Having recently visited both of these places ( on two very different trips may I add)- I am here to break down all the differences, similarities and things to note!

Jamaica Vs Barbados: Overall

Jamaica is the bigger island both in size and in population while Barbados is much smaller at only165 square miles. You can actually take a day and drive around Barbados or get from the South to the North in just under 2 hours.

Jamaica on the other hand is very spread out and some of the key tourist destinations are hours and hours apart. Some people base themselves in only one area of Jamaica ( ie: Montego Bay or Negril) and do not travel around due to how long it takes!

Jamaica is known for reggae music, Rastafarian culture, and its vibrant art scene. It is lush, mountainous and has many waterfalls. Barbados, on the other hand, is known for its calypso and soca music, has a British and colonial background and traditional charm to it.

Jamaica Vs Barbados: Budget and Price

If you are looking to book a trip where your dollar will go farther than you will want to head to Jamaica.

Jamaica – given how much bigger it is- has so many more hotel options for every kind of traveller. You can find luxury resorts here but you can also find a lot of budget friendly accommodations that are still very much beautiful!

In terms of food, a lot of the restaurants in Barbados are more on the pricier side if you are comparing apples to apples

Jamaica Vs Barbados: Safety

If we are comparing Jamaica Vs Barbados for safety, Barbados wins.

While I never once felt unsafe during my trip to Jamaica, it has more reports of assaults, cases of kidnapping and robbery than Barbados. More recently the US has issued a Level 3 travel warning for the country due to the increase of sexual assaults specifically. While I think it’s important to keep this in mind and travel with your guard up, I truly felt more scared in the outskirts of Miami than I ever did while I was in Jamaica.

Jamaica Vs Barbados Beaches

Montego Bay, Jamaica

South Coast, Barbados

Jamaica Vs Barbados for Families

Beaches Turks and Caicos

Both places would be amazing for a family trip depending on what you are looking for in a vacation.

Jamaica resorts are bigger allowing some of them to have a lot more activities for the kids such as water parks, kids clubs and daily activities. Beaches Jamaica in particular is geared towards families and is one of the best all inclusive options out there for families.

Barbados hotels are a bit smaller and not as sprawling so often their resorts have fewer restaurants and pools. This is not a bad thing and some families prefer to have the option to go off the resort and don’t want to be “resort trapped” so it really depends what you are looking for!

READ MY FULL BARBADOS TRAVEL GUIDE HERE

Jamaica Vs Barbados for a Girls Trip

S Hotel Jamaica

If you are debating Jamaica Vs Barbados for a girls trip, I think it depends on the kind of girls trip you are looking to do.

If you want to have a lot of fun, Jamaica has a ton of clubs, bars and special events happening ( specifically in Montego Bay) that make it a great option for a girls getaway.

Barbados night life on the other hand is more chill and laid back. Barbados is home to some amazing spas and golf courses so if your girls getaway is centered around relaxing, it might be the better option for you and your friends.

Jamaica Vs Barbados for a Couples Trip

Flower Tropical Farm and the romantic restaurant The Fish Pot- both in Barbados

Both Jamaica and Barbados are perfect for a couples trip. If you are having problems deciding on a spot with your sweetie, it really comes down to the kind of couple you are. Do you like adventures? Do you want to see waterfalls? Golf? Spa?

Looking to plan a trip somewhere warm? You may like these other sunny destinations?

• Tulum or Cancun: Which One is for You?
• The Ultimate Guide to Antigua and Barbuda
• Best Caribbean Islands for First Timers 
• Review on Beaches Turks and Caicos
• 27 Dream Destinations to Add To Your Bucket List

Jamaica Vs Barbados Hotel Comparison

Jamaica is focused on large, all-inclusive resorts from the major chains where the vast majority of guests never leave the property. Although recent reports suggest otherwise, the island still has a reputation for a lack of safety off resort grounds. Guided tours are okay but I wouldn’t wander around on your own, especially with children. I’m sure the Jamaica fans on their forum will disagree but the reality is that crime has been a problem on the island for some time. Again, not an issue on the resort property but you mentioned you plan to spend little time there.

Barbados has some AI properties but the primary focus is on traditional hotels where you might eat some of your meals while retaining the freedom to dine in any of the island’s outstanding restaurants in all price ranges, if you choose

READ MY FULL MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA GUIDE HERE

Jamaica Hotels

Here is a list of hotels in Jamaica that are beautiful and highly rated! that are rated well and are centrally located on the main strip!

1. S Hotel Jamaica: This boutique all inclusive hotel right in the heart of Montego Bay is absolutely stunning. I love the scale of it, it has a rooftop pool and is situated right on Doctor’s Cove!
2. GoldenEye – Situated in Oracabessa, this iconic resort was once the home of Ian Fleming and is now a stunning hotel offering a blend of luxury and history. It’s super secluded and private and if you are looking for a honeymoon spot, you should consider it
3. Trident Hotel – This is where some of the celebrities stay when they head to Jamaica and for good reason. This boutique hotel offers luxurious accommodations and stunning views of the Caribbean Sea.
4. Beaches Jamaica: One of the best all inclusive options if you are looking for a family resort with all the bells and whistles!
5. Round Hill Hotel and Villas – This resort has a ton of rooms options, an on site spa and has that timeless elegance to it!

Barbados Hotels

1. Sea Breeze Beach House: This is where we stayed and it was one of the best places we stayed in the Caribbean! It’s all inclusive yet has a boutique feel to it. It’s perfect for families or couples a like.
2. O2 Beach Club– 02 Beach Club is located on the south west side of the island and is another all inclusive option with a rooftop pool!
3. Cobblers Cove – This property is Instagram heaven and only has 40 rooms giving it a very intimate feel!
4. Fairmont Royal Pavilion – Located on a beautiful stretch of beach in St. James, this hotel offers luxurious accommodations, a beautiful beachfront setting, and excellent dining options
5. Little Harbour– This eclectic, charming and smaller hotel on the Northern stretch of the island is one to check out for sure!

Jamaica or Barbados Restaurant Comparison

Jamaica Vs Barbados for restaurants offer some of the same cuisine and that is FRESH fish my friends!

In both of these countries you often can get fresh catch of the day on every menu which is a really nice option! Often these dishes are flavored with Caribbean spices. Jamaica’s cuisine tends to be a bit spicier though!

Barbados restaurant scene features a lot of outdoor restaurants with some very trendy spaces that are similar to restaurants you would find in Tulum or California. While Jamaica also has trendy and modern spaces, I felt that a lot of their restaurants were more simple in design.

One similarity between Jamaica and Barbados is their love of RUM bars!! Both islands have an abundant of rum bars however Jamaica wins here as they have the most rum bars per capita in the entire WORLD!! Crazy fact huh?

Here are 3 Jamaica Restaurants that you can’t miss:

1. Miss T’s Kitchen: This adorable and funky restaurant is tucked away on a side street in Ochos Rios but do yourself a favour and find it. It’s one of a kind and has amazing Jamaican cuisine
2. Sugar Mill Restaurant: Hello Glamour! This restaurant is set in an old plantation where the tables are filled with candle lit and you can hear the crickets chirping from afar. It’s a stunning atmosphere and can’t be missed
3. Scotchies: You actually can’t go to Jamaica and not visit Scotchies. It’s a right of passage of visiting and the locals always insist you go there ( which is when I know a place is worth visiting!)

Here are 3 Barbados Restaurants that you can’t miss:

1. La Cabane: This restaurant is on the beach. Literally. It has a boho vibe to it and is one of the best spots for sunset.
2. The Fish Pot: This charming restaurant is on the Good Little Harbour property which I listed as one of the best hotels in Barbados. It’s no surprise that their restaurant is also amazing!
3. QP Bistro: This restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner aka good at any hour and while the food is delicious, the space is the real jaw dropper here. It can seriously be featured in every design magazine there is!!
4. The Tides: This is your high end, 5 star option on the island. If you want to get dressed up or are celebrating a big occasion- come here!

Travel Tips for Barbados and Jamaica:

• Both islands accept credit card at most places and also accept USD in a lot of places!
• Weather or nature tips: Montego Bay can get windy at night while Barbados has more mosquitos!
• You will not find mega stores like Walmart or Costco here but there are bigger chains where you can get everything you need
• Both countries have healthcare and hospital facilities but Barbados has a better reputation for top notch care
• Electrical outlets are the same as the US

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I have been to both destinations many a times! I have visited Cancun for spring break and for family vacations and have visited Tulum on a girls trip, mother/daughter getaway and on a trip with my husband!

How To Get from Tulum To Cancun or Vice Versa?

There a few ways from Tulum to Cancun or Vice Versa! If you wanted to do a day trip to either place, it is totally possible! If you are arriving from the Cancun International Airport and plan to head right to Tulum, you can find plenty of options- though it’s best to book in advance for the best price

1. By Car
   • Rental Car: Renting a car gives you the flexibility to explore the region at your own pace. The journey as I mentioned above takes anywhere from 1.5 to 2.5 hours! We loved renting a car when we visited Tulum as we were able to go to some cenotes and go downtown if we wanted.
2. By Bus:
   • ADO Bus: ADO is a reliable bus company in Mexico, and it operates buses between Tulum and Cancun. The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours. Buses are comfortable, air-conditioned, and provide a cost-effective option.
3. Private Transportation or Driver
   • Private Transfers: Many companies offer private shuttle services between Tulum and Cancun. This option provides convenience and comfort, and you can arrange for direct transportation to your destination. Depending on the company you go with, the cost can vary- we paid about $150.00 CAD for our group of 5. Here is a luxury SUV option for about $135!
4. Shuttle Bus
   • Shared Shuttles: Shared shuttles or collective transportation services are available. These are cost-effective options, but the travel time may be longer as the shuttle may make stops to pick up and drop off other passengers. Here are some shuttle options
5. Taxi:
   • Taxi or Ride-Sharing: Taxis are available, and you can negotiate a fare with the driver but DEFINITELY create a price before you leave and do not run the meter.

