Along the Riviera Maya, you will discover a magical beach town beckoning you to explore its hidden depths. Tulum is a chic village for free-spirited souls who value the finer things in life. There is something truly ethereal about the energy that is flowing from the beach encompassed by lush jungle and palm trees to the laidback town. For this reason, Tulum is a primary location for health and wellness retreats.

Tulum is the perfect escape from the monotony of everyday life because the slower pace of life feels like a breath of fresh air. This is the place where you can be carefree, relax and take a much-needed rest from your responsibilities. Tulum is the perfect beach town to hit reset and recharge your batteries. Most visitors feel transformed after their time in Tulum, the hardest part will be leaving this mystical beach town…

When to go

Tulum is one of those special places that has great weather all year round, that is if you thrive in tropical climates. Hurricane season is from July to October with the wettest months being September and October which is an excellent time to visit if you're on a budget. However, if you prefer consistent warm days and balmy nights, aim to travel right after hurricane season from November to April.

How to get around

You would mostly likely be flying into Cancun airport and there are three options to getting to Tulum.

1. Hire a car - Only choose this option if you're confident with driving internationally and speak a reasonable level of Spanish because booking in person is more beneficial and less risky.

2. Airport shuttle - This is a comfortable and cost-effective option.

3. Bus - This is the cheapest but longest option. From the airport, you will have to change at Cancun city because the direct services don't run often.

When you reach Tulum, you can get around on bicycle or if you're travelling long distances, there are plenty of taxis to flag down. Keep in mind that Uber is not used in Tulum.

Top Sights in Tulum

Step back in time at the Tulum Ruins

Along the beach road, you will find the ancient ruins located on the cliff's edge and surrounded by coconut trees. It is a wonderful sight to behold resulting in a large number of visitors daily. You can learn about Tulum's history with the ancient Mayans and spot some iguanas chilling out in the sun. Wooden stairs lead the way to the secret beach and I highly recommend a visit in the late afternoon because there will be less visitors and you can enjoy a sunset swim in the dusky, evening breeze.

Cenote hopping

One can get quite overwhelmed with the number of cenotes to choose from. A cenote is a sinkhole of mystery, a sacred pool of crystal-clear waters that is believed to cleanse and heal the spirit. Cenotes are the prized jewels of the Yucatan Peninsula and a visit to at least one is imperative, especially to improve one's wellbeing. Here are a few of my favourites:

Gran Cenote - The most beloved and popular cenote in Tulum is the cenote that you will see all over Instagram. You will see all shades of blue in these waters with the sunlight creating a shimmering effect on the water. The exciting part about this cenote are the fish and turtles swimming with you.
Cenote Calavera - Calavera means skull in Spanish because from above, this cenote resembles a skull. If you're too scared to jump into the hidden depths below, there is a wooden ladder to climb down. This cenote is quite spellbinding because as soon as you reach the water, the only light comes from the sunlight peering through from the above opening.
Cenote Dos Ojos - Dos ojos means two eyes in Spanish because this cenote, or should I say two cenotes, are like a pair of eyes. Swimming through the narrow passage that connects the two cenotes is such a mesmerising experience because the turquoise waters are so clear. This cenote is another Instagram favourite so if you want a private swim at Cenote Dos Ojos, you need to be here at 8am when it opens.

Explore Pablo Escobar's Previous Holiday Home Casa Malca

Casa Malca is a grand holiday house adorned with exquisite art that resembles a contemporary art gallery. You can actually stay in one of their lavish rooms and you will definitely feel like royalty here. This beachfront property is a popular venue for weddings with wedding dresses for curtains and ostentatious carpets laid out. Then there's the iconic hanging sofa that has everyone posing for an Instagram photo. If you can take your eyes away from the breathtaking beach for a moment, the indoor pool is out of this world! Dine at Casa Malca's restaurants for Mexican haute cuisine and some more quirky interior design.

Relax at some of Tulum's wellness spas

If there is one spa you must visit in Tulum, it is Yaan Wellness Spa (also known as the Yaan Healing Sanctuary). As soon as you step into their spacious hut, you instantly feel this sense of calm as you inhale the burning copal (an incense used by the Mayans to activate one's mind and communicate with the gods). The modern rustic decor is evocative of the Ancient Maya. A variety of treatments are offered but if you wish for a truly authentic experience, opt for the moon temazcal ceremony. Temazcal means the house of heat so in this treatment, you will unwind in an igloo-shaped sauna and sweat out the bad energies with the guide of a shaman.

Sunrise Yoga Session at Ahau Beach Club

The sunrise at Tulum beach is a spectacular event with many early risers admiring the view before starting their day. A great way to start the day is by watching the sunrise while practicing yoga. The atmosphere at Ahau is so supportive and welcoming because their yoga philosophy is when you take care of yourself, you take care of your community. Ahau Tulum also offers yoga retreats and other meditation sessions.

Day trip: Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve

Go with the flow and let the rivers take you away at Sian Ka'an natural reserve (about an hour and a half away from Tulum). The teal waters of these coastal wetlands are so calm that it is so satisfying to just float along against the gentle current. Choose one of the many guided eco-tours based on your interests and enjoy the various lagoons in the area.

Where to Eat

Tulum prides itself on its well-crafted cuisine drawing in flavours from Ancient Maya and the Yucatan. Tulum really encompasses those warm feelings of welcome in its modern fusion cuisine with many restaurants serving creations made with international influence (and of course, love). Tulum is a foodie's paradise and selecting the best places to eat is a challenge but here are the five eateries that you must visit:

Breakfast

Matcha Mama

This splendid little hut on white painted wood has swinging chairs and cute potted plants serving açai bowls, cold brew coffee, kombucha and vegan smoothies. You can spot this beauty with the large surfboard out front that says, "I love Tulum so matcha."

Lunch

El Pez

The Mexican palapa styled restaurant serves a delectable range of locally sourced seafood. The fresh ceviche is infused with coconut and you have to try their signature cauliflower and tempura tacos.

Dinner

BAL NAK

The romantic ambiance in this jungle style restaurant is swoon-worthy with its wooden tables and overflowing plants with fairy lights. Serving Mexican gourmet food, you should definitely try the cochinita pibil (slow roasted pork with marinated with achiote paste).

Dessert

La Zebra

The food at La Zebra is pretty good too but everyone raves on about the desserts here because they are just that good. I still have dreams about the tres leches cake. Make sure to order a jalapeño margarita too!

Drinks

Gitano

This jungle-themed cocktail bar is luscious both day and night serving excellent mezcal concoctions such as the Gypsy Disco (mezcal, anejo rum, lime, house basil grenadine). What a treat!

Where to shop

Tulum is the ultimate shopping haven for the chic and stylish hipster. Along the beach road, you will find many boutiques with fabulous creations made by Mexican fashion designers. Here are my top picks:

Caravana - Their flagship tent sells timeless dresses, jumpsuits and ponchos that is handcrafted with Mayan techniques using natural fibres.
La Troupe - This lifestyle boutique sells clothing, accessories and home decor that is created with Mexican artisan textiles.
Wanderlust - This boutique sells flowy kaftans and long dresses that are the perfect Tulum beach attire.

There really is no beach town quite like Tulum so let your inner child be free in these lush surrounds. I hope this guide helps you plan an unforgettable trip to Tulum because this magical beach town really is the perfect escape.

Perfect Escape to Tulum