A Tropical Tulum Honeymoon Guide for Trendy Couples
Trendy couples will savor the white-sand beaches dotting Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula when they opt for a Tulum honeymoon. One of the last cities built and inhabited by the ancient Mayans, Tulum boasts well-preserved archaeological ruins, along with stylish hotels, spas and restaurants—making it a top honeymoon spot for couples who want to explore and relax.
The coastal town is filled with a variety of boutique hotels and eco-resorts; making it the perfect spot for a Mexican honeymoon that focuses on customization and wellness. Read on for more details about a Tulum honeymoon and why it could be the ideal romantic getaway for you and your partner.
Tulum Honeymoon Tips in this Article:
- Best Time to Visit Tulum
- Tulum Honeymoon Planning Tips
- Places to Visit in Tulum
- Best Tulum Honeymoon Hotels & Resorts
- Things to Do in Tulum for Couples
- What to Pack for a Tulum Honeymoon
Best Time to Visit Tulum
Newlyweds should visit the Yucatan Peninsula during November through March, which is when you'll find the best weather. Between November and December, you'll be post-hurricane season and will appreciate the lower hotel prices.
Best weather: November to March.
Festival highlights: Día de los Muertos is celebrated at the end of October to the beginning of November; Tulum Vegan Fest is an annual event featuring vegan cuisine, workshops and yoga sessions; Tulum Arts Festival is a celebration of local art, music and culture that normally takes place in December or January.
Tulum Honeymoon Planning Tips
With its turquoise waters, pristine beaches and lush jungle terrain, Tulum is the picture-perfect destination for a tropical beach getaway. The destination is ideal for adventurers who want to snorkel or explore its well-preserved Mayan ruins. Sprinkle in high-end restaurants, clubs, spas and refined luxury properties and couples will experience a laid-back honeymoon.
In this town along the Riviera Maya, honeymooners can combine the relaxation of a beach vacation with the discovery and adventure, says Emmanuel Burgio, President of Blue Parallel. The town is also easy to access from Cancun International Airport (CUN), which is the nearest airport to Tulum. Since many US carriers offer daily direct flights to and from the US, most couples will fly into Cancun and enjoy the 90-minute drive to Tulum.
From May through October, the weather in Tulum isn't ideal, says Burgio. "May is the hottest month in the area and the heat and humidity can be uncomfortable." The region's rainy season begins in June and lasts through October. Thanks to the hot, wet weather, large amounts of seaweed often wash up on the beaches of the Riviera Maya during these months.
Here are a few more things to keep in mind before booking your flights for a honeymoon in Tulum.
Entry requirements: Valid US passport.
Language: The primary language in Tulum, Mexico, is Spanish. However, due to its popularity as a tourist destination, English is widely spoken in hotels and restaurants.
Location: Tulum is located on the Caribbean coast of the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico.
Currency: The Mexican Peso (MXN).
Flight time to Destination: Until recently, honeymooners had to fly to Cancun in order to reach Tulum; however with the new international airport, you can now find direct flights to Tulum. Flights from New York are around 4 hours.
Getting around: Car, cycling, walking.
Pro tip: Invite a honeymoon planning expert to join your vendor team. You can browse travel agents near you on The Knot Marketplace for Tulum honeymoon advice.
Places to Visit in Tulum
Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve
Hike through the jungle and float down freshwater canals built by the Mayans. The Sian Ka'an reserve's tropical forests, mangroves and marshes are home to more than a thousand plant species and 350 types of birds, as well as jaguars, pumas, ocelots, spiders, howler monkeys, crocodiles and many types of turtles.
Tulum National Park (Parque Nacional Tulum)
Explore Mayan ruins, situated on tall cliffs overlooking the Caribbean Sea. In addition, you'll see some of the Yucatan Peninsula's famed cenotes (sinkholes), which were water sources and places of ritual for the Mayans. Try to visit Parque Nacional Tulum at sunrise for a romantic Tulum honeymoon experience.
