Wellness
Luxury
Foodie
We flew direct from Toronto to Felipe Carrillo Puerto Airport (TQO) in Tulum. Itâs a brand-new, eco-conscious airport that opened in 2023. When we arrived in late March, we were pleasantly surprisedâno lines, smooth processing, and friendly staff. We were told January is peak season, so March turned out to be the perfect time to visit.
Taxis in Tulum are notoriously expensive. Either negotiate your fare before the ride or, better yet, arrange a private driver through your hotel. Most drivers communicate via WhatsAppâGoogle Translate works great if thereâs a language barrier, and hotel staff are always happy to assist.
We stayed at Kan Tulum, a boutique eco-hotel tucked into the jungle. The design is stunningâbamboo structures, lush palms, earthy texturesâand the whole vibe is incredibly serene. Pro tip: Bring bug spray, it really helps! I only got four bites before I started applying đ
We booked the Panoramic Suite, which came with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full kitchen, and a private rooftop with a plunge pool and loungers. It was the perfect setup for a relaxing and stylish getaway.
Kan Tulum isnât all-inclusive, and the surrounding area is still developing. Plan to relax at the hotel or arrange targeted excursionsâand budget for dining!
Even if youâre not staying at Kan Tulum, definitely check out the restaurant! We tried nearly everything on the menuâstarting with guac, tropical juices, and crispy potatoes right after check-in.
There's also a cenote-turned-barâa super unique place to enjoy a cocktail.
We took a morning yoga class for $25 USD and sipped cappuccinos in the sun every morning at the on-site cafĂŠ. Other wellness offerings like sound healing and Pilates are available for an extra fee.
We spent a full day exploring Tulum Beach Road, known for its upscale boutiques, beach clubs, and photo-worthy landmarks.
This adorable cafĂŠ is iconic for a reason! With its tropical hut, rope swings, and fresh menu, itâs a must-stop. Try the açai bowl, avocado toast, or matcha coffee.
Along the walk, we snapped pics at the âFollow That Dreamâ sign, browsed high-end boutiques, and admired handmade dresses, boho bags, and artisan jewelry.
Go Mart on Beach Road has every chip flavor imaginable! We picked up a few Mexican snacks for a fun poolside taste test.
We reserved loungers through the hotel and walked through the Sian Kaâan Biosphere, spotting coatis (adorable raccoon-like animals) along the way along with fallen coconuts!
Libelula felt like a secluded oasisâjust a few chairs, rustic tables, and a hidden bar surrounded by palms. While seaweed is common here, the soft sand and peaceful atmosphere made it feel like paradise. Favorite meal: Veggie quesadilla đŽ â one of my absolute favorites of the trip!
Expect a minimum spend of $70â$100 USD Plan to eat, sip, and lounge for the day FYI: Tulum is on the east coast, so you wonât get a sunset over the oceanâgo for golden hour glow instead!
Cash is king: Our Canadian cards got declined multiple times. Bring pesos (preferred) or USD as backup. Pre-book taxis: Especially at night, so youâre not waiting around in the dark. Use WhatsApp to arrange rides and save your driver's number for the week!
After a lazy morning and chip taste test at the hotel, we headed to Bagatelle Tulum, a glamorous beach club with hanging chandeliers, loud music, and a luxe pool vibe.
We split the Truffle Pizza (yesâitâs $100!), which helped hit the expected spend alongside our drinks. Pricey, but delicious!
⨠Missed Opportunity: One of my only regrets? Not seeing the âVen a la Luzâ sculpture! It's literally right beside Bagatelleâan iconic 33-foot art piece of a woman opening her chest, representing the human connection to nature. If youâre there⌠donât miss it like I did!
Later that night, we went for casual eats at Tacos Papi, where we tried their iconic fried tacos and creamy horchata.
For authentic souvenirs and local shopping, head to Tulum Town. We started with coffee at Storyhorse and wandered the colorful streets
Lunch Tip: Onyx Restaurant & Bar was a favoriteâdonât miss it & be sure to have shrimp tacos while in Mexico!
Vibe Check: In town, shopkeepers are more eager (expect friendly persuasion). On Beach Road, itâs more laid-back unless you strike up a convo.
â ď¸ Safety Tip: We walked back to our hotel from town, but I wouldnât recommend it solo. Even with Tyler, we were catcalled and saw heavily armed police. While Tulum feels safe overall, stick to tourist areas and take a cab at night for peace of mind.
We ended one evening at a local rooftop bar near Kan Tulum called Camaleon Tulum Rooftop Barâway more affordable than the beach clubs and had cheesy nachos, cold drinks, and great ambiance.
Tulum is still growing, so youâll see lots of construction between luxury gyms, chic hotels, and jungle roads. Itâs up-and-coming in the best way!
Tulum was the perfect blend of jungle hideaway, beautiful design, and easygoing adventure. You can totally book cenote excursions and psychedelic healing experiences, but for us, it was a chill, stylish escape.
1 Stay
7 Restaurants
5 Locations
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