It seems like every blogger on the planet has been traveling to Tulum, Mexico lately, and after going there, I understand why. It is absolutely beautiful from it’s white sandy beaches and ancient Mayan ruins to the beautiful, eco-friendly resorts, restaurants, and boutiques. Before the trip, a lot of people warned us to be careful about drinking the water, and staying safe as there is actually a travel warning to Mexico right now. However, I never once felt unsafe on my trip and all of the locals were so nice and friendly to us. Additionally, every place we went had filtered water so we did not have a problem or have to worry about getting sick during our trip.

For anyone looking to travel to this relaxing retreat, perfect for yoga-lovers, vegans, or those that just want a trip of pure relaxation, the vibe in Tulum is perfect. Here are my top 8 recommendations of what to do/where to stay in Tulum.

1. Stay at the Kore Resort and Spa
   
   One of the challenges for me about finding a good hotel in Tulum was that although the idea of an eco-friendly hotel sounds nice, I wanted to make sure we had enough power to blow dry our hair, charge our phones, ect. and I wasn’t quite sure how it worked at the eco-friendly resorts so opted out of that option. We also wanted an all-inclusive resort so we wouldn’t have to worry as much about eating out when we got there. Additionally, we wanted to be close to the main Tulum beach and ruins. The Kore resort satisfied all of these requirements and more. The service was fantastic, it was absolutely beautiful, clean, and a short 10 minute bike away from the main beach (they provided free bikes). All of the water was filtered even in the shower and sink so we didn’t have to worry about any Montezuma’s Revenge. Additionally, although it wasn’t on the main beach it had a beautiful view right on the water, and a massive pool, as well as a spa. It was honestly a dream and I would recommend anyone to stay here and 100% would stay here again if I was coming back.
2. Swim in the Cenotes 

   Swimming in at least one of the many Cenotes, or gorgeous natural sinkholes, is an absolute must-do in Tulum. There is truly nothing I have seen that is more beautiful than these water caves and there is no place like them on earth. We visited Casa Tortuga which had four different Cenotes, three underwater and one above water and came with a full tour. Our tour guide took us through each one and explained the different formations and history behind the Cenotes, and it ended with a jump off a small cliff into the above-water Cenote. The crystal-clear color of the water was breathtaking and it was amazing to use our goggles and see the depths of the caves (which seemed to go on forever) and all of the beautiful fish.

    3. Explore the Mayan Ruins

   Right along the Tulum Beach there are beautiful Mayan Ruins that you can explore. It is wild to see that these structures are still standing after so long. Something else to note is that if you are not an Iguana fan – watch out because they are everywhere – Haha!

   

   4. Swim with Stingrays and Turtles

   Right at the entrance to the Mayan Ruins, as well as on the Tulum Beach, you can buy tickets to take a quick boat tour out to the coral reef to swim with giant stingrays, turtles, and fish. This was one of the absolute coolest experiences on our trip. The turtles were so adorable, and not going to the lie – the stringrays were massive and I was a bit nervous but was so happy that I got the chance to swim with them. I would recommend bringing either a GoPro or getting an underwater iPhone case so you can snap some pictures!

   

   5. Visit Pablo Escobar’s Mansion

   For any Narcos fans (I absolutely LOVED this show!), or anyone familiar with Pablo’s story, visiting Pablo Escobar’s former mansion, which is now a hotel, is a really cool site to see. He was an awful person, but the hotel is absolutely beautiful and on one of the more secluded beach fronts in Tulum. We splurged on a $50 cabana for the day and laid on the white sandy beach drinking Pina Coladas and all of the delicious cocktail options. The waiter even came around with a cold towel and the manager checked in on us after we paid our bill – SUCH great service. One thing to note is when biking by the hotel, it is extremely hidden (we actually passed it and had to go back), which made it feel extremely authentic, as if they left it just how it was when Pablo was hiding there. In the picture below, those are wedding dresses!

   

   

    

   6. Eat at Matcha Mama and/or Raw Love

   You may have seen pictures of the adorable Matcha Mama shack or Raw Love on Instagram as the decor at both places is so adorable and they have the most delicious Acai and smoothie bowls. Everything tastes so delicious and fresh and it is the perfect place for a photo-op!

   

   

   7. Visit Azulik

   Azulik is by far one of the most unique and beautiful hotels I have ever visited and is a must-see in Tulum. We went for dinner and to watch the sunset as it has one of the most perfect locations for it. I haven’t heard the best things about staying there, but to visit it is a one-of-kind experience. Basically, it looks like a giant tree house in the jungle complete with nets you can lay in, a rope bridge, and branch-like design. There are a few restaurants, and also an art museum which we did not visit but I will have to check out next time I am there.

   

   

    

   8. Bike to Tulum Beach

   Tulum is one of the most relaxing places on the planet – so honestly simply biking to the Tulum beach, grabbing a beach chair and a cocktail and laying out all day is the best! Our hotel provided free bikes to head over the beach with, and we had a blast biking around.

 

Hope these suggestions were helpful for anyone headed to Tulum! I would love to hear from you in the comments if you have ever been and any suggestions I missed. It is definitely on my list of places to head back to again in the future!