The most accurate way to describe Tulum is the best of Instagram brought to life. While a lot of places are a little rough around the edges, Tulum is exactly what you see in pictures – beautiful through and through. And unlike beach towns like Honolulu or Punta Cana, it doesn’t simply rely on its natural beauty. Oh no, Tulum also has a restaurant scene that puts even Toronto to shame.
I first visited Tulum last year, and fell truly, hardly, deeply in love with it. Since I was working full-time when I visited last year, I only really had 2 days there, which was not nearly enough time. So when it came time to plan my birthday, I knew that the only real way to celebrate was to go back to Tulum. I would recommend Tulum to anyone who likes beautiful beaches, great food, beautiful decor, friendly people, and an amazing vibe. So basically, I’d recommend it to anyone. However, I’d recommend it especially to those who are creatives at heart. I promise, you will come back feeling refreshed and inspired. And chances are, you’ll meet other creatives while you’re there!
Now I could sing praises about Tulum forever, but I’ll save you the time and get straight into my guide:
Where to stay
I split my time between two hotels, both of which I could not recommend enough. Here’s the one downside to Tulum: when it comes to hotels, you get what you pay for. If you’re on a limited budget, don’t expect to live in a super luxe hotel. You will most likely deal with flying cockroaches and a tiny little bed. However, if you’re willing to pay a little more, the hotels are bad and bougie (read: fucking amazing). Below are the two I stayed at:
NEST
Hands down, one of the best hotels I’ve ever stayed in. I’m not exaggerating. Everything from the decor to the food to the service was impeccable. Guys, if I could model my apartment after this place, I would. Every single thing was perfect. I cannot even talk about the beach without going into mourning about being back in Toronto – I mean, it’s pristine! The property is brand new with only 8 rooms, so it feels very exclusive. Oh, and the rooms are massive. Honestly, I could not recommend this hotel enough.
Encantada Tulum
The second hotel I stayed at is just a 2 minute drive from NEST. Encantada is a very small hotel, but absolutely beautiful. I stayed in their ocean view tower room, which boasts the most gorgeous view and is the size of my apartment. It has an eco-chic feeling to it while still offering all the luxuries of a 5 star hotel. The service here was phenomenal. The staff went out of their way to make my stay one of my most memorable yet.
Where to eat
As I mentioned, Tulum is a foodie’s paradise. I tried 8 different restaurants in 4 days, and not once did I have a bad experience. Not to mention, there are still so many others that I would like to try (an excuse to go back). So, if, like me, you’re passionate about food, you absolutely must visit Tulum:
Maresias
Located right by the beach at Be Tulum, Mareisas has the best acai bowls. My second favourite in the world after Nalu Bowls in Bali.
Nomade Tulum
Nomade has two restaurants: Macondo and La Popular. I loved the decor at La Popular, and the staff at the hotel were kind enough to serve us food from Macondo, which is known for its seafood. I clearly recall exclaiming ‘Oh my god’, after every bite. The shrimp tacos and salmon tartare, in particular, are to die for.
Posada Margherita
It’s nearly impossible to get through a Tulum travel guide without reading about Posada Margherita. It’s Tulum’s best-known Italian restaurant and is located right on the beach. Oh and did I mention the decor is gorgeous? My favourite part, however, is most definitely their juice. They are a delicious treat in the scorching Tulum heat.
Gitano
No trip to Tulum would be complete without a meal at Gitano. The food is fantastic and the decor is just magical. Gitano is also known for being the place to go on Friday nights. The last time I was in Tulum, I did manage to make it there on Friday, and it was heaps of fun. This time, however, I went on a Sunday, and loved the mellow atmosphere.
The Real Coconut
If you’re into wellness, The Real Coconut is a must-visit. Everything I tried was absolutely delicious! For my vegan readers out there, they have tons of options here for you.
Hartwood
I’d heard so much about Hartwood that I made a reservation a month in advance. It’s one of those restaurants that is always full and impossible to get a reservation at unless you do it way in advance. However, to be completely honest, I was a little let down. The food was good, but it didn’t blow me away like the other restaurants I went to.
Bonus: Juanita Diavola
I stopped by here on my first night for pizza and didn’t take any pictures. I never expected such incredible pizza in Tulum, of all places, but I was completely blown away.
Bonus: Ocumare
Ocumare is another Be Tulum restaurant. I went here for dinner and decided to leave my phone at home and just enjoy the moment. The restaurant is led by a Michelin Star chef, so unsurprisingly, the food is phenomenal.
What to do
The last time I went to Tulum, I fell in love with their cenotes. I’d planned to go to Ik Kil Cenote this time around, but unfortunately, my plans were foiled due to an infected wound on my leg. If you’re going to Tulum, please don’t miss out on the cenotes. Since my options were limited, I spent most of my time exploring the strip, where you can find the most beautiful boutiques.
Hi Siffat,
Tulum is truly gorgeous. I was supposed to go there in May when I was in Cancun for work. After seeing your photos I regret I did not manage to get there. It truly is an Instagram worthy place!
X
Miri
http://currentlywearing.com
Wonderful place! The food looks so delicious!
