Ah, Tulum. Mexico’s slice of paradise on the Caribbean Coast.
Lately Tulum has grow to be the place to go for boho vibes, pristine seashores, scrumptious and health-focused meals, yoga and a really relaxed social gathering scene. Alex of Roam & Thrive is right here to provide us the low-down along with her wellness journey information to Tulum, Mexico!
Since I first visited Tulum, it’s been my go-to place for full relaxation, rejuvenation and rest and I’ve been exploring every thing it has to supply since.
I personally prefer to spend at the least per week there to completely take pleasure in every thing on supply at a relaxed tempo in addition to having the ability to utterly unwind.
From the place to remain to locations to eat and all the most important highlights in between, right here’s the final word wellness information to Tulum!
The Greatest Time to Go to
Tulum enjoys a heat and tropical local weather all 12 months spherical, making it a fantastic place to go to at any time of 12 months.
The excessive season which can be the dry/winter season runs from November-April when temperatures are nice. You may also anticipate excessive season crowds and excessive costs from June-August.
Off-season/wet season, runs from September-December. Costs fall dramatically throughout this time and also you’ll little question be capable to snap up a fantastic deal. It’s my favourite time to go as there are fewer individuals and whereas it does rain typically, it’s not sufficient to dampen your spirits or your seaside enjoyable.
Getting Round
As quickly as you arrive in Tulum you’ll discover that the city isn’t as near the seaside as you may need thought. In truth, the realm is cut up up into the ‘Tulum city’ space and the ‘Tulum seaside’ space.
If you wish to discover the entire space in addition to go to some spectacular cenotes and ruins you’ll want transportation.
Bicycle
There are numerous locations to lease a bicycle each on the seaside strip and on the principle avenue of Tulum city. Not solely is it a good way to get round, however it’s additionally a fantastic type of train. Usually, Tulum is a secure place to cycle with particular bicycle traces on the town preserving you well- away from the visitors.
Scooter
Mexico moved away from motorcycle tradition some time in the past however scooter rental remains to be out there from just a few locations in Tulum city. It’s a good way to get between the seaside and the city or to the ruins or close by cenotes.
Automobile
If you happen to plan to discover additional than the fast space renting a automobile is a superb concept. You’ll be able to lease a automobile from the airport in Cancun or from native businesses in Tulum city and it’s fairly simple to take action, simply convey your passport as a deposit.
Colectivo
For the most affordable strategy to get across the native space, use a colectivo, a shared, native minibus. They depart when full they usually’ll be capable to take you to vacation spot alongside the Tulum-Cancun freeway which incorporates some nice cenotes and the Tulum ruins. Colectivos depart from the Tulum-Cancun freeway/seaside highway junction.
Useful Tip:
The place to Keep
Tulum has a plethora of lovely properties for each price range. As a common rule, extra price range lodging choices are positioned in Tulum city and the extra luxurious properties on the seaside strip.
Olas Tulum
Olas is likely one of the solely really sustainable lodges in Tulum. It’s a small, boutique resort with solely a handful of suites positioned proper on the seaside.
It’s shiny, clear, ethereal and secluded and it’s good in case you’re searching for a extra personal and private seaside break. The property is fully powered by photo voltaic vitality they usually seize and reuse rainwater for the villa’s showers.
Alaya Tulum
A combination of rustic and hippie appeal with a wellness middle in your doorstep, Alaya is a wonderful choice in Tulum. They provide attractive suites with an ocean or backyard view, scrumptious breakfasts and each day yoga for which you don’t have to go away the property.
Nahouse Jungle Lodges
For a extra price range choice within the jungle simply outdoors Tulum city, this property feels something however price range. It consists of 4 loft flats all surrounding a transparent, pure pool amid lush jungle vegetation.
Every lodge is fantastically adorned and self-contained together with a kitchen for these fascinated with self-catering. In addition they lease bicycles for the straightforward journey to the seaside.