Cancun to Tulum Distance

The distance from Cancun to Tulum, both located in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, is approximately 130 kilometers (about 81 miles) when traveling by road. The most common route is along the Federal Highway 307, which runs along the eastern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula.

The driving time between Cancun and Tulum can vary depending on traffic conditions and the mode of transportation but typically it will run you 2 hours door to door! If you are doing a private transfer, it will definitely be faster!

When we did the drive ( we rented our own car one of the times and did a shuttle the other), there was a check point mid drive. This was not scary and if anything made me feel safe as there was police watching this highway. I feel like sometimes Mexico can get a bad rep but driving this route is generally very safe and there are no issues.

Cancun or Tulum for Families

While you can certainly do both Tulum and Cancun with a Family, overall I would choose Cancun or Mayan Riveria when travelling with a family.

The atmosphere and experiences in both places are different and overall Cancun is more geared more towards a kid friendly scene.

A lot of the resorts have daily activities, kids clubs if you have really little kids and all inclusive options ( and if you have kids you know how handy that is!)

Tulum’s crowd is more younger and while kids can easily enjoy themselves, a few of the hotels and even some restaurants are adult only- making it a bit harder to visit some places. Some of the design elements of each place- while they are stunning- could be dangerous for some kids who are younger. It’s not designed with young babies in mind.

Cancun or Tulum for a Girls Trip

If you are looking to do a girls trip in Cancun or Tulum, I think either place would be good! Both offer a LOT of options for going out, having nice and fun dinners, dancing, drinks and overall fun.

If you are looking to save though on costs, I would say that Cancun for a girls trip is the better option as Tulum is very pricey. If you aren’t worried about a budget, I would pick Tulum all day every day as it’s more intimate and you don’t find massive clubs here. The disco or jungle bars or parties are all much smaller and contained.

Cancun or Tulum for a Couples Trip

Looking to plan a trip somewhere warm? You may like these other sunny destinations?

• The Ultimate Guide to Antigua and Barbuda
• Best Caribbean Islands for First Timers 
• Travel Guide to Montego Bay, Jamaica
• Review on Beaches Turks and Caicos
• 27 Dream Destinations to Add To Your Bucket List

Cancun or Tulum Hotel Comparison

Cancun or Tulum for Hotels is another easy decision depending on what you are looking for!

Cancun is home to plenty of all inclusive resorts and bigger hotel chains. This means your drinks and food is included and you have activities, gym and lots of options right on the grounds.

You won’t find these kind of resorts in Tulum hotels. Tulum hotels are more focused on the design element, are smaller and more personalized. A lot of them use natural elements within their builds ( no marble counters here my friends) and are built in an eco friendly way.

Tulum Hotels

Here is a list of hotels in Tulum that are rated well and are centrally located on the main strip!

1. Papaya Playa Project: This eco-friendly resort offers beachfront cabanas and a laid-back, bohemian atmosphere. It often hosts events and parties on the full moon!
2. Azulik: Known for its unique, treehouse-style accommodations, Azulik offers a romantic and secluded experience with state of the art architecture that has been featured in countles magazines. This hotel represents everything that Tulum is about!
3. Nomade Tulum: A wellness-oriented hotel with boho-chic decor, Nomade Tulum often hosts yoga classes, workshops, and has a focus on holistic well-being.
4. Be Tulum Hotel: A luxury hotel with a stylish design, Be Tulum offers beachfront suites, a spa, and gourmet dining options.
5. Mezzanine Colibri Boutique Hotel: Known for its intimate atmosphere, this hotel offers beachfront suites and a restaurant serving Thai cuisine.
6. Sanará Tulum: A wellness-focused hotel with beachfront accommodations, Sanará Tulum offers yoga classes, a spa, and healthy dining options.
7. La Zebra Colibri Boutique Hotel: This boutique hotel features colorful decor, beachfront cabanas, and a restaurant serving Mexican and Caribbean cuisine.

Cancun Hotels

1. Hyatt Ziva Cancun: An all-inclusive resort that caters to families, offering multiple dining options and entertainment.
2. Le Blanc Spa Resort: A luxurious, adults-only, all-inclusive resort with a focus on relaxation and wellness.
3. Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun: This resort is known for its spacious rooms, multiple dining choices, and a large spa.
4. Nizuc Resort & Spa: A high-end resort with a serene atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and multiple dining options.
5. Live Aqua Beach Resort Cancun: An all-inclusive resort known for its modern design, vibrant atmosphere, and excellent dining options.
6. Hard Rock Hotel Cancun: A family-friendly resort with a rock and roll theme, offering entertainment for all ages.
7. UNICO 2087: Although this resort is in the Mayan Riviera area, it is worth including! It’s modern, doesn’t give off “all inclusive” vibes and is only a few years old!

Cancun or Tulum Restaurant Comparison

Cancun vs. Tulum for restaurants is an easy one to break down. Are you looking for more bigger restaurants that likely have a few multiple locations throughout North America? You will find these in Cancun. Think: Senor Frogs, Johnny Rockets, Starbucks etc! They do also have a diverse culinary scene above and beyond that!

Tulum’s restaurant scene features intimate spaces ( many of which are outdoors) with very thought out and personalized menus. That’s not to say Tulum doesn’t have a big list of restaurants- they do! Their restaurant scene is buzzing but I would say they are more unique and less “flashy” than Cancun’s restaurants.

Also a lot of people that choose Cancun Vs. Tulum will often stay at a resort that is all inclusive so dining off site doesn’t happen that often. When you book a Tulum hotel, getting an all inclusive option is not as common so you are eating out for every meal a lot of the time.

Here are some of my favourite Tulum Restaurants:

1. Hartwood: A renowned restaurant with a focus on locally sourced ingredients, offering a menu that changes daily. It’s known for its open-air kitchen and rustic charm. Cash Only and reservations fill up quick!!!
2. Gitano Tulum: This restaurant combines a jungle setting with a stylish atmosphere. Gitano is famous for its mezcal bar and a menu that features contemporary Mexican cuisine. This is the place to go for dancing!!
3. Casa Jaguar: Located in the heart of Tulum, Casa Jaguar offers a diverse menu with a mix of Mexican and international flavors. The restaurant has a laid-back, bohemian atmosphere. Personally- I liked this better than Hartwood!
4. Arca Tulum: Known for its farm-to-table concept, Arca Tulum offers a menu with a strong emphasis on local and seasonal ingredients. The restaurant has an intimate and stylish setting.
5. Posada Margherita: This Italian restaurant is famous for its beachfront location and homemade pasta. The menu features a mix of Italian and Mexican flavors. The owners are actually from Italy and it shows!
6. Charly’s Vegan Tacos: I’m not vegan but man oh man are these tacos amazing! Do not miss this spot. It’s at the very end of the strip

Here are some of my favourite Cancun Restaurants:

1. Puerto Madero: A renowned Argentine steakhouse with a sophisticated atmosphere and a focus on high-quality meat cuts.
2. La Habichuela: A classic in Cancun, La Habichuela offers Mexican-Caribbean cuisine in a charming and romantic setting with lush gardens. I would get off your resort one night and come here for sure!
3. Harry’s Prime Steakhouse & Raw Bar: A high-end steakhouse with a focus on top-quality meats, seafood, and an elegant atmosphere. They also have – as the name suggests- a pretty amazing raw bar with fresh catch of the day and oysters!

I haven’t been to THAT many Cancun restaurants so I am sure there are a lot more where these came from!

Day Trips from Cancun or Tulum:

There are so many day trips that you can do from both Cancun and Tulum. If you are staying in Cancun, you can even visit Tulum for the day if you wanted! I would say that both places offer great day trip options- they are equal on that front!

1. Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve: Explore the UNESCO-listed Sian Ka’an, a vast biosphere reserve with diverse ecosystems, including mangroves, wetlands, and coral reefs. Boat tours are available.
2. Chichen Itza: Visit one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the archaeological site of Chichen Itza, known for its impressive pyramid, El Castillo.
3. Cenotes Tour: Discover the cenotes (natural sinkholes) in the Yucatan Peninsula. Cenote Dos Ojos and Gran Cenote are popular choices for swimming and snorkeling.
4. Mayan Ruins aka the Coba Archaeological Site: Visit the ancient Mayan ruins of Coba, where you can climb the Nohoch Mul pyramid for panoramic views of the jungle

Both the Tulum beaches and the Cancun beaches are stunning and you will be happy with both! Also keep in mind that there are other places to stay in this region of Mexico like Isla Holbox and Isla Mujeres if you still aren’t fully into Cancun or Tulum as your vacation destination

Travel Tips for Cancun or Tulum:

• Cancun is close to big chains like Walmart, Starbucks and has plenty of ATMS around the city. Tulum on the other hand is much smaller. While most places do accept credit cards, I would recommend having cash/Pesos here!
• The mosquitos in Tulum are CRAZY! Do not forget to pack repellant. Tulum is essentially right in the jungle where Cancun’s hotel zone is right on the water and more commercial
• Cancun is closer to a bigger hospital compared to Tulum. If you are travelling with a medical condition, that’s something to consider
• There is a big digital nomad scene in Tulum so do not be surprised to see a lot of people working at some of the restaurants and hotels that are from the US, Europe etc
• Electrical outlets are the same as the US

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If you are looking for a beach in Sayulita to relax at, a place to do yoga, a place to eat on the beach or even a beach to do an environmental clean up, you can find it in this region! This guide will break down the best beaches in Sayulita and the surrounding areas.

