Tulum and Holbox Guide
I had the most incredible holiday vacation in Mexico. There are so many activities and day trips I recommend in the Tulum and Holbox area. Plus, don’t even get me started on the food!
I stayed at the most incredible Airbnb, that I linked for you here.
I did everything from swimming in the Cenote Cristalino, to getting a fish pedicure (yes you heard that right!). That being said, there are so many things I just didn’t have time to do. I’m so looking forward to the next time I can return to this incredible place!
Before I arrived in Mexico, my wonderful friend Emma Vaughan gave me some amazing recommendations and I wanted to combine our lists and share them for you here.
My Favourite Food in Holbox:
Painapol:
Painapol is a great spot in Holbox for incredible smoothie bowls, super delavocado toast, and all around great vegetarian food!
Luuma:
The food + the cocktails at Lumma are amazing. The menu is dreamy, serving everything from lamb tacos to shrimp torta, spring rolls, and a parmesan cocktail!
Clandestino:
Clandestino is a great spot for breakfast and coffee before venturing out for the day!
Holbox Foodie Market:
Unsure if you’l like any of the food in Holbox? I can promise you will find something you enjoy at the Holbox Foodie Market. They serve literally everything from sushi to tapas, pizza, and tacos. It’s a super casual and relaxed environment, you can show up in your swimsuit and sandals.
Roots:
Roots is a great spot for thin crust pizza. Although I’m not a seafood eater, lobster pizza is their speciality! I went here on NYE for dinner!
Basico:
Basico is similar to Lumma. Basico has some incredible food and margaritas. It’s a more of an upscale experience, the perfect excuse to dress up!
Pizzeria La Pinsa:
Pizzaeria La Pinsa serves neopolitan style pizza, as opposed to what you’ll get at roots, which is a thin crust pizza. Pizzeria La Pinsa is another great Italian spot if your wanting a break from all the tacos!
My Favourite Food in Tulum:
I had some really delicious food in Tulum! I’m sure you saw over on my Instagram, but I had the most incredible chilaquiles rojas for breakfast (highly recommend). Chilaquiles rojas are basically tortilla chips soaked in an incredible sauce, then topped with eggs and cheese. SO DREAMY. You must try if you get the chance!
Matcha Mama:
Matcha Mama is the place to go for smoothie bowls. They use fresh tropical fruit to create the most insane flavour combinations. I highly recommend if your in Tulum!
Raw Love:
Tulum has options for all food preferences. There is this incredible spot called Raw Love, which specializes in cooking vegan cuisine. They have the best homemade Kombucha which is so refreshing after being in the sun all day.
La Hydra & Italdo:
I’m always in the mood for some pizza. La Hydra and Italdo are the spots to visit if you’re in the mood for Italian. Bonus points to Italido for being located next to a bar with an incredible wine list!
Real Coconut:
Real Coconut is the place to visit for a beach view meal. Their menu is full of fresh and local meat and seafood. You’ll see everything from ceviche to barbecue chicken, to plantain tacos.
Laylo:
Another great vegan spot with upbeat music, a lively atmosphere, and incredible guacamole. Definitely worth checking Laylo out, even if your not vegan.
Antojitos la Chiapaneca:
My mom and I had some insane tacos, chips, and guacamole here. This spot is a great mix of locals and tourists. The fast service makes it a great spot if you need a quick lunch in between activities.
Mezzanine:
Mezzanine is a really luxurious spot, with an incredible view. The restaurant is located in the Mezzanine hotel. The food is Thai, but there are so many options on the menu. They also have a separate menu if your gluten free or vegan. This would be a really great date spot as well!
Burrito Amor:
If the name wasn’t a dead giveaway, Burrito Amor has some incredible burritos. They are HUGE, and the perfect lunch after a long morning of swimming or exploring around Tulum.
Holistika:
This was probably one of my favourite spots in Tulum. I ate here multiple times, trying everything from french toast, to fresh juice, to the most creamy labneh with roasted zucchini. I think part of what made the experience so surreal, was the atmosphere. It’s located in a peaceful boutique hotel in the jungle. A great spot to escape some of the more tourist populated destinations.
Gitiano Beach:
So many incredible flavor combinations at the Gitiano Beach restaurant. I tried everything from fresh watermelon, avocado, and coriander salad, to churros!
Activities in Holbox:
Refugio Holbox Animal Sanctuary:
This was truly such a heartwarming experience for me. You all know how much I love dogs (two weeks away from Effie was incredibly anxiety inducing). It was so nice to walk the shelters dogs and help out in some capacity. The Refugio Holbox Animal Sanctuary has rescued so many dogs, but what I learned, is that the animals still need forever homes! You can find out more about adoption on their website here.
Bioluminescence tours:
Bioluminescence tours aka night kayaking, is an incredible way to see the amazing light that plankton give off at night. This is truly something I highly recommend seeing. I can promise your mind will be blown. There isn’t one particular spot to see bioluminescence in Holbox, so find a tour that’s convenient for you and where your staying.
