Jennifer Dyer 

@solymargoddess

Tulum is located in the Mayan Jungle of the Caribbean Coastline off Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. Tulum is well known predominantly for its lush beaches, well-preserved Mayan ruins, and nomad-friendly ambience. Here’s why I love Tulum and why you will too.

When it comes to getting to Tulum, flying is not yet possible, as they are currently constructing an airport that won’t be completed until 2024. In the meantime, I recommend you fly into Cancún and take a shuttle or rent a car (the concierge company I work with can help you with this process). It only takes roughly 1 and a half hours, on a safe well-travelled road to get to the jungle of Tulum. 

In the ancient Mayan World, Tulum was called Zama (Dawn) due to Tulum’s spectacular sunrises. Tulum’s essence is extremely unique, really embracing all life, the lightness and the darkness. A beautiful place to recharge your energy, by letting the ocean cast a beautiful spell on you, while you unplug and enjoy a stylish boho-like beach vacation. 

The first time I visited, I knew this was going to be my home. I fell in love with all of Tulum. How could you not fall in love with being in paradise? Not to mention the central location. You’re so close to Valladolid, a busy Colonial City inland, or Bacalar Lagoon of the 7 Colors which is a water-sport haven, or even Holbox, Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, and many more beautiful destinations! (We’ll save this for another article! Giggle)

I also really love the expat community. Although there is still a large population of Mexicans and Mayans living in Tulum and the outskirts, there is a huge population of expats here too. Most are online personalities like influencers, crypto investors, models, etc. It’s such an incredible place to meet like-minded artistic people if that’s what you are looking for! 

But what should you do when in Tulum? Let me tell you my favourite things to enjoy while in this Mayan city.

10 must-do things in Tulum

1- Enjoy a sustainable dinner!

Hartwood is a premier restaurant in Tulum and for a good reason. What makes Hartwood such a unique place is its menu, which marks the expansion of an ever-growing culinary trend: focusing on local and fresh ingredients at all costs, ensuring sustainable meals only. 

For the team at the restaurant, this means getting inventive with flavours and creating dishes that utilize ingredients which are readily available during that season, which is why their menu is constantly changing. Book in advance, as it is always booked weeks out, and for a good reason.

2- Playa Paraiso Beach Club

If you want to just relax for the day on the beach, get served delicious margaritas and be waited on, but are on a budget – this is your spot! Super cute ambience but does not have sky-high prices, it is very reasonable, and a place where plenty of locals go, like me. 

3- Taboo Beach Club 

If you are looking for an experience that stimulates all your senses, in all the best ways, then Taboo is the place to be!  

Featuring bumping beach parties, live music and Mediterranean cuisine, Taboo is a great stop to lose yourself in Tulum without spending too much. If you want to party on the beach, and don’t have a big budget this is your spot! If you’re looking for calm zen-like beach day, you will probably want to give Taboo a miss!

4- Sabor de Mar 

For fresh locally caught seafood, Sabor de Mar is one of my favourite spots. When looking up don’t get worried if two of the same name pop up, there are 2 locations both equally as great! Try the ceviche tower, trust me! 

5- Mayan Ruins! 

You have to go to at least one ancient Mayan ruin when you’re in the Yucatán! Either check out Coba Ruins, Tulum Ruins or Muyil Ruins! All so unique, yet so different and definitely worth the visit.

6- Sian Ka’an Reserve

I took a day tour to this beautiful large reserve just a bit south of Tulum and it was such an unforgettable plan! Here, you’ll be able to see crocodiles, manatees, dolphins and all sorts of tropical birds from a boat. There are many tour companies that provide this tour, but feel free to send me a message if you’d like me to set you up with one! This really is an amazing experience, some companies offer snorkelling in the open ocean, and if you’re lucky, you may also have a dolphin experience, and enjoy floating down a lazy river.

7- Restaurante Suspiro 

This is my favourite lunch stop for a quick delicious burrito. Not a popular tourist destination, but good if you don’t want to spend a lot of time or money on lunch! Suspiro offers great and speedy service and a cute hotel restaurant! 

8- Cenotes! 

Tulum is known for its Cenotes, and you should definitely include at least one of these natural sinkholes in your trip. There are hundreds of thousands of them, all interconnecting. I would recommend a few close to town like Grand Cenote, Car Wash Cenote or Cenote Corazon!

9- Yoga at Ikal

Now, for a more relaxing day or when we need to stretch after all the partying, there is a beautiful place for yoga. Overlooking the ocean, Ikal is such a beautiful place to give some love back to your body. You can get day passes to classes for under $20usd. 

10- Leaf Spa

This beautiful spa is the perfect place to unwind from all your adventures! It includes a sauna, jacuzzi, cold plunge and pools. Just book a facial, massage or treatment and you can relax for the day and recharge at the spa. Enjoy!

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About the author 

My name is Jennifer Dyer. I am a Professional Model, Online Influencer and Personal Trainer with an emphasis on preventative health through yoga, pilates and movement. 

I am also the founder of The Sol y Mar Boutique, a non-profit organization where I donate all my proceeds to a project I work with frequently, the Cozumel Coral Restoration Project. The money goes towards scuba gear, lab equipment, education materials etc. to help keep this underwater project up and going. 

If you ever do find your way to Tulum, Mexico make sure to give me a shout as I also work with many concierge companies that can facilitate you, to make your trip even that much more extravagant! Salud!

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