Gran Cenote
A mere eight-minute drive from Tulum, the Gran Cenote features caves, caverns and a cenote connected by wooden boardwalks. Bring a picnic lunch, Burgio says, which you can enjoy between swimming and snorkeling.
Best Tulum Honeymoon Hotels & Resorts
From beachfront hotels to all-inclusive resorts, there are plenty of honeymoon-worthy accommodations for couples. Make sure to check for honeymoon packages before you book—you can often find deals and special offers for newlyweds. Here are a few recommendations to get you started.
Mi Amor
Check in to Mi Amor, a boutique beachside hotel featuring a spa and modern rooms with air conditioning. While there, book a mezcal tasting, take a Mexican cooking class, or schedule a beachfront art class or couple's spa treatment.
5.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews
Mezzanine Boutique Hotel
Featuring a Thai restaurant and spa, the Mezzanine Boutique Hotel is rustic and elegant in décor. Relax in one of the property's beachside hammocks.
5.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews
La Valise Tulum
La Valise is a small hotel with soft, breezy interiors, intimate service and "an excellent location surrounded by a private beach and jungle," says Burgio. La Valise also offers free Wi-Fi, a saltwater infinity pool and ceremonies and classes, such as pre-Hispanic sound healing and personalized yoga.
5.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews
Posada Margherita
Inspired by Italy, Posada Margherita is a quiet retreat that includes eight villa-style rooms surrounding a tropical courtyard. The property also offers a pizzeria, juice bar and beach bar, plus a curated lifestyle boutique.
4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews
Azulik
At this artsy eco-resort, the 48 villas blend in with the Mayan jungle and Caribbean Sea. Azulik is a true escape, meaning you won't find electric lights, air-conditioning or television.
4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews
Be Tulum Hotel
Be Tulum hotel includes a variety of rooms and suites, some with private plunge pools and ocean views. Akin to a spa resort, it's home to the Yaän Healing Sanctuary, which offers a sauna, steam room and pools.
4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews
Pro tip: For even more accommodations to stay at during your honeymoon in Tulum, make sure to check out Airbnb and VRBO.
Things to Do in Tulum for Couples
Tulum combines natural beauty, historical significance and a relaxed vibe, making it an ideal honeymoon destination for couples seeking a mix of relaxation and adventure. Whether you'd like to visit ruins or dive in crystal-clear waters, there are plenty of things to do.
Sip a Fresh Cocktail
Sit under a palapa (an open-sided dwelling with a thatched roof) and order a drink featuring mezcal. Or, go for a mojito, pina colada or margarita. Most ingredients in Tulum are fresh and of the land.
Head to the Spa
Wellness is a priority in this boho beach town. Book a body or healing treatment at one of Tulum's many spas. Try a clay massage or experience a sweat lodge ceremony conducted by a Mayan healer.
Visit the Ruins
The Tulum ruins offer breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea—book a guide to learn about its history.
Take a Yoga Class
Newlyweds can do their sun salutations at any number of yoga studios in Tulum, including Tribal Tulum and Sanaprana Tulum.
Dance at a Bar or Beach Club
With several bars and beach clubs, Tulum's nightlife scene is lively, yet more mellow than nearby Cancun or Playa del Carmen. For live music, head to the beachfront La Zebra Hotel on Friday afternoons or Batey Mojito & Guarapo Bar in the evenings.
Pro tip: Add Tulum honeymoon experiences to your gift registry so that loved ones can give you one a memorable couples activity. Don't forget to post some cute honeymoon photos to your wedding website to share them with your guests!
What to Pack for a Tulum Honeymoon
Since the weather will be warm and possibly humid, your packing checklist should include breezy, beachy-chic attire such as sundresses, shorts, light blouses and polo shirts, suggests Burgio.
Along with toting bathing suits, cover-ups, sandals and flip-flops, couples should also pack activewear and tennis shoes in their honeymoon luggage. "The sun is quite strong, so we recommend a sun hat and sunblock, along with insect repellent," he adds.
Brittany Barber contributed to this article.