Category Archives: Travel

Casa Malca Hotel in Tulum

Mexico › Tulum › Hotels › Casa Malca Review
Updated: March 9, 2022

Essentials
• Location: On beach in quiet area, near many restaurants.
• Hotel website: casamalca.com
• Hotel phone: +52 998 502 0363
• Check prices for Casa Malca

Casa Malca hotel’s large funky entrance approach from the beach road.

Casa Malca – Stylish, art-focused hotel with 3 outstanding restaurants, a creative bar, a beach club, 2 pools (1 is underground), complimentary bicycles, and free sunset yoga on the rooftop terrace. Each design-forward suite features an eclectic mix of antique and contemporary décor and original artwork from owner Lio Malca’s extensive private collection. The hotel is kid-friendly all year long, except for the weeks surrounding New Year’s Eve when it becomes an adults-only spot during Tulum’s EDM festivals. Located on a white, sandy beach within a 10-minute walk of Sian Ka’an biosphere reserve and several of Tulum’s best restaurants and bars.

Casa Malca Hotel Tulum

The pool at Casa Malca is one of the largest of any hotel in Tulum.

Shady sun beds on the gorgeous beach.

Hanging furniture at main door to hotel.

Comfy lobby lounge.

Lobby view out toward the beach.

Ornate lobby decor.

Hotel reception desk.

Bikes available for use by hotel guests.

Stunning rooftop lounge.

Ocean view from rooftop.

Jungle view from rooftop.

Philosophy Restaurant menu board.

Philosophy Restaurant interior.

Philosophy Restaurant’s open kitchen.

Philosophy Restaurant as seen from street.

Haring Bar with signature cocktails

Haring Bar lounge area.

Pathway from the beach to the main pool.

Very large pool just steps away from the beach.

Excellent pool, one of the best in Tulum.

Wide open beachfront.

Captains chair at the beach.

Thatch teepees in the sand.

The beach stretches on for miles in both directions.

Rooftop view down to room patio.

Garden view suite.

Garden view suite interior.

Garden view suite.

Groundfloor patio of a garden view suite.

Floating furniture at hotel entrance.

Accommodation as seen from beach side.

Back of main building.

Statuary in the garden.

Tulum Hotel Map

Tulum Hotel Map and Where to Stay on Tulum Beach

Coco Tulum Hotel

Mexico › Tulum › Hotels › Coco Tulum Review
Updated: March 9, 2022

Essentials
• Location: On a quiet beach near a few great restaurants.
• Hotel website: cocotulum.com
• Hotel phone: +52 554 169 2072
• Check prices for Coco Tulum

A shaded waterfront platform used for a yoga space in the mornings; has hammocks in the afternoons.

Coco Tulum – Cozy cabanas, rooms/tower rooms with ocean/garden views in a laid-back, beachfront, eco-hotel. Has budget cabanas with shared bathrooms, high-end tower rooms with splendid views with terraces, and a lone suite with jacuzzi. The hotel is split between the quieter ‘Zen-Zone’ and the more social ‘Coco Beach’, directly adjacent to each other with slightly different accommodation and vibes. Has a beach bar, temazcal, yoga classes, Mexican-Italian restaurant and many good restaurants within walking distance.

Coco Tulum Hotel

The gorgeous beach stretched on for miles in both directions.

The beachside bar and lounge zone.

Coco Tulum as seen from the street.

The reception desk area.

Bikes available for guest use.

The bar at Diavola Restaurant on the front side of the property, serving Mexican-Italian cuisine.

A popular patio and lounge with wood fired pizzas and other treats.

The beach bar and kitchen.

Swinging chairs facing toward the beautiful Caribbean waters.

The deck is a popular spot for happy hour and nighttime cocktails.

Shaded areas for hammocks and sun beds. The presence of seaweed seen along the beach here has been less of a problem more recently along Tulum’s beaches.

Massage pavilion.

Temazcal for health and spiritual ceremonies.

One of the lovely cabanas tucked into the sand just off the beach.

2-story accommodation just behind the smaller cabanas.

Some of the less expensive accommodations offer shared bathroom facilities.

