Girls Guide to Tulum: New Years Addition
My 3rd time in Tulum I decided to come during the most talked about time, high season. New Years Eve in Tulum is said to be all the rage and since it’s one of my favorite travel destinations I thought where else would I see myself ringing in the New Year?
In the past, I went to Tulum in October and February. In October it’s their hurricane season and you are expecting some rain. However, when I went in October I was lucky enough to have a week straight of sunshine. In January, it rained every day. And also every day during golden hour… which is my absolutely favorite time to take photos. I love to get ready for a night out early and take photos pre darkness. I got a lot less content than I would have liked to because of this. But moral of the story, is it rains in January which I was not aware of. In February, the weather was also beautiful, and better than January. During New Years, Tulum is crazy. The streets were packed, the line of cars in traffic were lined up as far as you could see and the same cars stayed still as long as you could get a drink and return back on your walk. Because of this we walked EVERYWHERE to the point where some of my shoes were destroyed. Thankfully, we were in a good location on the beach so we were able to go to everywhere we wanted to go. However, if we had stayed in Aldea Zama or the town, which are the cheaper options of lodging, we would have been in a very unfortunate situation. For me, I am not a huge fan of crowds so if you agree, I will say do not come during January high season. Wait about a month and you won’t be disappointed. Some people say the energy is different during New Years. The energy in Tulum is always amazing but I do see the point of starting your New Year with this energy, so if that’s what you’re looking for just make sure to stay on the beach and bring your walking shoes.
During this past week in Tulum I went to some of the same places that I have been and loved in the past and a few new spots I would highly recommend. My favorite things to do in Tulum are explore the culture of the Mayans, shop at the boho boutiques, and eat some of the best organic cuisines at beautiful restaurants. I love walking throughout Tulum and seeing something amazing in every corner. Tulum is built around the nature and it is not only a sight to see but makes you feel a certain type of way. They say that being around nature opens your mind and in Tulum I know this is true. Tulum is a beach town tucked away in the jungle and one of the first places inhabited by the Mayans. If you are not educated on the Mayan culture a trip to Tulum is a great way to start. There is so much to learn from the Mayan way of life and after three times here I am learning that it is an amazing way of living. I really wanted to immerse myself in this type of living and when I came this time I did a lot of Mayan traditions like Temazcal ceremonies and beach meditations. A temazcal is a sweat lodge where you set intensions with a shaman in a hut full of white volcanic rocks and burning copal. I would highly recommend the Temazcal at Holistika. The shaman guided us through a beautiful session where he gave us spearmint to smell and reminded us to embrace our inner childlike fairies. The entire practice was so awakening and an amazing way to start my new year. I would however recommend spending the extra money for a private session, rather than the group session. I for one felt a bit claustrophobic in the sweat lodge surrounded by other strangers so would definitely prefer to do it alone next time.
When you walk the narrow beach road you’ll be reminded by lifes blessings and the power of presence with street signs reading things like “Follow that dream” and “you’re exactly where you need to be.” The Mayans practice living in a better world of creativity, sparkle and consciousness, something I believe many Americans need to learn. Some people come to Tulum to simply party but if you come here to learn it can do a number for your well being. I truly feel like since the first time I came to Tulum in 2019 I have grown so much from my knowledge of Mayan Culture. It has taught me the power of presence, to be conscious of the Earth we live in, and the spirituality of nature.
A lot of hotels in Tulum choose candle lit over electricity and have minimal amenities. They cling to nature, building properties around it and prefer the authenticity of things over normality. Tulum has a makeshift sewage system and every time after I go to Tulum I find myself back in America putting the toilet paper in the waste basket instead of flushing it. This is something you MUST do when you’re visiting Tulum because water is legitimately trucked in to this off the grid town. I remember when I used to live subletting apartment to apartment in NYC my best friend would call me hobo chic. The more I come to Tulum I realize that many people may not be able to handle the nomadic, handmade characteristics of the whole place, but to me it makes sense. It is like what my best friend would call, hobo chic. You are essentially, at most hotels on the beach, camping in the most chic way possible.
If this doesn't sound ideal to you there are other options for sure. If you’re willing to spend money the best high profile option on the beach would be Casa Malca. This elite hotel property is Pablo Escobar’s former mansion and has fancy amenities for anyone who wants the best of both worlds. If you don’t have that budget there are cheaper options with better amenities in the areas of Aldea Zama and Tulum town. I would highly suggest Aldea Zama as the best spot for WiFi and “American” like amenities. You will lose the true Tulum feels but this is for the ones who are high maintenance and crave electricity over candle lit. My favorite spot in Aldea Zama is Kimpton Aluna Hotel!
