A Full Guide to Tulum
The Best Hotels
Mi Amor
Mi Amor is my absolute favorite spot in Tulum. Being on the north side of the beach, it’s not as well known, so it’s very calm and serene, like a hidden gem. Go here and get a day bed or hang out at their AMAZING pool. Sitting on the cliffs, you have incredible views overlooking the ocean. I found this place on my last weekend after being in Tulum for 5 months, and I was so sad it took me that long to find it. I would have been there every weekend if I had found it sooner!
Habitas
Habitas is the best designed hotel, their space is so relaxing and inviting you’ll never want to leave. They have tons of wellness activities, and their restaurant is so so good! This is my favorite hotel in Tulum by far. It’s also at the start of the south road of the beach, so it’s more calm before you reach the busy, craziness further down. This is the perfect place if you’re looking for somewhere to recenter and ground yourself. It’s also great for a day relaxing by the pool even if you’re not staying there.
Casa Malca
If you like art, you will LOVE Casa Malca! The property used to be Pablo Escobar’s mansion. It’s owned by an art collector who has filled the space with art pieces everywhere you look. This is a great place to stay, with multiple pools (one underground), luxury rooms, and a great party scene. During busy season, the parties and the pool are exclusive to guests, so book a room here if you want to make sure you can enjoy all this Tulum staple has to offer.
Nomade
Nomade is one of the staples of Tulum. It’s in the secluded South end of the beach and has the iconic treehouses you can stay in. This hotel is also focused on wellness and has different spiritual activities you can participate in if you stay here. They also have a great outdoor restaurant for dinner on the beach that often has live music. If you stay here, you can immerse yourself in nature and wellness.
Hotel Panamera
Hotel Panamera (formerly Casa Pueblo) is a hidden gem. It’s small and stylish. They have a great pool to lounge by next to their restaurant that has a covered patio as well as beach access. This is a good place to work as well during the day because they have good wifi and many outlets and spaces to sit. They do have music playing, so I recommend it for days when you don’t have many calls. Working in the restaurant with the perfect view of the ocean that Hotel Panamera has is my favorite kind of office.
The Best Restaurants
Moro
This is my favorite restaurant in Tulum. It is inside Habitas, but you can eat here even if you are not staying at the hotel as long as you make a reservation. I ate here many times during my 4 month stay in Tulum and loved every single thing I ordered every time. The architectural design is also incredible and very zen. This is a place you have to experience.
Arca
Arca is one of the top gastronomic fine dining restaurants in Tulum. This is another must-do restaurant if you are a foodie. Chef Jose Luis Hinostroza who previously worked at Noma in Copenhagen, Alinea in Chicago, and many other world renowned restaurants is the creator behind ARCA’s bold menu. He has a talent you have to taste. Make sure you make your reservation well in advance, because Arca is one of Tulum’s best restaurants and everyone knows it.
Hartwood
Hartwood has been in the jungle of Tulum since 2010 when a New Yorker was inspired to get away from the city and start a restaurant in the jungle. It’s integrated into nature and functions sustainably. Its menu is focused on using the fresh ingredients available in the Mayan Riviera, and the flavors truly come to life as you savor your dish. This is another one you cannot miss. Make your reservations well in advance for this one also, getting a table here is almost as sought after as Arca.
Verdant
This restaurant is an incredible experience and quite unique. They have a large garden you can walk through where they grow the majority of their own organic produce. Over 30 raised vegetable beds hold rare and heirloom sub-tropical varieties of plants, herbs, and flowers. Their menu is unique, creative, and delicious. This one is in town, not on the beach, so it is a nice reprieve from the usual chaos and traffic the beach road has.
Casa Jaguar
I recommend getting dinner and drinks at Casa Jaguar. The bar attached to it, called Todos Santos, creates delicious, craft cocktails. You can just let them know what you like and they come up with a creation based off that. The food is also incredible and the vibe is like a dark, moody jungle. This is right in the middle of the beach road, so it’s a great place to start out the night.
The Real Coconut
The Real Coconut is focused on healthy food. This is the best place to go for brunch on the beach. Their breakfast dishes and juices are to die for, and the view of the beach is a beautiful backdrop while enjoying your meal.
La Negra Tomasa
For a more relaxed meal, La Negra Tomasa is my favorite spot! It’s a cute little patio in town with really good and very well priced seafood. I recommend getting the tower. Definitely don’t miss this place if you love ceviche or aguachiles!
Matcha Mama
Matcha Mama in the pueblo is another great, chill spot to grab some lunch. They have healthy bowls and smoothies with fresh fruit. The restaurant is also really cute and great for photos with a nicely designed patio. This one is right across the street from La Negra Tomasa also!
Things To Do
Holistika
If you’re looking for an escape from the world where you can relax your mind and get in tune with your body, Holistika is the place to go. Tucked away in the jungle, they have every kind of wellness class you can imagine. I enjoyed doing yoga and sound baths here. I also recommend following along their art walk pathway through the jungle (this is free). You’ll find art installations among the trees as you walk through.
Cenote Calavera
One of my favorite cenotes in Tulum is Calavera. It is shaped like a skull with one big hole and two small ones. You can jump into the cenote through all of them, and there is also a ladder and a swing which make for great photos. The grounds are also full of places to lounge and hang out. This one is a little less known so it’s nice to go to a cenote that is not so crowded.
Gran Cenote
Gran Cenote is my second favorite cenote after Calavera. This one is more popular, so it’s a bit more crowded but the water is still gorgeous and this one is especially cool to see because it is a turtle habitat! All the turtles are swimming around in the cenote alongside you, and one even climbed on my friend and hung out on her as if she was a log!
Tulum Ruins
One activity you have to do while in Tulum is see the ruins. It’s not only interesting to see the history and learn about the ruins, but it’s also a beautiful place with the ruins up on a cliff above the ocean. If you’re able to go around sunset or sunrise, it’s gorgeous.