Tulum is an ancient wonder and an absolute travelers paradise. Thanks to its off-the-grid status, it is the go-to place for a low-key, unplugged beach vacation. It’s bohemia, eco-chic vibe provides a combination of serenity, seclusion, and nature. Because of this, you will be repeat visitor again and again. Continue reading this Tulum guide if you are deciding where to stay.
WHERE TO STAY IN TULUM
When deciding where to stay in Tulum, there are three options: 1) Tulum Beach, 2) Tulum Town, or 3) Aldea Zama.
Tulum Beach — the most popular area in Tulum, is a long strip of pristine white sandy beaches. This is where you’ll find higher-end boutiques hotels, chic restaurants and fun nightlife. Despite the beach being public, it is private because of the location of the hotels on the sand. This means that you have to be a guest or go through one of the many beach clubs or hotels to gain access. Stay here if you want instant access to the beach and would like to be close to the chic restaurants and cafes.
Tulum Town — has a completely different vibe from the Tulum Beach. This is where the locals live. Here you’ll find authentic taco stands, souvenir shops and budget friendly accommodations. The beach is not walkable from the town, but renting bicycle or taking a taxi are the go-to options. Stay here if you are on a budget and prefer to experience more of the local culture.
Aldea Zama — is quiet neighborhood located between the town and the beach. I new development that is still under construction. I visited in September 2019 and there was still a lot of construction during the day. Aldea Zama offers a large selection of vacation rentals that you can book on Airbnb. Not an Airbnb member yet? Get $40 off your first booking with my link here, and $15 to use toward an experience worth $50 or more. Stay here if you have a large group, if you have a rental car and need parking, and if you enjoy a lot of space and privacy.
WHERE I STAYED IN TULUM
Aldea Zama
The main reason I visited Tulum was to celebrate my besties bachelorette. Because our group was large (nine people), we opted to stay at Casa Xelva, a luxury villa in Aldea Zama.
Besides visible pockets of construction sites, the area was clean and felt exclusive. It was only a five minute drive from the Tulum beach and also a five minute drive from the eclectic town. The property was truly an Instagrammers dream. From the unique tunnel entrance to the hanging net above the trees was a picture perfect. It was thoughtfully decorated with modern design, and strong Mexican culture reminiscences.
Tulum Beach
When the bachelorette ended and everyone departed. I stayed back a few nights to further explore Tulum solo. To change things up, I decided to stay on the beach at a cute eco-resort hotel called HABITAS|Tulum. My room was a luxe boho-inspired, air-conditioned (yes, that’s important) canvas tent. It also had luxurious flourishes including a private terrace and outdoor shower. This was not your traditional hotel. It had an earthy feel and also made me feel connected to nature. This was the perfect environment to disconnect and bask in relaxation and reflection.
DECIDING WHERE TO STAY DEPENDS ON YOU
In conclusion, where you’ll stay depends on you. It depends on how you plan to spend your days. Also, it depends on your budget, you interests, whether you want to wake up on the beach or feel the pulse of Mexico.
I hope my Tulum guide will help you make the best decision possible when figuring out where to stay in Tulum. If you have questions, please feel free to message me or comment below. Also, don’t forget to share this blog post with anyone who would enjoy this Tulum guide!
