Visiting Mexico has been on my bucket list for a long, long time, and finally I got to tick it off! In February 2020, myself and my friend headed down to Mexico after we visited Havana, Cuba – and it was the most unbelievable first time experience. All of my expectations were met, exceeded, and cherished, and I highly recommend you visit Tulum too!

Please note: My visit in February 2020 may differ to what’s available to you today.

TRAVEL

When booking our Caribbean holiday, we went to Trailfinders on Dawson Street, who booked us in for a few nights in Havana and then a week in Tulum. We flew from Havana to Cancun (1.5 hours via KLM), where we then had a private chaffeur awaiting us to drive 90 minutes from Cancun airport to our resort in Tulum – this was organised and included in our package via Trailfinders. En route back to the Emerald Isle, our return flight was then Cancun to Paris Charles de Gaulle (9.5 hours via Air France) with a 4-hour layover, then Paris to Dublin (2 hours via Air France).

All of our flights were easy breezy, with the former offering two complimentary meals, drinks and snacks, a blanket and pillow, and a wide variety of in-flight movies, tv series and music options, all of which I completely availed of!

ACCOMMODATION – Hotel

Our hotel was the first all-inclusive hotel resort I’ve ever been to, and my good gosh is it hard to not want this option from hereon! We stayed at the stunning Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa, in one of their beautiful suites that featured two double beds and a balcony, which was booked as part of our Trailfinders holiday package.

Check-in was very warm, with a welcome glass of bubbly and an accompanied walk to our door, whilst our bags were carted down. The room was very spacious, beds very comfortable with an excellent bathroom and complimentary toiletries, separate shower and WC, then a large wardrobe unit, armchairs, television, tea & coffee station, and even a hammock on the balcony! It really felt like luxury from the moment we stepped in.

The resort itself is a truly magnificent spectacle, one that I couldn’t wait to explore, and explore we did! There are many paths around the resort to wander (look out for the iguanas and racoons!), as well as an on-site gym, spa, three large outdoor swimming pools, children’s playground, three bars, a multitude of restaurants and plenty of entertainment for everyone – all whilst being surrounded by 44 breathtaking acres of coastline and jungle. Of the six à la carte restaurants we availed of them all, whilst their numerous bars and breakfast buffet options were very popular in our itinerary! 

(More on the food below!)

Tulum has become quite the hot spot, and we did venture out of the resort to the local town, as well as a few excursions & tours. The latter can be organised directly from within the hotel with their tour operators coming in daily to liaise with guests of all the options.

The easiest way to travel from our resort was by taxi, which our hotel concierge organised for us. We had such a sweet driver who, in his broken English and our non-existent Spanish, waited an extra 30 minutes for us at the agreed collection spot without complaint! It was about 15 minutes by car from our resort to the town, buses are also an option, however we never got one, and though one could walk too, it’s not advised.

ACCOMMODATION – FOOD

As a big foodie and with Mexican cuisine being my number one favourite, you know I was super stoked about eating Mexican food IN Mexico. The resort has an array of cuisines within their restaurants, buffets & bars that were all-inclusive for resident guests, while our tours also had lunch included. We dined at every one of the spots, therefore if you’re planning to stay at Dreams Tulum or thinking about it (…GO ON!), then do take note of my top recommendations.

World Café, Dreams Tulum: We had breakfast at the resort’s World Café every morning, which offers a wide variety of food from traditional breakfast tacos to European contintental, and everything in between. I loved the variety of fruit and the hot food options they had, alongside the condensed milk that I beelined for for my morning cuppa. But it was the breakfast tacos that was the biggest win for me – I ate these every single day without fail!

Cookie FM Rating – 4.5/5

El Patio, Dreams Tulum: On our first night for dinner, it only made sense to head to Dreams Tulum’s Mexican cuisine restaurant where we enjoyed a few margaritas (classic and spicy!) in a lively and traditional atmosphere, with tasty tacos, fresh guacamole, crisp corn tortillas and soaked in all the good vibes.

Cookie FM Rating – 4/5

Gohan, Dreams Tulum: A nifty sushi bar spot amongst the offerings, the vibe here was super cool and very relaxed, whilst the staff were very engaging. We were sat at the high stools table with a view of the live sushi bar. I ordered a selection of fish & vegetable uramaki and they were delicious. Really fresh salmon and crab, complimentary flavours, and a generous portion. The food was so good here, that after we finished our first round of dishes, we actually ordered more!

Cookie FM Rating – 5/5

Portofino, Dreams Tulum: We had the Carpaccio and Jerusalem Artichoke for starters, followed by Mediterranean Spaghetti with Roasted Chicken which had added drama of presenting our food under cloche, and then a devilish Chocolate Cake to finish the meal.