Tulum looks so amazing! And the food so yum! Can’t wait to visit this place.
X Merel
http://www.andathousandwords.com
My goodness! What a beautiful place!
This trip looks amazing!
I can’t wait to mark this off my bucket list!
xo, Shell
https://acourageousbeauty.com
Wow how perfect and dreamy! Tulum has always been on my bucketlist, this is making me itch to scratch it off the list!
Sxx
http://www.daringcoco.com
Your travel photos get me every. single. time. I NEED to visit Tulum now!
xo Joëlle
http://www.lapetitenoob.com
This looks amazing! Like a dream <3
A L I N A // alinacorona.de
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What an amazing post! Thank you for sharing! ❤
Ellone | Minimal Fashion & Lifestyle Blog
amazing photos Siffat! love that one of you on the beach at Encantada – so dreamy x
http://angelebaby.com
Wow the pictures that you got are so pretty! I want to go to Tulum so bad right now.
http://sugarcoatedbears.blogspot.com/
Looks like an amazing place!! I wanna visit toooo !! ^.^
Hope you had a good stay and got to relax loads!
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Your photos are so lovely. It looks incredible!
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
Dreamy….It looks like a great place to visit. Love the photos!
http://www.comfycozyup.com
You always make me want to go travel so much when you post those travel guides! Can’t wait for Paris together!
-Didier
http://www.didieryhc.com
Looks so much fun!
Daniel x
The Daniel Originals | Instagram: danielpoonvignez
Wow, I have been dying to go to Tulum. It looks like such a magical and dreamy place!
Enclothed Cognition
Hahah love that description though, “best of Instagram brought to life”! It seriously looks so magical though, have to go one day! Xx
http://www.thefashionfolks.com
Tulum is one of my favorite places to visit as well. You captured the town perfectly and I agree with all of your recommendations wholeheartedly. Now I’m dying to go back!
xx, Amy
http://www.theluxilook.com
I have been wanting to visit Tulum for awhile now! But I’ve been worried about getting sick…but you were fine? These are great recommendations! My mouth is watering for all these restaurants:)
Xo, Serene
loving these photos babe! its stunning! I def. wanna go to Tulum now.
XO, Jessi
http://www.mywhitet.com/fashionable-poolside-essentials/
Sorry but I love the plates! Lol. Idk why I love collecting beautiful plates. It’s usually the first thing that I notice when I am served food.
Angelie // The Ruins of Baclayon Church
Wow, girl, these photos are amazing and so is everything else! Seriously, the food looks incredibly delicious and I adore your outfits. Everything looks so Pinterest perfect, haha. Thanks for sharing, beauty, and I hope you’re having a great start to your week so far!
XO,
Jalisa
http://www.thestylecontour.com
Tulum is beautiful! Looks like so much fun!
Adi xx
fancycorrectitude.com
instagram.com/fancycorrectitude
Love this! Super helpful =)
-mainou
http://www.looksbymc.com
Literally wish i was there with you! Gorgeous gorgeous!!! so many amazing tips!!
xxx
Ashley
http://www.missgunner.com
OH MY! This place looks amazing! I am for sure going here! I had no idea it was like that there.
ps. that grey dress is bomb, where is it from??
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Caitlin
tulum is next on my list! looks amazing
xx
http://thedemeler.com
I visited Tulum last November. I think I was inspired to go because of your pictures of it from last summer. I loved it. It’s definitely more unique of a place than a Playa del Carmen, etc. And since I live in California it’s not too far from me. I’d certainly visit Tulum again. My only qualm is the bathroom systems.
Beautiful photos! You look amazing! 🙂 xx
I’m actually dying over this article. Your photo are amazing, girl. I’ve always wanted to go to Tulum and after seeing these shots, I might just have to. Thanks so much for sharing & inspiring!
I’d love for you to check out the latest on my blog!
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This post was an absolute treat! Tulum seems to be the place to travel for holiday lately. Your photos are simply amazing. Yes, I agree, you do get what you pay for. Sometimes, it’s just best to splurge a bit. I will usually take the better hotel with good ratings since I have severe allergies.
FASHION TALES
Tulum is a fantastic place and I love going there whenever I can. Your vacations look like they were fantastic!
Camila,
My Vogue Style | http://www.myvoguestyle.com
Wow! What a wonderful place!
x
Sandra
http://www.morestylethanfashion.com
Your photos are a dream! I love every single outfit especially that polka two piece set. I want to vacay here!!
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
These photos from Tulum look amazing! I love the wall of hats! So chic.
Kim
Simply Lovebirds
Your photos always give me wanderlust! Tulum looks amazing!
Blessings,
Edye | http://gracefulcoffee.com
All of the food looked so good! Plus both places you stayed sounded and looked amazing. I will have to note that down for when I get over there someday! It’s high up on the list, that is for sure!
xx Jenelle
http://www.inspiringwit.com
I traveled to Tulum last spring and it was such a dream! This is making me want to go back soon…
Mia | http://www.verymuchmia.com
Tulum looks lovely! All those food shots are just amazing!
Have an awesome day!
xx Kris
https://dreamingofpink.wordpress.com