YOU GUYS! I got to check one of my bucket list destinations off a couple weeks ago and finally traveled to TULUM, MEXICO (aka: blogger paradise). It definitely exceeded my expectations and will go down as one of those most epic trips I’ve been on. Super grateful this all worked out during such a SHIT year too. We went with the best crew and hit all of the *MUST SEE* spots (no worries, it’s all linked in this post). I cannot say enough good things about this “up and coming” city in Mexico, however, I will give a few tips to keep in mind to make the trip even better:

BRING BUG SPRAY - I guess I don’t have the blood type that supposedly attracts mosquitos, but my girls got eaten alive while we were there. The hotel provided bug spray & sunscreen every 5 steps we took, but I definitely recommend preparing for West Nile lol.
MAKE EARLY RESERVATIONS + DO IT AHEAD OF TIME - *The restaurants close at 12am right now because of COVID* +Tulum is packed with tourists and everyone wants to see all the “hot spots”, so not only do I recommend making all your reservations 2-3 weeks before you go, BUT I also recommend making them for earlier in the day/evening (before 7pm). We waited around A LOT for our reservations, and there were a few times we were never seated because the people before us would camp out to see the restaurants turn into a party.
IT IS HUMID. This one is for my girls. My hair was never NOT wet. I was never NOT sweating. Don’t even pack hair tools. If you have curly hair, GOOD 4 U (your curls will never look better, bye). If you have straight, fine hair like me be prepared to bun it, braid it, or let the ocean texturize it because there is no product that will save you. One night, I literally washed my hair, didn’t brush it, and wore it wet + knotted to dinner because there was just no point. It also rains on and off all day, so ya, just shave your head.
IT IS EXPENSIVE, WITH NO CELL SERVICE, + A LOT OF TRAFFIC. It is a two hour drive to Tulum from the Cancun Airport. I recommend having a driver set up upon arrival, so you don’t have to deal with a swarm of people trying to up-charge you for transportation. For an hour of the drive you will be stuck in traffic, where the strip of “downtown Tulum” starts and there will be absolutely no service. You will only have WIFI while in Tulum, zero data. Doesn’t matter what cell service you have.

Okay, now where to stay, go, eat, + play

STAY:

IN TULUM BEACH IF:

you’re visiting this place for the very first time
you are planning to go to beach parties or relax on the beach
you want to splurge on a boutique hotel or resort (it’s expensive)

IN TULUM TOWN IF:

you are on the budget
you are planning to do historical tours, jungle tours, or family-like activities
you want to stay somewhere you can experience the authentic local vibe

If it is your first time visiting, I recommend staying on the PLAYA, which is expensive but WORTH IT.

We stayed in a villa at the Nest Tulum. Talk about the most ideal, aesthetically pleasing, and ON BRAND jungle resort ever. The location was absolutely perfect. It is right in the middle of downtown, either walking distance or a short taxi ride away from most restaurants, tours, and other activities. GREAT beach front food. We were able to order the most amazing breakfast to the villa every morning AND our back door walked straight onto the beach. Insane. Still not over it. We also had cabanas with full-service food and alcohol from 8am to 8pm everyday :-)

Other places to stay on the playa that come HIGHLY recommended:

- BE TULUM

- NOMAD TULUM

- THE BEACH TULUM

- AZULIK

For more options on where to stay, check out this blog.

EAT:

ROSA NEGRA - Latin American Cuisine

One of the MAIN places to go for a exciting dinner in Tulum is Rosa Negra. It turns into a super fun party and the food is supposed to be BOMB. I wouldn’t know though. The first night we thought we were going to eat at Rosa Negra, since had a reservation at 9pm, but it was so packed they could not fulfill our reservation. Instead we went to this amazing, chic but more of a “locals spot” called Casa Banana. I loved this place - turned out to be a hidden treasure! They had amazing margaritas, appetizers, seafood, and steak. I would definitely recommend Casa Banana place for a first night out in Tulum (not pictured).

MEZE - Aegean Sharing Concept

Continuing to dine in the jungle, we went to a Mediterranean spot called Meze. “Mezes” aka a hummus or dip for pita bread (my #1 favorite appetizer). THEY WERE INSANELY GOOD. One of my favorite meals we had in Tulum. Also, just get the steak. It’s amazing.

LA POPULAR - Local Seafood

Walking distance from our hotel, Nest Tulum, was the Nomade Tulum. This place is insane. SO aesthetic. Tree houses everywhere, relaxing day beds, and a beachside restaurant - La Popular. I was VERY hungover for this meal, but they have these frozen banana frappuccinos that saved my life. Also, the seafood was the best I’ve ever had. The octopus and lobster: GO IN.

BAK - Steakhouse

We had the BEST time on our last night at a steakhouse called BAK. This restaurant turned into a party and had great music + vibes. Great food. Even better ambiance. Definitely make a reservation here for a special night out. Specifically, I recommend the oysters and one of the bone in steaks.

Other staple places to eat include:

RAW LOVE TULUM - healthy breakfast, fresh fruit

MATCHA MAMA - healthy, easy brunch, good coffee

HARTWOOD - a Tulum staple for lunch or dinner

KITCHEN TABLE - very fresh, great for dinner, kinda far from the playa strip

POSADA MARGHERITA - a beloved Tulum restaurant and hotel

AZULIK - WAS CLOSED FOR RENOVATION, UGH. Ideal place to stay, have dinner, and just explore. I’ve heard that every corner of this place is ULTIMATE TULUM AESTHETIC VIBES.

PARTY + DRINK

TABOO

We went back to this place twice because it is SUCH a vibe. Definitely get a reservation because it is a HOT SPOT. This is a beach club (hookahs, sparklers, and a really fun service crew) on Saturdays + Sundays and just a restaurant with an amazing view during the week. Still always a vibe. The music is just right - ranging from deep house to hip-hop top hits.

PAPAYA PLAYA PROJECT

This place has an amazing BEACH party and is suppose to be similar to Taboo. It also is known for being a SICK, sustainable hotel, aiming to achieve zero emissions and zero contamination. Really good food, music, and vibes!

Bonus Spots:

CASA JAGUAR - good drinks

GITANO - good drinks, dinner and ambiance

EXPLORE

SAC ACTUN CENOTE TOUR

DO THIS. Make this your #1 adventure day. These caves were insane and 100% worth the hype. Ask your hotel concierge for options on how to get to Sac Actun Cenote - it is by far the best one. Our group rented a shuttle bus and had a driver take us directly there (about an hour away). When we got there, we rented snorkel gear, and had a guide who took us through all the caves. All inclusive, it was about $40 a person. You are swimming 95% of the time, so best of luck, but you gotta do it. It is COLD, but doable. The water is so clear and blue. There are bats and points where it is pitch black. It’s fucking awesome. I have never seen anything like this. Bring a towel and a bathing suit. They will have the rest.

Read this blog for different options to book one of these tours!

& there you go! You really can’t go wrong in this city, but from my experience this is a pretty solid round up to achieve the full ~TULUM EXPERIENCE.

Hope this is informative and helps guide you for your next dreamy jungle trip to Mexico!

ILY, bye.