Some people head to Sayulita and only hit up the main beach there which is only just a sliver of the type of beaches that the area offers!

Grab yourself a margarita, a taco and some exploring shoes and you can keep yourself busy exploring this list of Sayulita beaches below.

Are The Beaches in Sayulita Swimmable?

The short answer is YES! While the water system has gone through some tremendous strain over the years and at one point people were getting sick in masses, the government and public health team has worked tirelessly to get the Sayulita water quality back to great conditions.

Now would I swim and purposely ingest the water? No.

To be honest we read A LOT about Sayulita sickness before deciding to take the trip there and from what we read, it seemed that if you were careful in all aspects- food you ate, staying hydrated with bottled water and rinsing after swimming in the ocean, that you would be A-ok.

If you plan to stay in Mexico for months on end, a lot of people said that at some point in the months of being there- Sayulita sickness would get you. This happens in Asia, India and Bali a lot too.

We were there for two weeks and felt completely fine ( all four of us!). We washed our hands like crazy, didn’t eat street food or salads and always took a quick shower after going in the ocean. It seems crazy that we were almost doubting the trip because of this. DO NOT LET THIS DEFER YOU FROM GOING. Sayulita was one of the best places we have visited…ever.

The Best Beaches in Sayulita

#1. Playa Sayulita aka The Main Beach in Sayulita

While I obviously would recommend this beach for convenience as it’s closest to the main restaurants and to town, Playa Sayulita is admittedly not my favourite beach in the area.

The water is not the cleanest and it can get super packed BUT it is a great spot to watch the sunset with a few cervesas. It is also a great spot to walk along and see the town of Sayulita from the water view. The colours pop even more from afar!

You can find some great massage options on the beach for very reasonable! There is also a weekly beach clean up that happens once a week that we took part in. The Sayulita community is a tight knit one and it’s a great way to meet other travelers and locals if you are visiting for longer.

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#2. Playa De Los Muertos

Playa De Los Muertos is probably one of the most popular beaches in Sayulita apart from the Main beach. It is a really close walk to town yet offers you a bit more privacy than the main beach. You basically walk to the very end of the main beach ( where the Villa Amor hotel is) and you will then see an entrance for the Sayulita cemetery. 

Yes, to get to Playa Los Muertos you must walk through a graveyard! Don’t worry it’s small. After the cemetery you will then reach Playa los Muertos.

Once you reach the beach, you can expect to find really calm waves so if you want to test out surfing this is definitely a great beach to do it at!

Where to Stay in Playa De Los Muertos

• Hotel Siete Lunas– This boutique hotel is insanely beautiful. I love how it is just the perfect distance away from town. It also offers an amazing little pool with epic views!

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• Travel Guide To Sayulita, Mexico
• Inside the Instagram Famous Azuliki Hotel in Tulum

#3. Playa Carricitos- Beaches in Sayulita that should be on everyone’s list!

Playa Carricitos is hands down my favourite out of all the beaches in Sayulita! It is well known for having very soft sand and is SO much more chill and quiet than some of the other beaches in Sayulita.

There are boulders that line the back of the beach with loads of palm trees peering between them. If you are looking to take some incredible beach shots, this is the place. Instagram heaven.

While the beach area here is pretty much perfect, the waters and tide here can be a bit powerful so please be mindful of that! This is definitely the best public beach in Sayulita

How To Get To this Playa Carricitos Beach in Sayulita

The walk to Playa Carricitos it is about 20 minutes from town. The quickest way is to go through Playa Muertos beach. Walk through the cemetery and do not stop until you come to the path with signs. From this point onwards get your legs ready for an uphill hike.

Once you come to the first little house, make a left and you are there. It’s definitely work the extra steps!

#4. San Pancho Beach Near Sayulita

San Pancho is considered the town that Sayulita used to be 10 years ago aka a small fishing and surf town! Though it has evolved a lot over the past few years. It is still slightly untouched (although there is still a ton of cool places to check out here) but it isn’t overpacked, filled with nomads and is still very clean. You won’t be bothered by vendors at this beach and can easily find a spot to set up shop.

This is a great beach in Sayulita ( near it should I say), if you are looking to learn to surf! There is a great restaurant right on the beach that is perfect for post surf tacos and beer. They also have a really cute ( and Instagrammable) beach swing right in front of this restaurant.

How To Get To San Pancho

There are a few options to get to San Pancho. We took a taxi there and it cost us about $10 USD. It is easy to get a taxi in each of the town’s to take you over but make sure you set the rate before you get into the car.

We had a golf cart but unfortunately they are not allowed on the main roads there otherwise we would have forsure took it!

Another great ( and much cheaper option) is to take the local bus. Make your way to the bus station in town and for only 30 pesos you can be in San Pancho in 10-15 minutes. San Pancho is super walkable and you can be at the beach in less than 10 minutes.

Where To Stay in San Pancho

• PAL.MAR: This hotel checks all of the boxes: cute vibe, spacious rooms, amazing location and even a little on site restaurant!
• Hotel Ysuri San Pancho: This hotel is quite literally on the beach. It’s pool is attached to the side stretch of beach but not in an annoying way. You can sit around the beautiful grounds of your hotel while watching the sun go down.
• Hotel Maraica San Pancho: If you are looking to be away from the main strip in San Pancho, stay here. This hotel is still considered a boutique property but it’s a bit larger than the other two hotels listed here. It has authentic finishes and touches but appears newer and has an amazing pool on site

#5. Playa Malpaso

Jungle lovers where are you at?

Playa Malpaso also known as “Cave Beach” in Sayulita is another beach that requires a little bit of a walking effort and gives off all of the JUNGLE vibes!

You need to walk through a cave and jungle path to reach the beach and through a dense little jungle path. This is the type of beach adventure where walking to it also is a cool thing to do! It’s very picturesque and once you arrive, even more so!

How to get to Malpaso Beach in Sayulita:

We took our golf course to the start of the trail and I recommend doing that to save you some time ( and steps!). The trail is located on the north end of Av. del Palmar.

Head to the trail on this dead end. You will be on this trail for about 20 minutes or so. It may feel like there is no beach in sight for a little bit but trust me, the beach is near! You will pass another small rocky beach. You will walk through the cave here. Sometimes the water levels are high so you will also need to walk through some water. Once you go through the cave, Malpaso beach will be waiting for you on the other side!

#6.  Playa La Lancha

La Lancha is such a gem of a beach. It is super wide and expansive and we loved this for the kids. They were able to run around and we didn’t have to worry about them lodging themselves directly in the water.

La Lancha beach is super loved by surfers because of it’s consistent waves and we really enjoyed watching all the local surfers ride the waves for hours. It was perfect. There is lots of palm trees and vegetation here so if you are looking to take a little nap or spend the day here, it is definitely possible!

Looking to get a little fancy? Check out the new El Surf Club which is situated on this beach stretch.

#7.  Punta Mita Beaches

Punta Mita is about an hour from Sayulita but the beaches there are definitely worth checking out. If you are staying in Sayulita for a week I would 100% recommend a day trip to Punta Mita.

Punta Mita is home to luxury vacation rentals and 5 star resorts ( think Four Seasons, St Regis and more). It’s no secret that resorts of this caliber often find the best real estate on the coast and set up shop and the coast line in Punta Mita is pretty exceptional.

The town of Punta Mita is really cute and has started to build up with some great restaurants. I would recommend checking out the restaurant Zicatela which is a modern and open air space that overlooks the water. The W Hotel also offers day passes or day bed rentals by their pool and they often have weekly DJ parties. The vibe there is immaculate!

Looking to stay a few nights in Punta Mita? Check Out These Hotels

• St Regis Punta Mita – 5 Star Hotel that is world renowned for it’s property on the Punta Mita coastline
• Armony Luxury Resort and Spa: All Inclusive Adult Only – If you are looking for an all inclusive where you are not around any kids, this is your place. There is also a top notch spa on site for extra pampering
• Conrad Hotel Punta Mita – This hotel opened just a few years ago and has become a fan favourite. It’s 5 star and just last year the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills took a trip to this resort. Good enough for them= good enough for me!
• Meson De Mita– This is a great budget friendly option in Punta Mita. There isn’t too many budget hotels in the area but this one is beautiful and is a great price for what you get!
• Imanta Boutique Resort– File this hotel under the most unique property in Punta Mita. Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker stayed here a few months back and cozied up in their private bungalows. It’s truly a dream!

#8.  Patzcuarito

Image via here

I almost debated not including this beach in the list because I don’t want too many people to find out about it! It’s one of those beaches that have yet to catch on and that is what makes it so great.

It is a slice of solitude in Sayulita- away from all the margaritas and music and liveliness.

You will not find any stores, beach vendors or really much of anything here so pack accordingly. We LOVED this beach but couldn’t stay as long as we wanted because there wasn’t much shade for the kids!

Next time I would be packing a tent and a picnic and setting up shop until sunset.

#8.  Playa Destiladeras

Sandwiches between Nuevo Vallarta and Punta Mita, Playa Destiladeras is a perfect beach for those seeker true relaxation. This is a great day trip option if you are staying in Sayulita for longer than a week.

Visiting here gives you a taste of the different beaches you can find along the coast line and unlike the beaches in Punta Mita that are home to many of the luxury hotels, Playa Destiladeras is really isolated from all the hotels, high rises and noise from the neighbouring towns.

