Tulum, Mexico: A Tale of Turquoise Waters and Jungle Vibes

This winter, we escaped the Chicago cold to embrace a tropical retreat!

Tulum, Mexico, a coastal paradise nestled on the Yucatán Peninsula, captivated us with its unique blend of ancient Mayan history, vibrant nightlife, and breathtaking natural beauty.

Tulum's charm lies in its diverse offerings. I feel it is divided in 3:

1. We explored the bustling central Tulum, a hub of markets, artisan shops, and delicious Mexican cuisine, coupled with thriving nightlife.

2. Tulum Beach, where pristine white sands met the turquoise Caribbean Sea, but lined by a stretch of upscale resorts and beach clubs.

3. Jungle and ecological sites, for a quieter part of the region, focussed on nature's beauty and Mayan ruins.

Arrival and Accommodation:

Our journey began at Tulum International Airport; a small but efficient hub that connected us to the magic of this coastal gem. This airport is new, having only opening in 2024, and located on the South side of Tulum. Because of this, it does take approximately 45 mins to 1 hour to reach any areas where accommodation, so we hired a car. We were advised that a taxi could cost ~$100.

We opted for a stay at the IKAL Hotel, an eco-friendly resort nestled within the lush Jaguar Parque. This tranquil oasis offered charming bungalows, perfect for soaking in the laid-back Tulum vibe. This hotel is perfect if you want to spend time in nature, on the sand, directly on the beach, and enjoy the quiter side of Tulum. As it's located in the Jaguar Parque, all nighttime activity ceases at 10pm (it's best to head into town or Tulum Beach area or downtown for more nightlife).

Dining Delights:

Our culinary journey was a highlight.

Downtown, we found the very cool bar La Guarida, which is more like an old house, with lots of little rooms across multiple levels, with a balcony wrapped round with a rooftop where the eclectic meet to have a few drinks, some great food, and some good music. This is a great spot for an evening wine or beer and appetizer plate, and since every section of the space has a different vibe, you could go back on multiple occasions and the experience would be different! For example, a small courtyard hosted a group of 3 women enjoying a rosé around an outdoor table, while the rooftop hosted a few groups lounging on beanbags, listening to an electro-violinist under the stars.

And if you feel like the best Mojito you have ever had, Batey's Mojito bar delivered, with live jazz music, locals and tourists alike, and an excellent late night vibe. Great to start or finish your night. Mojito's are ~$6 so it's a no brainer.

For food in the downtown area, we loved Negro huitlacoxe which boasts a beautiful garden setting, with an outdoor grill for freshly made tacos and eloté and some deliciously fresh cocktails (my cucumer martini came in a coconut shell!) We recommend the coconut bruleé for a sweet treat.

 Rosa Negra provided a memorable dining experience with its delicious cuisine and energetic party atmosphere. This area is the fancy party zone of Tulum, so prepare to dress up! These places are not casual. We had a cocktail at Hartwood, just across the road, which was a great outdoor modern Mexican restaurant with interesting cocktails.

For a more relaxed setting, we enjoyed sunset cocktails and authentic Mexican fare at Casa Maria, a beachfront gem in the Zona Hotelera (within Jaguar Parque). This was one of our highlights for both location and service - sunset drinks are highly recommended!

And if you're wanting to check out the beach club scene, there is no shortage in Tulum! Tulum Beach hosts a variety, including Ziggy's, Bagatelle, Taboo, and Akiin. If you are wanting a sunbed or lounge, it's best to make a reservation. There is a minimum spend in force at all venues, so we found that it would be better to go with a group for a fun time! Note that the restaurant seating within the beach clubs don't have a minimum spend - we managed to grab a table at Bagatelle right on the sand for some perfectly positioned people watching...

Cenote Adventures:

No trip to Tulum is complete without exploring its mystical cenotes. These natural sinkholes, filled with crystal-clear freshwater, offer a refreshing escape from the tropical heat. There are some that offer tours of the caves and caverns of the cenote, but for this holiday, we simply opted for a quick refreshing dip!

Fun fact about cenotés: The majority of the world’s cenotes - estimates fall between 6,000 to 10,000 - are located in Mexico, on the Yucatán Peninsula. This is because the Yucatan Peninsula was once underwater - its soil is composed of limestone, formed from marine fossils; the conditions needed for cenotes to form. Tip: don't wear sunscreen or moisturisers to the cenote as you are required to remove before entering the water to prevent pollution to the water.

Ancient Wonders:

We delved into history with a visit to the Tulum Mayan ruin site. The Tulum Wall encompassed the ancient Mayan city, located on a bluff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. It was fascinating to see how the ruins were preserved and learn more about the relevance of the city. If you're wanting to check out more ancient ruins, the archaeological site of Chichen Itza is one of the 7 Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Chichen Itza is approximately 2 hour drive from Tulum and can be done in a day trip. I had been to this site years prior, so for this vacation, we skipped the drive and stayed local, but it's definitely worth the visit!

Our Tulum adventure was a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration. From the tranquility of our eco-friendly hotel to the vibrant nightlife and the awe-inspiring natural beauty, Tulum left an indelible mark on our hearts.

Tips for your Tulum Trip:

• Book in advance: Tulum is a popular destination, especially during peak season.

• Rent a bike: Exploring Tulum by bike is the best way to navigate the beach road.

• Allow time: There is a lot of traffic moving between the 3 areas, so plan for this!

• Bring a jacket: The wind on the coast gets cool at night, so make sure a light jacket is included in your luggage

• Respect the environment: Tulum is an eco-sensitive destination. Make a conscious effort to minimize your impact.

Our Tulum adventure was just what we needed, and with the easy access form the US, I'm sure I'll be travelling back again soon!