I wanted to go to Mexico, but somewhere I had never been before. I didn't want to do the same ol' cruise to Cozumel that most do, so I did some research. Tulum looked so beautiful in photos but the pictures didn't do this Magical destination any justice. Whether you are laidback and on a budget or love a luxury lifestyle, there is something in Tulum for everyone. It is indeed the perfect spot for a glamarous hippie! :) If you are thinking about going to Tulum, do not hesitate, JUST GO!!! We did spend a couple nights in Playa del Carmen which was magnificent, but something about Tulum gave me these vibes that just made me fall in love. I am going to cram this trip into one blog post and include what we did, and where we stayed while we were there. <3
If you're wanting to plan a trip to Tulum, fly into the Cancun International Airport. Playa del carmen is about 45 minutes from the airport on the way to Tulum. And then Tulum is only about another 45 minutes from Playa del carmen. We rented a car and I will say I felt very safe driving there and had no problems renting a car from the airport at all. Quintana Roo is a pretty safe place for tourists. A lot of people are scared to drive around the area but I can assure you there is nothing to worry about and if you rent a car you will be able to do and see way more while you are there.
- Day one & two-
Mahekal Beach Resort, Playa Del Carmen
We really enjoyed Playa del carmen and stopped here for two nights to relax after a long day of flying into Mexico. We stayed at the Mahekal Resort and it was perfect! I highly reccomend staying here. Mahekal is right on the beach, and right on the main strip of playa del carmen so you are in walking distance of all shops, restaraunts, and bars. The hotel is set up to where you get your own beach bungalow and they were adorable! We had a lovely balcony over looking the beach with hammocks and it was a great place to just relax. The breakfast here was phenominal and the infinity pool overlooking the ocean was amazing.
Beautiful Beach views at Mahekal <3
-Day three to five-
Azulik Eco Resort & Maya Spa, Tulum
I don't even know what to say about this place. There are no words to describe just how amazing the Azulik Hotel was. The Azulik is a giant treehouse that sits right on Tulum beach. It is an eco friendly place with views of the beautiful turquiose sea. Adults only- clothing optional ;)
The Azulik was a unique experience with such a magical ambience. It is a place to reconnect with your partner and nature. When we arrived they even did a ceremony for my fiancé and I where they had us stand and close our eyes. They then gave us each a tiny crystal and told us put an intention on it to manifest it into existence. They then said a Mayan prayer and used incense around us while having us meditate, it was extremely relaxing and set such a good vibe for the rest of our trip.
We didn't want to leave our hotel, it was just too beautiful. Our room had a hanging round bed and on our balcony the views were incredible. On the balcony of each room there are swings, and mosiac bath tubs. I am craving an outdoor jungle bath just thinking about it - sigh.
The hotel also has their own private beach and clothing is optional. Seriously though, do not be shy because swimming nakey in the ocean was probably the most freeing feeling I have ever felt before and it was so peaceful. Also, when you get drinks at the beach bar be sure to ask them to cut you a fresh peice of coconut as well, it was so fresh and delicious! And if you find yourself a little hungover any mornings while staying here ask them to make you one of their detox shots. It works like magic! Azulik is officially one of my favorite places to stay, I did not want to leave. So grateful for the experience and cannot wait to go back!
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-Day six & seven-
Casa Malca, Tulum
So, Casa Malca was TO DIE FOR!!! The interior design and art was just too perfect. Not only that but Casa Malca is actually Pablo Escobar's Tulum vacation Mansion. Yes, THE Pablo Escobar. So it's also a nice peice of history. Casa Malca is right up the road from the Azulik and also sits on Tulum Beach. The food here is amazing as well. We loved staying at Pablo's!
The front sitting area of the Mansion is so lovely. Giant white curtains made out of wedding dresses sit above swinging chairs and sofas...
You can even catch some Tulum Views from the top of Pablo's lookout tower
One of my favorite things about Tulum was that all the food and drinks were healthy and organic. Every morning no matter where we were they served us fresh fruit juices and smoothies.
Swimsuit from "The InStyle"
-Places to snack & drink-
We ate and drank at some great places while in Playa & Tulum, I am going to share just some of my favorites.
While in Playa Del Carmen if you're wondering where the party is at, it's at Coco Bongos! If you're looking for a nice dinner, then for sure take a short ride into the town to go eat a great Mayan dinner IN A CAVE! Yes, the Alux Restaraunt is an extremely nice dinner setting inside of a cave with an underground cenote. The Dj sounds great as well!
"Dress from HelloMolly"
Most Hotels in Tulum also provide free bikes for their guests. So on the Tulum strip we biked it everywhere. It is such a cool town and everything you need is right there on the same street. One side sits on the ocean and the other side a jungle oasis.
-MATCHA MAMA-
Matcha Mama is in Tulum on the main strip, on the jungle side. It just might be the cutest place I have ever seen and probably the most instagrammable spot on instagram, but everything here is delicious. We stopped for a little snack and the fresh coconut ice cream was the best I have ever had. This is a must stop while in Tulum! Have a cold treat and snap a photo! :)
It's true too, we do love Tulum so matcha! <3
While we were in Tulum, my fiance wanted to watch the Georgia Bulldogs Game! So we headed to a sports bar on the jungle side as well called Mateo's! So if you are looking for a game to watch, stop by and order the fried conch bites! Another great place to eat is La Onda. La Onda is pizza place right next door to Matcha Mama. I grew up in the New Jersey and NYC area as a kid, so believe me when I say I know good pizza... they really do have the best pizza on earth!!! Yes, the best pizza on Earth is located in Tulum, Mexico! Don't believe me, try for yourself ;)
Last but not least, one of our favorite places was "Gitano" which means Gypsy in spanish. During the day the food is great and by night it turns into a jungle dance party. Ask for Daniel, he makes some superb drinks!!! From mezcal drinks called "kisses in the car" and "stardust", Gitano was just delightful. We tried mezcal at some other spots throughout Tulum and weren't huge fans but Daniel made us love mezcal!!! He let us test every drink on the Menu and they were outstanding! "Kisses in the car" was my favorite!
Needless to say, Tulum became one of my favorite trips yet. Filled with fun, good vibes, and magic! If you go to Mexico, this is the best place to visit hands down! Not too over taken by tourists but still a great spot to visit. While you are there also be sure to check out the Mayan Ruins and Cenotes!!! Cenotes are underground caves you can swim in and just breathtaking!!!
There's hundreds of them in the Tulum area.
Another beautiful beach marked off this Mermaid's bucket list. Sadly, we eventually had to pack our bags and head back home. But Tulum has offically stolen a part of my wanderlust soul. I already have another Tulum trip in the works!!! See you soon Yucatan!!!
With love,
Marienna