This week, we're launching Gothamist's travel content, Gothamist Getaways. Four times a year, we'll have a week of posts featuring looks at travel, food, products and tips, near and far, for making your trips more pleasurable. So enjoy and let us know if you have any hints for us—email [email protected].
Even though it's become a celebrity stomping ground—and ex-Brooklynites opened up the hot restaurant, Hartwood—Tulum still manages to retain its original boho-awesomeness and not feel overrun. Here are some tips on enjoying the natural Yucatan and stunning Mayan ruins.
RENT A CAR: Though you can make do with taxis and bicycles, make a reservation for a rental car from the Cancun airport. Why's that? The drive from the airport is relatively easy and cost-wise, you'll likely end up spending less on a rental than what you'll spend on a car service to and from the airport to your hotel.
BRING CASH: American dollars are accepted in Tulum but credit cards are not as welcome, due to processing fees. More inconveniently, sometimes ATMs are broken. So do yourself a favor and bring cold hard cash. It will save you a world of headaches.
STAY HERE: Though the service at this very small hotel is seriously low-key (you'll have to search for staff to say, place a drink order), what Suenos lacks in bellhops it more than makes up for with its private, secluded feel. Eco-friendly and located on one of the best stretches of beach with a small pool, you'll have access to fresh margaritas, complimentary breakfasts and intimate yoga classes during your stay.
Casa de las Olas is another eco-friendly resort with ocean-front suites. In November, they also offer a six-day cooking retreat led by the folks from Hartwood. And if you're looking to work out, the Amansala Resort and Spa is home to Bikini Boot Camp, six days of beach walks, fitness classes, yoga, all meals, and yoga!
Casa Violeta
: For pasta and seafood, Casa Violeta is a delicious option that takes advantage of local foods and health-conscious preparations. Posada Margherita is more expensive but also delectable.
For some Mexican, try El Tabano where the red chicken wins raves.
SWEAT LODGE, MAYAN MASSAGE: For a classic tezmacal, the traditional Mayan sweatlodge experience, we'd recommended Maya Spa. Also, the aforementioned Casa Violeta actually runs the best tezmacal in the area (see this page for info) anyway, so head there for a better (and hopefully more reliable) experience.
After sweating it all out, perhaps you'll need a decadent Mayan massage from Mayan Clay Spa.
