TULUM TRAVEL GUIDE

tulum? WOW. seriously, wow. i have been to mexico quite a few times but this time was really special. a few months ago, 3 friends and I decided to take a girls only trip. we all find so much inspiration from travel, and wanted to just take a few days to recharge and feed off of each other’s creative energy. it was one of those hilarious & memorable short trips that i probably will never forget. here’s what we were able to do in the three days we were there, in case you are planning a trip… (ps, the ruins are supposed to be amazing, we just didn’t make it due to time)

LOVE YOU JEN, JESSE & PAIGE!

SEE ALL OF THE TRIP PHOTOS & DETAILS AFTER THE JUMP…

we stayed at a hotel called the beach tulum. a lot of people told us to stay at coqui coqui, but it was all booked up during those dates. (more on that spot below) the beach was actually really amazing, we loved it. it was clean, stylish, simple, relaxing, great service, and a lovely beach front hangout. we went with the deluxe rooms which were right on the sand, and had a beautiful patio for us to hang out on. we spent a lot of time just lounging on the beds on the pretty white sand overlooking the crystal clear water. i would do anything to be back in that spot right now.

the first night we went to a restaurant called posada margherita. (above) ginger margaritas, an awesome setting, and delicious pasta. it was the perfect place for us to get into one of those 4 hour girl convos over drinks. boys, jobs, life, love…you know the drill.

the second day we decided to spend the day at coqui coqui since we didn’t get to actually stay there. it really is an unbelievable spot. they only have 8 rooms, and everything just says RELAX. we decided to get the three hour (!) massage/bath ritual. it had an aloe vera wrap, a rose water bath, and massage. i’ve never had a better spa experience. it felt like we were in some sort of secret spot. as we got our massages, rain started pouring outside and it was so peaceful.

also, the hotel has delicious ceviche you must try. sit in the lobby and just take it all in. or walk a few steps to their perfumery. the ultimate girl fest. i bought some of the massage oils to remember the day.

that evening we had appetizers and unique cocktails at gitano. they have neon lights and a palm tree disco ball. i was into it. and then we ate at casa jaguar for dinner. i loved the shrimp pizza and cute environment.

my favorite lunch was at el tábano. a friend told me the poblano pepper crepes were life changing, and she was not kidding. SO good. you have to try them. all of the restaurants we went to had a pretty eclectic vibe…great for just hanging out with a few beers and tacos.

dinner. MUST go to hartwood. the most memorable evening from the trip. we were warned: “go early! long lines! worth it.” the restaurant opens at 6 (closed on mon & tues) and we went at 5:15pm and just had a beer in line while we waited. we got right in once it opened, but the line quickly got VERY long. every single thing we ate here was amazing. but i can recommend the most: the PORK (i’m not even a huge meat eater, but MAN was this good.) the tomato salad and the ceviche were delicious as well.

we ordered quite a lot from the menu and nothing disappointed. we strolled home after…with a lot of wine in our systems and had a hilarious walk down the beach back to our hotel. i loved that you could just walk so many places in tulum. it feels so small and intimate where we were. (not sure about those faces above, but i think they had to do with a drinking game)

tulum, i love you. already scheming how i can make it back to this wonderful place! the sand was pure white and the water was crystal clear. you have to check it out for yourself!

photos by designlovefest, jesse chamberlin, and jen gotch
more travel posts here!

61 COMMENTS

61 Comments

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1. Audrey | Brunch at Audrey's | April 22nd, 2014 at 4:23 am

Tulum looks liks absolute paradise! It seems like it really looks just like the brochures show them with blue sky, blue water, white sand, and green trees! It looks like you had so much fun; I hope that I can visit one day! -Audrey | Brunch at Audrey’s
2. Catherine | April 22nd, 2014 at 4:45 am

how fantastic! you look like you had an amazing time! so happy and glowing girl!
3. Julie Hoang | April 22nd, 2014 at 4:50 am

It looks absolutely beautiful!
4. Rebekah {aCricketSang} | April 22nd, 2014 at 5:19 am

Love all the photos! Looks like it as an amazing trip!
5. Sally | April 22nd, 2014 at 5:49 am

This looks like the most perfect holiday ever, and so much fun! I keep seeing beautiful photographs of Tulum on instagram at the moment too, it’s pretty high on my places to visit list!
6. emily / the object enthusiast | April 22nd, 2014 at 6:07 am

oh my gosh! this looks so incredible. i want to go!!
lovely as always bri!!
7. Jacquelyn | lark & linen | April 22nd, 2014 at 6:10 am

