Tulum’s Best Stays, Restaurants & Cafes
Looking for the best places to stay in Tulum, Mexico? Look no further. Nestled along the stunning coastline, Tulum offers a range of luxurious accommodation options that cater to every traveller's needs. From boutique beachfront villas to eco-friendly jungle retreats, Tulum has it all. Indulge in a pampering stay at a chic resort overlooking the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea, or unwind in a cozy cabana surrounded by lush tropical gardens. Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or a mix of both, Tulum's diverse lodging choices guarantee a memorable stay in this idyllic paradise.
The Ultimate Guide to the Best Places to Stay in Tulum, Mexico
Tulum, a coastal paradise on Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, is a favorite destination for travelers seeking a mix of pristine beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and a laid-back bohemian vibe. Whether you're looking for luxury resorts, eco-friendly retreats, chic boutique hotels, or budget-friendly hostels, Tulum offers a diverse range of accommodations to suit every taste and budget. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the best places to stay in Tulum.
1. Azulik
Description: Azulik is an adults-only eco-luxury resort that blends art, nature, and comfort. This unique resort offers rustic treehouse villas with no electricity, creating an intimate, unplugged experience. The villas feature private terraces with stunning jungle or ocean views, and some even have private plunge pools.
Highlights:
Eco-friendly and off-the-grid experience
Private beach access
On-site art gallery and museum
Mayan wellness center with spa services
2. Be Tulum
Description: Be Tulum is a chic boutique hotel that combines rustic elegance with modern comforts. The spacious suites feature private pools, plunge tubs, and luxurious furnishings. The hotel’s beachfront location and lush jungle surroundings provide a tranquil escape.
Highlights:
Beachfront suites with private pools
Three gourmet restaurants and bars
Wellness center and spa
Adults-only environment
3. Nomade Tulum
Description: Nomade Tulum offers a bohemian luxury experience with a focus on mindfulness and wellness. The accommodations range from luxurious tents to elegant suites, all designed with natural materials and earthy tones. The hotel’s wellness program includes yoga, meditation, and holistic treatments.
Highlights:
Mindfulness and wellness programs
Variety of unique accommodations
Organic farm-to-table dining
Beachfront location with a serene atmosphere
4. Casa Malca
Description: Once a private mansion, Casa Malca is now a luxurious boutique hotel owned by art dealer Lio Malca. The hotel features eclectic decor, blending contemporary art with rustic charm. The beachfront suites and villas offer stunning ocean views and direct beach access.
Highlights:
Unique art-filled environment
Spacious beachfront suites and villas
Rooftop terrace with panoramic views
Gourmet restaurant and beach club
5. The Beach Tulum
Description: The Beach Tulum is an adults-only boutique hotel that offers luxurious beachfront accommodations. Each room features a private terrace with ocean views, and some have private plunge pools or direct beach access. The hotel’s focus on sustainability and relaxation makes it a perfect getaway.
Highlights:
Luxurious beachfront rooms
Private terraces with ocean views
Two on-site restaurants and beach bar
Yoga classes and wellness center
6. Ahau Tulum
Description: Ahau Tulum is a beachfront eco-resort that embraces sustainable practices and a rustic-chic aesthetic. The cabanas and suites are designed with natural materials and offer direct beach access. The hotel’s wellness offerings include yoga, meditation, and traditional Mayan ceremonies.
Highlights:
Eco-friendly and sustainable design
Beachfront cabanas and suites
Wellness programs and Mayan ceremonies
Organic dining options
7. La Zebra
Description: La Zebra is a family-friendly beachfront hotel that offers a blend of luxury and comfort. The spacious suites and cabanas are designed with vibrant colors and modern amenities. The hotel’s beachfront restaurant and bar are perfect for enjoying fresh seafood and tropical cocktails.
Highlights:
Family-friendly environment
Spacious beachfront suites and cabanas
Beachfront restaurant and bar
Kids’ club and activities
8. Papaya Playa Project
Description: Papaya Playa Project is a bohemian eco-resort that offers a range of accommodations, from rustic beach huts to luxurious villas. The resort is known for its vibrant community atmosphere, regular beach parties, and wellness programs. The on-site restaurant serves organic, locally-sourced cuisine.
