It’s no secret that Mexico is known worldwide for its stunning beach escapes. While most people looking to book a Mexican beach holiday look to places like Cancún, Playa del Carmen, or Cabo San Lucas, we’re recommending you look to Tulum for its laid-back luxury with a bohemian vibe.

This once-sleepy beach town nestled along the Caribbean coast has quickly emerged as a global luxury hotspot that’s known for its eco-friendly elegance. From lounging in private beach cabanas with your toes buried in glistening soft white sand or indulging in gourmet beachside dining, Tulum offers the perfect mix of relaxed vibes and upscale experiences including booking into luxury wellness retreats.

Join us as we explore how to enjoy Tulum at its finest, from lavish accommodations to peaceful spa treatments, all set against the backdrop of one of Mexico’s most picturesque coastlines.

Luxury on the Riviera Maya: How to Have a Relaxing Yet Adventurous Vacation in Tulum

Where to Stay for a Luxurious Vacation in Tulum

Before we get into the available luxury accommodation options that are available, we have to mention that flying to Tulum has never been easier thanks to Tulum’s long-awaited new Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport.

The airport is currently celebrating its inaugural year, now making it possible for travelers to enjoy direct flights from cities like Atlanta, Miami, Dallas/Fort Worth, and New York City. Airlines that service Tulum’s new airport include American Airlines, Delta, United, and Jet Blue.

Luxurious accommodation can be found nearly everywhere around Tulum. You’ll find everything from eco-friendly boutique hotels to lavish beachfront resorts. These properties often emphasize wellness, sustainability, and a connection to nature and Mayan culture, while providing exceptional amenities and personalized service.

Whether you’re in the mood for oceanfront views and fine dining options like those found at the Nizuc Resort and Spa, or a luxury boutique hotel with private beach access like that found at Casa Malca which was once owned by Pablo Escobar, the most difficult part of your Tulum holiday may be deciding where to stay. There really are so many notable luxury accommodation options available such as Azulik, Be Tulum, Mi Amor, and Encantada Tulum. 

One of the newest luxury accommodation options includes the stylish Xela Tulum, which just opened this year. Once a private beachfront residence on Tulum Beach, this exclusive, adults-only retreat offers just 12 suites, providing an intimate escape while still delivering many of the high-end features found in Tulum’s larger luxury resorts.

Enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of the jungle, beach, and the Caribbean Sea from the rooftop and enjoy on-site treatments in their intimate spa. You also gain free access to the spa at La Valise Tulum, Xela’s sister property, where you can book yoga sessions, sound healing, and other ceremonies inspired by Mayan traditions which we’ll cover in more detail in a bit.

And coming in early 2025, we’ll be introduced to the new TROBBU Tulum offering another all-inclusive luxury villa experience. TROBBU will offer 10 exclusive villas nestled in lush natural surroundings, each villa spanning an impressive 2,700+ square feet across three levels, with three bedrooms.

Luxurious amenities will include an infinity pool, sun-soaked terrace with loungers, bar and grill area, and a fully equipped kitchen. You’ll also be able to enjoy a shared spa offering a range of treatments and access to a fully equipped fitness center.

Luxurious Activities for Those Looking for Relaxation

Tulum is all about wellness and you’ll find plenty of little slices of heaven where you can indulge in all kinds of relaxing activities and experiences whether it’s getting massages, facials, or other holistic therapies.

Many local treatments here are heavily influenced by ancient Mayan culture, including rejuvenating skin treatments incorporating Mayan herbs, massages that use oil and herbal infusions to help relieve tension and pain as well as ancient rituals that help you truly let go and immerse yourself in the areas’ deep-rooted heritage.

Definitely consider booking yourself into a unique temazcal ceremony where you’ll experience a traditional Mayan sweat lodge that promotes physical, emotional, and spiritual cleansing. Many luxury resorts often offer temazcal experiences led by local shamans.

If you want to move your body a little more, then a daily session of yoga on the beach at sunrise is a great way to start the day. What better backdrop could you ask for than a golden sun rising above the crystal blue waters, where the waves gently roll over the sandy white beach.

