T U L U M, MEXICO — Suzanna Hendricks

This past May I took my first international trip in over a decade! Even though I worked on international human rights issues over the last 8 years, and the majority of my community is filled friends who travel the world for work and pleasure - I found myself stateside for far too long! I have lived all over the U.S. and with free time I always elected to visit family in the Pacific Northwest. Last Fall, I postponed taking a trip to France and Italy, and in the early Spring, I revisited taking my previously planned international trip to get away and rest. As I explored where to go - Italy, France, Portugal, Belize ….nothing felt quite right. Except, Tulum and Isla Mujeres. I kept hearing about it’s turquoise water, cenotes, amazing food and beautiful design.

I am so glad I followed my intuition - I fell in love. Both locations were magic ( more on Isla Mujeres later). I woo’ed one of my little sisters and two close friends to join and we had the most incredible week. For anyone wanting to explore these locations, I wanted to share the recommendations that were given to me, ones I researched and those local spots you can only find once you go.

But, if you take anything away from this trip overview — just go. Pack your bags, find a few friends and get yourself to Mexico.

Lodging

{Days 1-3} We split the first 5 days into part inclusive resort and part AirBnB. It was the perfect balance. Starting the trip at Kore Tulum Retreat ; they have a wonderful staff, spacious rooms and are right.on.the.water. Food was mediocre but the oceanside cabanas were the trade off. They are situated on the cliffs and there is no direct beach access. Wake up early and save your cabana before breakfast ( we learned the hard way!). Pro’s: located on the “Hotel Zone” strip and an easy cab to the epic center of top restaurants and resorts, and right on the water. (Tip: don’t pay more than 150 pesos for a one way cab ride). Cons: So/So food + drinks

My best friend of ten years was the first to join the trip! We landed in Cancun, rented a car and drove to Tulum. Soaked up all the R + R and took full advantage of the quiet days together.

{Day 3-6} We transitioned from the Hotel Zone to a beautiful Air BnB set just outside of town. The design was beautiful, host incredible and very responsive. There was some construction across the street which killed the envisioned quiet mornings by the pool. It was a bit further from the main road (and down unpaved country roads) than we thought! But, with a car you’re set location wise! It’s a dreamy spot and so beautiful.

Food & Must Explore

My friend Nicole said visiting Sanara Tulum was a must. She was so right. After checking out of Kore Tulum and with a few hours before my sister and friend Jessica arrived, Katie and I parked - walked the “Hotel Zone” and made our way to the Sanara’s onsite restaurant: The Real Coconut. Heaven on earth might be their dairy, gluten, sugar, and grain free menu right on the ocean and white sand beach. It’s a smaller boutique hotel that I am determined to return too. We lingered for 2+ hours over lunch and then brought Sarah and Jessica back the next day….. and then Jess and I went back a day later. It’s worth it.

Yoga @ Sanara: the most extraordinary yoga shala I’ve experienced. An incredible instructor led us in a stunning studio overlooking the water. Open to the public, I would highly recommend attending a class while you’re visiting. They opened the doors and the sea breeze flooded into the most fluid, thoughtful yoga instruction I’ve ever had. Classes are $20 USD, and they provide mats if needed.

There are countless, STUNNING, ocean front hotels in Tulum. For a creative heart it’s like vacationing in your dream world. At night the streets, hotels and restaurants are lined with candles, the sounds of the jungle singing over you, and the stunning high design yet rustic feel that is found everywhere is enough to make you never want to leave. I read a lot about how Tulum is a spiritual oasis for many - and those elements of healing, wellness, beauty are integrated everywhere.

We were all hoping for a beach day (in comfort) and chose to spend it at the NOMADE Hotel. If you’re not a guest you need to meet their $65/pp F & B minimum. We found cabana beds and spent the day resting and eating delicious food. I kept walking around taking photos of the spaces - they are filled with this blend of Mexican Boho Minimalist and Middle Eastern design. The entire property is like stepping into another world.

Tulum is equitable to spending a week in a city like San Diego or LA cost wise - unless you find the super cheap in town spots. But if you want to be the near the water or are interested in more foodie spots you’ll want to venture to the Hotel Zone. One night we visited Gitano and had incredible mezcal and light dinner fare. Was one of the best spots in addition to the Real Coconut that we made it too! The area is incredibly health + wellness focused and it’s experienced through the high quality of food and types of menus. Fresh fruit, tacos, coconut and plantain flour alternatives are found everywhere. Half of our crew is gluten and dairy free for health reasons, and the food was incredible.

Cenotes

We didn’t make it to the Mayan Ruins (which I still wish we would have), but did manage to fit in a quick trip to a Cenote. There are countless located in the area and pending if you want to scuba dive, swim, or explore there are many options. We found one about 15 minutes off the main road from Tulum Town and then headed straight for NOMADE.

Rest & Play

Day 4 I realized this was actually the first trip of simply rest and play I might have ever taken as an adult. I “travel” often for work and visiting people I love - but this trip was deeply rejuvenating. It also reminded me the importance of intentional rest and simple days surrounded by things that you love. Promised myself I would do a trip like this once a year.

Trip Tips:

Go in “shoulder season” — we went early May and it was quiet, better rates and still great weather
There is a lot of seaweed in Tulum, it wasn’t present in Isla Mujeres off the coast of Cancun, but it’s a disappointing aspect of being there. It’s not always there, but happened to be coming in pretty bad. The locals work really hard to clear it but it lines the beaches in mass.
Rent a car vs taking a bus if you want to do different activities. We were torn about the extra expense but it was so worth it. Make sure they give you a GPS :)
Exchange into Pesos once you leave the airport - better rates!
Download WhatsApp - most spots had wifi we could use
I made an idiot of myself not knowing Spanish on one of our cab rides 😂 and wish I taken the time to learn some basics to be thoughtful in communicating.
We all know this, but don’t drink the water.
Barter for cab fares
We didn’t make it to Be: Tulum and Azulik but add them to your list!
Due to the spots we dined and beach access we wanted - food cost us close to $60/$75 a day when eating in the Hotel Zone vs. Tulum Town. We tried to do breakfast at the air bnb, lunch + dinner out. Or offset an expensive meal with cheap, cheap tacos.
Next time we will plan a whole day for a more immersive Cenote, and ask the locals! Don’t get caught in the tourist trap locations.
Parts of the trip will seem like everyone is Instagramming - which is true - and can feel like you’re in a trendy city at times.
Bring bug spray!

Tulum truly was an oasis for rest and beauty, I cannot wait to visit again! Deeply grateful for the friends who helped make the trip possible <3

-Suz

(All photos taken on the iPhone 10XR)