It does cost $5.00 to park here so keep that in mind!

#9.  Marieta Islands- Hidden Beaches in Sayulita

The Marieta Islands aka hidden beach is a must visit if you are visiting Sayulita! It is a famous spot with volcanic topography that allows you to go right underneath the formation. The rock structure has an open air view of the sky from the beach and it is truly unique.

To access these islands and this particular beach you need to go with a tour. There is a fee of $2600 Pesos to visit and they limit the number of visitors each day so the spot doesn’t get overwhelemed.

It takes about an hour each way to get to the Marieta Islands and the boat. Once you are there a lot of tours will have you stay for a bit so you can snorkel or bird watch. The area is home to so many beautiful and protected species.

Sayulita is such a unique part of Mexico that instantly energizes you. It surpassed all of my expectations and although the beaches are not blue like the Caribbean, they offer you a feeling. There is something just magical about them and the sunsets there are like no other! I hope you enjoyed this round up of the best beaches in Sayulita!

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It is well known for it’s expat and international community, strong surf, stunning sunsets, yoga and colorful little streets. It used to be a secret but now many people have started to discover this little gem of a town and upon arrival you can almost instantly understand why it’s so popular.

Aside from the surfing, tacos and margs, this town has so much to offer. With the gorgeous shorelines of the Pacific Ocean and the Jungle like mountains situated minutes from town, it is a destination for any kind of traveller. You can hike through some epic trails, explore the street art and culinary scene or just simply relax and do nothing.

I am sharing the ultimate guide to Sayulita, Mexico so that you can visit here soon!

CHECK OUT OTHER POSTS ON MEXICO:

• OUR STAY AT THE EL CAREYES CLUB AND RESIDENCES
• TULUM TRAVEL GUIDE
• HOTEL STAY AT THE NOW FAMOUS AZULIKI
• 9 OF THE BEST BEACHES IN SAYULITA, MEXICO
• CANCUN OR TULUM: WHICH ONE IS FOR YOU?

How To Get To Sayulita, Mexico?

CLOSEST INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT:

If you are travelling to Sayulita from an International destination, you will want to fly into Puerto Vallarta International Airport ( PVR).

There are lots of direct flights into PVR from many cities. From Toronto and Hamilton, there are direct flights that run seasonally ( November to April) and it will take you 4.5/5 hours total!

How to get to Sayulita from Puerto Vallarta?

Sayulita is a quick 45 minutes from Puerto Vallarta. We took a taxi there which cost us about $55 dollars USD. There are also lots of car rental companies at the PVR airport should you wish to rent a car

Should I Rent a Car in Sayulita?

If you want to explore the Pacific Coast and do a few days in Puerto Vallarta, Punta Mita and Sayulita, a car wouldn’t be a horrible idea. It would allow you to check out some smaller towns in between and do some day trips. Do you need a car in Sayulita itself? Definitely not.

BEST WAY TO GET AROUND OVERALL: GOLF CART!

If you are ever stuck in Sayulita traffic, it won’t be back to back car bumpers- it will be back to back Golf Cart bumpers. The town is dominated by golf carts as it is the best way to scoot around town.

Even with having a young baby, we choose to rent a golf cart and saw many other families with young kids doing the same.

We rented ours from Ocean Golf Carts and we couldn’t recommend them enough. Matt, the owner, was very easy to communicate with and pick up/drop off was easy peasy.

ANOTHER GREAT WAY TO GET AROUND?: 

Walk! The best thing about Sayulita is that it is compeltely walkaable! If you are staying in downtown everything is a 10 minute walk away and though there are some hilly areas on the outskirts of town, the main streets are completely doable.

Looking for another warm destination? Check out these posts below!

• Travel Guide to Montego Bay, Jamaica
• 27 Dream Destinations to add to your Bucket list!
• Celebrity Ascent Cruise: Best way to see several islands at once!
• The Ultimate Guide to Antigua and Barbuda

When to Visit Sayulita?

HIGH SEASON: High season in Sayulita runs from November to March where weather is beautiful and there is little rain. Temperatures reach the 80’s during the day but you have cooler moments compared to the June- September months. High season also means it is much busier with it being the prime holiday season in North America ( Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Years and March Break).

We had a few people tell us that December in Sayulita almost becomes unbearable busy with no parking spots in town, tons of traffic and inflated prices.

LOW SEASON: August and September are considered the wettest months in the region and also the most humid. You can expect a greater chance of tropical storms to pass through the area but most of the time they do not last all day. Prices are lower during this time so if you are looking to budget a bit, this may be a good time to consider going.

Low Season starts in June and ends early October.

SHOULDER SEASON: We visited in October which is considered shoulder season. We were actually there during a full on Hurricane

How Many Days Do You Need In Sayulita Mexico?

We stayed 5 nights in Sayulita and felt it was a perfect amount of time to really get a good lay of the land, eat at all the restaurants and tap into the vibe!

We probably could have stayed for another month though because we very well wanted to move there after our visit!

I would not recommend anything less than 5 days as you won’t truly experience the magic of Sayulita in anything shorter!

Where to Stay in Sayulita, Mexico?

Sayulita is the kind of place that offers a lot of different accommodation options.

What started as a hippie little beach town frequented by backpackers is more and more becoming a place where a lot of expats have purchased homes and built up the town.

There are tons of hostels, small boutique hotels and some really nice Air BNB options.

Whatever your budget is, you can find something in Sayulita that suits it

The one thing you won’t find though is massive resorts and large hotel options. Thank goodness for that because it would completely change the face of Sayulita!

We stayed at an incredible Air Bnb which I will talk about below but I wanted to share some other unique accommodations in Sayulita that we visited for food or that we heard great things about!

Don Bonito

Not only is Don Bonito Hotel in Sayulita a design lover’s dream, it also is an awesome place to grab some coffee and food! It has the cutest little café attached to their 9 bedroom boutique hotel and the grounds of both the café and hotel are immaculate. With a sexy plunge pool at the back, a rooftop terrace for yoga and every corner offering an atheistically pleasing photo op, you will want to stay here.

Selina Sayulita

If you are looking for a budget option right in the center of town, check our Selina Sayulita! I would call it a mix of a hostel and a hotel and caters to the younger crowd. If you are travelling solo, this is the place to stay as there is a always a happening pool and bar scene happening right in the hotel itself!

Casa Copa De Oro

This place is a mid range rental in the North area of Sayulita that offers you SO MUCH bang for your buck. With 3 bedrooms, a community pool, a 1 minute walk to the beach and a beautiful interior- it is such a perfect space to rent for a week long vacation.

We stayed here for a portion of our trip and would book it again in a heartbeat. If you are travelling with a family, this is your place.

Luxury Vacation Rental: Serena

Tucked away on a quiet street in North Sayulita ( In my opinion- one of the best areas to stay in Sayulita), this luxury vacation rental called Casa Serena is hands down one of the coolest places we have stayed!

It features 3 big bedrooms, a large common space, two different balconies……and the best feature? OCEAN VIEWS! The Ocean views from this place are considered some of the best in town after speaking to a few locals so we felt extra fortunate that we ended up staying here!

If you are travelling with a family or with other couples, this is your place!

The Best Restaurants in Sayulita, Mexico

While some head to Sayulita to surf, we came to eat tacos and drink mezcal my amigos!!

No really. We researched a head of time all the cute and cool restaurants that Sayulita had and wanted to try them all!

For a town so small, it has ALOT of awesome restaurants to check out and I imagine there are new ones popping up every month. My favourite thing to do on any trip is to put together an EAT-tinerary ( basically a detailed list of places I want to try and visit) and the Sayulita food scene made our list pretty long!

Here are some favourite Sayulita restaurants that you should eat or drink at:

Mary’s Tacos

Mary’s Tacos in Sayulita is the real deal! It is a tiny little place on the main road that has been around for years ( I would call it a hole in the wall but it’s actually cute!!)

We loved it there so much that we ate there 3 times and each time was 10/10. We got the breaded fish tacos and hibiscus margs and I can honestly say that the margs were some of the best out of the entire Mexico trip ( and I had some pretty fancy ones!)

This place gets really busy but it’s worth the wait!

Pro Tip: Go for a late lunch or early dinner ( say 3/4PM) and you should get it rather quick.

Anchor Cafe

This place is awesome spot to grab some Insta worthy Smoothies and Bowls! They are ENOURMOUS and priced very fair. My favourite item was the Chia Seed Pudding Smoothie which is pictured above. It fed myself and my two kiddos!!

If you are REALLY hungry they also have a full breakfast menu too. It’s a great spot to grab a fast and casual breakfast or lunch.

Miscelanea Cafe

If I had to pick my favourite daytime restaurant, it would hands down be Miscelanea Cafe. Located down a little pathway off the main street, this place is like walking into an oasis. It feels worlds away from the hustle of Sayulita and offers a calming space for a morning meal.

We went 3 times out of our 5 mornings there and experienced with a few of the dishes on the menu. One day we got pancakes, another day we got the Avo toast and WOW- they knocked every dish out of the park.

Get their Caramel Latte. Trust me.

El Tiburon

 El Tiburon is one of the nicest restaurants in Sayulita . It features a modern tiled bar and floor, unique fixtures and an eclectic menu.

We came for their happy hour from 4-6 where we got our hands on some spicy margs, waffle fries ( that they top with lots of good fixings) and a classic burger.

I loved the location of El Tiburon which is located down a colorful and small alleyway! Such a vibe- even before entering the place!

