Ah, Tulum. There’s no denying your spiritualistic vibes. I just returned from a three-night yoga retreat with Ahana Yoga there and I am feeling Zen AF. Known for its “magical” properties (the Mayan Indians built an ancient temple here set atop a dramatic rocky bluff) — this teensy town two-hours away from Cancun is a must see.
Here is everything you need to know about the mystical town brimming with groovy hotels, hippie chic boutiques and over-the-top spas.
WHERE TO STAY:
Buyer beware here in Tulum as many hotels do not have air conditioning. Tragic, I know. The best hotel here is Be Tulum — with neighboring Nomade coming in at second place. I stayed at Habitas which was lovely if you’re into glamping as the rooms are tents with sexy outdoor showers/bathrooms (and yes, they have AC).
WHERE TO EAT:
I loved the on-site restaurant at our hotel, Habitas — in fact it served up the best dishes I encountered the entire trip. Imagine comfort foods with a Spanish-Arab twist. You must also visit Azulik where you can dine in a bird’s nest set amongst a million burning candles. This particular hotel is famous for its hammocks/nets which beckon guests to kick back and relax. Hartwood Tulum is another must visit and the menu changes daily. Arca is one more tried-and-true restaurant — think think farm-to-table starters like charred snap peas and grilled asparagus; inventive cocktails like El Solar that blends mezcal, hibiscus, chipotle syrup and smoked ancho chili rum; and homemade sourdough bread so good it sells out by 9 p.m.
WHERE TO SPA:
My friend Paris received the best massage of her life at Yaan Wellness — and she’s picky AF. This spa is dreamy in every sense of the word (picture warm woods, outdoor massage tables, palm tree filled spaces) and touts itself as an “energy healing sanctuary.” Yoga classes are also a thing here. Om-mazing!
WHAT TO SEE:
A trip to the Yucatán Peninsula is incomplete without visiting a cenote. These magical sinkholes (pictured below) are peppered throughout the region and you can just pop in and float to your heart’s content. I also visited a blue lagoon named Sian Ka’an where you slip on a life jacket and let the current take you down a twisty path through mangroves and clear waters. And if you have children, Xcaret Park is a must. I took my children to this theme park four years ago and they still talk about it on the regular.
WHERE TO SHOP:
Be sure to aimlessly wander the main vein of Tulum as it’s teeming with flower child-esque shops. Dreamcatchers, funky hats, breezy cover-ups, artisanal jewelry, sandals and other beatnik bounties await you. My favorite shop? Caravana. Melt the Amex there and thank me later.
So if your soul craves a tropical, bohemian hideaway — Tulum is for you. Book that ticket. Disconnect. Relish the Mayan frequency here. You won’t regret it.
I’d like to thank from the bottom of my heart: Dawn Feinberg (my yoga teacher), DJ Drez (who dropped the beats all weekend) and Michael (who led morning meditations) for the most transformative experience. Also — shoutout to all my new friends I made along the way. I’ve never been more humbled my entire life. NAMASTE!