Highlights:
Bohemian and eco-friendly atmosphere
Range of unique accommodations
Regular beach parties and events
Wellness programs and organic dining
9. Coco Tulum
Description: Coco Tulum is a stylish beachfront hotel that offers a range of accommodations, from budget-friendly beach huts to chic suites. The minimalist design and white-washed decor create a serene and modern environment. The hotel’s beach club is a popular spot for relaxing and socializing.
Highlights:
Stylish and minimalist design
Range of accommodations for different budgets
Popular beach club and bar
Yoga classes and wellness services
10. Mi Amor
Description: Mi Amor is a romantic adults-only boutique hotel that offers luxurious accommodations with stunning ocean views. The elegant rooms and suites feature private terraces, plunge pools, and modern amenities. The hotel’s cliffside location provides a secluded and intimate atmosphere.
Highlights:
Romantic and adults-only environment
Luxurious rooms and suites with ocean views
Cliffside location with private terraces
Gourmet restaurant and bar
11. Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa
Description: Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa is an all-inclusive luxury resort that offers a family-friendly environment with a wide range of amenities. The spacious rooms and suites feature private balconies or terraces, and the resort offers numerous dining options, pools, and activities.
Highlights:
All-inclusive family-friendly resort
Spacious rooms and suites with private balconies
Multiple dining options and bars
Pools, kids’ club, and entertainment
12. Habitas Tulum
Description: Habitas Tulum is a sustainable luxury hotel that offers a unique blend of comfort and eco-conscious living. The canvas-walled rooms are designed with natural materials and offer private terraces with jungle or ocean views. The hotel’s wellness programs and community events create a holistic experience.
Highlights:
Sustainable and eco-conscious design
Canvas-walled rooms with private terraces
Wellness programs and community events
Organic dining and beachfront location
13. Hotel Tiki Tiki Tulum
Description: Hotel Tiki Tiki Tulum is a retro-chic boutique hotel located in a quiet area of Tulum. The hotel features stylish mid-century modern decor, a lush garden, and a serene pool area. It’s an ideal choice for travelers seeking a peaceful and stylish retreat.
Highlights:
Retro-chic mid-century modern design
Quiet and serene location
Lush garden and pool area
Stylish rooms with modern amenities
14. Zamas
Description: Zamas is a beachfront boutique hotel that offers a laid-back and colorful atmosphere. The rooms and cabanas are designed with vibrant colors and traditional Mexican decor. The hotel’s beachfront restaurant and bar are popular spots for enjoying fresh seafood and live music.
Highlights:
Laid-back and colorful atmosphere
Beachfront rooms and cabanas
Popular beachfront restaurant and bar
Live music and entertainment
15. Hostel Che Tulum
Description: For budget travelers, Hostel Che Tulum offers a fun and social environment with a range of dormitory and private room options. The hostel features a rooftop terrace, bar, and pool area, making it a great place to meet other travelers and enjoy the Tulum nightlife.
Highlights:
Budget-friendly accommodation
Social environment with rooftop terrace and bar
Pool area and communal kitchen
Activities and events for guests
Tulum’s diverse range of accommodations ensures that every traveler can find the perfect place to stay, whether you’re seeking luxury, eco-friendly options, family-friendly resorts, or budget-friendly hostels. Each of these hotels and resorts offers a unique experience, reflecting the vibrant culture and natural beauty of Tulum. So pack your bags, and get ready to explore this stunning destination while staying in comfort and style.
A Culinary Journey: The Best Places to Eat in Tulum, Mexico
Tulum, Mexico, is not just a paradise for beach lovers and history buffs; it's also a haven for food enthusiasts. This vibrant coastal town offers a diverse culinary scene that ranges from street food stalls to high-end dining establishments. Whether you're craving traditional Mexican fare, fresh seafood, or international cuisine, Tulum has something to satisfy every palate. Here’s a guide to the best places to eat in Tulum, ensuring that your culinary journey is as memorable as the stunning beaches and ancient ruins.
