Ninety minutes south of Cancun on Mexico’s Caribbean coast awaits the alluring destination of Tulum, an increasingly circulated name on the tongues of travel aficionados drawn to the simultaneously bohemian and luxury sensibility of this haven. Compelled to investigate the ascending hype firsthand, Paper & Diamond recently traveled to the town of Tulum in order to explore the merits of the area on behalf of anyone ready to pinpoint this locale as their next escape or milestone event setting. Journey with us through an inside guide of where to stay, what to eat and how to adventure during a trip to Tulum.
Our journey begins at the Mi Amor Tulum hotel, a Colibri Boutique Hotels property. If the name sounds familiar to you, that is perhaps because familiarity follows the fact that the hotel is a hot-spot for trendy travel bloggers, as well the fact that it has been positively hailed by Condé Nast. The overarching vibe is a romantic take on a 1950s Acapulco, the port city sitting on the opposite ocean surrounding Mexico. This is referenced in the way the hotel is integrated with nature throughout, as well as the decor and interior design.
Other notable properties include Casa Malca, a Design Hotels property that reads almost more like a contemporary art museum than a hotel with unique pieces expertly curated throughout, and breathtaking 360-degree view from the rooftop bar. Nomade Tulum is a slightly more organic experience, a self-proclaimed “human centered hotel,” creating “a temporary habitat for those ready to learn and share, ready to awake the soul, and free the mind.”
There are those individuals who travel to take trips, with action filled days exploring the adventurous aspects a new place has to offer. As you consider your trip to Tulum, allow us to plan a visit to the limestone ruins of ancient civilization, a unique historical experience. Or, embark on an eco-tourism journey through the Sian Ka’an biosphere reserve, the largest ecologically protected area in the Mexican Caribbean. Kayak through the canals, float in the cenotes or snorkel in the Mesoamerican Reef, second only in size to the Great Barrier Reef.
Other individuals seek travel not for a trip as much as for a vacation, filled with relaxing days spent focusing on health and wellness. Tulum has a long history of inhabitation by the Maya culture, which today lends to the mystical, spiritual sense of awakening that seems to perpetuate the overall ambiance of environment. Paper & Diamond can advise your traditional healing and wellness journey at the Yäan Wellness Energy Spa, where a rooftop herbal garden provides the medicinal elements incorporated into each individual session. For group wellness experiences, Sanará (translating quite literally as you will heal) comes highly recommended by our team. Tapping into a heightened sense of spirituality should come naturally here.
As travelers feel the magnetic pull to Tulum, so have a number of renowned chefs and culinary experts. When it comes to where to eat in Tulum, a number of chic jungle bars and trendy restaurants come to mind. Favorites from the Paper & Diamond exploration include Gitano, Casa Jaguar, and of course, Hartwood. Freshness and flavor perpetuate the drinks and dishes of these eateries, with smoky mezcal in its authentic environment, and sustainably sourced seafood topping our picks of what specifically to seek out.
Between the historical intrigue, fresh cuisine, cultural commitment to well-being and restoration, and the gorgeous panoramic views of azure waters, white sand and tropical palms, there is no reason Tulum should not top your list of upcoming destinations. Should you decide it is time to turn dreams into something more tangible, allow us to assist you in the implementation process. You can get in touch to inquire about Paper & Diamond’s luxury destination travel services here. Tulum is an experience that awaits; one that you will not want to miss.