Girls Guide to Tulum: Mexico’s Stylish Beach Getaway
Day to day I feel blessed and like I’m living a dream; in Tulum I felt like I was in a deep sleep of perfection, and I wasn’t waking up. Tulum is a fairytale experience and I would recommend it to everyone. The jungle meets beach vibe is a magical atmosphere and around every corner there is something beautiful to see. From the exquisitely designed hotels to the amazing restaurants Tulum will capture your heart. Tulum prides itself in eco-tourism and sustainability which makes it a unique place compared to your typical vacation. You can immerse yourself in the culture, yourself, and truly awaken here. The openness of Tulum is like no other place I have ever been. Tulum embraces the Mayan culture, Yoga, Sound Healing, being Vegan and so much more that will help you on your spiritual journey. After this year, I think we all need some Tulum in our lives.
Before going anywhere, I spend a lot of time researching. A lot of this is done by searching through Instagram and looking at lifestyle blogs online. When I am vacationing, and in general, I like to try as many places as possible. Even if it means walking in and out of the wrong place I find a way to see it all. Here’s my guide to live out your wildest dreams in Tulum, from where to stay, what to do, where to eat and the best shops.
Where to stay: My advice is to split your time and try staying in the town and on the beach. Spend a few nights with the sound of the waves and splendid views, and then a few nights in the jungle vibes of town. The town has a more authentic Mexican feel while the beach is more of a party vibe. The beach (Hotel Center) is also more expensive than the town. My choice of stay during our stay was Kimpton Aluna Tulum.
Kimpton Aluna Tulum is a brand new hotel right in Aldea Zama. It is closer to the town but also not far from the beach. It has the best WiFi for working at home times, and is extremely clean and Covid friendly. The towels (pink) at the pool to the silverware at dinner are all sealed for protection! They also offer covid tests for your return back to the states right at the property! Our jungle suite was spacious, with a hot tub, and steps from the pool. They provide free bikes for guests as well and we took the bikes everyday to either the town center (5 minutes) or to the beach (20 minutes.) The hotel staff was some of the nicest people I have ever met and they will be forever friends. I felt like I was at home at Aluna Hotel and never wanted to leave! We actually extended our stay here because I loved it so much. A relaxing jungle vibe by the pool with exceptional service. They also have a rooftop pool and will be opening another restaurant on the rooftop in March. I would definitely recommend anyone to stay here but if you decide to stay elsewhere you should go to their restaurant Parallel 20 for an amazing dinner. I recommend the avocado, hummus with fresh pita for an appetizer. I have never combined these two and it was so tasty! They also have an amazing flatbread pizza with a Mexican twist. It has salsa instead of marinara sauce and a unique cheese that I’ll call Mexican Mozzarella. Make sure to indulge in dessert too! We got the canolis one night with a light chocolate ice cream and then the chocolate covered strawberry dream cake on Valentine’s Day!
What Restaurants to go:
I love going out to eat. Chic restaurant experiences are the key to my heart. It amazes me how a whole experience can be created with decor and design and I just love seeing the unique places all over the world. From party dinners to relaxing lunches and with all the best food here is my list of favorites in the most stylist place in Mexico.
Rosa Negra: Amazing cocktails and exceptional service. They have a mixologist on site with a bar cart and the food is a tribute to Latin American Cuisine. This was like a party at dinner, we went at the perfect time, around 8:00pm and when our dinner was wrapping up there was a huge celebration which I truly can’t explain you just need to see for yourself!
Azulik: Views for days, one of the few places that has an above view of Tulum. It is the most romantic spot in Tulum, with no electricity and candles all throughout the resort. You feel like you’re in a treehouse but make it chic and upscale. Go to Tseen Ja in Azulik for the best sushi of your life! I got the salmon avocado roll and had them torch the salmon it was insane. After dinner, ask your server to escort you to the club downstairs. They have an awesome DJ and beautiful decor with a touch of pink. I got an espresso martini and a maracuya mezcal drink!