Organi-K

You can’t miss Organi-K as it is located on the main street in town and is as colorful as they come! It was one of the first restaurants in Sayulita that really gained popularity with the expat scene. It has some very hearty Acai bowls and the menu itself is not small. You can find every time of bowl you can think of!

We got a Smoothie and an Acai bowl and it was $12 USD. We found this pretty reasonable compared to prices back home!

Chaman Creative Kitchen

Ok this place is a must visit…for many reasons! First of all the design of the space is perfection. With an outdoor bar, a swing seat, a manifestation alter and an overall boho feel, I wanted to snap photos of everything.

We loved how much space it offered for our family of four ( if you have kids, this is such a great dinner choice) and most importantly the food was impressive. We got burgers one night, did the pancakes for breakfast another day and stopped by for some happy hour margs for good measure.

It is rated the #2 restaurant in all of Sayulita and for good reason!

Other Restaurants and Bars to Visit in Sayulita:

Like I said there are so many places to eat in Sayulita that it is hard to list them all! The ones I listed above are just a few of the favourites places we visited but there was some other restaurants and bars in Sayulita that I also very much enjoyed! Some of which we enjoyed so much that I didn’t even have time to take photos at!

• La Rustica: Top Notch Italian. Best pizzas!!!!
• Xochi: A large restaurant in the main Plaza that is perfect for families. They also have crazy cocktails !
• Chocobanana: Banana treats dipped in chocolate with a variety of toppings
• Sueños Creative Cuisine and Cocktails: Stunning place for a romantic dinner in town.

Best Places to Drink in Sayulita

When the sun begins to set, Sayulita comes alive. Gone are the days of it being a quiet little fishing town! There are many places in Sayulita to drink at, enjoy a happy hour or even party! While I can’t comment on the party aspect, here are some favourite bars we hit up!

• CAVA– cute little bar that is very hidden. I”m not even sure there is a sign but we drank several Mezcals there
• El Barrilito-A local watering hole on the corner within the main square of town! Awesome bar seats right along the street and CHEAP margs. Like $6 cheap
• Escondido Bar- One of the nicest cocktail bars in town. This is right across the street from El Barrilito

I find a lot of Sayulita Travel guides suggest Don Pedro’s as a must visit and Atico Bar ( the bar with swing seats) but we found both of them terrible. They seem outdated and only popular because they have been on so many lists?

I’m not sure but there are SO many other awesome places that I would hit up before we visited either of these places again!

A note on “Sayulita Sickness”

Before booking a trip to Sayulita, we were nervous about this so called “Sayulita Sickness”.

A couple years back there was a lot of problems with the towns sewage system. Rumors floated around that the sewage water trickled into the ocean ( where so many people swim everyday) and people were getting sick by the dozens.

I was on Trip Advisor forums trying to find information on this and the most recent posts shared that they solved the problem and had the Ministry of Health involved in improving things. Still, you had a few posters saying they were there recently and got SO sick.

I am happy to report that we did not get sick during our time there BUT I do want to make a note that we were super careful. Ain’t no matter got time to be throwing up all day!

Things we did to avoid Sayulita Sickness:

• We started taking Probiotics 2 weeks before our trip!
• We did not drink tap water. We even brushed our teeth with bottled water
• We still drank drinks that had ice but only from reputable spots
• We didn’t swim in the ocean. Pools only! We aren’t surfers and have two young kids so this did not bother us.
• And the real VIP- which I truly swear by- are these pills that I took after every meal. I took these in India and Bali and never got “Delhi Belly” or “Bali Belly”

Things to do in Sayulita

I find the best way to explore Sayulita is to just get out there on foot and walk around! Doing so will give you a feel of the place, take you into some beautiful shops and allow you to spot some restaurants that you want to check out.

If you are something who needs concrete plans, you can get busy really quickly with a lot of different activities

.

Go Beach Hopping

The main beach of Sayulita is in short “meh”. It is very crowded and filled with lots of restaurants, noise and it also isn’t necessarily the cleanest. For people watching and catching a sunset, it certainly does the job but we had the most fun beach hopping. Here are the Sayulita beaches you should visit:

• Playa Carricitos ( 20 minutes walk from town)
• Playa Los Muertos (you actually have to walk through a graceyard to access it but 100% worth it!)
• Playa Malpaso (You have to walk through a cave to get to it. Again worth it!)

Do some Surfing or Yoga

This seems like an obvious one but you can’t really visit Sayulita without seeing endless Surfers, Yoga signs or luring holistic treatments on many corners.

I easily drink this kind of Koolaid and love doing activities that locals do. I also really do love yoga, sound baths and meditation so this was a very easy “yes” for me.

You can find surf lessons on every corner or join a yoga class very easily. Most will run you about $10-$15 USD er hour.

Visit The Neighboring Town of San Panchos

If you are in Sayulita for more than a week, I suggest visiting the neighboring town of San Pachos. San Pachos is what Sayulita used to be many years ago. Or at least that’s what some locals told us! It is a bit quieter, cleaner and a bit smaller in terms of the main strip itself.

Grab a cervesa on the beach and take in the scene. They also have an awesome rope swing there which makes for the perfect IG photo!

Is it Safe in Sayulita, Mexico?

We couldn’t have felt more safe in Sayulita. We were shocked at all the families travelling around town with young babies. We didn’t feel so alone! Not only were the fellow travelers friendly but the locals were also very welcoming.

So many people working at the restaurants were always offering to hold Gemma or entertain Chloe. It wasn’t unusual for us to see some of the same people at restaurants and we very quickly felt a sense of community there.

Looking to book your flight? I always book mine with Cheap O Air

Helpful Hints for your Visit to Sayulita, Mexico

• While there are grocery stores in town, I would recommend stopping at Walmart in Puerto Vallarta when you land to do a big shopping haul. This is especially recommended if you don’t rent a car for your stay. You can get your taxi or private car to stop there while you stock up on items!
• Most of the restaurants accept credit cards but it is best to bring some Pesos along just in case. There are only a few ATMS in town.
• We found the prices there to be slightly cheaper than to prices in Toronto. Cocktails on average were $8-10 USD and Main Entrees were $10-12 USD
• If you are looking for a babysitter when you are there, I highly recommend Georgia and her team

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This colorful spot nestled on the coast between Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo is like stepping into the gates of a colorful heaven.

The Las Alamandas resort was opened in the early 90’s by Isabel Goldsmith who is not only a well known art collector but a totally chic woman who has homes all over the world. Her exquisite taste can be felt in every corner of the place.

Originally the land was owned by her grandfather who wanted to turn it into a golf course and big resort but Ms. Goldsmith had other plans for it after inheriting it from him after he passed away. I loved hearing the backstory of how the resort came to be because it is clear that a brand or hotel chain is not here. It is truly one of a kind.

A favourite with celebrities like Jennifer Anniston, Cindy Crawford and Robert DeNiro, the resort prides itself on being “Paradise found”.

Through our 4 days here, the personality of Las Alamandas slowly unveiled itself layer by layer and what a big one it is…

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The Grounds at Las Alamandas Resort

With over 2,000 acres, the Las Alamandas Resort grounds are pretty impressive. There is so much to it that you can (and should) book a property tour to see it all ( more on that later).

Since it is SO grand and there are only 18 suites, it’s safe to say that you can easily feel like you are the only guests at the hotel at times. It’s so expansive yet at the same time, I felt like we knew everyone by name and there was an intimate vibe in the common areas.

When you first enter the property gates from the highway, you have a solid 5-10 drive to the main resort. It makes you understand the total privacy that will be waiting for you. Once you do start to approach the resort, you are greeted by a water fountain that looks like one you would find in a palazzo in Italy- grand, fancy and easy on the eyes. Paired with the lush vegetation and orange and pink colour palette seeping through everywhere- it certainly sets the tone for what’s to come.

Yellow Alamanda flowers line the entrance path and we later discovered they are all over the grounds which is where the name originated from. Another backstory that I loved hearing!

The Rooms at Las Alamandas Resort

The Las Alamandas Resort has 18 accommodation options for you to choose from. Each one of them is unique and has it’s own colour scheme and personality, further showing that hotel is one of a kind.

Taking a trip back to the resort one day would feel exciting as I would likely choose another Casa to discover. Though, it would definitely be hard to not stay in “Casa Isabel” again.

Casa Isabel is a villa with 3 individual suites within. If you are staying as a larger group, all 3 suites can be rented so you have the entire villa for yourself or you can rent out one of the suites within. Their biggest suite option is the Presidential suite which comes with a decently sized lap pool!

We rented one of the suites in Casa Isabel and boy oh boy, did we love it!

Our suite, “The Isabel Master Suite”, had a Queen size bed, a twin bed at the front of the room perfect for our 4 year old and a good amount of room for a crib for our baby.

Additionally we had access to the living areas where there was a kitchen table and couches and chairs. We even had our own plunge pool!

There was literally no reason to leave our room but since we laid eyes on other areas of the resort, it enticed us to get out of our heavenly bubble and explore! There is also no WIFI in the rooms which really makes you disconnect ( and was honestly really lovely) but there were times when we did want to head to the main area to send some emails etc

The Food And Restaurants at Las Alamandas Resort

When staying at Las Alamandas, you have the option to do A La Carte or add on an All Inclusive Rate per day where all meals are included.

Since we were travelling with the kids and let’s be serious- my husband who likes to eat every 2-3 hours, doing all inclusive was a no brainer. We were so happy we did.

We didn’t hold back during our meals and really got to enjoy all the fresh offerings that the restaurant had.

