What a beautiful place with beautiful people and good food. I got back from Tulum last Wednesday but in reality only enjoyed 3 of the 5 days I was there. My flight left Saturday morning at 9a and I arrived to Cancun at 1 ish. We then had to wait for a friend who was arriving an hour after us. It was a 2 hour drive to Tulum from Cancun airport. I recommend staying 7 days, considering 2 are travel days.
I flew jet blue and had no issues, everything ran smoothly. The plane wasn’t too crowded, I had an aisle seat and both seats on the side of me were empty. Masks are to be worn at all times.
We booked a shuttle with an outside company called Cancun airport transportation, in advance. It came out to be a little less than the the shuttle our hotel was providing.
This was 1 of the few trips where I didn’t have an itinerary, I went to relax and go with the flow. Although I did want to go see the ruins, but, we didn’t get a chance to. It is just another reason for me to go back.
Covid requirements
You are required to wear your masks at all times in the airport and on the plane.
Mexico doesn’t require testing nor test results.
Coming back to NY you are required to fill out a contact information sheet before you leave the airport.
I self quarantined for a week and then took the rapid test which came out negative.
Hotel
We stayed at Alaya, a beautiful boutique hotel located on the beach side of Tulum. It was beautiful; it felt like we were living in a tree house. There are 23 units in this hotel, our room had 2 double beds, outside screened patio and partial ocean view. You can hear the ocean while you sleep, there’s nothing more soothing to me.
The staff was extremely nice and accommodating.
Places to eat
Funky Geisha – The vibe was incredible, you felt good as soon as you walk in. The food was Asian Bistro and was flavorful. We were celebrating my girls birthday and they came out with a cake and sparklers for everyone on our side of the restaurant. It was a sight to see.
Gitano – I first heard of this restaurant, and Tulum really, when they had a pop shop in NYC. I fell in love with the ambiance, food and drinks. And lo and behold the original was so much better, we went on Sunday night, we had 7p reservations. There was a live salsa band and the food was delicious.
Wild – we went here for dinner and the food was OK but the decor in this place was amazing. As we were looking around and taking pics 🙂 we stumbled upon the owner and it is female owned, which I love. I’m all about woman empowerment and women supporting women. But sorry I wouldn’t go back. I encourage you to give it a try, maybe they had an off day, you never know.
XooK – It has a big plastic shark hanging from the ceiling you can’t miss it lol We came here for lunch. The fish is fresh, you actually pick the fish you want first from their seafood market. You then then can have it prepared in about 6 different ways. I enjoyed it. I had a red snapper and grilled veggies and it was *chef’s kiss*.
Chambao – A steakhouse with a beautiful decor and live entertainment consisting of aerial silk acrobatics. The drinks and food were perfect, the ambience is chic and sexy. I like ordering a few things to share, so we ordered waygu tartar, brussel sprouts, crab cake, red snapper ceviche and bone in rib eye. Everything was delicious. I recommend making reservations in advance and requesting the bench for a larger group, it’s the best seat in the house.
I Scream Bar – There is a little ice cream stand in front of the bar that serves vegan ice cream. They give you samples and all flavors are really good but my favorite was banana cookies.
Attractions
Casa de tortuga Cenotes – It’s 25 USD or whatever the current exchange rate is in pesos, but you have to have exact change. We booked a cab with our hotel, it cost $90 in total and he waited in the parking lot of the cenotes until we were done. Once you are inside they rent lockers for $3 and if you want to take pictures you need the plastic pouch for underwater. There isn’t really anywhere to put your things.
There are 3 cenotes, i don’t want to ruin the experience for you but it is definitely a must see if you’re a nature lover like myself.
This was the only adventure we took on my visit, this trip was more of relaxation and enjoying what our hotel had to offer. I most definitely intend on returning.
Transportation
Cancun airport transportation – Shuttle service to and from the airport. Their phone # is 888-234-0557.
We were within walking distance from most of the restaurants and bars so we didn’t need much transportation. We booked a cab to the cenotes with our hotel and he stayed with us for most of the day.
If you want to bike ride make sure to book them in advance with your hotel because they rent out quick, there are a lot of bike riders.
What I wore
My footwear consisted of chancletas or none at all for the most part. At night I wanted to fell dressed up so I wore strappy sandals with a kitten heel. The orange one I was seen wearing with the farm rio dress is from Baker’s, and if you know that store no longer exists. The aqua silver and gold strappy sandals are sold out. Below I’ve added similar styles.
I hope the tips were helpful and you enjoyed the looks! Comment below and let me know if you plan on visiting Tulum.
