Although a number of places in and around Cancún have the makings of a romantic getaway—picturesque beaches, elegant restaurants, relaxing spas, and cozy accommodations— we picked our favorite for this itinerary: Tulum. The beaches are spectacular, and the cabaña-style hotels exude a quiet charm like nowhere else. Many offer professional massages and other spa treatments, while others specialize in gourmet dining.
The Mayan ruins at Tulum. Photo © Frank Kovalcheck, licensed Creative Commons Attribution.
Fly into Cancún, and make your way by bus or taxi to Tulum. Settle into your beachside bungalow, complete with a hanging bed, mosquito net, and candles. If you want something a little more upscale, consider staying in a suite at one of the chic high-end hotels. Spend the remainder of the day on the beach. In the evening, head to Mezzanine or La Zebra for drinks, followed by dinner at Posada Margherita.
Visit the Tulum ruins in the morning before the crowds arrive. Bring your swimsuits to enjoy the small beach there. Afterward, walk to gorgeous Playa Paraíso, just south of the ruins. Eat lunch at the beachfront restaurant and, if you’re up for it, take a private kiteboarding lesson together here with Extreme Control. For something a little mellower, head down the road for a drop-in yoga class at Yoga Shala Tulum instead.
Choose between taking an organized ecotour in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, cenote hopping (four cenotes on the road to Cobá are just minutes away), or just beachcombing on Tulum’s southern beaches. If you are at a high-end hotel, book a beachside dinner for two—complete with a personalized menu—before starting your day. Also consider reserving a couples massage for your last day at the Maya Spa Wellness Center.
Have breakfast brought to your room, and enjoy lingering over it in bed. Spend your last full day on the beach, for maximum relaxation. And don’t forget to go to your massages!
Excerpted from the Eleventh Edition of Moon Cancún & Cozumel.
