I can't believe how fast the year is going and that I'll be turning another year older in just a few weeks.
While we had originally planed a two week long trip to Japan for my birthday, after the birth of my nephew, we decided to postpone it for a shorter long weekend getaway to Tulum, Mexico. Mexico is one of my favorite places to escape and Tulum has been on my bucket list for awhile. I feel a little late to the Tulum party but hey, better late than never!
Since I've been doing some research and some planning, I decided to share what's on my list of things to do while we're in paradise. We'll be staying at the gorgeous Encantada, but believe me when I say there are no shortage of stunning (and insta-worthy) spots to post up on, so I've listed them below as well.
Encantada: Grant and I are so excited to be staying at Encantada Tulum – a very private resort with just 8 rooms! I can't wait to share more pictures with you from our visit.
Be Tulum: Another gorgeous hotel with 64 suites, all with unique designs featuring raw and rustic elements.
Nest: This hotel looks so dreamy with its natural and minimal decor and secluded bungalows right on the beach. To say it is Instagram-worthy is an understatement.
Nomade: Check out Nomade if you are looking for a more wellness-centered hotel and retreat. In addition to its beautiful location and amenities, it offers weekly talks, workshops and classes that are sure to bring you into a relaxed and healing place.
Casa Malca: You can now stay at Pablo Escobar's vacation home which was turned into a luxurious hotel filled with art and history.
Sanará Tulum: In addition to its chic decor, this eco-luxe hotel has a world-class wellness center, beach yoga and the acclaimed 'The Real Coconut' restaurant.
Papaya Playa: There's clearly no lack of beautiful places to stay in Tulum and Papaya Playa is definitely high on that list with its beautiful casitas, cabanas and beach houses that combine rustic and sophisticated elements.
Macondo: Apart of the Nomade hotel, this place describes its cuisine as holistic and nutritious.
Arca: Arca is another place to try in Tulum. As a farm-to-table style restaurant, its true focus is on delicious Yucatán ingredients.
Hartwood: Hartwood is one of Tulum's best and well known restaurants. They're known for their locally caught seafood and open fire cooking, as well as the fact that they are 'off-the-grid' and function on solar power! I can't wait to eat here.
Casa Jaguar: Embrace the Mexican jungle by dining at Casa Jaguar and make sure to try some of their delicious cocktails.
Posada Margarita: I've heard awesome things about this beachfront Italian restaurant. It's cute, romantic and the food is absolutely incredible.
Gitano: If Mezcal is your drink of choice, this place is a must-visit. The cocktails are amazing – as are the tacos.
Relax On The Beach: It's pretty much a no-brainer that if you go to Tulum, you're going to want to spend plenty of time on the beach soaking up the sun and enjoying the stunning coast. While there's no shortage of places to do this, I've heard great things about Coco Tulum, where you can enjoy delicious cocktails as you lounge.
Tulum Ruins: Take a break from the beach and pool by visiting the spectacular Tulum Ruins.
Snorkeling: I can't wait to go snorkeling and am hoping to see some sea turtles. There are so many different ways to snorkel in Tulum, but this shows a pretty compressive list of the best ways to enjoy snorkeling in the area.
Explore The Cenotes: Cenotes are underwater sinkholes and the Yucatan peninsula is known to have the largest amount of them. They are absolutely spectacular and perfect for swimming, snorkeling and diving. There are quite a few cenotes you can explore, but this provides a list of some of the best ones.
The Vacation House Of Pablo Escabar: If you're a fan of Narcos, you need to stop by Casa Malca which was formally Casa Magna and the vacation home of the famed drug lord, Pablo Escobar. Catt recently visited it and thought it was incredible.
Shopping: If you are looking to do some shopping, make sure to check out Caravana Montaecristo & La Troupe.