The Magic of Tulum
Updated: May 17, 2019
There are beautiful places and then there is Tulum - a Magical Escape!
Each year I like to taste the flavors of somewhere new. It's important to seek out a new perspective. I love to embrace the sights and sounds of places far from home. When I arrived in #Tulum, my heart found a setting that wants to lose itself in over and over again. I 100% plan to return with more friends and loved ones to share the vibes of Tulum.
Tulum is a beach town on the #Caribbean coastline of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. Its only a 4 hour flight from where I live in Los Angeles. When planning a trip - you'll book flights to Cancun. You can rent a car or arrange for a private pickup from the airport - I used Cancun Private Transportation ($60 USD) which was cheaper than having the hotel arrange the transfer. The drive to Tulum takes roughly 2 hours. Unlike #Cancun, Tulum remains nearly untouched by overwhelming development. You drive through an eco-friendly, Bohemian/hippy town - I felt completely in my element. Wifi can be spotty, and don't expect TV's in your rooms, but you won't care as you swim in the warm Caribbean ocean and rest underneath the palms. I practiced yoga only twice, but I'm already planning to return to dive into a retreat and all the moon healing/spiritual readings that Tulum has to offer.
I decided to stay at #Nomade - Nomade Tulum is a human centered hotel. It was created to act as a temporary habitat for those ready to awake the soul, and free the mind. We stayed in a Deluxe Tent - Glamping to the max with a beautiful outdoor shower. Full electricity, room service, air conditioning, safety box and all the amenities you can think of at a standard hotel.
MY TOP RECOMMENDED HOTELS:
Nomade - The bohemian sanctuary is located on the main beach of Tulum just steps away from the sea, and next to Be Tulum hotel, Yaan Wellness retreat and it's surrounded by the most beautiful sanded beaches along the Caribbean side.
Be Tulum - we walked over for lunch at Maresias. Be Tulum is a luxury lifestyle Hotel Spa & Private Villas inspired by the rustic charm and raw natural beauty of the Mayan Riviera.
Azulik - #Azulik is the most magical, eco-friendly tree house resort I've seen. "To rest is vital for reconnecting with Mother Nature and the Universe. Due to the relaxation and meditation we receive messages from the universe that materialize in thoughts through the wind (IK, wind in Mayan language). Every villa has a personal touch that responds to artistic, ecological and spiritual patterns of immense value." This place is a romantic paradise, but be prepared with insect repellent during mosquito season!
Casa Malca - once home to Pablo Escobar. Casa Malca has turned into a luxury hotel. The architect created a new concept of a gallery, where you can live with works of art worthy of a museum.
Mi Amor Hotel - I didn't see this hotel, but I would consider for my next visit.
Mahayana Tulum Beach Homes is another great option for a group of friends.
TOP EATS:
Macondo at Nomade. This Moroccan inspired restaurant was where we dined every morning. Inspired by the large and lush tropical tree that can reach up to 40 meters in height, Macondo gives life to a dream of delighting Tulum with wholesome and holistic food. Natural and seasonal flavors inspire a variety of vegan, gluten free and vegetarian selection prepared with the intention to heal from the heart and nurture your soul.
La Popular at Nomade. La Popular is a fish-market inspired beach restaurant. Dine on top of pillows on the beach and live music every night.
Kin Toh and TSEEN-JA. This was by far one of the most magical dining experiences I've ever had. Ending with Hookah in nests above a beach jungle canopy. Kin Toh serves up a Mayan-Mexican avant-garde cuisine. 100% need to book in advance and go before sunset. If you don't want dinner, just go for drinks. It's worth the visit.
Gitano - a fantastic dinner - the menu has been designed for an interactive, sharing dining experience. If you like Mezcal - this is the place for you! The decor, lights and vibe is everything!
Mojito Bar - It might seem weird for a mojito bar to gain fame in Tulum, but Batey would be a gem anywhere in the world.
The Real Coconut at Sanara - vegan, smoothies, grain and refined sugar free.
Casa Jaguar, also one in Todos Santos.
Arca - another popular choice - book in advance.
Hartwood is the most popular and off the grid, powered by the sun. Definitely book in advance.
TOP 10 TIPS:
My #1 recommendation is bring DEET! I was attacked by mosquitoes, was it still #worthit - YES, but the next time I go I will 100% wear more mosquito repellent.
If you're from the States - no need to bring converters.
Don't drink the water, make sure to get bottled water.
The American dollar is accepted, but it's always good to have pesos when you arrive for tipping.
Don't forget to bring medicine. Though the food is healthy and delicious, you never know how your stomach will react to foreign food. I like to bring cipro, pedialite, advil, tums, ginger chews etc.
I suggest a Day-Trip to Chichen-Itza, one of the 7 New Wonders of the World. Renting a car is the best way to do it - the hotel can arrange the rental. It's a 2 hour drive. You can stop at any of the popular Cenotes on your way back.
If Chichen Itza sounds too far, don't miss out on the Tulum Ruins - 20 mins from the main road and located on the beach. Explore historical Mayan Ruins before taking a dip in the water. Cash only for entry.
Cenote day: Two of the most popular ones in Tulum are Gran Cenote and Cenote Dos Ojos (hour away from Tulum) both of which have snorkeling options.
Rent a bike and cruise the Tulum main road - shop around and explore neighboring hotels and restaurants. It's the best way to see Tulum. But be prepared for the price tags - shopping in Tulum is really expensive. The #1 souvenir to get is a woven dream catcher.
For a soulful retreat visit Yaan Wellness - this spa was born from the magic of Tulum. "It is a center of wellness and healing where you will find your inner and outer beauty in the integration of mind, body and soul. From the moment you pass the burning flame, you will be immersed in the elements of fire, air, water, and earth and feel at peace with Yäan’s elegant and organic design, which respects the flow of nature in both space and time."
Happy Wandering . . .
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