Tulum Hotel Map

tulum coco hotel map

Be Tulum Beach & Spa Resort

Mexico › Tulum › Hotels › Be Tulum Review
Updated: March 9, 2022

Essentials
• Location: On a quiet beach near many restaurants.
• Hotel website: betulum.com
• Hotel phone: +52 55 4169 2072
• Check prices for Be Tulum

One of two pools at Be Tulum hotel.

Be Tulum – Super-stylish, beachfront, spa resort with 2 pools having a lineup of fantastic designer suites with cowhide rugs, leather chairs, and private balconies. Depending on the type, suites may have private plunge pools, indoor copper tubs, roof top solariums/terraces with pools, private gardens/pools, and small kitchens. Be Tulum also boasts two restaurants, a raw food bar, beach bar, yoga studio, meditation classes, and a spa.

Be Tulum Hotel

Welcoming open-air reception and lobby area.

Room accommodations surrounded by jungle.

Verdant pathway through the jungle gardens of the hotel.

A small pool on the edge of the beachfront.

A smaller pool in the space where the jungle meets the waterfront.

Beautiful garden in the exterior of the large wellness center and spa.

Practicing in the yoga and meditation palapa.

An altar in the yoga and meditation practice space.

A winding path among the wellness center facilities.

Exterior of the large wellness center and spa.

The bar at Ocumare Restaurant.

A chef’s meeting at Ocumare Restaurant.

Maresias raw bar restaurant at the beach.

Enjoying oysters at Maresias raw bar restaurant at the beach.

Beautiful clothing and jewelry in the boutique.

Items for sale in the boutique at the wellness center.

Hotel rooms surrounded by lush vegetation.

The beach bar.

Large open patio lounge overlooking the beach.

Great beach bar.

Lounge zone where the jungle meets the beach.

Great spot for a snack or a drink.

Sun beds at the beach.

Tables in the sand at Four Fuegos Restaurant.

Lounge zone in the sand at 4 Fuegos Restaurant.

Lounge seating at Four Fuegos Restaurant.

Tesla electric car charging station.

Tulum Hotel Map

tulum hotel map be tulum

Hotel Cabañas Tulum

Mexico › Tulum › Hotels › Hotel Cabañas Review
Updated: March 9, 2022

Essentials
• Location: On a quiet beach near many great restaurants.
• Hotel website: hotelcabanastulum.com
• Hotel phone: +52 984 157 9645
• Check prices for Hotel Cabañas

Swing set at the beach at Hotel Cabañas.

Hotel Cabañas – Beachfront hotel offering a pool and a holistic spa. Its spacious rooms and suites feature up to 3 bedrooms; many include private jacuzzis. The sister property of The Beach Tulum, Cabañas Tulum shares the same fantastic swimming beach and Ziggy’s Restaurant and Beach Club, along with its own restaurant and beach bar Fresco’s. Minimum age for hotel guests is 14.

Ziggy Beach Club at Hotel Cabañas Tulum

https://vimeo.com/480945083

Hotel Cabañas Tulum

Ocean views from a private patio.

Lobby lounge area.

The pool zone.

Guests at reception during check in.

Gorgeous beachfront.

Perfect hammock to relax in at the beach.

Cold drinks at the beach bar.

Exterior of rooms facing toward the beach.

Fresco’s Bar in the sand.

Fresco’s health food restaurant.

Common space between buildings.

The jacuzzi.

Comfortable rooms.

Bedroom with door to patio facing out to the beach.

Stairs up to the upper level rooms.

Private jacuzzi and space to relax.

Ocean view from an upper level room.

Tulum Hotel Map

tulum hotel cabanas map

Hotel Bardo Tulum

Mexico › Tulum › Hotels › Bardo Review
Updated: March 9, 2022

Essentials
• Location: In the Tulum Pueblo, walking distance to restaurants and shopping.
• Hotel website: hotelbardo.mx
• Hotel phone: +52 984 807 1433
• Check prices for Bardo

Swimming pool as seen from the Kinky Bar at Hotel Bardo.

