Whitewashed walls, mid-century furnishings, and a house party vibe — kids and adults make new best friends while hanging around the pool eating as much guacamole as possible. It's just twenty minutes north of Tulum, so you can hop into town for lunch without straying too far from this super private, boho-chic hotel.
Carretera Cancún-Tulum, km 265
+52-984-873-4830
Cenotes are freshwater sinkholes or caves that you can snorkel and dive in. Natural wonders found throughout the Yucatan, several are located along route 307. A rental car will come in handy or you can arrange transportation through your hotel. Private companies on location at the cenotes arrange for guides, gear, and safety precautions; you can't go it alone. The best ones are Cenote Yax Mul, Dos Ojos, El Jardin del Edén, Tres Bocas, and Gran Cenote.
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Tulum, Quintana Roo
Tulum has some of Mexico's best ruins, perched on a cliff in the archaeological zone. The remains of a walled Mayan city that once served as a port, the three main sites are El Castillo, the Temple of the Frescoes, and the Temple of the Descending God. There are lots of stairs to climb, small entrances for kids to funnel through, and beautiful ocean views. Kids will love spotting the iguanas. For a treat, have the terrific coconut ices sold outside the entrance gate.
Tulum, Quintana Roo
The hotel's beachfront restaurant is excellent for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The service is friendly and professional; the menu is primarily authentic Mexican fare with universal appeal.
Carretera Tulum Boca Paila, Km 7
Tulum, Quintana Roo 77780
+52-998-880-5629
There are only five super cozy and darling tables right on the beach within an eco lodge. No menu; you just tell them what you want.
Carrettera Boca Pila, Km 5
Tulum, Quintana Roo 77780
+52-198-4114-2321
A gracious, more formal, romantic restaurant run by chef Claudia Pérez Rívas a couple of blocks off the main drag in town. Cash only; closed Wednesdays.
Polar Poniente St. corner Orion Norte St.
Tulum, Quintana Roo 77780
+52-984-108-0681
A pretty, intimate restaurant that tends to rank as everyone's favorite along the beach. Reservations are a good idea.
Carretera Tulum Boca Paila, Km 5
Tulum, Quintana Roo 77780
+52-198-4134-8725
Located closer to the Si'an Kaan nature reserve, it has a lovely outdoor lounge area on the beach. A good spot for sunset.
Carretera Tulum a Boca Paila, Km 8.2
Tulum, Quintana Roo 77780
+52-198-4115-4726
Skip it. We put it on the list because everyone will recommend it. But you'll be the smarter for knowing it's overrated, over-priced, and not very tasty.
Carretera Tulum Boca Paila, Km 4.5
Tulum, Quintana Roo 77780
+52-198-4801-8493
An excellent fresh fish restaurant right on the beach at Zamas Hotel serving lunch and dinner. There's live music in the evening, everything from reggae to rock, which makes it a bit of a scene.
Carretera Tulum Boca Paila, Km 5
Tulum, Quintana Roo 77780
+52-198-4145-2602
Quiet, chic and intimate 14-room boutique hotel no one knows about. It stands alone on Soliman Bay and delivers on contemporary luxury while hinting at Tulum's roots (there's a Shiva in the entryway and indigenous limestone throughout). If you're with a group (up to ten), you can rent their standalone Villa Jasmine.
Bahia Punta Soliman s/n
Tulum, Quintana Roo 77780
+52-984-202-1399
Desert island rustic personified. Simple, chic beach cabanas start at $45/night. Shared bathrooms add to the hippie vibe, as does an eco commitment to only using wind and solar energy.
Carretera Tulum Boca Paila, Km 8
Tulum, Quintana Roo 77780
+52 1 984 157 4830
This hotel restaurant serves up a super healthy and delicious breakfast buffet, complete with coconut water, chia seeds, fresh fruit, and eggs. Make sure you request a table on the balcony overlooking the ocean.
Carretera Tulum Boca Paila, Km 5.5
Tulum, Quintana Roo 77780
A tiny, beautiful, complex of cabanas perched on cliffs either above or on the water. You'll feel at one with nature. There's no A/C, so be careful during the hottest summer months (July-August). There are three on site restaurants, two are Mexican cuisine and one is Japanese. The beach is equip with a small beach bar and food service. The hotel offers the bare necessities, and photo friendly villas.
Carretera Tulum Ruinas, Km 5
Tulum, Quintana Roo 77780
+52 984 980 0640
Located ono Sian Ka'an nature reserve park. There's a hip-cool-urban vibe and the resort doesn't allow children under 12, but it's no less charming than its neighbors. The vibe is very designy, Philippe Starck, I'm-here-to-be-seen-in-my-white-bikini.
Carretera Tulum Boca Paila, Km 10
Tulum, Quintana Roo 77780
+52-984-803-2243
Best bet for full service with rustic, charming, and cool touches. It's beachfront, but there's also a pool. The restaurant is very good. The hotel is great for families, couples, and friends alike; they make everyone feel at home.