Horse ride on the beach:
Horse riding on the beach, at sunset? Can I say romantic or ROMANTIC. Seriously though, this is something that you should consider doing. It’s super easy to book, just go to the main square in the town of Holbox, their are several vendors who can help you book it.
Punta Cocos:
Punta Cocos has some incredible sunsets that are worth seeing while you’re staying in Holbox. The easiest way to get there is by taxi from the main square. You an also take bikes if your feeling up for the exercise.
Casa Las Tortugas:
Casa Las Tortugas is the spot to take a yoga class or participate in a full or half moon circle. They even have a beachfront restaurant, so you can cool down with an assortment of fresh juices after breaking a sweat.
Tribu Hotel:
The Tribu Hotel is the best spot to go for live music in Holbox. Fun fact: A friend of mine saw some of the Foo Fighters crew play here when she visited last year!
Kitesurfing:
A bit of a daring activity, but if you’re feeling adventurous, kitesurfing is something worth looking into! I believe this is also available in Tulum!
Hot Corner & La Combi:
Both of these spots are great for partying. La Combi is more of a club vibe, similar to what I’m used to here in London. Whereas Hot Corner is more of a beach bar with great live music.
Island tours:
Island tours (which are easily booked from the main square in Holbox), are a great way to venture out and see all amazing and beautiful spots in and around Holbox
Beach clubs:
It’s hard to just choose one. There are several beach clubs in Holbox that range in what they offer. Some have great food, lounge chairs, and pools. It all depends on what you’re looking for and your budget. I would suggest waiting to book until you have seen their beach set up, and the overall vibe!
Zomay:
Zomay is where you go for the best sunset drinks + guacamole in Mexico. A great place for a quick snack or appetizer after a long day relaxing at the beach.
Activities in Tulum
Cenotes:
Cenotes are deep water sink holes that you can swim in. I would recommend the Gran Cenote, which is closest to Tulum. However, if you want to venture out a bit, Valladolid has the Oxman cenote.
Sian Ka’an:
It’s worth taking a trip to the national park of Sian Ka’an. A great way to see some of the most natural and beautiful examples of mother nature in the world. The easiest way to get to Sian Ka’an is by taking the Mayab bus from the main ADO station in Tulum.
Holistika:
Not only does Holistika have great food, but they have the most peaceful and rejuvenating yoga classes as well. It’s worth booking in for yoga and following that up with brunch!
Temezcal Ceremony:
Temezcal Ceremony is basically a sweat lodge located at Botanica. While I didn’t have time to try this out on my recent trip, it came highly recommended by several friends.
Nomade:
The beach club at Nomade costs $50 per person for a seat, but trust me, it’s worth it. An overall well rounded experience with great food, service, drinks, and beach access.
Zona Arqueologica de Tulum:
The Zona Arqueologica de Talum are beachfront ancient Mayan ruins. It’s also worth checking out Chichen Itza and the Coba Ruins.
Azulik:
Azulik has some incredible contemporary art exhibitions. They have different themed space with an array of cuisines ranging from Japanese to traditional Mexican. I highly recommend venturing out to Azulik for an experience like no other.
Coqui Coqui Residence & Spa
The Coqui Coqui Residence & Spa located in the jungle of the Yucatan Peninsula, is a great spot to stay and dine. A really luxurious experience with great food, and insane spa that performs beauty treatments, and homeopathic healing using traditional Mayan methods.
What I Wore in Mexico
I wanted to share a few of my favourite fashion moments from Mexico. How lovely is this Tona the Label swimsuit on the far left? I’m wearing the Milly Bikini Top & the Lucy High-Leg Bottoms.
In the second photo is this adorable set from ASOS. It’s the Union Exclusive tie front beach short and the matching top. This was the perfect day look when I wanted to look nice but feel comfortable at the same time. The best part? This set is under 50 pounds.
In the third photo I’m wearing the iconic red dress you’ve probably seen me wearing on my Instagram page. What can I say…. It’s such a gorgeous color, and the material is incredibly soft. The quality feels luxurious, yet it’s under 30 pounds.
I’m in love with anything and everything from Dora Larsen. The Emeli Ruffled Linen Dress, was the perfect dress to wear while exploring around Holborn and Tulum. The color I’m wearing is sold out online, but you can still purchase the yellow while it’s on sale right now for 40% off.
Other Tips:
If your staying in an Airbnb in Tulum, you can shop at the main supermarket Chedraui, or the organic food shop Gypsea.
Want to order in? Similar to Deliveroo, they have Tomato.mx where you can order food from local and chain spots.
I think this goes without saying, but make sure you bring some Mexican pesos before arriving. Often times the cash machines are closed.
Bring mosquito repellent, trust me, you will need LOTS of it.
The WiFi is not the best in Holbox or Tulum. If you need faster and better internet, you can buy a Mexican sim card at one of the tech shops on the island.