Bardo – Elegant boutique hotel of contemporary luxury surrounded by lush greenery on the outskirts of the Tulum Pueblo. A large pool, excellent Milum restaurant, and Kinky Room bar with lounge, temazcal, and large yoga and meditation practice space. Villas are large and private, with semi-outdoor showers and splash pools.

Hotel Bardo

Hotel Bardo has one of the best pools in Tulum.

Surrounded by greenery, it feels like a jungle oasis.

Emerald beauty.

Kinky Bar next to the pool is a great spot to enjoy cocktails or fresh juices throughout the day.

Stylish lounge next to Kinky Bar.

Many quiet places to relax.

A fire pit for night time gatherings.

The center piece table in Minum Restaurant.

Great food and drinks.

Open-air reception area.

A great place to enjoy the day.

Unique pop up boutique shop in reception area run out of a vintage Volkswagen Bus.

Yoga and meditation practice space.

The pathway between villas under the tree canopy.

Entrance to Villa #10.

Large beautiful villa with lounge.

Beautiful aesthetics.

Tulum Hotel Map

tulum hotel map bardo

Alaya Tulum Hotel

Mexico › Tulum › Hotels › Alaya Review
Updated: March 9, 2022

Essentials
• Location: On a quiet beach near many great restaurants.
• Hotel website: ahaucollection.com
• Hotel phone: +52 984 159 1696
• Check prices for Alaya

lounge chairs looking out to ocean sun beds

Beautiful beachfront zone at Alaya hotel.

Alaya – Beautiful, beachfront boutique hotel with airy, light-filled beach cabanas/apartments, villas and suites having wooden floors, floor-to-ceiling windows with bi-folding doors and terraces. Apartments add small kitchens. Has a Latin American restaurant, outdoor eco gym, yoga lessons, kitesurfing and paddle surfing. The beach is a hotspot for sea turtles/nesting sites (during the season).

Alaya Tulum Hotel

Entrance to reception lobby.

Walkway to the beach between accommodation buildings.

The gorgeous beach stretches on for miles in both directions.

Guest accommodation buildings as seen from the beach.

Alaya Tulum reception desk.

Hotel beach cruiser bikes for guest use.

Beach bar stand.

Restaurant patio seating.

Restaurant seating area.

Restaurant deck and kitchen window.

Yoga and meditation palapa and practice space.

Wellness board with available activities.

Entrance to the hotel from the main beach road.

Hotel parking zone.

Exterior of accommodation buildings.

Deck chairs looking out to the ocean.

Interior of ocean view bedroom.

Large bed in ocean view room.

Inside of ocean view king room.

Ocean view room bathroom.

Sun beds on the beach at Alaya.

Seating under the coconut palms perfect for relaxing with a meal or drink.

Tulum Hotel Map

tulum hotel map Alaya

Ahau Hotel Tulum

Mexico › Tulum › Hotels › Ahau Review
Updated: March 9, 2022

Essentials
• Location: On the beach near many restaurants.
• Hotel website: ahaucollection.com
• Hotel phone: +52 984-803-2243
• Check prices for Ahau

Ahau has a large and gorgeous beachfront zone of sun beds.

Ahau – Wellness-focused, pet-friendly, beachfront hotel with outstanding food, eclectic rooms, and an extensive program of yoga, meditation, and healing rituals. Their onsite restaurants use fresh, organic, local ingredients in partnership with Mayan farmers and offer top-notch menus for vegans and meat-eaters alike. The beach here is amazing: sandy and swimmable, well-organized with beach beds and hammocks, well-served by the beach bar and grill, and with their own kite surfing school. Ahau is in the heart of Tulum’s beach zone, walking distance to amazing restaurants and nightlife.

Ahau Hotel Tulum

Live music at the bar.

The gorgeous beach stretches on for miles in both directions.

Oceanfront accommodation on the beach.

Raw coconuts arriving to a sun bed near you.

The approach to the beachfront.

Surf boards and kayaks ready for guest use.

Shady sun beds on the beach.

Entrance to the restaurant.

Thatched roof, lounge vibes.

Very bright and airy.