Cookie FM Rating – 4.5/5

Bordeaux, Dreams Tulum: A French cuisine-led menu in a French setting in Mexico. It was sublime! The area of our resort suffered a power cut on the evening we dined here, which resulted in the chefs only being able to offer a certain selection of food. But what they did offer was still delicious, considering! For starters I’d opted for the avocado dish, followed by a grilled fish dish, with the apple tart & chocolate mousse to complete our dinner. Given their sudden lack of lighting in the kitchens and restaurant, the presentation skills were still great and translated very well into the flavours too.

Cookie FM Rating – 4.5/5

RECOMMENDATIONS – SIGHTSEEING

One of the biggest attractions to the Quintana Roo region of Mexico is its history, and there are numerous tours to choose from. Through the AMSTAR Tour Officer at our resort, we booked three tours on three separate mornings, all of which were absolutely AMAZING! Mexico is a beautiful country and the Yucatan Peninsula has so much to offer. provided not only pick-up & collection, snacks and water, soaked face clothes to help cool down, and delicious lunches, but each of the three tour guides we had was also impressively knowledgable, trusting, all were funny and genuinely lovely individuals. Shout out to the three best tour guides: Gilberto, David and Rodrigo!

The Tours:

Chichén-Itzá / Cancun Adventures

Visiting one of the New 7 Wonders of the World was surreal. I’ve always wanted to come to Mexico and learn more about its history from the locals, and learning about the Mayan people, their history and traditions from a Mayan descendant was the icing on the cake. Gilberto delivered such an amazing tour – he was funny and full of history, and he sure knows how to have the craic on tour!

As for Chichén-Itzá? JUST WOW. It’s breathtaking, and seriously impressive when you learn about how this Mayan ancient ruin was built. The monument sits amongst a number of ancient Mayan ruins that include Grupo de las Monjas, La Iglesia, Ak’ab Dzib & El Caracol, as well as Cenote Xtoloc. I took so many photos (of course!), so please take it from me when I say that this tour is a MUST when visiting the Yucatan Peninsula!

Nohoch Mul in Cobá / Green Sea Turtle Snorkeling in Akumal / Cancun Adventures

I’ve never experienced such an amazing view before, but after climbing 137 feet at Nohoch Mul in Cobá, I’ll never forget it! The Mayan ruins here at Cobá are a must-see when visiting Quintana Roo in Mexico. There are so many sights and once you have concquered the challenge climb, you really are rewarded. I have never been above the treetops before, and I am delighted I can tick that off my list! Our tour guide David, whom I nicknamed ‘The Gent’, brought us to these wondrous ruins, teaching us more about the Mayan people and their culture.

Then later it was off for my first ever snorkel in Akumal with the Green Sea Turtles and all! I’d never snorkeled before in my whole life, and considering I also have a fear of being fully submerged under water…I was very nervous about this one – thankfully David was super supportive and encouraging. A great teacher who talked me through the steps of how to snorkel and feel confident to do so, his colleague was also on-hand by the boat should I decide it wasn’t for me. BUT once I got into it and went for it, I witnessed and saw five beautiful turtles and plenty of fishies in the clear turquoise waters and it was such an experience. I am very glad I pushed myself out of my comfort zone for it!

Thereafter we headed to lunch at Punta Venado Beach Club for a divine Mexican spread, where we also enjoyed a wander of the grounds, a chill in the hammock, and a swim in the sea along with some cocktails on the beach.

Snorkeling in Yal Kú Lagoon / Underground & Open Cenote / Aventuras Mayas

Snorkeling, snorkeling under a cave, zip lining over and into water… From swimming with the fishies to ziplining into a cenote, this was a trip of many firsts! After my very first snorkel, it was then a whole day of it with Rodrigo. We saw an array of fish including big parrotfish in the Yal Kú Lagoon, swimming around spotting fish and flora then cave exploring an underground cenote, before ziplining into an open cenote!! This Mayan Adventure really was wonderful, another unforgettable experience in Tulum – we even had our own paparazzi!!

Swimsuits, good footwear and a lightly-packed backpack/tote bag are key to what to bring with you. Although I stepped up Nohoch Mul in sandals, I would recommend sturdy shoes as there are a lot of steep steps!

Outside some of the Mayan ruins there are little markets where you can find gifts from which I picked up two bracelets from the Mayan ruins’ market. The black bracelet is pure obsidian, and represents power that was used by Mayan warriors. The turquoise obsidian represents intelligence, and they sure had plenty of that.

We did head into Tulum town for a wander. There were such impressive artwork around, showing the Mayan pride, and I also love the decor of the many little shops selling crafts and gifts, as well as the bars and restaurants.

The people really of Mexico are wonderful, very friendly with infectious smiles and great personalities. I really hope you’ll make your way to Tulum, Mexico, because it really is worth it!

Nirina xx