My spring 2023 trip to Tulum, Mexico was a great example of how I like to travel to care for self which I wrote about in my last post. After a mild, yet still dark and dank winter in Michigan, I simply needed a getaway that featured lots of sun and some solitude. I've been to the Riviera Maya region of Mexico more times than I can count, probably because there are always great air fares and hotel deals that make it quite affordable. This, however, was actually my first time in Tulum, and I can't quite figure out why I hadn't been sooner. It checked ALL of the boxes for an ideal self-care reprieve.
I went in May of 2023, just after the Memorial Day holiday; though the temps in Michigan were a bit warmer and the skies brighter than the middle of winter, it was the perfect timing. All of the "spring breakers" and holiday weekend travelers had cleared out. As a matter of fact, the first couple of days which were weekdays, the resort was practically empty - just how I like it for this kind of trip. I was also able to take advantage of a 4th night free promotion which hotels and resorts often offer during their shoulder or off seasons.
Where I stayed
I chose to stay at the Conrad Tulum because it checked all of the boxes of
everything I find essential for a SUPERB self-care stay: (1) great room service; in fact, their room service is 24-7; (2) exquisite hotel-wide and in-room amenities that aren't short on great design for a great vibe; (3) an in-room whirlpool tub or plunge pool; (4) a variety of on-resort dining options; (5) ample poolside space with cabanas; (6) a superb spa and other wellness activities. The Conrad Tulum DELIVERED on it all and then some!! The property is next door to its sister hotel, the all-inclusive Hilton, with which is shares a spa. If you are looking for opulence and luxuriousness, the Conrad is the place to stay, though. From the moment you enter, the design sensibilities - the massive wooden doors, the fascinating woven hanging art piece, and the huge reflection pool - are distinguishably Mexican and signal for you to begin to relax.
The service was impeccable at every turn. When I pulled up into the circular drive, I was greeted warmly and with hot towels that had been soaked in lavender and sandalwood essential oils (so divine). Instead of standing in line or at a crowded counter to check-in, I was invited to take a seat in the vast lobby where I was given a refreshing welcoming drink and the concierge came to me to check- in, give an overview of the property, and don me with my branded bracelet which served as my room key.
My Room
Let me tell you about this room...It is probably one of the best hotel rooms in which I've ever stayed. I booked an Oceanview King Room. It was luxurious without being stuffy or pretentious. Here again, the design elements, such as wall art, hanging lights, and furnishings were top-notch. The view through the floor to ceiling windows was of the ocean bay on which the property sits. The shower, with its rain shower head and high-end Mojave body wash and shampoos, too, had a large tinted window and ocean view. When I stepped outside of my room onto the balcony to enter/exit there were sweeping views of the Tulum jungle at my feet.
The Food
The breakfast buffet was expansive and had made-to-order pancakes/waffles, omelettes, and a variety of practically any and everything else you could possibly want for breakfast. I tried something a bit different each morning. The food at the on-resort restaurants was tasty, though a burger I ordered as medium well had to be sent back for more cooking as it was first served somewhat rare. Otherwise, there was plenty of variety that included traditional Mexican dishes and other cuisines that would appeal to a variety of palettes.
The Spa
I'm somewhat a spa aficionado and a great spa on a relaxation-focused vacation is a requirement. Conrad Tulum's spa did not disappoint. I opted for a 90 minute massage and my therapist, Dahlia, had hands of an angel. She began the service with a (optional) ritualistic, meditative start that got my mind centered and ready for what was to come. Her touch was firm and fluid as all of my tension was completely dissolved. I've had some great massages in various spas and hammams around the world, but this is one where I'd go back and absolutely request Dhalia as my therapist again. In fact, I wish that I had scheduled more treatments. However, the spa has a sauna and dynamic pool that were the perfect post-massage compliments for total relaxation.
My Itinerary
Again, my objective for a self-care trip is to rest and restore. So, I purposefully
didn't over-schedule myself with lots of excursions. Besides, I've been to the region numerous times and have experienced much of its history and culture. As I wrote in my previous post about traveling for self-care, choosing a destination where I've been previously helps reduce the urge to be on the go to sightsee and such. However, I'd seen other's posts about the floating breakfast at a nearby boutique resort, The Yellow Nest, which aspires to be Tulum's first eco-rated hotel. The hotel sits in the middle of the jungle and is surrounded by dozens of cenotes. Though I did not partake in a cenotes swim, doing so would certainly put an exclamation point on a day visit or overnight stay at this lovely hotel. I went for the floating breakfast and it was FANTASTIC! While there, the manager was kind enough to give me a tour of one of the suites.
Let's just say, I'd definitely stay there on a return visit when I'm up for a more rustic stay. Also, at 2PM daily, guests are invited to enter the temazcal - a Mexican meditation hut - for a guided meditation experience. The meditation leader fills the temazcal with smoke and the heat causes one to sweat - like in a sauna. It was intense in a good way. It was the purification that I didn't know that I needed.
Don't be fooled. Though The Yellow Nest is rustic, they have not sacrificed any of the comforts that would make for a comfortable and relaxing stay. The staff were extremely friendly and highly attentive.
I also visited Mystika Immersive which is am immersive, fascinating art installation. The artist tells the story of his healing journey following a traumatic injury through incredibly vivid and 3D photography, lighting, and storytelling displayed on large placards aside each installation. This was certainly in keeping with my purpose of rest and restoration and helped me stay in that mindspace.
Dinner and Dancing
Despite the great dining options at Conrad Tulum, I did venture off-resort (because I can't completely help myself) to indulge in a bit of Tulum's night life. I visited Confessions, a bar and tapas restaurant. It was a vibe. Surrounded by nature and complete with dirt floor, it definitely filled the bill as a "jungle bar". The DJs played non-stop dance music while I ate and drank an assortment from the menu - all of which was filling and delectable.
Itinerary
Day 1: Got settled, relaxed on resort. Took a hot, late night soak in the plunge pool on my room's balcony.
Day 2: Slept-in, relaxed poolside in a spacious cabana, visited Mystika Immersive, had dinner at Confessions
Day 3: Day trip to the Yellow Nest for the floating breakfast
Day 4: Spa Day at Conrad Tulum
Day 5: Departure
Tip
I opted for Conrad Tulum's luxury car airport transfer from the Cancun airport which was about $150 one way for the 1 hour drive. However, Conrad Tulum is technically located in Ciudad Chemuyll, which is about 30 minutes from Tulum's epicenter. Taxis/car service from the resort to most everything in Tulum was about $50 one way. Therefore, I'd recommend renting a car if your trip will have you venturing off-resort frequently. Alternatively, plan your itinerary to maximize off-resort trips and/or book tours with transportation included.
My Recommendation
The Conrad Tulum was exceptional and, especially, for a relaxing getaway it gets all 5 Stay Noir hearts:
🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