Breakfast offerings were the same each day but lunch and dinner menus changed daily based on the fresh food that they had at the moment. I LOVED that! It was a nice change up to see new items each day and knowing it was made fresh made me equally as excited. Mahi Mahi for dinner? Shrimp tacos for lunch? Yes please! And having everything served up on their colorful Mexican pottery? Added bonus.

The biggest stressor you will face when you stay at Las Alamandas is basically what menu option you should go with because after a day or two, it’s easy to know how delicious everything is.

We chose to eat our breakfasts under their Palapa every morning where we watched the sun continue to rise up and be as close to the water as possible. We had a few lunches in our oceanfront terrace which came in as a close second. It was nice to have the option of two spots to eat and soon- there will be a third.

They were working on renovating and giving their dinner space a facelift when we were there and when we got to take a look at it, I felt like I was in someone’s really fancy Mexican house. It had a full tequila bar, indoor seating, colourful rattan chairs and custom benches circulating the corners with string lights decking the outdoor area. It’s probably a good call for me to go back and visit so I can see the finished product.

Things to Do at Las Alamandas Resort

While you can spend your time reading and really vegging out, below are 5 things that cannot be missed during your visit!

#1. Property Tour of the Las Alamandas Grounds

Not only is the Las Alamandas Resort a place to go on a luxurious vacation but it almost feels like it is it’s own little town. They have their own landing strip ( for the private jet crowd of course), trails to go horseback riding, various beaches to discover (so you can tan without anyone around), their own herb gardens, fruit trees, and even their own lake within! Check Mate.

The property tour will take you around with their in house ATV vehicle and lasts about an hour. It takes you to viewpoints you wouldn’t otherwise see and is a great way to understand how big Las Alamandas really us.

#2. Turtle Release on One of the Las Alamandas Private Beaches

Las Alamandas is connected to nature. There are a ton of bird varieties that live among the land among other species.

Preserving nature and protecting the animals that live among them was something that was important to the resort so they created the Turtle Protection Program – one of the animals that can be found on the beaches of the property.

From August to December, you can help to release baby turtles into the ocean and learn more about their commitment to helping these breautful creatures.

It was one of my favourite things we did on our trip and an experience I am sure we will remember forever!! If you have kids, this is a must do.

#3. Sunset Session

Las Alamandas’ has a coastline that is one of the best in Mexico and maybe even North America! There are certain parts of the property that offer dramatic view points and one of these view points can be booked out for a sunset session!

A quick 10 minute ATV ride from the main resort brings you to the most romantic sunset spot where you can enjoy some wine or champagne paired with charcuterie. This is a must do.

#4. Check Out the Resort’s In House VW Car!

Just when I thought that Las Alamandas was the coolest place ever, they bring out a Pink and Yellow ( very on brand) VW car! If Disneyland has Mickey as their Mascot, Las Alamandas has this. It makes for the cutest photo op and while the kids loved it….I think I enjoyed it the most hehe!

#5. Picnic At One Of Their Private Beaches

Las Alamandas offers the option of having a picnic lunch at one of their four beaches. Where on earth can you literally have the ENTIRE beach in a dream vacation spot to YOURSELF?

They set up a little table with one of their fabulous lunch spreads and you can just have yourself a time!

If you are seeking ultimate privacy and quietness, this is another reason why this resort is so special. The cost for this is $50 USD which is pretty reasonable considering you get a whole beach to yourself.

Visiting Las Alamandas makes for the most dreamy Mexican vacation with the perfect balance of rustic, romantic and charm that is hard to find anywhere else! One of my favourite spots I have stayed forsure!

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It is truly one of the most special places I have ever visited and staying at the El Careyes Club and Residences gives you the keys to experiencing the Careyes world.

Decked in a dusty pink and burnt orange exterior, it is very easy on the eyes upon first glance.

Opened originally in the 1970’s, the hotel was recently renovated, revamped and rebranded to reflect a a more modern Careyes style. The colour tones found throughout the building often compliment the nightly pink and orange sunsets- blending in perfectly together.

Designed by Mexican architects, Gabriela Carrillo, and Mauricio Rocha, the space has obvious details that will make you swoon but also tiny ones that you may notice on the way to the bathroom or walking through the cobblestone walkways on the way back to your room. It makes you realize how carefully thought out the space was.

During the renovation, they also happened to build out 5 over the top, INSANE infinity pools which I will touch on more later but WOW!

The development was done as a means to appease vacationers or visitors to Careyes who wanted the amenities of a hotel. While there are so many villa and casa options in Careyes, the El Careyes Club is the perfect medium for those who want to visit without any strings attached.

The units can be bought though if desired and are turn key. The units can then be rented out to visiting hotel guests allowing you to make some $$ when you are not there. It’s the best of both worlds really!

With more affordable room options and hotel amenities that will keep you pampered, it is the perfect place to set up shop when choosing a place to stay in Careyes.

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Favourite Features of staying at El Careyes Club and Residences

This is very much a no brainer because I’m pretty sure a person with impaired vision would still be able to walk into the El Careyes Club and know their infinity pools are like no other. It is most definitely the focal point of the grounds and even if I wasn’t staying at the Club, I suggest you head there for a visit to witness them with your own eyes.

The pools are so large and sprawling that we often had one of them to ourselves for a bit! Add in a killer sunset as the backdrop to the pools and you seriously feel like you are in a computer homescreen. How is this REAL!!

We really liked having the pampering of a hotel. We had daily housekeeping, fresh towels for the pool everyday and water bottles left in our rooms.

We also loved the various sitting and lounging options within.

Fancy a little hammock reading? There is a perfect nook in the common area. Looking to sit poolside but want to be really comfy? Well, their bed like loungers will help you with that!

The pool area itself offers a lot of space and with the limited number of guests on site, you can starfish or float around without bumping elbows with anyone.

The Beach Area

It was hard to break me away from the pool scene at El Careyes because DUH! But I was happy I made my way to their beach area. Again, talk about privacy. This beach area- though not super big- makes you feel like the beach is yours.

You have a view of the lush mountains on one side which amplifies those Mexican Jungle vibes and then on the right hand side you have a view of the colorful cliffsides which made me understand why this coast is considered the Mediterranean of Mexico. Needless to say, my head was turning from side to side unable to determine which vantage point I enjoyed looking at more.

With a few sun chairs and umbrellas, I suggest hanging out here for a bit and maybe grabbing one of the complimentary kayaks or paddleboards.

We also saw some people snorkelling one day!

Accommodation Options at El Careyes

Among the 35 rooms available, there are 4 different room types at El Careyes Club and Residences ranging from 1 bedroom to 4 bedroom suites. Regardless of your room type, all suites have a full kitchen (microwave, refrigerator and freezer and oven), WIFI, A/C, ceiling fans and TV’s. Additionally, you can find an expansive bathroom set up in each unit with glass door showers, rain showerheads and shutters that open up to lush greenery.

One of my favourite features though was probably the neutral, earthy materials and monochromatic furnishings that felt like a mix of Bali and Morocco inspired design.

THE TWO BEDROOM SUITE WE STAYED IN

We stayed in Residence Unit 211. One of the bedrooms had a king sized bed while the other room had two double beds. If you are travelling with kids, this is absolutely the perfect unit to stay in.

Each bedroom had it’s own bathroom which was an added bonus and could also make the set up ideal for two families who wanted to share the space.

The balcony was also very expansive with ocean AND pool views and was a place we often found ourselves in the mornings. What a way to wake up let me tell you.

Restaurants and Eating Options at El Careyes Club & Residences

El Careyes on site restaurant, La Duna, is a restaurant that you would want to visit even if you weren’t staying there! It is a culinary jewel with the freshest of ingredients being used in their breakfast, lunch and dinner offerings.

When we booked our stay, we made sure to have breakfast included and we were so happy we did as the breakfast menu was my favourite! Think: fresh acai bowls, avocado toast (a healtly but seriously delicious version of it), gourmet French toast and an eggs benedict dish that my husband claims to be the best eggs benny he has ever had.

On top of that they have a Smoothie and Fresh juice list that easily tops any trendy juice bar in Los Angeles. These offerings helped balance out our margarita intake (ha) and were the perfect lunch time addition.

IN ROOM DINING AND COOKING

On the first night there, the kids were tired from our travel day and while I would have loved to eat at the restaurant it just wasn’t in our cards. We ordered in room dining from La Duna and with the beautiful table set up we had in our rooms, it translated very well and felt like a night out still! Big win for us.

Another important note is about the kitchens at El Careyes Club & Residences. Not only are they big but they come with alllll the cookware, glassware and utensils that you need to make yourself feel right at home. If we were there longer we would have for sure loaded up at the grocery store a bit more and cooked a dinner there. Some people may not want to cook on vacation but if you are have kids ( ones with earlier bedtimes too), this is a great perk!

OFF SITE RESTAURANT OPTION

One of our favourite things we did in Careyes was walk from El Careyes to the Play Rosa restaurant. It is about a 10 minute walk from the property and is a great opportunity to switch things up!

The walk itself allows you to really understand Careyes’ design style. The walk through the cobblestone pathways has you experiencing different colours and feelings as you pass along.

While it was tempting to stay onsite the entire time, we recommend doing a lunch or dinner at Playa Rosa restaurant!

A Few Helpful Hints For Your Stay:

• We loved watching the sunsets here and it’s important to note that each night we thought the sunsets may be a flop or were done for the night and then BAM- the sky kept getting crazier and crazier. If you tune in for one- make sure you stay until the last possible second for some Careyes sunset magic.

•Make sure to bring lots of Bug Spray! Being surrounded by lush greenery also means a bit more bugs. It was not annoying ( we are from Canada and are used to those pesky mosquitos) but if you weren’t prepared it could be. 