Casa Jaguar: This jungle restaurant across from the beach is the ultimate experience. The food and drinks were great, if you like spicy drinks get the ! They have a boutique in the restaurant as well and it is full of amazing pieces. I took my mezcal drink and shopped around the boutique and got some amazing finds. Some items aren’t as pricy as others but for the seashell top previously bought by Dua Lipa you may be breaking the bank!
Maresias @ Be Tulum: The most epic spot. We had the perfect dinner here. It is right on the beach and they have a DJ performing throughout the night. It felt like we were in Ibiza with the euro vibe music.
La Popular @ Nomade: Morroccan style seating on the beach. I suggest coming here for lunch! We sat at a lovely table overlooking the beach and we’re lucky enough to have little kittens join us!
Philosophy @ Casa Malca: Gorgeous indoor dinner at the mansion of Pablo Escobar. You cannot go wrong with this vintage decor and reminiscing touches. Make sure to go outside and check out the entryway with the vintage wedding dresses curtain. Antique furniture hangs down in the center of the curtains and it will be the chicest swing set scene you have ever experienced. It’s probably my favorite piece of art I have ever seen.
Gramercy: Swings, sunsets and a great deal on all you can drink beer. Probably one of the least expensive spots in the Hotel Center.
Loco Tulum: This Mediterranean spot is a must! They have awesome vegan options and $1 tequila shots! I don’t think I have ever seen such a thing! We got the tofu beet salad and the falafel plate. So yum!
Boccanera Piza: This pizza was everything!! And the waiters were so kind. You must go :)
Burrito Amor: Go here for the best burrito of your life! You will not be disappointed, they also have Vegan options.
The Best Tulum Adventures:
If you take any advice from me for your trip to Tulum, it must be doing a guided trip with Ismael of Mayikal Experiences ! They are native guides and do taylor made adventures. “Immerse yourself into a life time experience, exploring the magic of nature, culture and history.” We were able to do things that I never could have done alone and it was an unforgettable experience. Ismael took us to Coba, biking through the jungle to see the Mayan ruins, to a private cenote, shopping in Coqui Coqui, and my personal favorite to a Mayan home for lunch. The Mayan home was also a animal refugee as the family housed endangered species like White Tail Deers and unique birds. We were cooked a traditional lunch by the family and everything tasted amazing. We even were able to pat out the tortillas in the outdoor kitchen with the owner of the home for our meal!
Where to get coffee (or juice, or matcha, whichever you prefer)
Raw Love: This jungle maze is the perfect spot to chill, read a book, and relax with a latte and even an Acai bowl. I normally chose oat milk but in Tulum the Coconut milk was the best I’ve ever had! I also started my days with the flu fighter shot to be extra healthy during these times.
Matcha Mama: The hottest spot to grab a matcha. Start your day with a swing in this vibrating colorful cafe. There is 3 locations so you cannot miss it! One across from the beach, one in Tulum town, and one in Aldea Zama.
The Real Coconut: Also seen in Malibu, CA. Located on the beach, this place feels like the spot to go to for Americans. So many people were on their laptops working in there as well and it was very peaceful. My only complaint is that it was extremely windy at the seat we were at so sit further away from the open windows.
Where to Shop in Tulum:
Lolita Lolita Tulum: Outside of Lolita Lolita is a sign that says Follow that Dream. If that doesn’t entice you to go in then the products sure will. Not only are the clothes the epitome of boho style but they have a section of sex candles, amazing incense, love potion pens, and the best mezcal I have ever tasted. It was my type of shopping experience for sure!
