Tulum is the hottest destination at the moment and we understand why
Mexico, Mexiiihiicooo. Tropical destinations are always a trend, but the specific destinations change a bit each year. Bali remains popular (and very nice), but it seems like everyone I know is traveling to Mexico this year. Last year it was Sri Lanka and the year before that the Philippines. In my circles, this is a noticeable trend, but I completely understand it. Tips are of course often exchanged and the number one tip I continuously get from these Mexico travelers: Tulum. What was your favorite spot in Mexico? Tulum. What should you absolutely not miss in Mexico? Tulum. What is paradise on earth? TULUM. Okay okay, I could hardly do anything but dive in. And yes, call me a follower, but I am totally on board. Who's coming with me to Mexico? As soon as possible please.
About Tulum
Tulum is located on the Yucatán Peninsula. I often misjudge how incredibly large other countries are, or rather: how small the Netherlands actually is. For comparison: this peninsula is about three and a half times larger than the Netherlands. The most famous (tourist) attractions here are probably Cancún and Playa del Carmen, but a bit further south you will find Tulum, a wonderfully relaxed town, where it is super fun to bike through (we are still Dutch, right), work on your tan on one of the white sandy beaches, and of course where you can eat and drink super well. In short: dream vacation, for sure.
Hotspots Tulum
Breakfast and lunch
Matcha Mama. A very cute little place, ideal for a healthy breakfast with juices, (acai) bowls, and of course all kinds of dishes with matcha. This is also a nice hotspot in Tulum for a quick bite. It’s a very small place with a swing in front. Absolutely Instagram-proof. And very tasty, which is also important.
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Quintana Roo 15 470 Zona Hotelera
Raw Love Cafe. You can find this spot in the Ahau Hotel. As the name suggests, the focus is on raw food, so vegans: you want to go here. Here you will also find mostly healthy bowls and juices. And especially those bowls are real works of art. A trendy place, that’s for sure, so the chance is very small that you have the place to yourself. But that’s also nice, of course.
Zona Hotelera
Ki’Bok. The best coffee in all of Tulum can be found here, at this spot in the center. So if you really need a caffeine shot, you are at the right place. They also sell homemade pastries and savory dishes. I would personally make a coffee stop with cake. Just saying.
Calle Centauro Sur Mz 05 Lt 11
Taquería Honorio. Yeah, when in Mexico, you obviously eat tacos. And a lot too. Not just in the evening, but also for breakfast. And breakfast with tacos, you do that here. By the way, it’s literally around the corner from Ki’Bok, in the center. They are open daily, but come early: they operate on a first-come, first-served basis. So it often happens that they are completely sold out by the afternoon. You understand: it must be good.
Satélite Sur
Be Tulum. This spot is in a hotel that has the same name, and I have decided that I might want to live here (just need to save a bit more). Yes, this is how a beach bar should look. They are open from ten in the morning until evening, but I always find it nice to have breakfast and lunch on the beach and do as little as possible in the meantime: those beds here look perfect for that. Little paradise.
Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila km 10
Evening/restaurant
Xaman. Cocktails, yes, please. As many as possible. For an evening out, this is a very nice hotspot in Tulum. Every evening there is a different DJ, so it’s a good idea to check what kind of evening it is if you plan to go here. You can also eat there and make it a whole night out.
Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila km 7.7
Hartwood. Ask a random person in Tulum where you absolutely must eat once and the chance is quite high that this is the tip. A lot to spot on travel blogs too. But looking at the photos, I completely understand that. The menu changes daily and depends on the catch of the day. An absolute must for seafood lovers, and you can hardly get it fresher. Good to know: they are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
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Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila 7
Bejuco. Are you in Tulum with your lover and want a romantic date night: look no further. I’m talking candles, beach, wine, and good food. Seems like a great formula to me. Not enough yet? Okay, then the last argument: you dine in a kind of wooden tipi. So cute. This hotspot is one of the new kids on the block at the beach in Tulum and it must be said: in terms of looks, it really looks nice.
