Tulum: A Mystical Wellness Journey
Ahau Tulum Sculpture Park
“Superficial”, “overpriced”, “spiritual Vegas”, “party-scene” etc. all ways I’ve heard Tulum described by the more casual vacationer. On the surface, these descriptions may be true (Tulum can be on the pricier side), but I’ve found that by just peering a bit deeper I’ve been able to peel back layer after layer of unique, authentic, and transformational experiences in Tulum that are worthy of the hype.
According to the Oxford Languages Dictionary, the term ‘mystical’ is defined as “inspiring a sense of spiritual mystery, awe, and fascination.”
Tulum offers a unique blend of ancient Mayan and modern wellness experiences that are indeed transcendental. Everything from full moon temazcal ceremonies, soundbaths, and swimming in sacred cenotes, to beach dancing, fresh food, and natural spa treatments - Tulum has it in abundance. Each experience helps us reconnect to ourselves and each other.
I’ve traveled all of the world and Tulum is a place that truly captivates and draws me back again and again. The cutting-edge healing and transformational technologies that I find there each time I visit help reset my mind, body, and spirit to a higher vibration.
Here is my mystical wellness journey-inspired guide to Tulum:
Wellness-forward and eco-friendly hotels
Imagine being greeted by the scent of copal wafting through the lush jungle and finding your way through winding sandy paths to nearly secluded white sand beach, south of the heart of Tulum. Be Tulum and Nomade are sister hotels directly on the beach, each offering a similar eco-modern aesthetic with complimentary spaces and experiences available to all guests.
Across the street from Be and Nomade is also the most incredible spa - Yäan Healing Sanctuary which I will get to in a bit.
Beach @ Be Tulum
The epitome of Tulum luxury. The architecture of this hotel blends seamlessly with the wild jungle around it. Sand paths lead up to a white sand beach and electric blue ocean. At night the beach comes alive with music and incredible fresh food at their restuarants.
As a Fora Reserve advisor, Be Tulum offers the following special perks:
10% off nightly rates
Daily breakfast for 2
Welcome Amenity with agent note
1 Bottle of Mezcal with garnish
Room upgrade (subject to availability)
Early check-in (subject to availability)
Similar to Be Tulum, but with a variety of unique room options from tents to treehouses, to bungalows suites with private pools. Also what makes Nomade really special are the daily wellness and spiritual experiences that they offer like yoga, meditation, and cacao ceremonies. Most are included with your stay.
Nomade also has amazing food, the beach restaurant has the best fish tacos I’ve ever had, and they have live music most nights as well.
As a Fora Reserve advisor, Nomade also offers the following special perks:
10% off nightly rates
Daily breakfast for 2
Welcome Amenity with agent note
1 Bottle of Mezcal with garnish
Room upgrade (subject to availability)
Early check-in (subject to availability)
Mystical Experiences
Authentic, unique, and transformational
Moon Temazcal Ceremony (Yaan Healing Sanctuary) - One of the most intense and memorable experiences I’ve ever had. Usually on either the New Moon or Full Moon these are indigenous sweat lodge ceremonies that honor the four cardinal directions. Each represents a different aspect of life to release and transform. The result afterward is akin to a “rebirth”.
Temazcal
Soundbath and Cacao Ceremonies at Cenote Sagrado (Sound Healing Tulum) - This is a private cenote with curated soundbath and cacao ceremonies which honor the indigenous instruments and culture of the Mayans. Afterward there is a warm integration over fresh fruits and teas with a swim in your completely private centote. This was a truly transcendental experience and can’t recommend this place enough!
Cenote Sagrado
Cenote Swimming and Meditation - In Mayan lore, cenotes are the gateway to Xibalba (the underworld). These are sacred places and some believe are transcendental portals where the physical world and spiritual world meet.
There are a plethora of cenote options for swimming and snorkeling in the Tulum area. Each one is unique and worth spending time exploring several on your trip. For the even more adventurous and dive-certified, you can also do guided cavern tours which will completely blow your mind. Some cenotes to check out: Dos Ojos, Cenote Calavera, and Gran Cenote.
Pro Tip: Get there early to beat the crowds
Cenote Dos Ojos
Mindful Relaxation
Balance out your trip with both spa and active adventures. Some of my favorites are:
Yaan Healing Sanctuary - The most beautiful spa I’ve ever been to. It blends the wild nature of the jungle with modern sleek architecture. They offer services from regular massage treatments to more unique offerings that honor the local Mayan healing modalities.
Mayan Clay Spa - There are a few of these in Tulum, while I have yet to go it has been on my list for a while! They offer private mud bathing experiences while immersed in the jungle. Sign me up please!
Movement - Try just spending time in the ocean, or attending one of the included yoga/meditation sessions. If looking for even more adrenaline there are Kitesurfing schools right on the beach!
Ancient Mayan Wonders
My absolute favorite aspect of Tulum of how deep one can experience the incredible history and culture of the Maya. The ruins are wonders of our world and the surrounding mystery of the myths and legends leave me awe-struck. Here are some of the more famous ruins that can be explored as either a half-day or full-day expedition.
Also, there are opportunities to spend time in a Mayan village to learn more about their cooking, farming, and culture. One of my favorite experiences there was learning more about the cultivation and medicinal properties of Malipona honey which is endemic only to this area of the world.
Coba Ruins - the highest of all the pyramids in the Yucatan Peninsula and many parts of the complex are still being excavated!
Tulum Ruins - Beautiful well-preserved ruins on a picturesque cliff overlooking the ocean. Get there early to beat the crowds and the heat!
Chichen Itza - The most famous of all the ruins, this is a full-day trip from Tulum but worth it!
Try Malipona Honey - available in stores but also look for the authentic unfiltered version in Mayan villages.
Healthy Fresh Food - While I haven’t spoken much about the culinary aspects of Tulum, there are a number of high-quality healthy food options (but also plenty of tourist scenes to avoid). Some of my favorite places for food in Tulum are:
Raw Love Cafe - Vegan cafe right on the beach with a diverse menu of juices, fruit, and acai bowls.
Nomade La Popular- The BEST fish tacos ever! Also right on the beach perfect to lay down for a siesta after.
Mia - while this is a party hotel, the restaurant here has a diverse menu for slightly less than the other bigger restaurants. Also there is a great pizza place on site.
