Destination Guide: Tulum
Where to stay, eat, drink, and visit in one of Mexico's most popular beach town.
Hola Mexzine friends!
I have to admit it took me a while to visit Tulum. It didn’t happen until around 2016, so I know I didn’t get to experience its earliest, hippiest iteration –the one many say they miss. I’ve been back a few times since then, though, and I’m lucky enough to have a couple of good friends who live there, so I’ve been able to see the spots that maintain that very special Tulum essence: places with unique personalities, gorgeous design, and tons of style. Most of all, I love that Tulum is immersed in the magic of the Mayan jungle, with its cenotes, its ruins, and its mysticism –and that will never change. Let’s get into it!
–Cristina Alonso, Managing Editor
Where to Stay
Esencia // Strictly speaking, Esencia isn’t in Tulum, yet its 30-minute distance from downtown Tulum still makes it an easy option – and an iconic one, at that. Located on the clear beaches of Xpu Ha, this spectacular 50-acre property was once an Italian duchess’s beach house, and its storied style and sophistication still fill the air today. With only 51 suites and four villas, space and privacy are unmatched. The crown jewel might just be its Health Club, featuring a gym, outdoor yoga deck, tennis courts, and a stunning Maya-inspired spa.
La Valise Tulum // It’s highly likely you’ve seen this hotel’s beds that roll out onto the terrace – a deserved claim to fame that allows you to have the world’s chicest sleepover under the stars. Yet there’s plenty more to love about La Valise Tulum, with its tranquil beach, serene spa, and beautiful design that captures the quintessential Tulum boho chic. Its Michelin-recommended restaurant, NÜ Tulum, plays with local ingredients and fire cooking for delicious results. With only 22 suites, divided into jungle and beachside buildings, the accommodations are, in fact, one of the main draws.
Nomade Temple Tulum // With self-discovery at its core, this stylishly designed beach hotel welcomes you with generous programming, ranging from wellness-focused activities such as fascia movement classes and meditation sessions to artistic workshops led by resident creators. Three dining outlets keep things interesting: Kuu Jū, serving Japanese fare; Macondo, serving Mediterranean food with a side of live music; and the beachfront La Popular. Rest in effortlessly cool rooms outfitted in concrete, wood, and stylish textiles; cozy treehouses floating above the canopy, or ample suites with private pools.
Our Habitas Tulum // The first member of the Our Habitas family, this adult-only retreat is perfectly situated in Zona Hotelera yet feels private and secluded. Its community-centered concept means you’ll find plenty to do on property, including complimentary daily activities like yoga, movie nights, and Drink & Draw sessions. Designed to leave a minimal footprint in the environment, rooms feature canvas walls, palapa roofs, outdoor showers, and welcoming wooden decks. Carve time for a locally inspired wellness experience, like a traditional Mexican sobada with herbs, balms, and a cotton rebozo wrap.
Where to Eat
Hartwood // A Tulum favorite since 2010, this jungly eatery is the brainchild of Eric Werner and wife Mya Henry, who traded New York for the Riviera Maya and have earned a loyal following over the years. Built with ingredients from across the Yucatán Peninsula, including sustainably sourced fish and seafood, each dish on the daily-changing menu showcases the richness of local flavors and the touch of the wood-burning oven and grill. Wonders that may arrive at your table include smoked fish tlayuda, kale Caesar salad, and grilled catch of the day, best paired with an icy margarita.
ARCA // Led by chef José Luis Hinostroza, ARCA is Mexican fine dining at its most creative and fun. Using seasonal ingredients sourced from local fishermen, farmers, and producers, the constantly rotating menu is a series of surprises. Stunningly presented creations may include crab esquites, roasted prawns, and soft-shell crab tacos, each bursting with flavor. For a truly special Tulum night, my recommendation is to grab a drink at the bar – the cocktails are just as inventive as the food - followed by the Chef’s tasting menu.
