cenotes, Des Ojos +Gran Cenote + Suytun. They are stunning! The typical tourist photo is Giant Tree Man at Ahau – you cannot miss him! That is also the entrance to the public beach. The Mayan Ruins have to be ticked off when visiting. Something really beautiful to do is visit the Gratitude Tree at Papaya Playa, you write down things you are grateful for or anything which means something to you, and hang it from the tree with pegs. When you read the others it just fills you with happiness. I did just have a question about playing golf so I will add this here Bahia Principe is a villa resort with a huge golf course which I visited, although I did just go and eat pizza as golf is not for me. They offer more sports and scuba diving too!
In summary, Tulum is whatever you want it to be. Whether it be jungle parties & crazy dinners, or sunrise yoga, beach walks and acai bowls, you have it all here.
Please head to ‘Contact Me’ with any queries and bookings, we will be sure to create the most perfect trip for you.