What to Do
While spending some time on the beach should definitely be on your agenda in Tulum, there is still quite a bit to see outside of the town and the beach resorts and I highly recommend you take at least a day to explore.
Tulum Ruins
Located just 4km outside of Tulum, the Tulum ruins are a must-see, especially if you’re not planning a trip to more distant Chichen Itza.
You can visit and walk around at your own rhythm or hire a guide to learn more about the history and significance of the ancient Mayan site. The site was the only Mayan citadel located on the coast and it served as the main port for the entire empire. To this day, you can still notice some of the exquisite carvings on the temple walls.
Top Tip: Bring your swimwear and towel. Yes—to the ruins! The ruins are actually located above one of the most stunning beaches in the area. You can descend down the cliff and cool off in the refreshing sea below while enjoying the spectacular surroundings full of local history.
Visit Some Cenotes
Cenotes are natural sinkholes located all over the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico.
They were used by the Mayans as places of worship and sacrifice and now they make excellent places to cool off after a day of exploring. Each cenote has a different feel to it, and no two are the same.
You could spend days just cenote-hopping.
The closest and most popular cenotes to Tulum are Grand Cenote and Cenote Calavera which you can reach by bicycle.
If you have a car you can also check out Cenote Dos Ojos and Tak Be Ha (within the same complex) and Cenote Azul, Cenote Cristalino and Cenote Jardin del Eden located on the highway between Tulum and Playa del Carmen.
My personal favorite cenotes are situated around the Yucatan colonial town of Valladolid.
Not only are the entrance fees much lower, but they are also more varied; these cenotes are gorgeous, and at times, less crowded. My favorites in this area are Cenote Suytun, Cenote Oxaman, and Cenote Ik-Kil. If you have a rental car I’d highly recommend a day trip to Valladolid.
Check out this map for all the recommended cenotes!
Take a Day Journey to Sian Ka’an Reserve
This biosphere is a divine wildlife and nature refuge positioned instantly south of Tulum.
You’ll must take a tour to go to this space because it’s extremely protected however you possibly can anticipate to doubtlessly see the distinctive marsh landscapes in addition to monkeys, crocodiles, iguanas, flamingos and quite a lot of completely different fowl species.
Procuring
Tulum is a superb place for boho-chic clothes and swimwear, homeware, and pure cosmetics. You’ll discover tons of extremely stunning boutiques positioned alongside the seaside strip and you possibly can simply assign one afternoon to simply buying.
Chill on the Seashore in Fashion
A few of the finest elements of Tulum seaside belong to the resorts constructed behind them—however that doesn’t imply you possibly can’t loosen up there for the day.
These lodges have seaside bars proper on the seaside the place you possibly can loosen up in a snug lounger/seaside hut for the day. All it’s important to do to have the ability to keep there’s order some meals or drink. Observe that among the extra unique properties have a minimal spend per head.
My favourite seaside golf equipment are Coco Tulum and Casa Malca.
Wellness Highlights
The health and wellness scene in Tulum is fully established and thriving and can be compared to that of Bali. It’s really the place to go in the Americas to indulge in wellness activities and healthy eating.
Meditation/Sound Healing
Pause and de-stress from everything that is life with some daily meditation and sound healing.
Azulik: The proper place to loosen up and unwind the thoughts. Sound therapeutic and meditation courses happen each day, which go away you feeling refreshed and utterly relaxed with your self and your environment.
Yaan Healing Sanctuary: Yaan focuses on many varieties of therapeutic rituals however in addition they do each day yoga and meditation packages. Their area is totally open and overlooks the pristine jungle cover so inevitably your each day apply might be accompanied by all of the birdsong and hum of the jungle.
Yoga
There are numerous locations in Tulum to do yoga, a few of them are proper on the seaside. Most courses are within the morning, at about 7.30/eight am and a few locations have one other class at about 5 pm, relying on the time of 12 months.
Sanara Tulum: A wonderful, gentle and ethereal studio superb for some morning or afternoon stretching to the sound of the waves.
