Hi friends! I think I am still on a “vacation high” from last week! Vacations always rejuvenate me and make me so happy! I received so many messages from you all asking about the details of our Tulum trip and I cannot wait to share all about it!
I told Scott over and over that this was literally my second favorite vacation of all time (1st place goes to our Europe trip last year- nothing can beat London and Paris!).
About a year and a half ago, Scott and I went to Cancun right after Christmas. It was our first time in Mexico and we loved it. This time around, I wanted to get away from the “big cities” and find a vacation spot that was a little more secluded and off the beaten path. Tulum, which is located 2 hours away from Cancun, was exactly what we were looking for! I would describe Tulum as boho-chic, eco-friendly, and literally in the middle of a jungle. The resorts are small (the one we stayed at only has 11 villas) and many limit their use of electricity. At night, many of the restaurants and resorts are lit by candles alone, which really upped the romance factor! Tulum is perfect for honeymooners and couples, but there were also families there!
WHERE WE STAYED
Kai Tulum: We loved this small resort and I am already counting down to go back! The décor is impeccable and so chic. The resort is not all-inclusive, but when you check-in you open a tab for your food and drinks purchased during the trip.
Tips
– Airport Transfer: We used a company called Happy Shuttle (private transfer, just the two of us) as they were the least expensive option and I heard good reviews. We arranged to have beers and sandwiches waiting for us in the car. It was easy to locate Happy Shuttle at the airport, but I was very disappointed with the wait time of 45 minutes. The company representative apologized and stated it was due to traffic, which is completely understandable, but obviously we wanted to get to our resort! Beers were available, but the sandwiches we paid for were not provided. You can also arrange to have the shuttle stop at a grocery store, which I would recommend. I would grab snacks, water bottles, and alcohol if needed.
Happy Shuttle did however arrive on time the day that we were leaving, so I cannot say too many negative things! I think it is a good option as far as price, but they seem to have some kinks they need to work out!
– Kai Tulum is a very new resort and they do not have their own reception office. Therefore, you will need to check-in with the resort next door, Villa Pescadores. The 2 resorts are literally right next to each other and not a far walk at all. Additionally, when arranging a transfer from the Cancun Airport, I would just tell them that your destination is Villa Pescadores. It was slightly confusing when we first arrived, but we were quickly helped and the check-in process was smooth.
– Bring snacks, drinks, alcohol, etc. to help save money. I actually packed half of one of my suitcases full of snacks (sliced bread, peanut butter, jelly, snack bars, chips) and most mornings we just ate for free. It was also nice to come in from the beach and be able to make a sandwich! You can also stop by convenience stores or the grocery to grab things once you arrive! The nearest grocery was about a 5-7 minute taxi ride away.
– There are no mini-fridges, which is a major con in my book. Keep that in mind when/if you bring food.
– Another major con was the amount of seaweed in the ocean and on the beach (which is why you didn’t see any photos of the beach/water on IG!). Now, this can 100% not be helped, so I cannot complain about it, but we did not spend any time at the beach because of this. I am not kidding when I say there were PILES of seaweed everywhere. Every two days, they would bring a bobcat down and move the piles down the beach to another location, but it did not really help much. We were told that the seaweed is typically gone by May or June, but this year was the worst they have ever seen. So, you may want to do some research on this before you go!
– There is one restaurant at Kai Tulum (loved the grilled shrimp and salmon, fantastic drinks- ask for Alejandro!) and two at Villa Pescadores (Beach Grill- on the beach, swings for seats at the bar, GET THE FLAT IRON STEAK or steak quesadilla; Villa Pescadores- so good!)
– Bike rentals are available, which I recommend to get around!
– Reception arranges for taxis- just let them know when you need one
– Coffee delivery for free each morning- just let them know what time you want it delivered to your room!
– AC is available in the villas 24/7 (says something different on the website)
– No pool on the property which, due to the seaweed keeping us off the beach, was a major con
WHERE WE ATE
– Kai Tulum (lunch, dinner): Located directly in front of our room. Good food- get the guacamole, grilled shrimp, or salmon. This is also where we ordered all of our drinks when we were at the beach. We loved the margaritas, mojitos, and the Kai Kiss. They also have some amazing fresh-pressed juices! Make sure to ask for Alejandro!