Great place to ear or drink and relax.

Raw Love vegan eatery is a great spot to enjoy some healthy treats.

A great spot to escape the heat, relax, work or study.

Fresh juices, fruits and veggies in a variety of exciting and creative combinations.

Yoga studio mats and ropes.

Yoga Studio loft.

Bikes for guest use.

Events board.

Sandy path between accommodation.

Exterior of master suite.

Master Suite.

Namaste shop.

Namaste shop interior.

Security desk.

Fruit bowl at Raw Love.

Tulum Hotel Map

Tulum Hotel Map and Where to Stay on Tulum Beach

Mezzanine Hotel in Tulum

Mexico › Tulum › Hotels › Mezzanine Review
Updated: March 9, 2022

Essentials
• Location: On the beach in a quiet area, near the ruins.
• Hotel website: mezzaninetulum.com
• Hotel phone: +52 984-115-4728
• Check prices for Mezzanine

Mezzanine is a beautiful hotel in the north beach zone of Tulum. On a small bluff, the large patio has a 180 degree view overlooking the ocean.

Mezzanine – Gorgeous, oceanfront, boutique hotel with refined, economical ‘non-view’ rooms, sea view rooms, and master suites, all with mini bars, yoga mats, and coffee/tea baskets (delivered daily). The 2 master suites add coffee makers, soaking tubs, bluetooth speakers, lounge areas and large private terraces overlooking the beach. Mezzanine has a pool, Thai restaurant, bar, lovely long beach (steps from the hotel), and is a short bike ride from the Tulum ruins. Guests here are also allowed to use the facilities of the group’s sister hotels along the beach – Mi Amor, La Zebra, and El Pez.

Mezzanine Hotel Tulum

The kidney shaped pool is located between guest rooms and the patio.

Many quiet and romantic spaces to relax and enjoy the views.

Playa Paraiso beach is only a few stairs away.

The hotel is on a short bluff, surrounded by vegetation.

Sunbeds for the people.

Rooms with water facing views.

Below the patio deck is a shaded corridor of sunbeds facing out to the water.

Sea view room.

Loft in sea view room.

The authentic Thai restaurant has excellent food.

Playa Maya, the adjacent public beach, is typically most crowded on Sundays with local families.

Hammock zone.

Patio beauty.

Stairs to beach.

Bar nook.

Walkway to rooms.

Shaded sunbeds.

Cafe lounge tables.

Cafe seating on the deck.

Acai bowl breakfast.

Tulum Hotel Map

Tulum Hotel Map and Where to Stay on Tulum Beach

Sayulita Restaurants

Mexico › Best Sayulita Restaurants
Updated: March 8, 2022

The 4 Best Restaurants in Sayulita

El Itacate • $

An itacate, the restaurant’s namesake dish, is a burrito wrapped in fried cheese instead of a tortilla. Fillings can be chicken, pork, fish, or vegetarian (and not just beans! a great veggie mix of cactus, chilies, mushrooms, carrots, and cheese), but they are most famous for their beef. Steak tacos are a big hit here, and they offer a good variety of beef cuts and cooking styles. The queso fundido, basil pineapple agua fresca, and house-made salsas are not to be missed. Seating is limited to just four little tables directly on the street. There is usually a wait unless you hit them up right as they open at 3:00.

• Location

Restaurant Yeikame • $

This casual, family-run restaurant specializes in traditional, pre-Hispanic foods alongside popular, Mexican classics. Everything on the menu is superb, but they’re most popular for their green chorizo nachos, pre-Hispanic soup, chile relleno, and marinated pork. All dishes are served with a variety of salsas, fresh blue corn tortillas, and flavorful beans. This is a great spot to visit with family and friends for sharing plates and sampling new flavors. Killer margaritas, too!

• Location

Wakika Heladeria • $

AKA the happiness factory, Wakika is a great little streetfront ice cream stand, specializing in fresh fruit paletas (popsicles). These super flavorful treats made with huge chunks of fruit are as pretty as they are tasty. Local favorites include chili-mango and pineapple-basil, but they offer standard flavors, too, like strawberry, mixed fruit, and chocolate. Though paletas are what made them famous, their homemade ice creams are equally out-of-this-world! Try the blackberry cheesecake, rocky road, or key lime pie. Flavors change seasonally but are always delightful.