Carretera Tulum Ruinas Boca Paila km 5
Azulik. In terms of looks, this one does just a bit better than the above. Wow, this looks really beautiful. And luxurious, that’s for sure. Azulik is the name of the hotel where you will find three restaurants. At Kin Tot, you dine in a tree house (why not, right), Tseen-Ja is a Japanese-Mexican fusion restaurant (exciting combo) and Cenote has a farm-to-table concept. Admittedly: it’s not cheap, so if you want to stay financially on track, go have a drink in one of the tree houses.
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Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila, km 5
Gitano. Also a popular hotspot on travel blogs. Eat here on the weekend, starting at half past ten a live band begins to play and the evening is far from over. Tip: do make a reservation. This is one of the most popular places you want to be on the weekend. Good to know: if you pay with cash, the amount you have to pay is four percent lower. Don’t ask me why, but that’s just another drink, right?.
Beach Road km 7
Batey Mojito Bar. The name says it all: here you definitely drink one (more is allowed) mojito. Because of those cocktails, this place has become a concept in Tulum. There is often live music as well. If you walk by in the afternoon, it’s definitely worth stopping by. After all, day drinking is just allowed on vacation. It’s located in the center, by the way.
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Calle Centauro Sur
Safari Campfire Food. This is one of those places that gives me the ultimate vacation feeling. So cute, small, and cozy. And the Mexican food here is top-notch (order the esquite). A few handy things: they close early, so come early and you can only pay with cash. But the fact that you have to go here is a fact. As the name suggests, you can sit around a campfire here and this hotspot consists of much more than just a camper. So fun.
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Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila km 8
Mur Mur. When I think of Mexican food, I don't exactly think of fine dining. And okay, this isn't entirely that either, but it's definitely Mexican 2.0. Beautiful dishes (also beautifully presented) and super tasty. It's no wonder this hotspot in Tulum is in the top 50 Latin American restaurants. They work with seasonal products, with little fuss. No cream or foam of anything here: just pure ingredients.
Quintana Roo 15
Ciel Rose Sunset Bar. Here's a bold statement: you have the most beautiful sunset in all of Tulum here. Yes, I said it. Go test it for yourself. Their slogan is ‘We have sunset’, so I guess they know that too. You watch the sunset from a sort of tower where you have a 360-degree view. Toast with a cocktail and then you have the ultimate vacation feeling.
Carretera a Boca Paila Mz 10 Lt 16
Beach tips for Tulum
Azulik Hotel. I mentioned this earlier, but even for a beach day, you're good here. You order your food and drinks from your beach bed (love it). That bed costs forty dollars, but you can spend that amount on food and drinks. Seems not unreasonably expensive, especially not when you see how beautiful it is here.
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Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila, km 5
Papaya Playa Project. Yesss, so fun. You pay three hundred pesos for entry, but then you can lie on the beds. Totally fine. The lunch here is absolutely top-notch. It's deliciously luxurious, so planning a pampering day here seems like a good idea.
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Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila km 4.5
Habitas. A very relaxed atmosphere, filled with hammocks and a swimming pool (handy if you're, like me, not a big fan of swimming in the sea). The lunch here is also very tasty, and especially recommended if you want to have a zen day. The minimum amount you need to spend is nine hundred pesos.
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Av. Boca Paila, Zona Hotelera km 4.5
Taqueria La Eufemia. Something very different from the beach tents that belong to hotels, like the three above. This is just a simple taco restaurant on the beach, where you can eat affordably and super tasty. Lots of locals and a relaxed vibe. Oh, and not unimportant: happy hour between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM. Yes please.
Tulum, Zona Hotelera, Boca Paila
Casa Malca. Release your inner drug lord: this is the former spot of Pablo Escobar. Just for that reason alone, it's worth stopping by. It's certainly not cheap, the dishes are all just a bit more refined than in many of the other hotspots in Tulum. Just having a drink is also fine, it's fun to see anyway.
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Carretera Fed, Av. Boca Paila km 9.5
Coco Tulum. Beach club with swings, white sand, hammocks, good food, Fatboys, beach beds... Well, what else can I say about it? Just a very nice place to hang out.
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Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila Km 7