•The water from from the tap is safe to brush your teeth with and shower with but you cannot drink the water in Mexico so make sure to bring a reusable water bottle! The hotel gives you daily water bottles but bringing your own water bottle is a good idea so you can keep hydrated at all times! 

•If you are travelling with kids, there are not many close by grocery stores. While there is a restaurant on site, I would still recommend loading up on snacks, milk, formula etc  before your visit! There is a lot of bigger grocery stores in Puerto Vallarta or Manzanillo.

Looking to book a stay at this hotel and still have questions? Make sure to let me know when you do or reach out to me on Instagram if you have more questions!

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Sounds pretty nice, doesn’t it? Almost like it is too good to be true! However this dream place does exist and it’s called Careyes, Mexico.

Just a short 1. 5 hour drive from the Manzanillo airport, Careyes is a gated community filled with ocean castles designed by famous architects, villas with infinity pools, colorful casitas, a handful of restaurants and El Careyes Hotel and Residences- the only hotel within.

It is an exclusive oasis that must be experienced to fully understand it’s beauty.

Brought to life by Italian banker Gianfrano Brignon in the 60’s when he was flying over the coast and decided to buy 20,000 acres of property on a whim to make it his own. He was quite literal blown away by how stunning the coastline was that he didn’t even step foot on it before purchasing it. He saw the potential almost immediately.

Mr. Brignon started to build the land up slowly; wanting to create a getaway destination for just family and friends seeking privacy and of course some fun.

Since then it has transformed into a destination where celebrities, soul seekers, artists and designers come to vacation and let me tell you it is something else.

It is basically like living in a real life design and luxury travel magazine and awakens your senses in every way imaginable.

I am sharing the ultimate guide to visiting Careyes, Mexico so you can experience this slice of heaven for yourself

CHECK OUT OTHER POSTS ON MEXICO:

• OUR STAY AT THE EL CAREYES CLUB AND RESIDENCES
• TULUM TRAVEL GUIDE
• HOTEL STAY AT THE NOW FAMOUS AZULIKI

How To Get To Careyes, Mexico?

How to get to Careyes from Manzanillo

Careyes Mexico is located 1.5 hours from the Manzanillo airport. Private transporation can be arranged through the place you are staying. We booked transporation through the El Careyes Club and Residences and we were picked up in a spacious SUV!

You can also hire a local taxi which would run you about 1500 Pesos or $75 USD roughly.

The great thing about flying in to Manzanillo is that the airport is very small as there is not a lot of flights that land there daily. With that being said, going through customs and getting our luggages was a breeze

How to get to Careyes from Puerto Vallarta

Flying into Puerto Vallarta means a longer drive at 2.5-3 hours. The good news is that there are many direct flights when you fly into Puerto Vallarta from most major cities. The drive from Puerto Vallarta to Careyes is also very scenic and beautiful!

Should I Rent a Car in Careyes?

We did not have a rental car during our time there but next time I would secure one. For the 3 days we were there it was perfectly fine without one ( and made us stay put and take in the beauty right around us) but heading into town for dinner or to some near by activities would be more convenient with a car!

When to Visit Careyes?

HIGH SEASON: High season in Careyes runs from November to March where weather is beautiful and there is little rain. Temperatures reach the 80’s during the day but you have cooler moments compared to the June- September months. High season also means it is much busier with it being the prime holiday season in North America ( Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Years and March Break)

LOW SEASON: August and September are considered the wettest months in the region and also the most humid. You can expect a greater chance of tropical storms to pass through the area but most of the time they do not last all day. Prices are lower during this time so if you are looking to budget a bit, this may be a good time to consider going.

Low Season starts in June and ends early October.

SHOULDER SEASON: We visited in October which is considered shoulder season. The crowds of high season were yet to be seen and the weather was still hot but very much manageable. We got some rain one of the nights there and some clouds one afternoon but other than that it was beautiful!

How Many Days Do You Need In Careyes Mexico?

We stayed in the area for 3 nights and felt that we could have stayed much longer. Like maybe for a year? haha. No but really.

I would recommend a week in the area to fully unwind, experience the magic of the surroundings and see everything on this list!

If you are doing a whole trip through Mexico though, 3 nights would work!

Where to Stay in Careyes Mexico

Careyes is not a place where you are going to find endless hotel options. That is not what Careyes is.

True to it’s exclusive and artistic vibe, you have the option of staying at the one hotel within the gated community, renting a smaller ( but very much beautiful) casita or a larger and over the top villa ( you know the kind that come with a chef or boat if you should need it). Though there are not endless hotel options, you still have several accommodation options to choose from- all of which are 5 star.

All of the villas have design elements that can easily be found within Architectural Digest ( no, really- many of them have been featured) and have their own personalities. Actually. When walking through some of the pathways, we saw signs for “Casa Azul” or “Casa Faro”- one was green, the other blue. One had integrated tile work along the door entrance while the other made me feel like I was transported to Morocco. This was just from the outside. I can’t even imagine how it would feel to step inside. I can’t wait to go back and experience one of the unique villas!

Here are some places to stay in Careyes as a starting point..

El Careyes Club and Residences

El Careyes is the only hotel within the Careyes community and what a place it is! It is one of the more reasonable places to stay with rooms ranging from $300 – $1500 USD but don’t fret- it is still extremely high end. Like it has 5 insane infinity pools kind of high end.

We stayed in one of the two bedroom units which were made up of contemporary and mid century modern pieces, concrete floors perfect for the Mexican heat ( and sand), a full kitchen and gorgeous double sink bathrooms with jungle views. We also had a balcony that offered up pool and ocean views. You can read more about it HERE!

Bungalows at Playa Rosa

A newer place to stay on the block, the bungalows on Playa Rosa beach are a perfect ( and very Instagrammable) place to hang your hat for a few days.

These are pretty reasonable as well, starting at $350 USD and are DIRECTLY on the beach.

They were just finishing these up when we were there so expect all new furnishings which always feels nice. You also can mosey on over to Playa Rosa restaurant multiple times a day which seems like the perfect way to enjoy your day on vacation. You can book it HERE

Ocean Castle Sol de Oriente

Careyes is and has always been a destination that is loved by celebrities, European aristocrats nd a string of the elite fashion and artist community. If you want to know what it feels like to vacation like one of them, your best bet is to rent one of the Ocean castles available such as this one-Ocean Castle Sol de Oriente!

While it may run you about $10,000 a night, you will be living like a king and can expect a vacation with all the bells and whistles ie: fully staffed, chef etc. If you come with a bunch of people ( most of these places have multiple rooms and beds), it can certainly bring the costs down a bit and with over 10,000 square feet of living and pool space it would not feel crowded.

The Ocean castles are a sight for the eyes with every miraculous detail being magazine worthy. It’s no wonder that everyone from the Kardashians to Lewis Hamilton have recently stayed here.

Casita de las Flores

These colourful casitas range from 1 to 4 bedroom options and are nestled into the hillside of Careyes offering some epic viewpoints of the water and coast.

The neat thing about these is that each unit is somewhat different- some have pools, some have open air terraces but one thing in common is that they are all colorful and alive with that Careyes feel. This is a great option if you want some privacy but also want to be steps away to the beach.

The Best Restaurants in Careyes, Mexico

There is no “town” in Careyes so you will only find a handful of restaurants available in the small plaza that it houses. In true Careyes style though, your options are the best of the best and no matter which one you land on you will be happy with it.

Also in true Careyes fashion, each of the restaurants are impecibly designed and you can feel the larger than life personalities within!

Here are some favourite Careyes restaurants you should check out

Playa Rosa- The Best Beach Restaurant!

Playa Rosa is the best beachfront restaurant in Careyes. While it may not have much competition due to the limited restaurants there, I truly feel that it would take the cake if there were!

It is simply put: A VIBE!

Serving up killer Italian food along with seafood classics and a bit of Mexican for good measure, this place is 10/10. The ambience alone is worth a visit and with pops of bright pink everywhere, it’s hard not to like it!

This place is open for breakfast, lunch OR dinner during high season and lunch and dinner during low season. It is definitely more than just a restaurant and is an experience. The beach here is truly beautiful and worth checking out for that alone!

La Duna

Located within the El Careyes Club and Residences, this restaurants serves up savory dishes that are made with locally sourced products and produce. And you can taste it let me tell you!

Every dish we had was honestly amazing and had us drooling ( we experienced breakfast, lunch and dinner here so we got a well rounded experience of the type of offerings they have). The plates almost looked like art and because of that you know I had to snap a photo of every dish I ate. See also: hungry husband.

With views of the El Careyes infinity pools and beachfront, the dining experience is further elevated and I very much recommend this place- even if you aren’t staying here! If I had to pick my overall favorite meals from this restaurant in Careyes, I would say the breakfast dishes were the best!

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Pueblo 25

This is another restaurant in Careyes that is not only dining but also an experience itself. It is a one of a kind fine dining restaurant in an exceptional and intimate setting. With just 25 seats, Pueblo 25 creates a sustainable and environmentally forward menu using produce from local fisherman and unique ingredients. The menu changes on the daily and is served up family style.

In god, we trust Pueblo 25 so sit back and just allow the food to come. It also comes with a killer wine list which unlike the food, you can select!

Punto Como

With a name like Punto Como, you can see that the Italian flair is very much present in Careyes! Punto Como is the same owners of Playa Rosa so you can expect the same top notch food and service.

If Italian food isn’t your thing (Are you Ok?), they do have plenty of other options on the menu.

It’s a lovely place to check out if you want to head into the plaza and away from the beach!

