At a glance
Wellness
Beach
Culture
Curator's statement
Tulum is a place I've visited frequently over the last 10 years, and a destination that became my home during quarantine. Before that, I had dated a Mexican man for five years and during the course of our relationship, I fell in love with Mexican cultures and traditions. Tulum has an incredible spiritual energy, the most incredible food made with the healthiest and freshest ingredients and some of the most beautiful sunsets and beaches.
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Day 1: Yoga, kitesurfing and spa
Start your visit by booking a stay at Libelula Tulum, one of my favorite hotels in the region. Nestled inside the exclusive Biosphere Reserve of Sian Ka´an, Libelula offers a unique glamping experience complete with comfortable cabanas and a communal kitchen. If Libelula isn’t your vibe, I can make other recommendations for where to stay.
Once you’ve settled into your cabana, walk over to Nômade for the best breakfast around.
Afterward, try your hand at kitesurfing lessons next door. If water sports aren’t exactly your thing, then head over to Yäan Wellness for a post-breakfast spa treatment. Yäan specializes in healing treatments, as well as traditional Mayan massages and ceremonies.
In the afternoon, head to the beach at Casa Pueblo and soak up the sun while sipping a smoothie from Matcha Mama.
Before dinner, unwind with an afternoon yoga class at nearby Sanará, a luxury barefoot hotel with a gorgeous oceanfront yoga studio.
After your class, enjoy a sunset cocktail at the rooftop bar at Hotel Playa Xcanan before heading to Bar Atila for natural wines and food from their Yucatecan Brasserie inspired menu.
A note from
Patricia
As a pro-tip, rent a car and always have a beach bag with a change of clothes and other necessities in your trunk. You can shower most places, so having a change of clothes saves you time on commuting back and forth between places. The main stretch of Tulum is also very bikeable if you prefer.
Day 2: Cobá Ruins day trip
The next day, wake up early and grab breakfast at Nômade before heading out on a day trip to see the Cobá Ruins. Here, you’ll bask in well-preserved Mayan ruins surrounded by dense jungle and water. In fact, “Cobá” is Mayan for “‘waters stirred by the wind,” a phrase which gives a nod to the two lagoons that flank the ruins.
Expect to spend between 2.5 to 3.5 hours exploring the expansive Cobá on foot or by bicycle (available to rent by the hour). The main spots to check out are the Nohoch Mul structures (a.k.a. the main pyramid), Conjunto Pinturas (a.k.a. the spiritual area), and the Macanxoc structures (the ruins that rest closer to the lagoon).
After walking through history, grab lunch at Coqui Coqui.
On your way back to Libelula, don’t skip a visit to Uh May | AZULIK, a location that’s self-described as a city of art and holistic center for human evolution. Here, nature, art, and technology combine to create a space that is – in a word – whimsical.
Afterward, stop by the rooftop bar at Hotelito Azul for an amazing 360-degree sunset experience.
For dinner, head to Posada Margherita, an Italy-inspired boutique hotel and restaurant where you can savor homemade pizza and gelato.
A note from
Patricia
As you drive back toward Libelula, you’ll pass by local artisan markets. Make sure to stop and shop! Everything at the markets will be a fraction of the price of what they will charge you on the Tulum strip, and often with more money directly supporting locals.
Mayan Ruins at Tulum National Park
Today it’s time to check out another part of town! Head to Tulum National Park to visit Mayan ruins surrounded by a 13th-century wall. Different from Cobá (and admittedly a bit more touristy), this ocean-facing archaeological site is a must-see when visiting Tulum.
Visit the clifftop watchtower and the Templo de las Pinturas before heading for the beach.
After getting your fill of ruins, drive to the IKAL Hotel for a beach day. The IKAL Hotel offers an oasis with a private jungle and Mayan sanctuary. Enjoy fantastic food and beverage options with a welcome calm not often found in other parts of popular Tulum.
For dinner, take a break from Mexican fare by trying some delicious Thai food at Mezzanine.
A note from
Patricia
For some off-the-beaten-path gems, check out: Hotel Bardo for lunch and pool time. Stop by Frutas Y Verduras for all your jamaica and lemon chia beverages, as well as other groceries for a fraction of the price. For under-the-radar natural attractions, visit Cenotes Sac Actun and Laguna de Kaan Luum.
Things to know
Curator
Patricia van der Vliet
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Advisor
Patricia van der Vliet
Advisor
Patricia van der Vliet
