Time for Tulum
i have fallen head over heels
in love with the yucatan peninsula, and more specifically,
tulum.
(which is why we are considering it for our wedding destination!)
in love with the yucatan peninsula, and more specifically,
tulum.
(which is why we are considering it for our wedding destination!)
here's why
Tulum should be your next getaway destination:
The
leaves are changing colors, temperatures dipping, and at some points
in the morning chill you swear you can see your breath. This is right
about the time we start wistfully thinking of summer mornings when we
were sweating on our way to work...and also right about the time we
start cueing the wanderlust and planning winter getaways to warmer
climates.
Well, I've got a new place to add to your vacation list...Mexico. I know, not a
“new one” but I'm not talking about the 18-year-old laden
beaches where Señor Frogs cups lay strewn across lounge chairs and
in the sand...I'm talking about the bohemian, eco-friendly,
gorgeous, Mayan-ruin having, Mexican wonderland that is Tulum.
Just
about 80 miles south of Cancun, this sweet little sanctuary will have
you feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and immersed in culture in no
time. From eco-friendly thatched roof accommodations to the more luxe
hotels with private plunge pools and air-conditioning, there is a
place to fit every desire you could imagine. So, I've rounded out a few
of my favorite places to stay, what to do, and where to eat.
STAY
Talk
about a rustic bohemian dream getaway. The thatched rooftop cabanas,
hammocks for two, killer views from your private deck...what could be
better? Beds have canopies of netting to keep any pests at bay so
that you can drift off into dreamland to the sound of crashing waves,
air-conditioners are replaced in most rooms by eco-friendly ceiling
fans to keep cool – you could always open your doors as well to let
in the ocean breeze. Rates November – December 23rd
start at $92/night for Bali Huts and garden view Junior Suites at
$222/night.
Good
to know:
*You
will find air condition only in the beach level master and junior
suites – and its use is permitted at night only from 8:15pm to 9am.
*Children
under 12 stay for free!
Photo
from AhauTulum.com, pictured: Master Suite, beach level
Looking
to relax and indulge in some luxurious spa
treatments while being tucked away in a beach lover's paradise? This
hotel should be on your list.
Yäan
Wellness Energy Spa at Be Tulum is the perfect place to get a little
TLC while on vacation. From yoga classes, to massages & clay
treatments, and even energy healing this spa is your one stop shop
for mind, body,
and spiritual wellness. Be Tulum's property gets you a little bit of
everything with suites that are facing palm-tree sprinkled lush
tropical gardens to suites just steps away from the beach with water
views (and they are all air conditioned!). A visit in late November –
early December can run you $500+ a night, but if you are an American
Express card holder you can get 10% off Be Tulum's “best rate”.
Good
to know:
*Only
some rooms have a private plunge pool – if this is something you're
interested in be sure to ask before booking!
*Word
on the street is that Be Tulum has some of the best ceviche and
smoothies, so be sure to get a taste!
*Be
Tulum has bikes for guests to use to explore the area
Photo
from betulum.com, pictured: “Mezcaleria”
If
you're looking for a private, romantic luxurious getaway this the
your
spot. Hotel Jashita
is a small, boutique hotel a bit off the beaten path from the main
strip of accommodations in Tulum, but that certainly is part of its
allure. All of Hotel Jashita's suites are beach front
and boast beautiful views so no need to cross your fingers and pray
that your room has a spectacular view to match its spectacular price
tag. Sure, this hotel may be a bit pricier than its competition –
but its amenities speak to those concerns and put them to bed. In my
(mostly humble) opinion sipping prosecco in a private plunge pool on
my room's balcony watching the sunset is worth every penny. The hotel
is about 1 ½ hours from Cancun Airport – you can book airport
transfers safely through the hotel.
In
its high season (Nov 1st
– Dec 19th)
a deluxe waterfront suite with ocean view will run you about
$480/night, and all rates include daily breakfast. Snorkel equipment,
kayaks, and paddle boards are all provided by the hotel as well.
Good
to know
*While
the ruins are not within walking distance staff at Hotel Jashita are
happy to call you a taxi. Just 10km away from the ruins a taxi will
cost about 200pesos, or about $12USD.
*Located
on Soliman Bay snorkeling here is incredible and the water is mostly
very calm – consider investing in a pair of water shoes, some
guests say it was a bit rocky.
Photo
from JashitaHotel.com pictured: private balcony plunge pool
EAT
Chamicos
This
place is definitely a hidden gem. Dining in the sand, just steps from
the water, beneath swaying palm trees....are you getting your
passport and pesos ready?? This spot is quite a ways off the beaten
path, and seems to be most easily accessible to those staying at
Jashita – though if you're up for the adventure you could find it
from other destinations as well. This is one of those times you
really can't judge a book by its cover – Chamicos is understated in
luxury but more than makes up for it in spectacular food. With just
a handful of food options here, what they have or catch that day is
what you'll get – it's been said its some of the freshest seafood
you'll probably ever have. So, do your best to get there.