As for the beach side I would also recommend Amansala, Kanan, and Azulik for your FULL hobo chic adventure.
Tulum also is home to some of the most amazing restaurants in the world. The organic cuisine is remarkable and the restaurants are created again along nature and each unique. Many restaurants have burning copal to keep away mosquitos and hold onto Mayan vibes.
Here’s my list of my favorite Tulum restaurants!
Hartwood- NYC Chef Eric Werner created Hartwood to connect to the Mayan community and all the food is sourced from local fisherman and organic farms. I think I like this place most because of the true Tulum Mayan culture that it has. The kitchen is in the dining room and it is like a show! It is an extremely trendy place to go for dinner, and is always booked up. My advice is to try to make a reservation far in advanced or come here at 5pm when they open for the drinks, vibe and some appetizers. I highly recommend the shrimp!
The Nest at Azulik- A must, super vibey spot in Tulum. They have 2 restaurants, Kin Toh is the mexican one and Tseen Ja is the Japanese restaurant with amazing sushi. Make a reservation for here because they book up quick. I would say come here during the day if you want good photos!
Casa Jaguar- Copal intensely fills this jungle restaurant and boutiques are aligned inside. I love it here because of the vibes, the boutiques and drinks but the food isn't my favorite.
Maresias at Be Tulum- the best guacamole and a dj to complete the vibes Be Tulum mexican food, party at dinner. Also at Be Tulum is Maresias which is in the sand and has a DJ, I really love this spot for after dinner drinks.
Posada Margherita- Pizza and pasta on the beach in a doll house like boutique hotel. I am obsessed with Posada Margherita and have written off as my hungover cure and a lunch spot. I haven’t been for dinner but I’m sure it’s also a vibe.
Karma at Kanan- A good pre game spot, loud music and they also have amazing appetizers! I love the salmon sushi and the bartenders are all the sweetest.
Raw Love at Ahau- Your new favorite coffee and juice shop in Tulum! I love coming here after a night out and getting a ginger shot to help pick me up. You sit right in the sand and there’s rope swing tables and beautiful graffiti designs.
Matcha Mama- If you like Matcha go here! They only have cold brew coffee though and I didn't like it. Also this is just an ideal picture spot.
Rosa Negra- A party at dinner with a mixologist that comes to your table! Make sure to book a reservation in advanced and be ready for all the vibes.
It Tulum- Most places get popping around 9:30 so if you want party vibes at dinner come later. I've aten and gone out here the food is good but not my favorite however it is my favorite going out spot!
The Real Coconut-Great for breakfast or lunch, really healthy options and overlooking the water.
Ambrosia and Philosophy at Casa Malca mexican at Casa Malca, Casa Malca is an experience in itself the art is so beautiful
Gitano- Another going out night spot, also has dinner but I have only gone for going out and it's super fun!
Nomade- I love this place for lunch! You sit on pillows and the tacos are amazing
Saikuk- Amazing morrocan food, come at 9:30 pm for the best vibes!
Tulum fashion is amazing, I always tell people to buy at least one thing while you’re here! You will have it forever and it’s the best souvenir. Tulum clothing is made mostly of linen and natural colors. My favorite Tulum Shopping stores are La Tiendita, Lolita Lolita, Oseree, Tulik, and Kaya. You must venture to Coqui Coqui in Coba to shop for the best perfume of your life, an amazing spa and beautiful sites.
Cenotes- The Mayans say that these underground caves are the entry to afterlife. I had so much fun on this adventure and would recommend everyone to go to at least one Cenote on your trip to Tulum. Dive in and really see the beauty of Tulum at full force. My favorite Cenote is Pet Cementary. My advice it to hire Mayikal Experiences https://www.instagram.com/mayikalexperiences/ and have him take you to Coba for Coqui Coqui shopping and to cenotes. He can also take you to a Mayan home to experience the culture fully with a home cooked meal. It was so sweet and if you want to cook tortillas with the locals and feel the Mayan community I would highly recommend.
Some people will never make it to Tulum from Cancun and I think that is the biggest shame, if you’ve ever headed to Cancun make the trip to this off the grid spot. If you’re headed to Tulum and come across my blog page I hope this helps and feel free to reach out with questions! I am always happy to talk travel especially when it comes to my favorite place, Tulum.
xx
Jules