Come Away With Me
Trapped in the house right… me too :)
We are all in this together, so let me tap into your imagination right quick and come fly with me to my new little favorite getaway spot, Tulum, Mexico.
A new love affair has ensued since our last family vacation to Tulum and I say this having gone with hubby and baby! We were not there an entire day before I started expressing my sincere love for this special place. The vibe, the energy in the air, the people, the beach and the food have combined to make this beach town a true gem. For a person who loves to travel to new places, I found myself already carving out dates for when we should return.
I often get asked about my travels and more recently my experiences vacationing with baby. With that said, I wanted to come up with a guide for you guys to tell you the best of what the town has to offer and how to enjoy yourself in Tulum with dem babies.
Finding vacation spots when traveling with the kiddos when they’re babies is easy because they don’t really matter much lol. They fly free, they’re not yet mobile and really they are there because their caretakers are there. As they get older, you start to include them in your planning as they’ll need things to do, especially if you plan on actually enjoying yourself on vacation. Kinsley has already been around the world and back, but now as she’s getting older I am beginning to consider her when planning these family getaways. I found Tulum to be a dream, so let’s dive right in (see what I did there).
Tulum is divided into 2 sections: the town (pueblo) and the beach (playa). The only way to get to the beach is down what starts as a country and almost abandoned looking road. There are no private properties or recognizable hotel chains on the beach, only chic cabana-style hotels, boutique shops and restaurants spread out along road.
Where we stayed
We came to celebrate our birthdays and chose to stay at Casa Malca. Intrigued by its history alone the choice was an easy one for us. Even if you do not stay here it is still worth a visit! Once owned by the late Colombian drug lord, Pablo Escobar, this mansion was used during the 1980’s for cocaine trafficking. Rumor also has it that bullet proof walls are built into the property, and a secret tunnel exists for an escape if needed. It has since been remodeled, redesigned and reopened by Lio Malca.
This hotel is tucked away with no signage out front, only an X to mark it . It sits right on the most beautiful white sand beach with all day service and beach beds. We loved the food at the resident restaurant Philosophy and the chilaquiles were to die for! (see the crumb snatcher below trying to get some) Imagine breakfast with the ocean breeze whipping across your brow! (dramatic right :)
Upon entry it’s like walking through an art museum with new things to ooo and ahh at, at every turn. The lobby opens up with wedding gowns draped into curtains and floating sofa’s hoisted up by chains. It is said the hotel also reorganizes the art from time to time so return guests are kept on their toes. Unlike your typical Mexican resort it’s not a huge property, giving it a very intimate and luxe vibe all together.
If you ask staff about the history behind the Pablo Escobar tales, they will try and redirect your focus on the art filled hotel and its current ownership. We read about a secret tunnel and pool and of course my husband found it, swam in the secret pool and took video footage. Right before stumbling upon the secret tunnel, he had just asked the hotel staff where to find it and they denied every hearing of such a thing. On his way back to the room he saw a divot, followed the tunnel and boom tunnel, a pool with neon changing lights and music!
There are many other options depending on your preference, hotel needs and amenities required. Chic and boutique are the words that come to mind when walking up and down the avenue. Here you will find uniquely designed hotels stacked along-side each other. These are all Boutique hotels so if you’re in search of your traditional Hilton or Marriott you will not find it on this beach strip. When going back we are excited too experience, Nomade, The Beach, Be Tulum, Azulik and Kanan most of which are adults only.
Although this is a kids friendly vacation, the town is in no way geared towards entertaining children like a Cancun or Rivera Maya does. So pay close attention to a few things.
– For any and all baby items, keep in mind that there are no kids stores. The local pharmacies will have some items, but it is going to cost you. Instead the supermarket, Chedraui supermarket will be your best friend. It’s similar to a WalMart.
– Pay attention to adults-only establishments when you are booking a hotel or making reservations for dinner. There are quite a few places that don’t allow kids, no exceptions. Part of the draw for some of these hotels and restaurants are due in part to the ADULTS- only atmosphere.
– if you plan on bringing a stroller – bring one with bigger wheels for sand and off roads.
– mosquito repellent is mandatory especially during sunset hours.
Where TO EAT
Truthfully the food scene is without a doubt the reason I have fallen so deeply in love with Tulum. For such a small place the quality of food found in such a short period of time is rare when traveling abroad. There were so many choices! The food, in general, is very good, so it’s hard to go wrong, but the price point can get pricey. We tried everything from food trucks to sit down establishments and these were our favorites.
Reyes Tulum- Mexican dive bar with fun food presentations.
Posada Margherita: Cozy beach front, freshly made pasta and a fresh ocean breeze combine to make this tucked gem a must! The food, the staff, the atmosphere, the drinks and Kinsley’s naptime made this visit one of the highlights of our trip. We stumbled across this gem while walking back to the hotel from town. You can enter this wooden house from the front of the hotel strip or you can walk up from the beach. We ate every bite off our plates and highly recommend the fresh pasta and fish tacos.
Taqueria La Eufemia: Cheap, delicious and the most authentic tacos on Tulum beach. Cash Only.
MurMur: EXCELLENT and authentic Mexican cuisine.
Taboo Tulum: We came here for my birthday dinner and it did not disappoint. The food, tequila, atmosphere and music made this a very magical night.
THINGS TO DO
If you’re anything like me, where theres sand, sun and tequila there’s a completely satisfied Natty. But if you like a little adventure, feel free to see some suggestions below.
Clubbing- Gitano on a Friday night. It’s a restaurant that turns into a lounge/club.
Taboo Tulum is a beach club where you can eat, drink and chill with good vibes.
Cenotes- natural sinkholes
Shop the many boutiques
I hope this little imaginary trip down memory lane was helpful. We are all enduring this quarantine together. I am encouraged to believe better days are ahead and we will be a more grateful and conscious world after this pandemic ends. I hope I brought a smidge of joy and bliss to your Sunday, on the couch, in the bed or wherever this shelter in place has you spending your time.
Where’s the first place you’re going when this is all over?
Are you going to wait to travel when this is all over or are you like me and can’t wait to travel?
Let me know your thoughts.
Love ya Mean it,