– Villa Pescadores Restaurant (lunch, dinner, ate here twice because so convenient!): located at Villa Pescadores right where you check-in. Excellent food- we loved the roca camerones app, arugula salad, and fettucine! They even have burgers here if you need a little American food!
– Villa Pescadores Beach Grill (lunch, dinner) : located on the beach. EXCELLENT food!! Get the flat iron steak (large meal, so may want to share), steak tacos, or steak quesadilla! These people know their steak haha!
– Gitano (dinner, cocktails): super cool atmosphere, were told to come here for the cocktails, but they weren’t serving any alcohol due to the presidential election that day (rule for the entire day!). We enjoyed the tuna ceviche, brisket tacos, and shrimp tacos. Sad we couldn’t try the cocktails! Takes credit cards
– Kin Toh (dinner): in a treehouse, by far the fanciest dinner. Think smaller portions, but gorgeous atmosphere and presentation. Takes credit cards
– Rosa Negra (dinner, cocktails): by far our most favorite dinner! We actually had reservations for Mur Mur (which is across the street), but were told that they closed due to “bathroom issues.” We didn’t know what to do for dinner, but Rosa Negra was across the street and looked fun- so glad we went! Amazing cocktails and the best food! Got the ceviche, caesar salad, salmon skillet, and dessert! They had a DJ playing really good music/beats and at 9:30 they passed out sparklers to everyone during one of the songs! Such a fun experience! Highly recommend. Takes credit cards
– Campanella Cremerie (breakfast, lunch): waffles + Nutella and other bad things, also have sandwiches and gelato. Cash only
– Raw Love (breakfast): acai bowls, smoothies, very hip! Cash only
Other restaurants we wanted to go to, but ran out of time (recommended by a friend):
– La Coqueta (lunch): Mexican burritos, shrimp was recommended. Cash only
– Taqueria La Eufemia: best tacos ever, a must! Also a bunch of topless people; by the beach in Tulum. Enter the beach at Aklin Beach (on 15) and then take a right down the beach. It’s an 8 minute-ish walk. If you hit Casa Banana, you’ve gone too far. Cash only
WHAT WE DID
– Gran Cenote: Tulum has so many cenotes, which are deep, clear blue pools scattered everywhere! We went to the largest one and got there right at 8 AM (opens at 8:10 AM) because we heard it gets crowded very fast. We actually ended up being the only ones in the entire place for about 30 minutes which was so nice and relaxing! These are a MUST SEE! You’re able to swim all around (with turtles and fish) and snorkel through caves! Cash only
– Bikes: our hotel had bikes available to rent (seems like most places do) and we biked to Campenella Cremerie for brunch (ended up being a 4 mile ride both ways, had to bike on a main highway which was slightly dangerous in my opinion, wouldn’t recommend!). Tulum is pretty bike friendly (as long as you avoid main highways haha!)
– Snorkeling: Little hut on the beach had reef snorkeling for 100 pesos each (not a bad deal!). Was nice because this was the only time we were in the water and it was so crystal clear where they took us (seaweed everywhere else!). Saw a HUGE turtle (literally was right next to me and slightly freaked out), fish, and stingrays. Slightly scary, but so fun! Cash only
– Walk Down 15: This is the main road where all the resorts, restaurants/bars, and shops are. We took a taxi there and walked around for about an hour. Some of the shops are so cute and have such unique finds!
GUIDELINES
– Most places are cash only, so make sure to bring pesos! Exchange rate: 18 pesos = 1 USD
– There are ATMs everywhere- make sure it is dispensing pesos, not USD
– Taxis should never be more than 150 pesos (average is 100). We tipped about 20-30 pesos each ride. It’s pretty easy to flag one down when you’re out.
We had so much fun in Tulum and I hope this guide provides some good information and answers your questions. I definitely want to go back in the near future! Let me know if you are planning to go or if you have any other additional questions. As always, thank you for reading and sharing! -A