El Camello Jr. // It’s hard to picture a more craveable moment: ice-cold beer, fresh ceviche, creamy guacamole, and tons of chips. Make it a reality at this local favorite in downtown Tulum, a laid-back seafood joint where generous portions at budget-friendly prices await for lunch and dinner. Highlights include the deep-fried shrimp, grilled fish, and octopus ceviche, but you really can’t go wrong when the product is this good. Cash only.
Mestixa // Some places just capture your heart from the first minute, and this personality-packed restaurant in downtown Tulum is one of them. The fun decor mirrors the fearless menu, inspired by the street food traditions of Mexico and Asia. Explosions of flavor come in the form of creations like birria dumplings, crispy chicken baos, and avocado sandwiches. The drinks are equally delightful – try the Sake Cocotini, with sake, coconut oil-infused vodka, and housemade coconut horchata.
Where to Drink
The Roof Sunset Bar at Distrito Panamera // Not only is Distrito Panamera one of Tulum’s most deliciously Instagrammable boutique hotels, but it’s also home to a lovely rooftop bar that makes it easy to lose track of time. Both fans of classics and creative cocktails will find much to love here, from a timeless Hugo Spritz (made with St. Germain and prosecco) to a creative concoction like the Yum Melon (with gin, melon oil, apple, Calpis, and sparkling water). A few shareable bites and DJ beats round up the offerings.
Gitano Beach Club // Among Tulum’s many beach clubs, Gitano is the epitome of the destination’s relaxed yet chic vibes. Open from breakfast to dinner, it’s the perfect excuse to spend the day under the sun: from chilaquiles and Bloody Marys in the AM to fish tacos and mezcal-based cocktails – try the spicy Jungle Fever – as the day turns into night. Grab a daybed by the pool or on the sand, and catch some rays with a solid dose of people-watching.
Papaya Playa Project // Saturday nights turn this beloved hotel into one of the most coveted dance floors in town. Under palm trees and disco balls, a roster of international DJs brings the night to life, with experimental artistic performances adding an element of surprise. Added perks like a Mayan dinner and free-flowing cocktails are available, as are room packages if you want to make a whole weekend out of it.
Batey Mojito & Guarapo Bar // For more than 13 years, the divey Batey has been a go-to for live music and the most refreshing mojitos in town, made with sugar cane juice crushed in a kitschy converted vochito (or VW Beetle). From jazz to salsa to blues, an array of local and visiting bands fill the laid-back space with energy in the evenings, while daytime brings a chill vibe, perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a quick mid-day cocktail.
Where to Explore
Tulum Ruins // No matter how many times you’ve seen the photo, it’s impossible not to be in total awe when you see it live: the iconic El Castillo sitting on a cliff above the turquoise waters. While the Tulum ruins themselves may not be as imposing as, say, Chichén Itzá or Teotihuacán, the setting is absolutely stunning and yet another proof of the Maya’s extraordinary knowledge and dominance. I highly recommend visiting early in the morning, as walking around under the sun can be a bit of a challenge.
Cenotes // An impressive network of underwater caves that spans across the Yucatán Peninsula, cenotes are natural sinkholes that are as visually impressive as they are culturally significant, considered by the Maya to be the gateway to the underworld. The area is lined with gorgeous cenotes of all shapes and sizes, many of which are swimmable. One of my favorites is Jardín del Edén, a 30-minute drive from downtown Tulum. A large, open-air cenote, it’s not only gorgeous, but it’s responsibly managed –always a huge plus in the Mexzine book.
Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve // One of the most awe-inspiring places I’ve visited in Mexico, this sprawling reserve –and one of the largest protected areas in the country– is made up of mangroves, marshes, wetlands, and lagoons, providing a visual spectacle at every turn. Its name, fittingly, means “origin of the sky,” and it’s home to more than 300 bird species, as well as jaguars, pumas, manatees, and monkeys. Book a tour with Community Tours Sian Ka’an, a Maya-owned cooperative. Options range from leisurely two-hour boat rides –including a swim in the legendary sacred Maya canal– to immersive eight-hour experiences.
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I also love Mamazul, Delicia de Mi Tierra, and El Abasto when I visit. Great read!