the
JOURNAL
REcent work, stories & guides
At a glance
BEACH
ADVENTURE
FOOD
OUTDOORS
Curator’s statement
This is the ultimate Tulum travel guide perfect for helping you plan your next Tulum, Mexico getaway! Whether a celebration, girls trip, or a romantic escape with your loved one, Tulum has become a hot spot for the bohemian lifestyle, yoga retreats, impeccable dining experiences, high-end boutiques, nightlife, snorkeling, ancient Mayan ruins, and wanderlusting.
The Fora Difference
Book with Jenny to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.
Together, we can build you the ultimate Tulum travel guide!
KILLER PERKS
Free upgrades, spa credits, and more—we got you
PERSONALIZED RECS
Customized travel planning for your style
INSIDER KNOWLEDGE
Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there
Where to stay
Discover amazing structures and the coolest boutique hotels, charming Airbnbs, and immersive wellness retreats. In the ultimate guide to Tulum, I will share some of our favorite hotels to stay.
Azulik
If you are willing to pay top dollar for an immersive art, wellness, and remote experience, this may be the perfect place for you. Each of their villas is built in harmony with the Mayan jungle and the Caribbean Sea, with no electric light, A/C, or television. This is truly the destination to unplug and reconnect with nature, therefore make sure to come in the right mindset.
Be Tulum
A lovely beach resort located in the perfect spot on a beautiful stretch of beach. The villas are earthy, yet modern each with its own special feel.
Dos Ceibas
Are you looking for a low-key eco-friendly option located in the quieter area of Tulum by the lovely boho-chic boutiques? Dos Ceibras bar and restaurant have delicious food options. From juices, fresh seafood, and amazing ceviche and tacos, you will indulge in the pure food bliss. There are also a variety of food carts and juice bars nearby this eco-resort, which is located in the perfect spot. Not to mention the super laid-back vibe, very hospitable staff, and incredible massage in the wellness hut for a very affordable price. I can’t rave enough about this stay.
La Valise Hotel
Luxurious, boutique hotel with spacious rooms and a suite, 24-hour air conditioning, 2 heated plunge pools, and a gorgeous stretch of beach. Enjoy beauty, stillness, and uniqueness. At La Valise, experience the magic of a private beachfront bungalow with added sophistication, art, craftsmanship, charm, luxury, comfort, surprise, and daydream.
La Zebra
Beach-chic, luxury hotel on a wide stretch of white, sandy beach with a long rooftop pool, playground, and free, weekly salsa dancing lessons. All family-friendly, open-plan suites are designed for up to four. Fun, vibrant and joyful, La Zebra is a luxurious haven for all who are looking for a relaxed Caribbean beach vacation. It offers a phenomenal dining experience, with authentic Mexican cuisine, delicious craft cocktails and an upbeat atmosphere.
Ahau
Ahau is a wellness-focused, pet-friendly, beachfront hotel with outstanding food, eclectic rooms, and an extensive program of yoga, meditation, and healing rituals. Unplug, unwind, and enjoy barefoot sophistication amid the lush Mayan jungle and the crystalline Caribbean Sea on the pristine white-sand. This stay is perfect for the eco-conscious traveler with cabanas and huts right on the oceanfront.
Mi Amor
Celebrating sensuality, diversity, design, nature and style, Mi Amor is a space for loving each other, for the love of food, the love of music, for the love of life. This is an adults-only, luxury boutique hotel with an infinity pool, upscale restaurant and bar, and a cozy 2-room spa.
As you can see, there are endless beach resorts in Tulum, each with its own charm and art of wanderlust. This is a must-go destination, so reach out to our Fora Advisor to get you booked in the perfect stay for your unique getaway.
Unlock perks by contacting Jenny to book your trip.
Things to do
Cenotes
Don’t miss out on exploring natural freshwater pools called “cenotes”, which offer unique swimming holes around the Yucatan Peninsula. There are several to check out, but I recently went to Dos Ojos. We snorkeled for hours checking out deep caves within the cenotes. Some other areas to explore are Gran Cenote, Jardin de Eden, and Cenote Azul because they all offer different experiences.
Akumal
Snorkeling in Akumal takes a full day to dedicate to this adventure. Take a taxi or if in a group or hire a driver to get to Akumal. This amazing place is where you can literally walk into the water from shore and swim with giant sea turtles, stingrays, and other beautiful tropical fish. We decided to do a boat tour that took us out to farther reefs because we wanted to be sure to see the sea turtles and we did!!! Be sure to wear reef-safe sunscreen!
Mayan Ruins
The Mayan ruins in Tulum are a very interesting place to visit. The city was a trading and religious center between the 11th and 16th centuries, and is now one of the coolest Mayan archaeological sites in Mexico. Tulum is quite different from other ruins because it is situated on cliffs overlooking the ocean and is quite picturesque. Make sure you bring your bathing suit, while visiting you can swim at the secluded beach below the ruins.
Relax At The Beach
Is it time to chill out, soak up the sun, eat amazing seafood, and drink delicious margaritas? If so, the beach in Tulum is just the place. With beautiful blue skies, birds, sunsets, and rainbows, you will not be disappointed. In addition, there is a lot of wanderlusting to be had along the beach. Around every corner, you will discover amazing structures and art, while walking for miles.
Yoga & Wellness Retreat
Ready to unplug from it all? If you’re looking for more of a wellness trip, this is definitely the place to be. There are a variety of centers to integrate into yoga retreats or classes because the vibe of Tulum exudes an extremely healthy mindset.
