By Jeanette Ceja
There’s an emerging beach town on the horizon in Mexico. And this time the spotlight is not on Cancun or Cabo San Lucas. Situated on the coast of the Yucatán Peninsula. If you have not heard of Tulum yet get ready to hear more in the future. As this beach town continues to grow as a popular getaway for those who are seeking more than a “traditional beach vacation.”
And the hotel industry has taken notice. Take the recent announcement from the Dream Hotel Group with news that the company wants to add a hotel in Tulum. Additionally, the town continues to expand with an increase of eco-friendly boutique hotels that offer experiences like yoga, meditation and sweat lodges. Hotels on the beach worth a visit include Azulik Hotel Tulum & Maya Spa, Ahau Tulum and Hotel Calaluna Tulum.
Travelers can fly into Cancun International Airport and choose from a range of transportation options to Tulum. Just a 90-minute drive from the airport, visitors can travel either by shuttle, bus, taxi, or rent a car. Once you arrive, a unique way to explore the beaches is with a bike.
Apart from the picturesque crystal clear beaches, ancient ruins from the Mayan civilization surround Tulum. In this area, tourists can explore the Mayan Ruins for a small entrance fee. Arrive early and be prepared to wait in a long line, as this is one of the most popular attractions for tourists. Bring comfortable walking shoes and your swimwear, as you will have access to a cliffside beach just below the ruins. If you are feeling up to exploring more of the Mayans, plan a short trip to the pyramids at Cobá (a 45-minute drive) or to Chichen Itza (2 hour- drive) away from Tulum.
Tulum is central to breathtaking cenotes. Whether it’s the fact that you find yourself swimming under a cave or surrounded by the jungle. Around the world, visitor’s flock to swim, snorkel or scuba dive in these natural wonders. And what exactly is a cenote? A “sinkhole or natural well” as defined by the digital dictionary Dictionary.com. Discover the Gran Cenote, Dos Ojos (Two Eyes) and the lesser-known cenote Cape-Ha. Surrounded by the jungle, a hidden gem like Cape-Ha is a must visit.
So, naturally, after a swim if you find yourself with an appetite. You can walk from cenote Cape-Ha next to an outdoor fire pit restaurant called Safari. Try the Yucca Truffle Fries, Esquites, Tacos and a wash it all down with a refreshing signature cocktail. Trust me on this one. Besides the delicious food, the restaurant creates the perfect ambiance with a sexy playlist of worldly music- just another prime example of what makes Tulum so special.
It’s worth mentioning, as well, that Tulum hosts a vibrant nightlife of bars, music and dancing. Famous DJ’s, like Matthew Dekay and Yokoo, travel to Tulum to perform at events like the Full Moon Party. While you are there, don’t miss an evening at Gitano, a very popular out door restaurant and bar that has a weekly line-up of exceptional international DJ’s and musicians perform for you.
For those wanting to truly have a one-of-a-kind experience, make reservations at the restaurant Kin Toh located inside the Azulik Hotel Tulum & Maya Spa. Where else can you grab a drink and lay on a net nestled inside a tree house overlooking the ocean? Furthermore, you can enjoy a dinner in a “private wooden nest.” Whether a solo traveler, family trip or a romantic getaway- there’s something everyone can enjoy in Tulum.
