Away from the usual busy resort cities like Cancun or Mazatlan, but close enough to civilization for security, the three EcoTulum resorts of Zahra, Copal, and Azulik await couples with a yearning for exotic adventure and an appreciation for nature that is too beautiful for words. Each of the three resorts positioned in a row along the Tulum coastline offers something unique but Zahra was our resort of choice. Cabanas on the beach, a private beach for guests, and a relaxed and friendly restaurant on the sand, were reasons we fell in love….with Zahra. All three EcoTulum resorts are favorites with honeymooning couples from all over the world.
In the little town of Tulum we enjoyed watching local artisans creating their specialties, we sampled local food, and did the some of the typical bargain hunting all tourists do. We explored the magical and mystical Mayan city and ruins on the outskirts of town—the only Mayan city ever built next to the ocean.
For the health conscious couple, daily yoga classes are offered as well as two restaurants and bars offering delicious but healthy and refreshing fare such as fajitas of pineapple, nopales cactus and vegetables, lean filet mignon, numerous fresh fish dishes, and even more common selections like burritos, tacos, guacamole, and salads. Delicious desserts like mango mousse, flan, and crepes rounded out the evenings as mariachi bands drowned out the crashing of the waves and loud calls of the wild in the jungle.
Tulum is comprised of three areas: the hotel zone, a small strip of several hotels and cabanas, a small town, and an amazing archaeological site with ruins. The hotel zone lies on some of the finest beaches in the Caribbean.
We flew into Cancun International Airport, approximately one and a half hours from Tulum. We had our resort book a transfer through a tiny local van company that picked us up and took us to our resort. Although a bit pricey, the cost would be considered worth it to most guests simply for the convenience of air conditioning, a safer ride than most taxis, and room for luggage. For those on a tight budget, a bus can be taken from the Cancun bus station to Tulum for only a few dollars per person. I would recommend this if you have little baggage as the buses are crowded and noisy.
English is spoken to some degree by most but not all. But one can do fairly well knowing a few Spanish basics with an excellent phrase book and a good understanding of pesos and Mexican currency. Many locals speak Mayan as well as the culture is deeply ingrained there. Tulum is also not far from Guatemala and Belize.
Tulum’s bank is not the best and there were no convenient places to change money. I recommend taking about $200-300 in one dollar bills for spending money and tips for a couple on a week’s stay. You’ll do better bargaining with the locals with one’s. And dollar bills seem appreciated for tips. Most everything such as the cabanas and food and spa treatments, except excursions, can be paid for by credit card at the resort. In town some of the larger stores and restaurants accept credit cards although restaurants on the beach in town such as El Paraiso do not.
Playa Paraiso is a wonderful place just a mile or two from Zahra, to take a day trip to the beach where the smooth surf and excellent snorkeling are paired with several small local restaurants. There a couple can pay $8 for a shaded sunbathing spot on a huge round cushion on the sand and several drinks come along with package for the day. If you explore the ruins nearby, you must go early for two reasons. The crowds from Cancun, the cruise ships, and other cities arrive in the late morning by the thousands and by late morning it is uncomfortably hot in the ruins grounds with little shade or place to sit.
You will find being on the equator, that the sun rises very early and brightly and you will need much more sun protection that you ever thought you would. A SPF factor of more than 45 is a necessity for anyone fair to medium and I encourage you to bring twice as much as you normally would need at a California beach. Even with a tremendously high SPF you will either tan or burn depending on your complexion. With the white sands and humidity and sweat factor, large quantities are a must. Excellent hats at cheap prices are for sale everywhere—wait till you get there to buy one. Pack light; mostly swimwear, shorts, t-shirts or sundresses are worn.
Most transportation is safe although the highway between Tulum and Cancun was a bit hairy and everyone sped excessively. Most injuries of Americans do occur in taxis or by couples renting mopeds and not understanding the passing laws on the freeways and roads.
Using extra common sense and caution; refrain from wearing expensive jewelry and flashing money in public places, travel during the daylight hours when sightseeing, and you may even want to copy, from the Internet, the name and phone numbers of some American English speaking doctors in case of an illness or if traveling with someone with health issues.
I recommend taking your own life jackets for water fun as certain areas of the surf can be unpredictable. I’m glad I did, although the water in most areas is shallow and gentle.
Drink only bottled and purified water which is available in town at grocery stores and at Zahra. Be prepared mentally and physically for cultural differences and experiences such as showers of brackish water, wild bugs, and animals throughout.
But most of all, if you are a couple seeking adventure, romance, and fun in a thoroughly cultural and educational experience at a very reasonable price, plan to go. Pack your bags and an adventurous spirit for the trip of a lifetime to Tulum, Mexico