So you’re planning a trip to Tulum? You’ve come to the right place! I’ve traveled to Tulum twice now and I must say it’s one of my favorite spots I’ve been too. So beautiful, relaxing, and a ton of fun! Not only is the ocean perfect, but the food is outstanding and the people are great. Whether you’re going for a relaxing beach vacation or a bachelorette party, there is something for everyone! Grab your swimsuits and lets head to Tulum!

Where to Stay

So far I’ve stayed in 3 different spots during my trips to Tulum. While I would recommend all 3, there are definitely so many more options between hotels/airbnbs that you really couldn’t go wrong.

Top fav spots:

Sanara Resort & Spa - absolutely beautiful. Rooms are spacious and very clean. This beautiful hotel is directly on the beach, walk out from your room onto the ocean. Has a yoga studio, wellness center and spa, also my favorite restaurant is located here - The Real Coconut. The staff is very friendly and helpful. It is on the pricer side, but if you’re looking for that relaxing spa like trip this is the place I would recommend. Zero complaints here!

I’d rate our stay a 10/10

Roc Hotel - Stayed here last year and while I did enjoy it, I personally wouldn’t stay there again. Our hut was across the road from the beach and we had to either walk down a gravel road or take a golf cart to get to the ocean. They did offer complimentary free breakfast which was great and felt more like you were in the middle of a jungle! The staff here was great, but the room was just soso. Our shower leaked all over the room and they charged us for getting makeup on white towels, which was inevitable. For being on the pricer side for hotels I’d rather stay somewhere that was close to the ocean.

I’d rate it a 7/10

Airbnb - If you’ll be in Tulum for a while and looking for a cheaper option, this place was great! We had a little kitchenette, which was definitely usable for small cooking, wouldn’t try to cook a whole meal here. Had a pool and beach access thru a hotel down the road. The management of the airbnb were great and super responsive. Also, had a water container right outside our room which was very helpful. In front of the airbnb is the restaurant Loco, which is perfect for a quick bite to eat or a chill night in. No hotel service but your rooms do get cleaned everyday which was super nice!

Overall, I’d rate this a 8/10.

If none of these places are what you’re looking for, I would say you couldn’t go wrong with any of the resorts on the main strip along the ocean. A few hotels I would love to stay in someday are:

Hotelito Azul
La Zebra Hotel

What to Eat

The food in Tulum is some of the best food I’ve ever had from everywhere I’ve traveled. Being fully plant-based (no dairy, eggs, or meat) traveling can sometimes be stressful. But every restaurant was so great about allergies here, most hostess ask about allergies before even seating you. Everywhere has such fresh food, I don’t think I’ve had a bad meal here yet! You really can’t go wrong with anywhere you choose to eat. Most of these places we just stumbled upon walking the strip.

The Real Coconut - healthy, gf options, plant-based

Literally everything here is amazing! I recommend the fish tacos, pancakes, avo toast

Ilios - Greek Cuisine

Such a fun atmosphere! Loud, party vibes with great drinks and delicious food. Definitely recommend making a reservation ahead of time for the weekend. Went here twice and will be going back.

ARCA - Mexican Cuisine

Didn’t get to eat here, but every night had a long wait. Suppose to be really good food and looks cute on the inside.

Ocumare - Seafood

Good for a more chill night. Yummy tacos and tuna tostadas

La Zebra - Mexican Cuisine

We came here for appetizers after a beach day. View is directly the ocean and very chill beach vibes. We just got the guacamole and chips, everything was great.

Kyhra - Seafood, Meat, pretty much everything

We came here on a weeknight and it was the perfect vibe. Very chill and quiet. We got to eat in this cool egg shaped booth, very romantic vibe if that’s what you’re looking for. The chef was able to make me a dairy free seafood pasta and it was incredible. This place has a TON of options, so if you’re going with a group of picky eaters everyone will be able to find something.

Matcha Mama - Juice bar, açaí bowls

Cute “instagrammable” spot. I got an iced coconut matcha latte, it was fine. Didn’t try the food here but it looked good!

Olivia - Organic Market

Inside Hotelito Azul, one of my favs for breakfast! They have vegan pancakes, juices, smoothies, and coffee. Ask to eat outside of the beds for an ocean view!

Tora - Asian Fusion Cuisine

The best sushi I’ve ever had!!! Definitely a party vibe inside. The drinks, staff, and food was all so perfect. We got the edamame, spicy tuna roll, shrimp gyoza, tuna tempura tacos

Alma Verde - Healthy Breakfast/Lunch Spot

Towards the city of Tulum. Some of the best food I’ve had in Tulum. You have to try the blue matcha latte, pistachio latte, açaí & pitaya bowls, and avocado toast. Also a cheaper option since its not on the main strip of the beach.

Loco - Mediterranean Cuisine

Perfect for a chill/more quiet night. Great hummus, salads, and tuna tacos.

Meze - Mediterranean Cuisine

beautiful atmosphere. Food was okay, drinks were great!

Bagatelle - French Cuisine

I’ve been here during the day and night. Fun atmosphere both times! Everything I’ve eaten here was fantastic, can’t go wrong.

Chambo - Steakhouse & Seafood

The espresso martini here was the best espresso martini I’ve ever had. Such a fun place to go to on the weekend. Good music, sparklers, fun energy.

Parole - Italian Cuisine

I’ve been here twice now. Such a beautiful atmosphere. Staff is great! I wouldn’t say its the best Italian food you’ll ever have but it’s definitely delicious.

What to Do

Now, I would not say I am going to be the best tour guide. I honestly prefer to lay on the beach and just go out to dinner. So if you’re looking for adventures or museums to go to in Tulum, maybe find another blog or look up tiktok videos with ideas. But I will give you my list of ideas if you prefer to travel like me!

Looking for a chill beach day? You can basically hit up any hotel or beach club to lay out at, you’ll just have to either pay for the chair or food/drinks. Or you can bring towels and just find any empty spot on the beach.

If you want a more lively beach day, head over to one of the beach clubs. RosaNegra, Bagatelle, and Taboo are the ones I’ve been too. Going to be a more DJ, dancing, party vibe. You’ll pay for chairs/food but you can still lay out, eat really good food and go to the ocean. I’d recommend doing this at least once, super fun!

I’m not the biggest party gal but if you’re looking to go out, a few places we’ve gone to and really enjoyed are.

Ilios
Bagatelle
IT
Gitano
Papaya Playa Project
Vagalume

Don’t want to lay out? Rent bikes or a scooter for the day! You can drive up the strip and visit coffee shops or just go shopping in general. If you’re wanting to explore more, drive into town (40 min bike ride, 20 min scooter) and shop around there. There’s a cute mall area with really good food and one of my fav restaurants Alma Verde. Just be careful of cops, they will pull you over for anything…

Some other fun options-

go to one of the many Cenotes around Tulum
Head to the spa- Get massages, ice bath, sound bowls
Take a yoga class at Sanara Resort
Go to Caprice for dinner and a Burlesque show with singing and dancing!

A Healthy Avo’s Guide to Tulum

Where to Stay

What to Eat

What to Do

How to Transition to a Plant Based Diet