I just came back from the Mayan Riviera (so close to Tulum) and am KICKING myself for missing these spots!
8. Hannah Wilson | April 22nd, 2014 at 6:18 am

I’ve been seeing Tulum everywhere recently, so it must be amazing!! And after reading this post, I’m even more convinced that I should add this to my travel list. Looks so incredible!
9. cheyenne | April 22nd, 2014 at 6:58 am

wow, it looks amazing!
xo, cheyenne
10. Rachael | April 22nd, 2014 at 7:28 am

Gorgeous! Looks like ya’ll had so much fun – love girl time
11. valerie | lily on fillmore | April 22nd, 2014 at 8:59 am

these photos are gorgeous! love all of the vibrant colors. definitely adding tulum to my must-travel list. xx
12. Leah / Freutcake | April 22nd, 2014 at 10:19 am

This is amazing! Jason and I are going to Tulum in July and now I’m even more excited for our trip.
13. arin | April 22nd, 2014 at 10:36 am

omg amazing amazing photos! i am beyond jealous! you girls look like you’re having the best time ever, in style too! love those shoes! HeartofChic.com
14. Amanda | April 22nd, 2014 at 12:05 pm

Oh goodness, girl. You make me want to jump on a jet plane right now. These pictures are incredible. So awesome you could get some quality girl time and just relax. Your travels lately are making me have wander lust. I need to get to a beach! Keep smiling and when you’re feeling stressed remember those incredible beach moments!
15. Jen L. | April 22nd, 2014 at 1:02 pm

What’s your thought on traveling to Tulum with kids? I’d love to see what my 9-year old would think of such a tropical, chill location.

Thoughts? If you can, please email me (as when I subscribe to the comments, I get all of them! Oh, my!).

Jen
16. Taylor | April 22nd, 2014 at 1:55 pm

Absolutely stunning photos! Tulum sounds quite incredible and you having me swooning over those beautiful beaches! (Also, could totally go for a 3 hour spa service)

xoxo
Taylor
17. Jade Sheldon-Burnsed | April 22nd, 2014 at 2:26 pm

So, this is officially going in my top ten of places I still need to visit. What a perfectly relaxing time! I’m totally going to be daydreaming about that spa tub and the ceviche…
18. ivette | April 22nd, 2014 at 2:39 pm

pretty pics!..I’ve been living in tulum for the past couple of years..moving here, leaving everything else…my past life behind..is the best thing I have ever done…couldn’t be happier living in this paradise. Glad you enjoyed your stay, visit us soon again!
19. LARY@Inspiration Nook | April 22nd, 2014 at 3:13 pm

Looks amazing!!!
20. TheLoverList | April 22nd, 2014 at 6:43 pm

Girls trip! Does life get any better? I’m planning a trip to Tulum later in the year so loved looking at your pics babe xx
21. Abbey | April 22nd, 2014 at 8:03 pm

All of these photos are so beautiful. Those seashells and coral are insane! Love the colors, and I am absolutely adding this spot to our travel list. Thanks for sharing and being inspiring as always!
22. kim @ DESIGN + LIFE + KIDS | April 23rd, 2014 at 5:02 am

Looks fantastic!
23. laura | April 23rd, 2014 at 5:57 am

awesome!
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25. Lauren @ FOXTAIL + MOSS | April 23rd, 2014 at 9:06 am

Well if this isn’t the ultimate girls’ trip to end all girls’ trips!! Tulum looks absolutely dreamy. Thanks for sharing, Bri!
26. Christa | April 23rd, 2014 at 11:01 am

Gorgeous breakdown, I definitely need a girls trip there someday as well! So amazing!

xo // Christa
27. Casey | April 23rd, 2014 at 1:19 pm

Bri I love love LOVE your travel posts. Great recs, beautiful pics, and lovely personal reflections. Keep ‘em coming!
28. Lindsay | April 23rd, 2014 at 1:22 pm

OMG – Awesome pictures! I LOOOVE Mexico (going in a couple weeks actually but Ive never been to the gulf side so this is good incentive to go! Did you and your friends buy the dresses down there – I love them! <3
29. gina | April 23rd, 2014 at 2:13 pm

it looks beautiful, id so love to go
http://thewanderlusthasgotme.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/fun-times-in-vegas.html
30. Nicki Marshek | April 23rd, 2014 at 7:20 pm

Thanks for posting this! I’ve been thinking about heading there for my next adventure and I was hoping you’d share some tips. Looks like a blast!
31. Tessa | April 23rd, 2014 at 9:16 pm

Oh what beauty! I followed all of you on instagram while you were in paradise and I loved it! Your travel posts are my favorite!
32. Bethany | April 24th, 2014 at 12:56 pm

So glad I stumbled upon this – beautiful photos and a cool lookin’ group of gals.