Good
to know:
*This
secret spot closes early, at 5pm. Cash only.
*If
you're looking to work off lunch and those cervezas consider bringing
some snorkeling gear and hop into Soliman Bay.
This
restaurant is suuuuper popular – as in there is generally a line
out the door of people waiting for dinner. Heed the warning and get
there early, like...really really early, head over around 2pm to make
a reservation and you should be safe. Staying true to Tulum's
eco-friendly vibe Hartwood is adorned with solar panels to power the
restaurant daily from their lights to their music. Not only that, ALL
the cooking at Hartwood is done on an open wood fire, and
ingredients are locally caught and harvested.
Good
to know:
*Some
say it's a bit 'trendy' and a little pricey, but worth it.
Tacolum
Ahhh,
the beauty of food trucks. Fab food at a fab price. Picture an old,
pollack style painted VW bus turned food truck and you'll have
perfectly envisioned Tacolum.
Looking
to keep it healthy? Try Yoga Shala's restaurant 'Canopia' for some
good, and healthy eats. Outstanding smoothies, killer brunch menu
(served 8am-3pm), and vegan options too! They also offer tons of yoga
classes, so consider taking a class first to work up an appetite –
refuel with the Tropical Bircher Muesli and spend the rest of your
day feeling good (...and by good we mean this will make you feel much
less guilty when you indulge in late night guacamole and margaritas).
DO
Mayan
Ruins
If
you go to Tulum and don't visit the ruins then what exactly are
you doing? This is one of the most enticing attractions that Tulum
has to offer, and what brings in most of the tourist crowd.
Incredibly well preserved you'll feel as though you've entered some
kind of time warp. If you are feeling adventurous there are some
ruins that visitors are allowed to climb up – rest assured the
daunting climb is so worth the view from the top. Coba – about 30
min from Tulum resides in a jungle like atmosphere and is home to the
pyramid Nohoch Mul – said to be the highest of the pyramids that
are in the Yucatan Peninsula...beware though it is incredibly steep,
especially on the way down (some suggest doing the trip down on your
rump to avoid taking a tumble)
Photo
from locogringo.com, pictured: Nohoch Mul
Gran
Cenote
This
is an absolute CANNOT miss. Not far from any of the three hotels
we've touched on here – about 15-20 minutes away – this is an
easily accessible, awesome spot to spend an afternoon. This is
definitely one of the more popular diving spots, so don't expect to
have it all to yourself. If you're a little timid about jumping in,
just grab a pair of goggles and pop your head under, the incredible
underwater scene will be enough to make you suddenly want to hop in.
Visitors have said that the Cenote is actually much cooler, and a
welcome retreat from the heat.
Good
to know:
*
To save yourself some money bring your own snorkeling gear rather
than renting it – some visitors have mentioned that flippers are a
no-no.
*
The earlier you go the less crowded it will be!
*
There are other Cenote in the area (some in caves, some not) try Casa
Cenote to avoid crowds, but not skimp on beauty.
Obviously,
because no
trip is complete without a little shopping you must make your way
over to La Troupe! From coverups to (can't live without)bags to the
perfect souvenirs, you'll find something for everyone here – or, if
you're like me, you'll find a ton of stuff for yourself and find that
you have no money to spend on anyone else...oops!
Photo
from La Troupe's Facebook page
Mr. Blackbird
One more shopping stop! A tiny little boutique that's well worth a stop in! For the ladies dragging their significant others around the store you could argue that you're still on the beach - Mr. Blackbird's boutique opts for sand instead of standard flooring (which just adds to its charm!). Great jewelry pieces and a perfect purchase to keep a little piece of Tulum with you when you head back home.
Chichén Itzá
One more shopping stop! A tiny little boutique that's well worth a stop in! For the ladies dragging their significant others around the store you could argue that you're still on the beach - Mr. Blackbird's boutique opts for sand instead of standard flooring (which just adds to its charm!). Great jewelry pieces and a perfect purchase to keep a little piece of Tulum with you when you head back home.
Photo from TripAdvisor
Chichén Itzá
More
ruins, but this are a bit of a hike from Tulum and will take you
about 2+ hours to get to.
The
pyramid 'El Castillo' has become sort of an icon here, and is a real
sight to see. If you're looking for something to truly marvel at,
this should be the spot. According to NatGeo “the
temple has 365 steps—one for each day of the year. Each of the
temple’s four sides has 91 steps, and the top platform makes the
365th.” Consider waking up early and heading out to avoid running
into and influx of tourists and group-tours.
Photo
from nationalgeographic.com by Israel Leal, AP, pictured: El
Castillo, Chichén
Itzá
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