From Playa de Carmen, I move on to Tulum where the highlight of my visit was staying at Azulik, a very special eco-friendly resort. This hotel provides a very unique experience with the rooms having a tree-house feeling elevated high above the ground in the trees. They are accessible via elevated wooden walkways that are candlelit at night. The rooms have thatched roofs and are lit only by candles at night. They do not have TV’s but that is obviously not why you are here. Instead they have a bed suspended from the ceiling, floor-to-ceiling windows facing the ocean and I can hear the waves crash below on the beach. This is an incredibly relaxing and enjoyable experience that is hard to find these days. The resort has a nice beach and beach bar and there is plenty of space to enjoy some rest and relaxation at this beautiful resort whether you are perched high on a net, enjoying one of the many swings, or just relaxing on the beach.
During the day, I dined at Cenote and the food was delicious and fresh. This restaurant is located in the forest in the middle of the resort. Situated in the center of the resort and perched high in the forest is Kin-toh that is both an amazing bar and restaurant that features Mayan-Mexican cuisine. The restaurant has a great atmosphere and you can enjoy cocktails while sitting in a net high above the forest. In the evening, I ate at Tseen-Ja, their fusion restaurant that combines Japanese and Mayan-Mexican cuisine. This restaurant has a very chill atmosphere that you access using a wooden suspended bridge. The atmosphere, the food, and the service here were exceptional. Above the bar and restaurant is the Nest where you can catch amazing sunsets and enjoy drinks. Azulik was an exceptional experience and I will return!
Another hotel I considered staying at is BeTulum. I stopped here for lunch and enjoyed the beach, great food, and drinks. I will check out BeTulum more during my next visit. This rustic resort in the jungle is situated above the Caribbean and white sand beaches with each suite having its own private pool. The grounds and atmosphere here is beautiful.
In Tulum, I visit the ruins that the town is named for. Here you can see ancient Mayan structures, smaller pyramids, and some wildlife situated above the ocean. Here I see many Iguanas and lizards and some, a racoon like animal. The lower area of the ruins is interesting but it is very hot here. As I walk to the top of the ruins, the breeze feels amazing and the views of the ocean are spectacular. You can see that the accomplishments of the Mayan people were remarkable and they were one of the more advanced civilizations in North America. Afterwards, I stopped at a small outdoor bar and enjoyed some drinks and took in the local culture.
There is much more to Tulum than the Mayan Ruins. The area boasts some truly unique experiences on the Yucatan Peninsula with its great resorts and laid back atmosphere where you can find both old and new Mexico situated along the beautiful waters of the Caribbean.