5 Ways to Zen in Tulum
Before booking a trip, I always research a destination to be sure it has the four things I need: nature, good food, kind people and a sense of spirituality. For me, Tulum was all of these things and much more. Finding zen was not hard in this mystical place with it's intoxicating colors and luscious scenery. A perfect combination of beach and jungle, almost untouched by development and loved by it's locals.
Dine and dance under the stars - Find a restaurant in the middle of the jungle like Kitchen Table and eat as the locals do. My boyfriend had booked a reservation here before our trip and it has since become one of my favorite restaurants. We ordered the grilled octopus and beef shoulder and paired them with a mojito. Looking up at the trees basked in candlelight, this place was also overwhelmingly romantic. Major points to the boyfriend. We will be back.
On certain nights, restaurants like Gitano offer music and dancing under their disco ball. Papaya Playa hosts parties each full moon but we were one week late! ARCA is another gem in the jungle to grab dinner or a drink. I immediately noticed all the service we received at each was outstanding.
Be barefoot at the bar - Being at the beach with a drink in hand is obviously a priority when visiting Tulum but there are about a dozen ways to do so. Whether it's laying in a hammock, lounging on a cabana or asking to be pushed on a swing - yes a swing - every bar has it's charm. We fell in love with CoCo Tulum and visited it twice. Be Tulum was also a go to for it's margaritas.
Tacos + beer, repeat - I believe the best way to experience a new place is through authentic food so thankfully for us, the options for local Mexican cuisine were limitless. We ate our way through half the city but we left the trip missing shrimp tacos and beer. Our favorite place was Taqueria La Eufemia perfectly nestled on the beach.
Swim with the Mayans - Cenotes are in plenty and they are magical, literally magical. Mayans used cenotes to perform sacrifices to their Gods and depended on them for water as do millions of trees in Tulum's jungle. We visited Cenote dos Ojos near our hotel and took a private snorkeling tour. A tour we had no clue we paid for until we arrived and one that was completely worth it. Being a miles deep in a giant cave filled with bats, minerals and quite possibly bones was remarkable.
Visit the ruins - The ruins of Tulum's once thriving city give a haunting feeling to anyone who visits the city by the sea. It's also a strangely spiritual place if you choose it to be. Opt to visit as soon as they open as tourists come pouring in shortly after.