1. Hartwood
Description: Hartwood is one of Tulum's most celebrated restaurants, known for its rustic, open-air setting and commitment to sustainability. The menu changes daily based on what is fresh and available, focusing on locally sourced ingredients cooked over an open fire.
Highlights:
Seasonal, farm-to-table menu
Wood-fired cooking techniques
Rustic, open-air dining experience
Must-try: Whole roasted fish and the house-made cocktails
2. Arca
Description: Arca is a contemporary restaurant that offers a refined dining experience with a focus on local and organic ingredients. The innovative menu features a blend of traditional Mexican flavors and modern culinary techniques.
Highlights:
Creative, locally sourced dishes
Stylish, jungle-inspired decor
Extensive cocktail and wine list
Must-try: Grilled octopus and the signature Arca Margarita
3. Taqueria La Eufemia
Description: For a more laid-back and budget-friendly option, Taqueria La Eufemia is a beachside taco joint that serves up some of the best tacos in Tulum. The vibrant atmosphere and stunning ocean views make it a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
Highlights:
Delicious, affordable tacos
Beachfront location with ocean views
Casual, lively atmosphere
Must-try: Fish tacos and guacamole
4. Gitano
Description: Gitano is a trendy restaurant and mezcal bar located in the jungle of Tulum. The menu features a modern take on traditional Mexican cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients. The atmospheric setting and live music make it a great spot for dinner and drinks.
Highlights:
Modern Mexican cuisine
Extensive mezcal and cocktail menu
Jungle setting with live music
Must-try: Mezcal cocktails and the grilled avocado
5. Casa Banana
Description: Casa Banana is a popular Argentinian steakhouse that brings the flavors of South America to Tulum. The open-air kitchen and wood-fired grill create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a delicious steak or seafood dish.
Highlights:
Argentinian steaks and seafood
Open-air kitchen with wood-fired grill
Cozy, rustic decor
Must-try: Ribeye steak and grilled shrimp
6. Posada Margherita
Description: Posada Margherita is an Italian restaurant located right on the beach, offering stunning ocean views and a relaxed, romantic atmosphere. The menu focuses on handmade pasta, fresh seafood, and simple, yet flavorful Italian dishes.
Highlights:
Handmade pasta and fresh seafood
Beachfront location with ocean views
Romantic, relaxed atmosphere
Must-try: Seafood pasta and the house-made focaccia
7. Antojitos La Chiapaneca
Description: For an authentic Mexican street food experience, Antojitos La Chiapaneca is a must-visit. This local favorite serves up a variety of tacos, tortas, and other traditional Mexican dishes at incredibly affordable prices.
Highlights:
Authentic Mexican street food
Budget-friendly prices
Local favorite with a casual atmosphere
Must-try: Al pastor tacos and the sopes
8. Kitchen Table
Description: Kitchen Table is a unique, eco-friendly restaurant that offers a true farm-to-table dining experience. The open kitchen allows guests to watch as their meals are prepared using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and cooked over an open flame.
Highlights:
Eco-friendly, farm-to-table concept
Open kitchen with wood-fired cooking
Intimate, jungle setting
Must-try: Grilled lobster and the plantain chips
9. Cenzontle
Description: Cenzontle, also known as The Secret Garden, is a hidden gem in Tulum's culinary scene. The restaurant offers a creative menu that combines traditional Mexican flavors with international influences, all served in a magical garden setting.
Highlights:
Creative fusion cuisine
Magical garden setting
Intimate, romantic atmosphere
Must-try: Duck tacos and the signature cocktails
10. El Camello Jr.
Description: El Camello Jr. is a beloved seafood restaurant that offers generous portions of fresh, local seafood at reasonable prices. The casual, no-frills atmosphere makes it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Highlights:
Fresh, local seafood
Generous portions and reasonable prices
Casual, no-frills atmosphere
Must-try: Ceviche and the seafood platter
Conclusion
Tulum's culinary scene is as diverse and vibrant as the town itself. From high-end dining experiences to casual street food, there's something for every taste and budget. Whether you're indulging in fresh seafood, savoring traditional Mexican flavors, or exploring international cuisines, the best places to eat in Tulum promise a memorable and delicious journey. So, bring your appetite and get ready to explore the culinary delights of this tropical paradise!