Many of Tulum’s resorts and boutique hotels offer beachfront spa services that use locally sourced organic ingredients, with treatments being held in open-air palapas with splendid ocean views.

Sound healing is another relaxation experience you’ll find in Tulum, an experience that taps into the soothing power of vibrations and frequencies, helping you to almost enter into a meditative state to hopefully relieve stress and tension. It uses a mix of crystal bowls, gongs, and other resonant instruments to help bring the mind and body into a deep state of relaxation.

Luxurious Activities for Those Who Are Adventurous at Heart

As tempting as it may be to simply spend your entire time in Tulum relaxing by the ocean, you’d be doing yourself a disservice by not feeding your inner sense of adventure a bit. Tulum offers an abundance of adventurous activities that will allow you to immerse yourself in the region’s natural beauty.

Some of the most popular adventures to book are cenote diving and snorkeling experiences like those found at Dos Ojos or Gran Cenote. Experience a refreshing dip in crystal-clear, freshwater sinkholes that are often hidden deep in the jungle. You can easily arrange tours of surrounding cenotes with knowledge guides that can ensure your safety and offer a wealth of information on local wildlife, culture, and history.

There are also private yacht and catamaran tours that will have you sailing along the Caribbean coastline in search of hidden beaches and secluded coves. Trips often include stops to snorkel or paddleboard.

And no stop to Mexico is complete without exploring ancient Mayan ruins. You’ll find some right in Tulum that sit perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean. The ruins are said to date back to the 13^th century and include impressive features like El Castillo, Temple of the Frescoes, and the Temple of the Descending God.

Further afield, you can check out the ruins of Coba or arguably the most famous ruins in the region at Chichen Itza which is regarded as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Chichen Itza acted as the center for Mayan politics, economics, religion, and military power, and its famous step pyramid continues to be photographed to death by the countless travelers who visit the site each year.  

Other notable experiences to consider include sunset horseback riding on the beach, a jungle safari through the Sian Ka’an Biosphere in search of howler monkeys and elusive jaguars, deep-sea fishing charters to hopefully land a sailfish or mahi-mahi, and private helicopter rides for impressive bird’s eye views over the region.

Luxury Dining in Tulum

In addition to Tulum being a haven for sun-soaked beaches and ancient ruins, it’s also a gastronomic paradise that showcases a vibrant fusion of traditional Mexican cuisine and innovative culinary artistry. There are endless luxury dining options available, perfect if you’re an avid foodie looking to indulge in culinary experiences.

Notable restaurants include Noma Tulum, a pop-up version from the acclaimed Copenhagen restaurant that features an ever-evolving menu focused on locally sourced ingredients and the rich flavors of Mexican cuisine.

Another gem is Hartwood, known for its farm-to-table approach and seasonal menu that highlights the freshest produce from the Yucatán and luxury in every bite.  Expect to sample dishes cooked over an open flame under the stars.

For those eager to explore truly local flavors, Tulum offers a delightful mix of traditional dishes that showcase the region’s rich culinary heritage. Don’t miss trying fresh ceviche which consists of locally caught fish marinated in lime juice and mixed with diced tomatoes, cilantro and onions.  Another local favorite is cochinita pibil, a slow-roasted pork dish marinated in citrus and achiote, served alongside pickled red onions and fresh tortillas.

Another must-try are tacos de pescado, or fish tacos, made with fresh catch from the Caribbean, topped with zesty slaw and homemade salsa. Complement your chosen meal with a refreshing margarita or a glass of mezcal.

If you’re looking for a taste of luxury without having to rub shoulders with hordes of spring breakers and other travelers, Tulum should certainly be at the top of your Mexican holiday destination list.

Whether you’re looking for adventure and an insight into Mayan Culture, or simply seeking ultimate relaxation surrounded by endless natural beauty, Tulum will definitely have you returning home feeling pampered and rejuvenated, along with leaving you with plenty of exciting tales to tell your family and friends.