The Best Things To Do in Careyes

The great thing about Careyes is that you do absolutely nothing for 7 days straight except read all of the latest Colleen Hoover novels while drinking cold rose and still have the most special time.

While that was tempting, we travelled there with the kids and frankly, sitting still is just not in our nature!

We wanted to feel what Careyes was all about and explore every nook and cranny of this special place. This meant taking walks around where passing through bushes of Bougainvillea put our senses into overdrive. It meant noticing all the carefully crafted details of some of the neighboring homes that had your mind spinning in awe of how something so beautiful can be built. The slow days were filled with small details like this that left a large impact on us.

After spending a few days there we did learn that there is something for everyone here though: families, wellness enthusiasts, jet setters that love 5 star everything, adventurous travelers, culture seekers and design lovers.

Here are some things to do in Careyes above and beyond just soaking up the tiny details and pool lounging..

Do a Sound Bath at Copa de Sol

We didn’t have a chance to do this but let me tell you that I would come back to Careyes just to experience it!!

We got to view this out of this world structure on our boat tour and I was blown away by it from a distance. I am pretty sure just entering it without a sound experience would have be melting into a transcendental state.

Another fascinating backstory ( which there seems to be a lot of them about how Careyes and it’s infrastructures came to be), Gianfranco Brigone had a dream about this structure and manifested it’s coming of life. The concrete bowl structure is 88 feet wide and 35 feet tall and sits on the top of a cliff.

Imagine waking up from a deep sleep and saying, “Ah yes I have to build a massive concrete bowl that aligns perfectly with the sunrise and sunset that will have design lovers swooning” and actually have it come to fruition? Pshhh. Very cool. My dreams of not being able to yell when I’m being chased are really not as fun.

Visitors can book a meditation or sound bath here led by a top notch Careyes yoga teacher or sound healer.

TIP:It is advised to book this ahead of time so keep that in mind when planning your visit.

Rent a Boat

Seeing the coastline of the Costa Careyes area is truly remarkable. It makes you feel like you are in Positano or Cinque Terre with all the colorful casitas and villas popping through! Some of the higher end villa rentals include a boat within their pricing so make sure to keep an eye out for that when searching for a place

The other option would be to rent one on your own which can start at $120 an hour! You can find information on this directly on the Careyes website here

Sea Turtle Release

If you are looking for the cutest activity to do in Careyes or are travelling with the kids, taking part in a Sea Turtle Release should be on the list.

There is miles of coastline that is protected to allow for nesting sites of these endangered species to safely release their babies into the sea. To date, the Careyes Foundation (which raises money to support these kinds of initatives) have released over 1.75 million newborn sea turtles from four different species (Olive Ridley, Black, Hawksbill, and Leatherback) safely into the ocean. *Cue the happy tears*

This is something that happens seasonally- from August to December roughly.

Other Activities to do in Careyes:

• Attend the yearly “Ondalinda Festival” which is kind of like a Burning Man but much much cooler
• Golfing at the nearby Four Seasons
• Whale or Dolphin Watching
• Sea Activities such as Paddle boarding or Kayaking
• Polo Lessons (available from November through April) or you can simply watch a match!
• Wellness Class such as Yoga or Pilates
• Horseback Riding

With the neighboring Four Seasons opening later this year and more infrastructure developments in the works, Careyes will be more on the radar.

Though word is getting out about this jewel of a place and more things are happening in the area, the founders and developers of Careyes want to always keep this place and their community exactly what it has always been intended to be- a truly magical, private, exclusive, serene slice of heaven.

I often find myself thinking about it’s beauty on random afternoons and can fully say that it has a special place in my heart now. See you again, Careyes…I am sure of it xo

Helpful Hints for your Visit to Careyes Mexico

• There are no grocery stores in Careyes or markets so it is best to stalk up on alcohol, water or snacks before getting there ( if your villa or accommodations are not doing all the shopping for you that is). There are a ton of stops on the way from Puerto Vallarta and the Manzanillo airport.
• Most of the restaurants accept credit cards but it is best to bring some Pesos along just in case.
• The restaurants here are similar to pricing in New York City, LA, Toronto etc.
• If you are travelling with a baby, bring your carrier as the path from El Careyes to Playa Rosa for example is not stroller friendly. It is an amazingg little walk and having a carrier will allow you to enjoy it more!

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You may have seen my last guide to Tulum which you can see HERE!

I gush about why I love Tulum in it which has NOT changed after visiting once again recently! If anything, it made me fall deeper in love with the place!

It has definitely developed a lot more since I came 3 years ago but each new place have done an incredible job to blend their business into the local surroundings and keep with the jungle vibe. There is still no starbucks. No chains. Everything is UNIQUE!

While the beach is beautiful, the jungle that sits across the road is what really sets Tulum apart. You feel like you are worlds away from Mexico and in a magical land! Though I know there are other parts of Mexico that feel like this too!

All in all, Tulum is a playground for the tropical lover with a discerning eye. For the yogi with a desire to deepen her practice. For the traveler who doesn’t want to feel like they need a vacation from their vacation upon returning home. It is a place of many things with one distinct heartbeat.

QUICK TIPS FOR YOUR TRIP
English is spoken but not as widely as you’d expect for such a tourist town. It’s helpful to brush up on your Spanish!
Pesos are the main currency used here although some places will accept USD
Cash is preferred at most places
The most reliable bank in town for getting money is Scotiabank — ATMs by the beach are not known to be reliable and are ripe with fraud
As a US citizen you don’t need a Visa to travel to Tulum
Tap water is not acceptable to drink here under any circumstances (highly recommend bringing some sort of stomach medicine in case you get sick)
There is no Uber in Tulum but taxis are plentiful and pretty easy to flag down

My last guide included some amazing recommendations which I still recommend but I tried a few new places which you can see below! The only thing to note about my last guide is that Coqui Coqui is now closed

WHERE TO EAT ( UPDATED!!)

For Breakfast: Matcha Mama,  Raw Love

For Lunch: Charly’s Vegan Tacos ( THE BEST FOOD WE HAD ALL TRIP!),  The Real Coconut, Chamico’s ( This place is off the main strip and WAS SOO GOOD! Not only because of the food but the beach there was secluded, seaweed free and had the most gorgeous water colour. All the photos with me in the black bathing suit are from Chamicos beach!)

For Dinner: ARCA ( in my opinion better than Hartwood!), Gitano,  Safari, Nomade and Posada Margherita

WHERE TO STAY

Last time I stayed at Azulik which is pretty Instagram famous now! You can see my full review HERE.

When we visited, prices felt super high and over priced at about $350 US a night. They are now anywhere between $500-$1000 US. Having stayed here, I can honestly say it is say it is not worth it. Unless of course budget is no problem AT ALL! Even so though- There is no AC, no showers. It is a very unique experience don’t get me wrong but you can visit the property for dinner and drinks and see the true magic of it!

We stayed at Amansala this time around and we absolutely loved it! Rooms were a mix of modern with a beach hut feel. Kind of the best of both worlds. Each room offers a lot of privacy and all the hut houses are quite spread out!

Not only was breakfast included in our room rate but we ate breakfast in the most beautiful setting- infinity pool with cushion booths that transcended down in height to finally meet the sand on the beach. Check it out to see more!!! I would stay here again forsure! They also have two beautiful yoga studios and give you free bikes if you want to ride along the strip

PRO TIP! Above the yoga studio there is another set of stairs that leads to the rooftop. We only discovered this on the last day and were SO glad we did. It was the best sunset watching place ever! And we had it all to ourselves

I would also look into staying at Nomade next time! We checked the property out one day and it was a designers dream. Probably the most modern hotel on the strip!

Azulik in Tulum is what a place that makes you feel like you are far away from the ordinary. That’s pretty easy to do when you are sleeping in a wooden treehouse in the middle of the Mexican jungle. It is a place to get away from it all and rest your mind, body, and soul. No telephones, no electricity, no TV, no noisy bars next door, no dress code… no worries. Azulik Resort is not meant for people who are expecting the Four Seasons…let’s be clear. It is for those looking a unique experience that don’t mind the bathrub only/no electricity kind of stay!

THE GROUNDS

The entire lodge is very private. When we stayed there- we felt like we were the only guests there and rarely saw other people!  Wooden bridges connect the rooms to the main “Lobby” area which is essentially a small juice/food bar. Filled with exotic health drinks and tropical alcoholic concoctions- it is easy to find something to indulge in here! Follow a few more of the wooden bridges- and you will be led out to the private, sandy beach with colourful sand chairs. At nighttime-the resort is lit by lanterns. There is also an on site spa and bike rentals available for use!

THE ROOMS

Instead of a standard hotel room with a standard hotel smell, at Azulik, you get your own private thatched roof bungalow made from rough-hewn log frames and a sequence of floor to ceiling windows, draped with thick bamboo blinds. The sea breezes and ceiling fans (operating from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.) help to keep the room cool throughout the day. Another hanging day bed and a swing on the deck make this a lovely place to catch passing breezes and watch the sunsets.

IMPORTANT TIDBITS

Bonus Feature?

Try to snag a room with a swing over the bathtub. Too much fun!

Best way to book?

Directly on the website HERE

Dress: A.B.S

Mexican nights call for colourful dresses and very low backs…am I right?

Got this beauty of a dress from my boyfriends mom who had it casually hanging in her closet, unworn and insisted that I have it. It took me all of .3 seconds to gratuitously accept it from her and fall in love with it. Between the cover up she lent me and this dress- Mexico packing was quite easy

Can’t wait to be somewhere warm again so I can wear it! Thanks Donna, you are the best!!