ESCAPE CONCRETE JUNGLE TO TULUM

Every year there seems to be a destination that keeps popping up on everybody’s social media. Now I’m not the one to jump on the bandwagon but it usually does spark a curiosity in me and this time, it was Tulum, Mexico. I personally have friends who are well traveled and have been to countless foreign countries and exotic places yet they still will name Tulum as one of their top travel destinations. I’m also an adventure seeking, cultural type of traveler so I usually would pass on island/ beach destinations. However, considering it’s winter in NYC and we just finished the holidays, I figured it would be great to get away during the winter and treat myself to a holiday as a birthday gift to myself.

New York City is known as the concrete jungle and I didn’t know that I would escape it to actually experience the real jungle. Upon arriving in Tulum, I was completely taken back by the beautiful laid back vibe and the minimal, natural elements including plants, woven straws and sea/ beach influences. Everything about the setting spoke to my style preference and I was inspired to mimic the interior for my apartment and future home.

DELEK TULUM

I stayed at Delek Tulum, a hotel “born out of love, rooted in congruence” and located along the beach strip and it was a magical experience! When I was young, I always dreamt of living in a treehouse after reading Bridge to Terapithia and little did I know, that dream became a reality.

All of the cabañas in Delek are built with local certified wood and through sustainable construction. Everything about the layout resembles a treehouse design and guests enter their rooms by climbing stairs to their cabañas. The whole hotel is also surrounded by plants and greenery so there is a jungle feel to it. The staff is beyond attentive and welcoming and was always willing to assist with any request and /or concerns. I completely felt at home and knew that I would enjoy my first time in Tulum because when you are surrounded by greenery, it’s hard not to feel relaxed.

I had the privilege to stay at the ocean front facing suite and it was the perfect room as I woke up to the beautiful rays from the sunrise and slept to the quietness of the moon. The best part is that the balcony contained a hammock so it was lovely to enjoy my morning coffee in peace as I laid in my little nest. Every morning, the staff at Delek will bring you your choice of coffee or tea and leave it in front of your door. I love my morning coffee and the fact that it was brought to me definitely made me love my stay even more!

Delek has one restaurant, Tatewari that offers a sustainable menu containing local, organic and seasonal ingredients for their breakfast, lunch and dinner options. I always started my morning with their fresh juices because it was the perfect way to start the day. I would recommend the Cocotano, which contains coconut, papaya, pineapple, banana, vanilla and honey! I actually dined here throughout the day and I have to admit that all of their food is delicious so you can’t go wrong with whatever you order. Even if you don’t stay at Delek, you should still come here to try their menu!

I also experienced a temazcal, a traditional Mexican sweat lodge offered by the hotel every Wednesdays and Sudays at 5 pm. I wasn’t familiar with what the process would be like but it was extremely liberating and purifying.

We try to generate an energy where love and presence can be transmitted and spread.

For those who aren’t familiar, a tamazcal is basically a house of hot stones. There were seven of us total and we were packed in this cave. If you are claustrophobic, I wouldn’t recommend you to try this but if you would like to experience a unique physical and spiritual experience, I say go for it! As I profusely sweat throughout the one hour session, I became more in tune with my feelings and was able to release everything that I had been holding on. For someone who values meditation and journaling, this experience was right up my alley. It’s definitely a workout in a sense that you are intensely sweating and removing body toxins, but it’s more of a spiritual and emotional experience because you have to focus on your breath, your feelings and your intentions. I would highly recommend you all to try this if you’re ever in Tulum because you will find mental clarity and strength that you didn’t know you needed, let alone possessed! The hotel also offers spa treatments and yoga and you can find more about all of their experiences here.

TOP FIVE THINGS TO DO IN TULUM

 

• Archeological Zone of Tulum: Ruins are a popular attraction in Mexico and the Archeological Zone of Tulum is one of the most known thing to do in Tulum and the highlights include the Temple of Frescoes, El Castillo and the beach.  I would recommend getting here in the morning as it does get a little packed. When I visited, it was extremely hot so I would suggest preparing yourself by bringing water and dressing in breathable and light clothing. You can certainly explore all of the ruins, so don’t rush and just take your time. There are also guided tours if that’s your type of thing. I wasn’t aware that people also came here to spend the day because there is a beautiful beach area along the Mayan Riviera, where you can enjoy the sand and water. Since Tulum is more of a beach vibe, I think adding this to your itinerary will make the trip even more special!

• Rent Bikes: You can certainly rent a car to get around Tulum but I don’t think it’s necessary. I took cabs throughout my trip and didn’t find it difficult or expensive. Riding bikes around the city was a top highlight of my experience! I’m not the most confident bike rider and biking in Tulum wasn’t the most safe since most of the streets are narrow and there aren’t a lot of bike lanes. However, I gained confidence after I warmed up to the activity and it felt so freeing to enjoy the wind in my hair, the beautiful nature around me and the simple fact that I was completely disassociated from my stress back in NYC and became 100% present in Tulum. The average price to rent bikes for the whole day is only $30 and that is cheaper than getting taxis and the upside is you’re also getting your daily exercise in!

