Although being a vegan and a traveller has become much easier, sometimes it can still be a challenge finding great vegan food and eco accommodations. Thankfully there are places like Tulum in Mexico. This beach town is a haven for vegans, yogis and eco-warriors.
Eat
Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love to eat good food? And better yet, good vegan food? Tulum is one of the best places in Mexico for delicious vegan eats. You’ll be spoilt for choice from the beach side huts to jungle dining.
Raw Love Cafe
Raw Love Cafe is a vegan oasis. Nestled among the palm trees at Ahau Hotel, this relaxed cafe offers delicious smoothies, smoothie bowls, raw savoury dishes and great coffee options with plenty of plant-based milks on offer. Relax on the benches, beach or (if you’re lucky) recline in the hammocks with a good book and a raw vegan treat.
Charly’s Vegan Tacos
Charly’s Vegan Tacos is (as the name suggests) 100% vegan. For a traditional Mexican foodie experience (vegan style) you can enjoy tacos, salads, coconut ceviche and loads of other dishes at Charly’s Vegan Tacos. Order a platter of their famous 3 tacos, or mix and match to create a platter of your own.
Matcha Mama
Matcha lover’s and instagramers unite. Matcha Mama is found along Tulum’s beach area. It’s the perfect place to get your matcha fix along with plenty of other delicious eats. Matcha Mama’s vegan options include smoothie bowls, vegan ice cream (yes please), kombucha, granola and more. For an insta-worthy photo op, sit in one of the swing chairs.
La Hoja Verde
This 100% vegan/vegetarian restaurant is in Tulum’s downtown. Think veg-i-fied Mexican dishes – tacos, tortillas, empanadas. And if you’re missing some more western flavours, La Hoja Verde also offers a select range of delicious vegan pizzas and burgers.
Play
It’s easy to get lost in the relaxed beach life in Tulum. And while you should definitely be enjoying margaritas in the sand, there are plenty of activities and sites to enjoy around this beautiful area.
Yoga – Find your Zen
Yoga and Tulum are a match made in heaven. There are plenty of places around Tulum to find your Zen and practice those salutes to the sun. Most the beachside hotels offer classes or head to the shalas in town to don your active wear. Try a sunrise or sunset yoga class and make that yoga practice one to remember. Check out yoga classes with Coco Tulum and Holistika.
Cenotes spread across the Yucatan
Cenotes are stunning natural limestone sinkholes filled with fresh groundwater. There are thousands of cenotes spread across the Yucatan, and although they are all incredible, it would take weeks to see them all. For the very best cenote, check out Gran Cenote. Explore the unique aquatic life and rock formations. Just remember to bring your swimmers.
Mayan Ruins around Tulum
You don’t have to be a history buff to enjoy the Mayan ruins around Tulum. The clifftop Mayan watchtower El Castillo is Tulum’s most iconic attraction. Built by the sea, these 13th century ruins offer a slice of history. After exploring the ruins, head to the ocean for a quick dip.
Bike to the Beach
Whether you set off from your hotel and bike straight to the beach, or you explore along the way, Tulum is an excellent place to bike around. There are bike rentals available at most hotels, as well as independent bike rental shops along the roads. As for the beaches, you can relax on a beach chair under an umbrella, lie in the soft sands, or take a dip in the glittering waters.
Sleep
Where you lay your head after a day of exploring and eating is so important. You want it to reflect you, to be beautiful, and to inspire feelings of Zen.
Azulik – Boutique hotel
Say goodbye to electricity and hello to nature at Azulik boutique hotel.* Azulik showcases all the beauty and wonder of nature in each of the 48 wooden-crafted villas. The villas are designed to form a balance between the wilds of the Mayan Jungle and the serenity of the Caribbean Sea. The significance of water is prominent throughout the hotel. Follow the water pathways from the lobby to the spa, and reconnect with yourself along the way.
*Azulik is adults only (18+).
Holistika – Stunning yoga shala in the jungle
Your stay at Holistika begins with a sign that reads BE HERE NOW. Feel yourself immediately centred upon arrival at this stunning yoga shala in the jungle. The self-professed ‘transformative hotel’ is designed to offer wellness, peace and happiness to its guests. Enjoy the holistic hotel yoga classes and other energy healing offerings including breath work and sound baths. While there is no beach at this jungle paradise, there are two glorious pools with hammocks perfect for lounging. Dine at Tierra, the restaurant/cafe at Holistika which is completely vegetarian and mostly vegan. And if you’re around at the right time of year, take part in the vegan festival which is held in part at Holistika.
Casa de las Olas – For eco-lovers
This five-suite bed and breakfast offers an intimate escape. Tucked away along a private stretch of beach and on the edge of a 1.3-million-acre Biosphere Reserve, Casa de las Olas is the perfect destination for eco-lovers. The B&B takes its energy from the sun and is entirely self-sufficient. It’s leave-no-trace vibe highlights the importance of nature. Guests can head to the Sky Yoga Studio for a yoga practice overlooking the Caribbean.
El Pez – Romantics holidaying in Tulum
El Pez is a chic option for families or romantics holidaying in Tulum. The beachfront boutique hotel offers incredible ocean views, stylish furnishings and Mexican handicrafts. You can personalise your stay with champagne on arrival or flower petal decorations (perfect for a little romance).
For more personalised information tips and advice, or to book this incredible holiday contact your local TravelManagers’ personal travel manager here.