• Location

La Rustica • $$-$$$

Contemporary Italian restaurant with a Mexican flavor twist, near the main plaza. Though they are open for breakfast and lunch, they are better known as a dinner spot for thin-crispy-crust wood-fired pizzas topped with local ingredients. Their Sayulita pizza features shrimp, bacon, and pineapple, while their El Mar is topped with shrimp, octopus, and clams with pesto; classic pizza flavors are available, too, of course. With three types of sangria daily, an assortment of Mexican craft beers, and unique margarita flavors, the atmosphere is always lively.

• Location

Punta de Mita Restaurants

Mexico › Best Punta de Mita Restaurants
Updated: March 8, 2022

The 5 Best Restaurants in Punta de Mita

Tuna Blanca • $$$$

Showstopping Mexican haute cuisine, featuring organic produce, fresh-caught fish, and seasonal dishes. Owned by rock star chef Thierry Blouet, their rich menu features contemporary recipes highlighting local ingredients alongside elevated versions of traditional fare. Try their Shrimp Temazcal served with flaming raicilla or their octopus ceviche! Bold flavors and French inspiration are paired with dramatic presentation, a curated selection of Mexican and international wines, and creative cocktails. Meals are usually served outdoors under the palapa roof, toes-in-the-sand optional, though their indoor dining room is gorgeous with artistic, sea-inspired décor. Reservations strongly recommended.

• Location

Naef Café • $$-$$$

Cheery restaurant with stellar breakfast, lunch, and desserts served in a whimsical garden courtyard. Their menu features Mexican and European favorites using local ingredients and free-range eggs gathered from their own chickens, some of which share the garden space. Everything from the kitchen is outstanding, but they are best known for their homemade ice creams, fresh bread and egg dishes (their quiche and French toast are not to be missed!), and the best coffee in the village. The ice cream shop is open year-round, but the café closes during the summer months.

• Location

Norma’s Tacos • $

Open for dinner only, Norma’s is the single best spot in Punta de Mita for authentic tacos, pozole, and sopes. This family-owned restaurant runs out of the front porch of their home, tucked in the residential Emiliano Zapato neighborhood of Punta de Mita. Atmosphere is warm and casual. Guests are invited to bring their own beer, which they can buy from the minimart on the corner, or try the house special agua de avena, a sweet oatmeal drink that tastes similar to horchata. Pozole is only served on Saturdays and Sundays; the restaurant closes on Wednesdays.

• Location

Punta Mercedes • $$-$$$

Upscale food and impeccable service in a relaxed setting, with an extensive wine list, amazing tequila selection, and wood fired oven. The menu fuses Italian and Argentine flavors with local veggies and seafood. Food is decadent, from their hot rock starters (premium beef or tuna served over a hot rock, which sears it at your table) to their wildly popular lobster pizza. Beachfront tables are perfect for a couple’s sunset dinner or for families, as the kids can play in the gentle waves while meals are being prepared.

• Location

Casa Teresa • $$$$

Family-run Italian restaurant with an indulgent menu, grotto-style bar, and opulent décor. Food here celebrates the flavors of Sicily, using family-recipes and traditional methods paired with local, market-fresh herbs, vegetables, and meats. The menu changes daily, but their famous lasagna and focaccia are always featured. Italian wines are prominently featured, and each table gets their own fun “push for wine” button. This intimate, atmospheric gem is ideal for romantic dinners and special occasions.

• Location

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Casa Malca Hotel Tulum

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Coco Tulum Hotel

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Be Tulum Hotel

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Ziggy Beach Club at Hotel Cabañas Tulum

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Hotel Cabañas Tulum

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Hotel Bardo

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Alaya Tulum Hotel

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Ahau Hotel Tulum

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Mezzanine Hotel Tulum

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The 4 Best Restaurants in Sayulita

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The 5 Best Restaurants in Punta de Mita

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