My Personal Best of List for Tulum!
After our trip to Tulum so many of you asked questions about where to stay, eat, activities, if it’s ok for kids. I am so happy to share my experiences from one of my happiest places on earth. We go every year with the same group so hanging with my family, my besties and all the kids makes it super sweet, but there is just something about the relaxed and casual feeling of Tulum, the gorgeous beaches, perfect weather, and the authentic culture that is hard no to fall in love with. Here’s my personal best-of list!
WHERE TO EAT: Hartwood – An amazing restaurant from a Brooklyn, NY chef, All the cooking is done on an open fire and the menu changes daily according to what fresh produce and protein are available to them. It’s truly a delight for all the senses. The lines are long and they don’t take reservations so go early! Posada Margarita – Imagine a beautiful spot on the beach . . . fresh homemade pasta … grilled fresh fish and delicious veggies . . (When I’m there I always pop into their great little boutique.) Casa Banana – Love this place! Delicious steak cooked on an open fire! Great place for big parties and families with a foosball table for the kids. Really superb! After all the fish you’ll eat while you’re in Tulum a perfectly grilled steak really hits the spot. El Tabano – Get some creative local flavor with their really yummy traditional Mexican with a twist. Think shrimp infused in lavender and Fleur De Sel. I haven’t personally sampled but I hear the poblano pepper crepes are not to be missed. Mateo’s – This casual open-air resto is right next to great local shopping . . . and they have delicious fresh tacos and ceviche! Casa Violetta – Perfect brick oven pizza that will please the kids and succulent ceviche too. . . It’s a great for lunch hang and right on beach so kiddos can run around.
WHERE TO STAY: Amansala Eco-Chic resort– my sister in law stays here every year with a group of mommas from Brooklyn - specializes in retreats and you can do Bikini bootcamp or yoga! Beautiful. The Hip Hotel – my design guru friend Christiane stays here every year with her family. She loves the aesthetic and it’s very kid friendly. Casa Violetta – This rustic chic grouping of bungalows steps from the ocean defines perfection. Perfect when traveling in a big group as each family can have their own cabana. Also really kid friendly. Bigger budget – Be Tulum, The Beach Tulum, Coqui Coqui. . . these places are gorgeous. I would say definitely better to spend your time at one of these without the kiddos. Definitely stop by for a drink though and check them out!
WHAT TO DO: Yoga Yoga Yoga – somewhere there is yoga daily. Ask your hotel! Cenote – we try a different one every year and each one is so amazing. A cenote is basically a clear crisp fresh water sinkhole with lots of beautiful fish to swim with. The Grand Cenote is about ½ hour from the hotel area and has rental snorkel and masks. This year we bought our gear from amazon and packed it in our luggage (only $35 bucks). Cheaper, new and clean! Swimming with the turtles – a truly magical experience at Akumal. Maybe 20 minutes drive away and also cute shopping side trip there is a must. Spa – for the first time this year we went to the spa at the Be Tulum hotel, the Yaan Wellness Energy Spa. Oh man, it was such an amazing experience! You absolutely have to try it! And of course you have to visit the Mayan ruins. I mean you are in Yucatan Peninsula after all.
HOW TO GET THERE: It’s pretty easy to get a direct flight to Cancun. It’s only a 3 ½ hours flight from NYC. Because we are always such a big group we rent a van (Tucan Kin car service) to take us to Tulum but it’s easy to just take a taxi. . . approx. $100. Whether traveling by yourself, with girlfriends, or other families. . . you are guaranteed to be transported. Food, sun, beach, relaxed, etc. Tulum is simply the best!! Xx Stacey
WHERE TO STAY: Amansala Eco-Chic resort– my sister in law stays here every year with a group of mommas from Brooklyn - specializes in retreats and you can do Bikini bootcamp or yoga! Beautiful. The Hip Hotel – my design guru friend Christiane stays here every year with her family. She loves the aesthetic and it’s very kid friendly. Casa Violetta – This rustic chic grouping of bungalows steps from the ocean defines perfection. Perfect when traveling in a big group as each family can have their own cabana. Also really kid friendly. Bigger budget – Be Tulum, The Beach Tulum, Coqui Coqui. . . these places are gorgeous. I would say definitely better to spend your time at one of these without the kiddos. Definitely stop by for a drink though and check them out! 
WHAT TO DO: Yoga Yoga Yoga – somewhere there is yoga daily. Ask your hotel! Cenote – we try a different one every year and each one is so amazing. A cenote is basically a clear crisp fresh water sinkhole with lots of beautiful fish to swim with. The Grand Cenote is about ½ hour from the hotel area and has rental snorkel and masks. This year we bought our gear from amazon and packed it in our luggage (only $35 bucks). Cheaper, new and clean! Swimming with the turtles – a truly magical experience at Akumal. Maybe 20 minutes drive away and also cute shopping side trip there is a must. Spa – for the first time this year we went to the spa at the Be Tulum hotel, the Yaan Wellness Energy Spa. Oh man, it was such an amazing experience! You absolutely have to try it! And of course you have to visit the Mayan ruins. I mean you are in Yucatan Peninsula after all.