Tulum Travel Guide: Where to Eat, Stay & Play
Summer is fast coming to a close so if you live in a colder climate, like us at Koy Resort headquarters in Vancouver, BC, you might be starting to plan a sunny getaway to escape the winter weather. We dreamed up the perfect destination and made check list of what we would like to do on a winter vacation getaway. Our destination wish list included:
- White sandy beaches and turquoise ocean
- Boutique hotels
- Great food and fun night life
- Interesting places to explore
- Activities like yoga, paddle boarding, snorkeling and hiking
- Good spas!
As we Google searched our must-have list, Tulum popped up as the destination that checked off all of the above and more. Tulum, located in Mexico in the Yucatan Peninsula, is one of the most coveted destinations. It’s no wonder as it’s breath-taking beauty of white sandy beaches, turquoise ocean and lush vegetation combined with a laid-back bohemian vibe with lots to do and explore makes it the perfect destination for both relaxation and fun.
WHERE TO STAY
We love finding local hotel gems that have a unique flavour and character all their own. Tulum has it all whether your tastes skew to glamping, hippy chic or eco-escapes. Here is a curated list of the Top 8 Boutique Hotels in Tulum from Jetsetter.
Habitas, Tulum. Photo: Jetsetter
WHERE TO EAT
Great restaurants and good food are a must…we are major foodies here. Tulum’s food scene is vast and caters to a wide range of palettes. You’ll find everything from high end to quaint local eateries. Here are 18 Essential Restaurants in Tulum recommended by Eater.
Photo: Gitano
WHAT TO DO
Now to burn off all that delicious food, time to get out and explore! There is lots to do in Tulum and interesting places to explore. Snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, surfing, paddle boarding are some of the water activities you can do.
Photo: Bold Brunette
The Tulum Mayan Ruins are also a must-see and ticks of our “Interesting places to explore”. These incredibly well-preserved ruins date back to as early as the 6th century. Not too far from Tulum you can visit Coba Mayan ruins in the middle of the jungle – only about a 30-minute drive from Tulum. For some background info on the Tulum Mayan Ruins, how to get there, hours, crowds, tours this guide on How to Visit the Mayan Ruins of Tulum in Mexico.
Photo: @leoniehanne
Other interesting places to explore are the cenotes. Tulum is also home to an abundance of cenotes – underwater caves that are formed when limestone earth caves in, leaving a sinkhole with incredibly clear turquoise water. Check out this guide from Culture Trip to exploring the cenotes around Tulum.
Photo: Sanarà Studio
Tulum’s boho vibe makes it the perfect destination for yoga and meditation. Tulum is world renowned for its yoga studios and there is a choice for every yoga style and level. Sanarà Studio offers yoga and meditation classes 7 days a week.
If you are feeling up to a little adventure activity try exploring the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve which is now a Unesco World Heritage site. The site is one of Mexico’s most impressive natural wonders.
Photo: Yaan Wellness Energy Healing Spa
Last on our list but not the least is finding a blissful spa experience. Again, the choices in Tulum will not disappoint. Yaan Wellness Energy Healing Spa you can experience traditional indigenous treatments, energy healing, deep muscle relaxation techniques, herbal and flower baths prepared in custom made copper tubs and more. Their mission is to bring health, relaxation, well-being to cleanse the body and spirit.
Well we’re off to book our holidays….maybe we will see you there. In the mean time enjoy these last days of summer!