Skip Cancun and Fly into Tulum 

Exploring Tulum: Mexico's New Style of Boutique Travel in the Caribbean

Tulum is redefining travel in the Mexican Caribbean, offering a unique experience that contrasts with the region’s traditional all-inclusive resorts. With its boutique, experience-focused hotels, Tulum has become an alluring destination for travelers seeking something different.

Cancun's Legacy

Since the 1970s, Cancun has been Mexico's premier beach destination, attracting tourists with its pristine coastline and luxurious resorts. Developed by the Mexican government as a resort haven, Cancun has grown into one of the country's most important tourism hubs. The Cancun International Airport is now the busiest in Mexico for international arrivals and one of the busiest in the Americas. Cancun’s success has had a ripple effect, spreading tourism to nearby destinations like Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, and more recently, Tulum.

Tulum: The Alternative to Cancun

Located about two hours south of Cancun, Tulum offers a striking contrast to Cancun’s high-rise resorts. Nestled among lush tropical forests and cenotes filled with crystal-clear water, Tulum has long been a well-kept secret among those in the know. Its low-profile, thoughtfully designed hotels provide an escape from the commercialized resort zones, offering a more intimate and authentic experience.

With Tulum’s growth, the local government responded by developing its own airport, which opened in December 2023. By March 2024, the airport began receiving international flights from the United States, marking a new chapter in Tulum’s tourism story. As the Caribbean braces for an even busier travel season, industry experts like Brendon Leach, CEO of Colibrí Boutique Hotels, are eager to see how this new accessibility will impact Tulum’s tourism.

The Boutique Hotel Experience in Tulum

Colibrí Boutique Hotels perfectly illustrates Tulum’s unique approach to tourism. Unlike the cookie-cutter all-inclusives found elsewhere, Colibrí operates four luxurious properties in some of Tulum’s most desirable locations. Despite their similar sizes, each property offers a distinct experience, earning them a place among the Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

The Mezzanine, Colibrí’s first property in Tulum, features just four bespoke rooms and houses Tulum’s first Thai restaurant. Located within the Jaguar National Park, Mezzanine offers a serene and stylish escape, complemented by the neighboring Mi Amor, a romantic hideaway perfect for couples.

Lula, the newest addition to Colibrí’s portfolio, blends Mediterranean and Mexican influences, providing a balanced approach to wellness travel. Guests can start their day with yoga or mimosas, followed by a sound bath, and conclude with woodfired pizza and an Aperol spritz.

La Zebra, another Colibrí property, combines family-friendly spaces with the vibrant Frida’s Lounge, known for its rooftop mezcalitas and the popular Lucha Libre Ballet dinner show. The Chef’s Table by Eleazar Bonilla at La Zebra is a must-visit for foodies, offering a memorable culinary journey through Mexican flavors.

Mi Amor, yet another Colibrí gem, is home to a restaurant led by Jose Luis Hinostroza, a famed Mexican chef and co-owner of ARCA. Recognized among the best in Latin America and North America, Mi Amor’s Sunday brunch is a viral sensation.

While these boutique properties may not compete with Cancun’s resorts in terms of amenities, they offer something far more valuable: a personalized and intimate experience. As Mara Andrade, General Manager of Mezzanine and Mi Amor, puts it, “The richness of these properties is their deeply personal attention, specialized care, and the palpable certainty guests have that they’re one of just a few people that are in on what feels like a fantastic secret.”

Courtesy of Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya

Tulum's Growing Pains

Despite its rapid growth and the new international airport, Tulum still faces challenges in accommodating an influx of visitors. The cost of taxis from the airport to Tulum remains a contentious issue, with prices often inflated to the point of exceeding the cost of a flight into Cancun.

However, Tulum’s newfound accessibility opens the door to exploring the broader Mexican Caribbean. Andres Martinez, Director General of the Quintana Roo Tourism Board, believes that this expansion will introduce travelers to the region’s diverse offerings, encouraging repeat visits and new experiences across the state.

For those who have avoided the oversized, impersonal resorts of Cancun, Tulum presents a refreshing alternative. It’s a destination that showcases the beauty and culture of Mexico in a way that feels authentic, personal, and deeply memorable.