Many of us dream of waking up in the morning and opening the door onto a pristine, endless beach; a place where the sea is your soundtrack and you can eat tacos for breakfast.
Lucky for us, this place exists in Mexico’s boho beach village of Tulum.
It’s here that the dream becomes a reality. As well as the beach there’s delicious cocktails and ancient ruins. What better way to experience it than from your own beachside cabaña?
Getting There
For a getaway to Tulum, start by landing at Cancun airport (CUN). It’s a relatively short flight – about 3 hours from NYC and 4.5 from LA. Once you’re there, Tulum is a smooth 2-hour drive south from Cancun. Whether you’re into renting a car, grabbing a taxi, or opting for a shuttle, the journey to Tulum is pretty straightforward.
When to Go & Weather
Summers get sizzling hot, and rain likes to join the party from June to October. My tip? Late February was spot on for us – the weather was just PERFECT. It’s an ideal winter escape from November to April/May, but honestly, Tulum’s magic works year-round.
Getting around
No car? No problem! We went for bikes, and trust me, it’s a must-do. Cruising along the sandy main beach road is pure bliss. Skip the rental car unless you plan to venture way beyond the beach. We lined up activities, and the hotel sorted shuttles for us – hassle-free. Tulum’s all about the laid-back vibe, so embrace the joy of walking and biking. Most hotels offer bike rentals or can arrange taxis/shuttles for your excursions.
How long to Stay:
A long weekend works, but I’d recommend at least 3 nights. Trust me, there’s so much to do and countless fantastic restaurants that a whole week won’t leave you bored (we stayed a full week!).
Where to Stay:
Tulum’s main tourist hub isn’t in the town but along the beach. Book a spot along Tulum’s beach area – that’s where the action is, from trendy restaurants to boutique hotels and, of course, the BEACH.
Amansala
Amansala’s an eco-chic bohemian boutique hotel, yoga and wellness-centered, right on the beach. Think boho sun beds, stunning decor, and they throw in breakfast, wifi, and bike rentals with your stay.
This place is stunning, with a luxe villa vibe right on the beach, complete with pools. The best part? Walking through the sand as you explore the hotel.
Papaya Playa Project
Unique alert! This hotel’s got the coolest rooftops, organic architecture, and breathtaking views. It’s definitely in the “unique hotels” category.
Coco Tulum
Super cute alert! White swings, beachfront charm, and more budget-friendly than many other boutique hotels. Plus, it’s super Instagrammable.
La Valise
For an elegant twist on Tulum’s boho chic, check out La Valise. Unique open architecture and a vibe that screams luxe bohemian.
Azulik
Iconic alert! Azulik’s a boho luxury dream, complete with rooftop bathtubs, giant net hammocks, and all the feels of staying in a ridiculously luxurious treehouse (with the price tag to match).
Nomade Tulum
Finally, let’s talk about where we stayed.
This place exudes a unique charm with its bohemian spirit. Nestled right on the beach, Nomade offers a holistic experience, blending eco-consciousness with luxury. Picture yourself in stylish boho-chic surroundings, enjoying the ocean breeze.
These little huts have everything you would normally find in a hotel (bed, shower and WC) but with a few twists. Instead of a regular corner shower, I found an outside conch shell shower using filtered sea water.
Sounds like paradise, right? These small touches make cabaña stays an experience in themselves, but there are a few things you should know before you book to make your stay the best it can be and stop the dream turning into a nightmare!
Garden or seafront cabaña?
The decision between a garden or seafront cabaña may seem as simple as choosing between waking up to the sound of exotic birds or the crashing waves, but there’s more to consider.
Garden cabañas are more susceptible to bugs and wildlife from the trees, and the crashing waves of a sea front cabaña may have you up all hours nipping to that outdoor bathroom in the dark. I dreamed of opening my door to the swaying palms, but in reality, a bug-less room was my number one priority!
Outside spaces
After a long day of sunbathe-swim-repeat, a shady spot to read your book or have a doze is perfect before taking on the next round of Coronas or the free salsa lesson taking place next door.
Make sure your cabaña has somewhere undercover, with a gentle sea breeze and maybe even a hammock for chilling out.
Mosquito nets
Even the more luxurious cabañas can still be susceptible to mosquitoes. Make sure yours has a decent mosquito net without holes, and make sure you use it.
More rustic cabañas may have unique touches (read: holes in the roof) which means any number of nasties can and will get in! If any do, ask the reception or bar if they have bug spray to kill intruders.
Unique touches
Whilst a living tree poking through the middle of your cabaña and into the roof may feel like a great creative touch at first, the next Caribbean storm will see it creaking as it sways, and adding even more humidity to your room as it absorbs the rain. Storms are common, and amazing to experience (especially if you’re from the UK where a rumble of thunder is front page news) but weathering them in a cabaña can leave you feeling exposed to the elements.
I am the girl who opted for the cabaña with the tree poking through the roof, and after two nights and no sleep I ended up having to move to another room one storey up. So, instead of holes in the roof, look for unique touches like taps made from sea shells, local art on display or eco-friendly bath products.
What to pack
Tulum’s laid back lifestyle is a million miles away from the brightly coloured spring-breakers of Cancun, and its atmosphere means a whole new pack list.
Make sure you’ve got plenty of tropical strength insect repellent and those comfy elephant print trousers you bought in Thailand. All your backpacking staples are welcome here, but you’ll find new treasures in any of the shops along the beach road. Save space in your bag and support local crafters as they walk along the beaches with their handmade creations for sale. I picked up a cute anklet which will stay on my ankle for years!
Watch out for turtles
Tulum Beach is a nesting beach for turtles. In perfect conditions in May/June when the sky is clear and the wind is coming from the north east, these magnificent animals come to lay their eggs.
We were lucky enough to see one and stare for hours into the darkness as she hauled herself from the sea across the beach, dug a hole and laid eggs, then disappeared into the water. Such a miracle, which could happen just metres from your cabaña front door! Next on my list is returning to see the baby turtles hatching!
However you decide to plan your Tulum cabaña escape, have a wonderful time and a Corona for me!
Co-Founder of the OFT Blog. Mother of 2 who disguises as a 9 to 5 finance professional on most days. She loves to travel, is an amateur website builder and cook. And given her day job, she loves travel planning and saving money. Follow along!