I’m voyaging out to Tulum (for my 2nd time) next weekend and can’t wait to bask in its glorious-ness once again.
33. Hilary | April 24th, 2014 at 12:57 pm

This trip looked phenomenal! And what a beautiful part of the world. Every day looked like perfect weather. I need an escape to something like this immediately! I am craving the beach!

@shopwhiteplum
34. Isabel | April 24th, 2014 at 8:18 pm

I was obsessing over the tulum hashtag you guys created on instagram. May I ask where you got that beautiful dress that says “El Salvador”? I’m Salvadoran myself and would love to know the story behind that piece of my country!
35. Jessica D. | April 24th, 2014 at 9:37 pm

You have inspired me to travel! Now to convince my boyfriend.
36. Julia | April 25th, 2014 at 8:35 am

Ah, I want to go to there! Another style question here: may I ask where that blue and white dress (with the button detail in the back) is from? I know I’ve seen it before. Thanks!
37. Itsjustme | April 25th, 2014 at 9:15 am

Yes, Tulum stole my mind, body & soul 7 years ago. It is a must at least twice a year to rejuvenate. Beautiful capture of the “hot” spots of Tulum. Love your outfit selections.
38. Christina @ Mr and Mrs Romance | April 27th, 2014 at 4:12 am

You’ve inspired me to book a few days away with my girls. Tulum looks like heaven!
39. Hilary | April 27th, 2014 at 9:21 pm

Beautiful photos of Tulum. We made it there last year on a 3 day trip to Cancun. I fell in love with the crystal clear waters! Seriously one of the best beaches I have ever had the pleasure to visit. I’m glad you enjoyed your trip!
40. Ashley | April 27th, 2014 at 11:50 pm

My husband and I just started out on an 8 month South East Asia trip so I also LOVED looking at your Thailand pics. Travel is so good for the soul.
41. megan | April 28th, 2014 at 3:10 pm

Tulum has been everywhere lately!
You’re photos definitely inspired me to book a trip.
I’ll be going in about 2 weeks for 6 days… ALL BY MYSELF! Scary but exciting as well.
Thanks for the post, I will be visiting all the places you listed
42. Sarah @ A Week at the Beach | May 12th, 2014 at 6:53 am

Amazing photos! Great job bringing Tulum to life! One of my favorite places in the world, heading back down next week in fact!
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45. Sarah @TwoEconomists | June 8th, 2014 at 8:25 am

Hey, just wondering, did you rent a car, take shuttles, or were you just able to walk everywhere? Trying to plan my own trip…Thanks!
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55. Marion | November 10th, 2014 at 10:09 am

Hi!! I loved this article you made! I actually live in Tulum and I have now 6 years here and I am about to have a blog on it as I love it so much!! I just have launched a small agency which specify in house rentals on the beach and can also help you plan your travel in the area. So don’t hesitate to contact me for anything you need! I will be happy to help.
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58. fer | December 14th, 2014 at 6:13 pm

I really like your pictures and the great experience you lived in Tulum, I think that all the great people that come to Tulum change on the good way and are more responsible with the mother nature, and this is all about, live, enjoy, have fun. learn something diferent and share just like you did.
If someone want to try the Tulum experience i recommend you http://www.tulumcard.com, hope you like it and continue being your self.
thank you fore share, by the way sorry about my english.
59. Malin | December 22nd, 2014 at 4:25 am

Great guide!! I’m going to Tulum in a week and I’m super excited. Check out traveling guides on my site for Ibiza, Mykonos etc. btw! xx
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61. Anonymous | January 6th, 2015 at 10:08 am

Absolutely amazing! I have yet left the US, but oh the places I will go when I graduate college. I am totally adding this to my list. All you girls are so adorable too!

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