February 8, 2023
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4 Minute Read
White sand beaches. Stunning Mayan ruins. Crystal blue cenotes. Tulum, on Mexico’s Caribbean coast, is rife with natural beauty and archeological interest. In addition, Tulum offers travelers an abundance of resorts, beaches, and dining options. This combination has transformed what was once Mexico’s best-kept secret into a bucket list-worthy destination.
Let local chef and restaurateur José Luis Hinostroza Buenrostro show you the best places in Tulum to stay, eat and explore. Before opening his micro-seasonal restaurant Arca in Tulum, Chef Hinostroza Buenrostro, who is also co-owner of Mi Amor and Mestixa, honed his craft in world-class kitchens around the globe. In addition to knowing great food and Tulum, he also knows what makes for an exceptional hospitality experience.
If you need help planning your Tulum adventure, eligible cardholders can confidently book flights, hotels, and rental cars through Capital One Travel. Get their best prices before or after you book, with smart features like price alerts to notify you when to book flights, price drop protection on flights, and a price match guarantee on all bookings.
Where to eat & drink
Arca
Av. Boca Paila, Tulum Beach
Chef Hinostroza Buenrostro's own Michelin-starred Arca restaurant offers a “micro-seasonal” menu of small plates that feature inventive takes on Mexican classics such as octopus al pastor. Come for the open-fire cooking, unbeatable atmosphere and diverse menu with equally exciting meat, seafood, and vegetable dishes.
Mi Amor
Carr. Tulum-Boca Paila Km. 4.1, Zona Hotelera Tulum, Zona Costera
Overlooking the ocean and surrounded by reflecting pools, Mi Amor—Chef José Luis Hinostroza Buenrostro’s latest undertaking—is a true feast for the senses. The unpretentious Mediterranean-inspired Mexican menu features comfort foods like fish tacos and falafel alongside more elevated fare like tagliatelle with sea urchin, buttered grilled shrimp, and trofie with pumpkinseed pesto. Mi Amor also offers private dining on the rocks and a special prix-fixe “Romantic Dinner” menu if you’re in the mood for an out-of-the-ordinary dining experience.
Mestixa
Av. Satélite between Av. Tulum and Calle Polar Pte.
Mestixa is an Asian and Mexican street food concept developed by Chef Hinostroza Buenrostro and Executive Chef Cara Davis. The unique cocktails and fusion dishes live up to the energetic atmosphere. Try the fish tostada and tom yum roasted bone marrow. If you’re an herbivore, Mestixa hasn’t forgotten about you. Vegetarian dishes, like the kabocha squash croquetas, are as mouth-watering as anything else on the menu.
Where to stay
Hotel Bardo
Rio Otate & Rio Basca
Bardo is more than a hotel. It’s a secluded, adults-only jungle retreat of 29 villas with outdoor showers and private pools. The atmosphere is great for meditating and stargazing with your significant other. The spa offers shamanic therapies in addition to yoga and sound therapy with Tibetan singing bowls.
Copal Tulum Hotel
Calle Ixchel Mz. 15 Lt. 7
Copal boasts an intriguing jungle-forward design that makes the most of the tropical locale and provides a relaxing environment just outside of central Tulum. The attentive staff and rooftop infinity pool add to the experience. Plus, a well-attended taxi stand outside the hotel makes it easy to get around. Guests can also rent ATVs to ride to the beaches.
Biwa
Av. Satélite Norte, Centro
Biwa is a family-run, 14-room hotel in the heart of downtown Tulum. It’s a perfect destination for those who want an experience that includes modern urban charm. The hotel offers bike rentals and a shuttle service that will take you to beaches, cenotes, and other popular Tulum locations.
TIP: Eligible Capital One cardholders can book their stay at the above hotels through Capital One Travel, where they match hotel prices before and after you book, so you don't overpay.
Where to explore
Azulik Uh May
Grulla 23, 77796 Francisco Uh May
Azulik Uh May is hard to define. Think of it like a giant art installation in the middle of the jungle. Currently, it’s comprised of an art museum and a jungle restaurant—both of which encourage visitors to reconnect with ancestral wisdom, linking the creative and physical worlds.
Dos Ojos Cenote
Cenote Jaguar Rd.
The area is famous for its cenotes—sinkholes that connect to underground rivers. Dos Ojos (“Two Eyes”) is one of the most popular and connects to more than 50 miles of underwater caves. It’s no surprise that cave divers, swimmers, and snorkelers alike flock to Dos Ojos for a sublime, otherworldly underwater experience.
Tulum Archeological Zone
Caleta Yalku S/N
Don't leave Tulum without having visited this 13th-century Maya archeological site overlooking the sea on a hilltop. It’s one of the best-preserved Mayan sites, almost like taking a time machine to a forgotten world. Avoid the crowds (and the midday sun!) by visiting early in the day.
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