  

• Visit a Cenote: Cenotes are very popular in Mexico and they are essentially underwater sinkholes.  I personally cannot swim so I didn’t enjoy it as much as someone who is a swimmer but I still think it’s a unique experience. I went to the Gran Cenote, which is the one that most tourists go to. I was a bit disappointed in how small it was but I couldn’t really complain since I was more of an observant visitor than an active visitor. The idea of a cenote is appealing because you can snorkel in the water and swim with the fishes and admire the caves and turtles. After you spend some time in the cenote, you can also lay on the grass and have a picnic. I would say this attraction would be different for everyone and it’s worth adding this to your list so you can experience it yourself.

• Get a massage on the beach: It’s a given that you’ll be spending some time at the beach so why not take your relaxation further and treat yourself to a massage? There are many options along the beach but I have to rave about Laura’s massage. I stumbled across her tent randomly and went back for a second time because the massage was that good! You can find her between La Zebra and The Real Coconut. I paid $40 for an hour massage and that’s a steal, considering massages in the city cost well above $100.

  

• Beach Club: Beach clubs are everywhere in Tulum and I’m sure you’ll have a great time no matter which ones you choose. Just remember that most of them will require a minimum spending but if you are spending a whole day there, then it’s worth it since you’ll be using their amenities and ordering food. I didn’t have time to experience Casa Malca, the resort that used to be Pablo Escobar’s hideout, but I’ve heard it’s an experience worth visiting so feel free to look into that!

TOP FIVE PLACES TO EAT IN TULUM

• Burrito Amor: Did you even go to Tulum if you don’t have burritos? Burrito Amor as the name suggests is a place that offers delicious burritos but what makes this place to special is that the restaurant promotes clean eating, using only conscious and quality ingredients. I enjoyed the food so much that I went twice during my trip, one time for dinner and another time for breakfast. Their burritos are wrapped in leaves and are made of 100% gluten free coconut tortillas. There are different filling options and I loved how delicious yet light the burritos are. Most burritos are heavy and filling, but these are actually healthy and satisfying! They open at 8 am and they are always packed, so it just goes to show how great the food here is.

  

• Pasha: Pasha is a Turkish and Middle Eastern restaurant and I know some people will stray away from that type of cuisine in Tulum but I love experimenting different food while I’m in a new place. The vibe inside reminds me of Morocco but I promise the food here is so good that you won’t regret visiting! I ordered the 8 sample mezze and eggplant casserole and it was beyond delicious. I’m actually drooling now as I recall my dishes  and Pasha now ranks as one of my top Mediterranean restaurants in my books!
  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  
• Azulik: You must have heard of Azulik if you do a quick google search of Tulum because this is one of the most visited and photographed locations on Instagram. Azulik is an eco luxury resort and design concept by two trained architects, Fernando Artigas and Jorge Berea, makes this a must visit in Tulum. There are three restaurants including Kin Toh, Tseen Ja and Cenote and I would suggest making reservations ahead of time and visiting during sunset. I dined at Kin Toh, which serves Mayan and Mexican cuisine. If you are going with a group of friends or spending a special occasion like a honeymoon or anniversary and want to splurge, I would consider reserving a nest which is a once in a life time dining opportunity. Guests can enjoy their foods in these secluded nests, overlooking the jungle but do note that there’s a minimum of $1,000 USD spending. You will also have a lovely time if you dine at Kin Koh like I did. Afterwards, you can enjoy a drink by the bar with live music and make sure to check out the wine cellar and museum too because those two are an experience themselves!
• ARCA: ARCA is a trendy and chic restaurant along the main beach strip of Tulum and the vibe here is lovely for a nice dinner. The restaurant has a “from fire to table” concept and their open fire cooking menu offers small plates, designed to be shared. A standout menu option for me was the bone marrow so definitely order this when you visit. I think I’ve had bone marrow twice in my life but this experience made me realize that I love it and would like to see where else I can try this. You can enjoy drinks here after dinner or go to any of the other bars along the strip.

  

• The Real Coconut: If you love eating healthy on vacations like me, then this is the place for you! The Real Coconut offers organic and healthy foods and all the ingredients are sustainably sourced. I enjoyed my jackfruit tacos and falafel salad while watching the waves. The staff here are extremely nice and I left feeling refreshed and satisfied. If I return to Tulum, I know I won’t leave until I have dined here again!

I now understand the hype surrounding Tulum. I had an amazing trip and I do see myself going back there again in the future. Flights are affordable and you can customize your itinerary based off of what you want to see and do. No matter what type of traveler you are, Tulum would not be a disappointment and especially for New Yorkers, this is a great travel getaway destination!