A perfect week in Tulum, Mexico!

A couples trip to Tulum full of the yummiest food, best swimming spots & excursions. I sited through all the touristy junk and pulled out the best of the best, so you don't waste a second of vacation in this Mexican paradise!

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Accommodations:

Papaya Playa Project

@christinaholtom

A large resort right on the beach, with small private cabanas, perfect for couples or groups of friends. Multiple pools overlooking the ocean and beach bars. Artsy, a little hippie, and regular beach parties. The food is pretty good, the grounds and gardens are spectacular and the service is excellent. We loved our time here and would go back. Located at the far end of the Tulum beach strip, so it can take a bit to walk to restaurants, but definitely do-able.

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Azulik Resort

@christinaholtom

this hotel is an art installation that is beyond impressive. If you have the money to dish out to stay in a villa, go for it! It’s not cheap, but is a cool experience. If you don’t want to stay here, you can pay a few bucks and go to their art museum that is very neat.

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Nômade

@christinaholtom

health focused retreat, beachfront rooms, suites and villas. Very cool moroccan themed restaurant with floor seating. Rustic and natural decor.

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Be Tulum Hotel

@christinaholtom

Eco-chic suites with private pools. Modern, tropical decor. Beautiful private beach and delicious healthy restaurants.

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NEST Tulum

@christinaholtom

Hip beachfront boutique hotel with cool rustic-chic rooms. Private balconies with hammocks, clean and quiet gardens, excellent gourmet mexican food served on the beach. No pool, but a fantastic private beach with beds. Love how small and chill this place is, you feel removed from the resorts and people.

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Chiringuito Tulum Hotel

@christinaholtom

Stunning bright hotel with large rooms and balconies, multiple pools and plenty of places to lounge. More of a boutique style hotel, but with lots of amenities. Excellent beach with lounging. Located in the middle of the beach strip, close to shops and restaurants.

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Hotel Bardo

@christinaholtom

more affordable option because it isn’t directly on the beach, it is inland in the town of Tulum. Still VERY beautiful adult-only hotel with restaurant and bar, stunning private plunge pools outside your room and quiet and relaxing jungle areas to lounge in.

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Eat & Drink:

Burrito Amor

@christinaholtom

Casual outdoor eatery in downtown Tulum with yummy burritos, vegan and gluten-free options as well

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BOTANICA Garden Cafe

@christinaholtom

healthy, colorful brunch food in a garden setting. Avo toast, smoothies, pancakes etc. with fresh fruit and lots of superfoods!

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DelCielo

@christinaholtom

popular brunch spot with hearty and healthy options. If you like huevo rancheros, go here!

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Don Churro Tulum

@christinaholtom

the spot to get churros in Tulum. A small cart with lots of topping or filling options for your churro.

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Casa Banana

@christinaholtom

Argentinian wood-fired steaks, seafood in a cozy and intimate outdoor restaurant. Loved our dinner here and highly recommend!

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GITANO TULUM

@christinaholtom

Top rated restaurant, make sure you make a reservation early and go here! Incredible modern Mexican cuisine, popular for fancy cocktails and lounge.

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Hartwood

@christinaholtom

another top rated restaurant where you have to make reservations in advance. Open-air restaurant, everything is cooked in a wood-burning grill, and tastes so fresh and gourmet. Small, intimate outdoor area and bar.

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RosaNegra | Latin American Restaurant in Tulum

@christinaholtom

Latin American cuisine, large restaurant with rustic beachy decor. Great for bigger groups. Meat, seafood, cocktails and unique desserts.

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Macondo Tulum

@christinaholtom

a hotel restaurant right on the beach inside Nomade Tulum. Moroccan themed, pillows and rugs on the floor for sitting and Mediterranean style cuisine.

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Matcha Mama

@christinaholtom

trendy, colorful little shack with smoothies, acai bowls and matcha drinks for breakfast or a snack.

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Fresco's Tulum

@christinaholtom

bright healthy brunch food in casual environment near the beach. Toast, smoothie bowls, french toast etc.

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Boccanera Pizzeria y Cerveceria - La Veleta

@christinaholtom

wood-fired pizza when you are craving some italian or want a quick takeout dinner.

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Things to See & Do:

Playa Ruinas

@christinaholtom

Playa Ruinas are ancient Mayan city ruins, located at the end of the beach strip (easily within biking distance), with ocean views. It is a nice place to walk around for an hour or two, bring cash for entrance.

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Valladolid

@christinaholtom

Day trip to Valladolid - a beautiful Mexican city with colorful buildings, a baroque-style cathedral, and excellent food. Perfect stop on your way to Chichen Itza. I highly recommend eating at Las Campanas right by the city square - the guacamole will blow your mind! So fresh.

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Chichén-Itzá

@christinaholtom

Day trip to Chichen Itza - a must-see in Mexico is this large Mayan pyramid from the 5th century AD. We booked a day trip here from Tulum, so we didn’t have to drive. It included entrance to the site, a stop to swim in a cenote, and a fantastic lunch in Valladolid.

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Swim in a Cenote

Ik Kil

@christinaholtom

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Suytún

@christinaholtom

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Cenote San Lorenzo Oxman

@christinaholtom

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Cenote Zaci

@christinaholtom

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Cenote Saamal

@christinaholtom

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Cenote Tak Be Ha

@christinaholtom

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Cenote Naharon

@christinaholtom

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Shopping

Wanderlust Tulum Boutique

@christinaholtom

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Malvia Tulum

@christinaholtom

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mr. blackbird - boutique Tulum

@christinaholtom

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Mixik

@christinaholtom

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Christina Holtom

Available for hire

Seattle based travel designer for the design minded + culturally curious. With professional experience in the airline industry, and a background in design, I specialize in creating travel experiences that get to the heart of a place and its local culture through design and food. I have been traveling with my husband for the past decade and we added a daughter to our crew a couple years ago. I firmly believe that travel and adventure doesn't stop when you have kids, but can be enhanced through the eye of a child seeing the world. I'm here to share tips on how to travel with kids, without sacrificing luxury and relaxation. I'll help you see the world through the lens of design and local cuisine. My destinations of expertise include Europe (Netherlands, Italy, Switzerland, Portugal, England) and the US, but I'm always expanding my knowledge and love taking on requests for other places. Shop my curated travel guides or check out my custom travel design services to elevate your experience and minimize the stress of travel planning.

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