Alaya Tulum: Alaya has each day morning and afternoon courses up of their divine, pure and rustic studio above reception proper on the Tulum Seashore strip. Throughout off-season you may even be the one particular person within the class and get a completely personalised yoga expertise.
Azulik: For a yoga expertise in one of many world’s most unusual boutique lodges, Azulik’s yoga barn is made fully of pure supplies permitting you to circulate to the morning solar and birdsong surrounded fully by the pure.
Cacao Ritual
A wellness expertise distinctive to Mexico. Throughout Mayan occasions cacao was a sacred drink of the gods and in case you’re not but accustomed to a cacao ritual I extremely counsel you strive it. It’s primarily based upon rejuvenation, stability and new alternatives.
Via consuming of the cacao, the ceremony goals to clear outdated energies to create space for brand spanking new ones in addition to aiming to open the guts and turning into extra attuned to its murmur.
Healing Tulum: Therapeutic Tulum presents each group and particular person cacao ceremonies that let you expertise this distinctive ritual. In addition they do massages, spa remedies, yoga, and meditation.
Casa Violeta: A beautiful seaside setting for a reviving and deepening cacao ceremony.
Working Out
Jungle Gymnasium: For people who would love a high-intensity health club expertise throughout their keep Jungle Gymnasium might be probably the most distinctive gyms on the market…every thing is Flintstone-style.
Benches are constructed from picket planks and weights from wooden, bamboo or stone- discuss sustainable! Get pleasure from a exercise right here and also you’ll by no means have a look at one other health club in the identical method once more.
Go for a Seashore Run: You might be on some of the stunning seashores on the planet, so what higher strategy to take pleasure in it than a morning jog to the sound of the crashing waves?
The place to Eat
Tulum is the place wholesome, nutritious meals meets genuine Mexican delicacies and there are such a lot of nice consuming choices each within the city and on the seaside strip.
Antojitos La Chiapaneca
The last word place for genuine Mexican tacos and a neighborhood worth besides. Their tacos are to die for and all some with the everyday spicy Mexican salsas. You’ll be able to order any filling you need they usually also have a vegetarian black bean one.
Raw Love
For raw, vibrant and living foods come straight to Raw Love. It’s right off of the beach surrounded by sand, trees and beach huts and it is the perfect place to grab a salad, acai bowl or green smoothie post-yoga. I tried the raw pad thai and it was heavenly.
Farm to Table
A wonderful place to head to for brunch in Tulum town, their concept of using farm to table ingredients can do no wrong. Due to this, they have a monthly changing menu that uses seasonal and local produce. I highly recommend their pancakes, coffee, and fresh juices.
Matcha Mama
Great smoothies, juices, and acai bowls. A perfect refreshment pit-stop.
NU Tulum
One of the best places to go for a special or romantic dinner in Tulum. Beautifully lit in the evening, the menu is limited and specialized but really focused on perfecting each and every dish. You can find a variety of seafood dishes, meats, vegetables, and ceviches all with a modern Mexican twist.
Top Tips for Visiting Tulum
Bug Repellent
Bring bug repellent! Tulum is essentially located in the jungle so mosquitoes can be a real problem here, especially in the rainy/low season. Don’t forget to use it plentifully especially ahead of dawn or dusk yoga classes or meditation.
Have Cash On-Hand
Bring Mexican pesos. US dollars aren’t really used and ATMs can be hard to find especially if you’re staying near the beach strip. Credit cards are widely accepted.
While I was in Tulum I heard a lot about some of the ATMs being a little dodgy. Try to avoid small, hole-in-the-wall ATMs and instead look for ones attached to large banks. In town, there is an HSBC bank with two reliable ATMs inside.
Visit the Cenotes Early
Cenotes, especially the ones in the Tulum area can get very busy throughout the day. If you’re looking to have a more peaceful experience or you’d like to take photos, I’d recommend getting there as early as possible. Most open between 8-9 am.
Don’t forget your towel!