Shop Boho
Explore Tulum’s boho one-of-a-kind boutiques. From high-end, handcrafted dresses to amazing locally made jewelry, you are bound to find lots of treasures.
Beach Clubs
Enjoy a nightlife scene that can take you from a laid-back bar with mariachi music to a sleek cocktail lounge, to a dance party on the beach under a full moon.
As you can see, there are endless adventures such as swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, zip-lining, Mayan ruins, cenotes, wanderlusting while visiting Tulum. I highly recommend checking out all the cool art as well! In the ultimate Tulum travel guide, you will notice that Tulum is known as a destination for those seeking wellness and yoga retreats.
Check out my post on Unplugging in Tulum before you go!
Eat & Drink
Culinary options in Tulum range from luxury resort restaurants to authentic tacos on the side of the road. If you want local, look off the beaten path and you will discover amazing food carts. On another note, if you are traveling on a budget, the cheapest food is usually to be found in the Tulum town area, although there are plenty of cute places offering great deals. Learn about some of my favorite places to eat in the ultimate Tulum travel guide.
Raw Love
Start with an acai bowl or avocado toast. Wash it down with a freshly brewed cup of organic coffee, and you’ll be energized and fueled for the rest of the day!
Matcha Mama
Try one of the best acai bowls in Mexico by making your way to Matcha Mama. They use fresh fruits, seeds, and toppings that are delectably creamy. The matcha colada bowl is a big hit. It comes topped with bananas, kiwis, flax seeds, coconut, and a scoop of matcha ice cream. Every single item on their menu is Instagram-worthy, so don’t forget to bring your camera.
DelCielo
This award-winning restaurant has a tropical bistro vibe and is a welcome break from other traditional Mexican restaurants in the area. Their menu features breakfast favorites like veggie omelets, quiches, and granola. However, their sliced brioche French toast is the star of the show.
La Zebra Beach Restaurant and Bar
La Zebra’s vibrant dining room showcases one of the best beachscapes in Tulum. This is a longtime favorite from locals to travelers, couples to families and there is definitely something for everyone at La Zebra.
Dos Ceibras
Ready to chill at the beach and pig out on scrumptious shrimp tacos. Dos Ceibas Restaurant has the most delectable ceviche and taco plates. This is the perfect low-key place to chill on the beach, listen to the waves and eat delicious seafood! Raw Love Looking for a healthy scrumptious option? Try pad thai, portobello burgers, zucchini pasta and more.
Mateos
Great drinks and a pretty good sunset view. The restaurant looks like a treehouse. It’s built with multiple levels and even has a large outdoor terrace. Gitanos Friday nights at Gitano offer an awesome party with a DJ. Drinks are pricey but worth it.
Gitano
Are you ready to discover the ultimate trendy cocktail bar? Maybe throw some elderflower and lavender to make your cocktail one-of-a-kind! Dinner: Loco Tulum This unique spot offers the opportunity to taste impeccable Mediterranean cuisine dishes, tacos, and more, which offer a fully authentic delicious experience. The lively atmosphere & quaint little bar are the perfect places to hang out in the high-end area of Tulum.
La Zebra Beach Restaurant and Bar
Experience a vibrant dining room that showcases one of the best beachscapes in Tulum. This is a longtime favorite from locals to travelers, couples to families and there is definitely something for everyone at La Zebra.
Sushi Club Tulum
Experience a super fun atmosphere, where sushi and service truly become a work of art. The innovative and dynamic cuisine is an immersive experience in itself. With a team of personable and friendly service, performances, and dance parties, Sushi Club is the place to indulge.
Hartwood
Imagine sustainably sourced ingredients found locally. This menu is always evolving, but past dishes include; jicama salad, snapper ceviche, short ribs, and cheese-flavored ice cream. Each and every dish is cooked over an open fire by hand, which adds to the sea-to-table ambiance. Hartwood is an off the grid restaurant using running (lights, music, etc.) entirely powered by solar energy. Their 100% organic compost efforts also decrease their carbon footprint and eliminate any unnecessary waste.
The Kitchen Table
Are you a serious foodie? If so, you have most likely heard of Kitchen Table. A restaurant is located on the jungle side of Tulum. This is an eco-friendly restaurant where everything is cooked in their open kitchen. The menu is beyond creative, while still being authentically Mexican.
Kin Toh At Azulik
Are you seeking a posh experience? If so, experience one of the most expensive restaurants at Kin Toh at Azulik. Indulge in a Mayan-Mexican restaurant that serves avant-garde cuisine. Reservations are required for this high-end experience.
Need to know
• When visiting Tulum, Spanish is the main language spoken by the locals. However, you can get by speaking English in Tulum, Mexico
• The Mexican Peso is the local currency in Tulum.
• Upscale restaurants and hotels take Visa and Mastercard payments, however, it’s important to carry cash while visiting. You’ll end up paying more if you choose to use US currency, therefore it is better to pay with Pesos. The ATM is located in the downtown shopping area of Tulum, so stop at the ATM before getting to the high-end area to Tulum.
• This is a fairly safe area, however Cancun and other larger locations are nearby so crime is growing. Although the crime is pretty low, use street smarts, be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your personal belongings.
• Do not pool hop or you may get chased by the federales!!!
• Average temperatures in Tulum are 80 °F (30°C) throughout the year, although if you want more sunshine, I recommend going between November through April, however these are busier times.
Reach out to customize and book your own experience.
Or, just to chat about travel in general.
Did you like this ultimate Tulum travel guide?
