Tulum, Mexico, is packed with stunningly designed hotels, breathtaking beaches, and restaurants that serve incredible food in an equally amazing atmosphere. Part of Mexico’s Riviera Maya—named one of Travel + Leisure’s best destinations in 2023—Tulum hums with energy, from its lively beach clubs to its spiritual centers offering yoga, meditation, sacred ceremonies, and other mind-expanding experiences. Surrounding it all? A lush jungle dotted with cenotes and stunning nature reserves, perfect for dolphin spotting, cave diving, and ATV adventures.
Keep reading for the best places to stay, eat, and explore in Tulum.
Best Hotels & Resorts
Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya
This 349-room luxury resort is ideal for pure relaxation. With five restaurants, six bars, five pools, and direct beach access, it’s a dream getaway. But the real standout is the massive spa, featuring an open-air relaxation space complete with a steam room, cold shower, sauna, ice plunge, and hot tub. *T+L*’s senior editor Maya Kachroo-Levine raved about her stay, calling it “pure, luxurious resort fun” filled with sunrise soaks in an ocean-view tub, mezcal Negronis at Ultramar pool bar, and daily visits to Arbolea’s build-your-own chilaquiles station.
Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort
Though Tulum’s all-inclusive options are limited compared to other Riviera Maya hotspots, this one shines. Sharing grounds with the Conrad, the Hilton Tulum boasts 735 rooms and suites, plus 13 eateries—and guests at either property can enjoy both resorts’ amenities. *T+L* contributor Dobrina Zhekova praised its “picture-perfect beach, eight pools, and five jacuzzis,” calling it the ultimate sun-soaking retreat.
Nômade
With 38 rooms, 20 suites, five luxury tree houses, and 36 Moroccan-inspired tents, this spot is perfect for nature lovers and wellness seekers. *T+L* contributor Rosie Bell, a Riviera Maya local, highlighted its cacao ceremonies, spiritual talks, and DJ-accompanied yoga classes—all best enjoyed in the tree houses, where guests can unwind to the sound of Caribbean breezes. Located on the quieter southern end of the beach road, it’s a serene escape with whimsical hammocks and daybeds.
La Valise
Filled with handcrafted Mexican furniture and art, La Valise blends jungle charm with glamour. The boutique property has just 11 bungalows, but the star is the beachfront suite—where the bed rolls onto the balcony for a night under the stars. All rooms are spacious with a light, natural design, and jungle-side suites feature private outdoor showers.
Hotel Bardo
Away from the bustling beach and downtown, Hotel Bardo offers luxurious lofts, each with a private plunge pool. The main pool, surrounded by greenery and plush daybeds, sits at the heart of the social area, where a stone fire pit adds warmth near the bar and restaurant. Guests can join sunset intention-setting rituals, sound healing sessions, yoga classes, and temazcal (traditional sweat lodge) experiences.
Best Things to Do
Holistika
Tucked in La Veleta, Holistika’s art walk is a short jungle loop dotted with interactive sculptures and murals that feel like they’ve crash-landed in the wild. While there, join a yoga class, ceremony, or spa treatment—many held inside a stunning meditation dome.
Cenotes – Gran Cenote, Dos Ojos & More
Tulum is surrounded by the Yucatán’s famous cenotes. Gran Cenote, Dos Ojos, and Laguna Kaan Luum are among the largest, but don’t skip smaller gems like Cenote Dos Palmas, cared for by the local Maya community.
Tulum Ruins
Once an ancient Maya seaside port, the Archaeological Zone is a must-visit. Don’t miss the Temple of the God of Winds—just remember, climbing the structures isn’t allowed.
Om Collective
This downtown yoga studio is Tulum’s most affordable, with donation-based classes. It has a community vibe and offers everything from vinyasa to acro-yoga.
Tulum Art Club
Their Valladolid day trip lets you learn Maya pottery from a family preserving centuries-old techniques. You’ll explore the spiritual side of their craft and take home your own creation.
Best Shopping
La Madre Tierra
This downtown shop sells all-natural soaps, oils, creams, and organic Mexican-made cosmetics, plus on-site beauty treatments.
Claude
A slow-fashion brand specializing in gender-fluid resort wear made from linen sourced within 63 miles of Tulum. Every piece is designed and handcrafted in Mexico.
Spiritum Tulum
Beyond flowy dresses and kaftans, this sustainable brand offers casual and formal menswear, blending Indigenous textiles with modern designs—all handmade in Mexico.
How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Tulum
Best Restaurants
Wild
A stylish beach road spot that *T+L*’s Nina Ruggiero calls “the embodiment of South Tulum.” Their cocktails and dishes highlight local ingredients like huitlacoche (fermented corn) and hoja santa (Mexican pepper leaf), all wrapped in the warm scent of copal incense. Reservations available online.
Hartwood
One of Tulum’s most famous restaurants, Hartwood runs on solar power and cooks nightly dinners over wood fires using organic Yucatán produce and fresh-caught fish.
El Camello Jr.
A local favorite for huge portions of fresh seafood—think garlic octopus, fish tacos, and ceviche. Perfect for sharing.
Mestixa
Asian-Mexican fusion with ever-changing dishes like pork belly bao buns and tamarind-glazed shrimp dumplings topped with grasshoppers. Reservations recommended.
Italdo
A La Veleta bakery serving fresh loaves, Mexican pastries, and desserts—don’t leave without trying one.
Best Time to Visit
The sweet spot? Late October to mid-December, when rates are reasonable, temps cool off, and sargassum seaweed is minimal.
Winter is peak season (great weather, sky-high prices), while May–October brings seaweed challenges. For a unique experience, visit during a full moon—many spots host beach parties or jungle ceremonies.
How to Get There
Tulum’s new Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport (TQO) is just 30 minutes from town, with direct U.S. flights on American, Delta, and United. Cancun Airport is another option, but it’s a two-hour drive.
Neighborhoods to Know
- Beach Zone: Split into north (quieter, near ruins) and south (more hotels/restaurants).
- Aldea Zama: Upscale area between town and beach, great for luxury rentals.
- Centro: The heart of local life, with affordable stays, cafes, and shops.
- Villas: A mural-lined residential spot with vacation rentals but no hotels.
Getting Around
- Taxis: Plentiful but pricey; agree on fares upfront. Book via Taxi! Riviera Maya.
- Bikes: A popular choice, with a path linking downtown to the beach. Rent from Ola Bike Tulum.
- Scooters: Ideal for reaching far-flung cenotes. Rentals start at 800 pesos/day from Scooter Tulum Services.