Casa Jaguar Tulum: A fun restaurant but with a boutique inside! Got Dan a shirt here by Folks and he liked it so much he got himself another one in a different color. I also found the most special top here that was handmade by the wonderful Maria Tahues and I will cherish it forever! They also have a swim store down the street a bit called Casa Jaguar Swim and have amazing accessories including a hat I had to pass up because it was a little too expensive :(
La Tiendita Tulum: The cutest boutique with the epitome of Tulum bohemian style pieces. The handmade pieces were so well done, even the tags on the clothes were beautiful. I wanted to buy everything in the store! La Tiendita Tulum
La Bikineria- This boutique had me hooked with the most perfect bikinis for any girly girl. Sparkles, ruffles, flirty prints, I was obsessed with everything they had to offer. Not to mention the scuncis that match almost every bikini in the store! La Bikineria Instagram
Pop Saint Barth: Amazing colorful finds and great prices. Some of the pieces are even handmade by the owner! Pop Saint Barth
We_kabe: The most unique pieces, however on the pricier side. I didn’t buy anything here but luckily they are going live with an online site soon! We Kabe Instagram
Tulum Town:
The town is definitely cheaper than the beach area which is called Hotel Center. It has a unique vibe and a must see. Here are my favorite spots for your visit into Town:
Eat at Liefs: Tulum in Amsterdam. A couple moved to Tulum from Amsterdam and created this quaint spot on the side of the road that you can drive your bikes up to and sit. It has delicate flowers in dutch vases and amazing vegan options.
11 Once: 5 flights up the stairs from Ki’Bok Coffee is the new rooftop overlooking the towns main street. The drinks are great and the vibe is top notch. When you walk in you will smell incense and hear great music.
Caribe Swing: This place is the best! There was a dance floor, swings to swing on by the bar, fun bartenders, and a full place of people with great vibes. It was so much fun and definitely the spot to be. We didn’t eat here but the pasta and pizzas also looked phenomenal.
Batey: Mojito Bar with a live band in the back. It is in town authentic Mexican feels and a great night out hotspot.
Estancia Jujena: The perfect place for a #pfg girl. If you haven’t caught on PFG stands for pink feed goals :) This place is the most pink you can get and even serves coffee in a pink pastel mug. It also has amazing breakfast options, yummy smoothies, and serves oven fresh pizza in the evening.
Vucciria: Sicilian restaurant in Tulum with the ultimate Euro Vibe. The espresso martinis were amazing and they also had rosemary potatoes which smelt so good that I had to order!
Where to Dance:
Gitano: This chic Jungle Bar is the beach’s Friday club spot and I loved every second of it. It was very chill, beachy and a disco ball lighting up the room for a dance party in the sparkly forest.
Papaya Playa Project: Weekly events here so check before going! It may be dead if there is not an event happening. This was so cool, there was a huge dance floor with a DJ along the beach, taco stands, people getting glitter painted on their faces, and even a coffee/ juice bar! I of course got a shot of tequila and put it in my carrot ginger juice and I would recommend you doing the same!
Ikal Tulum: Located in Playa Paraiso, this Saturday spot has a live band, good vibes and great food.
It Tulum: One of the best spots that I feel like no one talks about! It’s surrounding a cenote and such good vibes. Another party at dinner but turns to a full party with a great DJ and everyone dancing. The cops came one of the nights we went there and everyone that was dancing had to grab a seat at any table they could find. It was really funny, felt like I was in a scene of Dirty Dancing.
Bagatelle: This was a “where to go” section but I want to say do not go here. Cool beach club vibes where you can meet a ton of people seemingly from America however horrible service and so overpriced. Bagatelle is also in NYC and in my opinion one of the most expensive places you will find for dinner. They also forgot to bring out our entrees when we came here. It becomes such a party that I see why that could happen but still was so bizarre to me.
What to Wear/ Bring to Tulum: Bring all the haircare! The water in Mexico isn’t just bad to drink, it also does not do anything for my hair. My hair was so hard to tame from the water and the humidity. I would suggest bringing detangler for the knots from your day at the cenotes, leave in conditioner, and really anything that you have! As for what to wear, I think it’s a boho chic vibe. You need sandals for beach days and platforms or comfortable heels for dinner and nights out. I was asked by a friend whether or not to bring heels and I think yes! At night, people are put together and dressed up but in a beachy way. Bring heels but make sure they are your most comfortable pair as you may end up on the beach.