3 Days in Tulum
Tulum is a magical place. Between the Caribbean blue water, the Mayan ruins, the other-worldly Cenotes, and chic boutique eco resorts, Tulum has an indescribable energy to it. Add a charming relaxed beach town, ocean front yoga and organic clean eating and you have my form of paradise.
When I travel I like a perfect mixture of relaxation, culture and exploration with a wee bit of luxury folded in. Typically beach vacations offer two of these, leaving exploration being the weakest link. Tulum however, is not only ridden with rich Mayan historical sites to get in a bit of culture, it also has an underground system of fresh water cenote that are perfect for an afternoon of exploration.
Below are my recommends to make the most of a long weekend in Tulum. The mix of Mayan history, the blue waters of the Caribbean and the warmth of the locals truly helps to rebalance and heal the soul.
Insider Tips
STAY
Sanara Tulum. There are dozens of beautiful places to stay in Tulum but this is my absolute favorite. Big enough to give you everything you need but small enough to make you feel special. I’d recommend staying jungle side. You get more bang for your buck and if you get one of the suites you have a rooftop patio to watch the sunset over the jungle.
EAT
Day 1
Tulum Ruins
Organize to take a couple of Sanara's beach cruisers for the day and ride to the Tulum Ruins about 8km from the hotel on a flat road parallel the water. On the way, stop and have breakfast at Zamas Tulum - an absolutely delish Mexican breakfast with views of Pelican's fishing in the bay. While exploring the ruins make sure to check out the private beach along the ocean side of the archeological site. Even if it looks busy, it's worth it. On the way back to the hotel grab an afternoon margarita and ceviche snack at Mi Amor. It's a gorgeous luxury boutique hotel right on the road coming out of the Ruins. The perfect spot to sit have a cocktail, watch the blue water and absorb what you've just seen.
Zamas
Day 2
Exploring Cobá & Cenotes
Get up early and hire a driver (hotel staff can organize for you) for the day to take you inland about 45mins to Cobá, an ancient Mayan city archeological site including the Nohoch Mul Pyramidthat you can still climb! At 137 feet tall, it gives an impressive view of the Yucatán below. While at Cobá I'd recommend hiring a pedi-bike to take you by cart around the grounds. It's just too big to do on foot and they also act as a mini tour guide. After your done at the ruins, have your driver take you to a couple of cenotes on the way home. They'll know where the best ones are but I'd recommend Cenote Tamcach-Ha and Gran Cenote.
Nohoch Mul Pyramid, Cobá
Day 3
Relax on the beach
Take it easy. After yoga head to the Moroccan inspired Nomade for breakfast then treat yourself to a spa experience at Yaan Wellness before heading back to Sanara to lounge on your ocean front day bed. Be sure to book Yaan in advance of your trip. It’s pricey but the experience is absolutely worth it. I had a Mayan healer beat me with mint and basil leaves before realigning my organs. It was epic. I still dream about the fragrance it created! I’d also recommend a trip to Azulik, Tulum’s treehouse inspired eco-resort for a drink in the treehouse bar. It’s like nothing you’ve ever experienced and leaves you feeling like a posh bird in a nest.
Happy hunting!
All images via She The Huntress
