Tulum, Mexico: Made by Originals

NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDE

PUEBLO & PLAYA, TULUM

Sea, sex & sun in Mexico's most colorful and creative beach destination

curated by

Papaya Playa Project

Pristine white beaches, azure waters and lush jungle meet ancient culture and spirituality in Tulum. More down-to-earth than its nearby touristy counterparts, the vibe here is laid-back and easy. Explore the Mayan ruins along the coast, take advantage of world-class cenote cave diving or relax into the slow rhythm of life on the beach. Simple cabañas are peppered along the coast and through the jungle, and a community of like-minded creative thinkers have built up the area with an array of eclectic places to eat, drink and shop. Riding the wave of this modern creative spirit is Papaya Playa, a Design Hotels™ Project, bringing a temporary pop-up resort to this stretch of oceanfront paradise.

DINING
HARTWOOD

This simply stylish shack, with white washed wood and crates full of locally-sourced vegetables serves up a daily changing menu of fresh dishes cooked in the wood-burning oven or on an open fire. In a jungle setting, dine alfresco upon low wooden stools, under the warm glow of lanterns.
HARTWOOD
SHOPPING
COQUI COQUI

At this small perfumery, boutique, and cafe, Nicolas Malleville, a landscape architect and model, fuses old Franciscan monk formulas with ancient Mayan medicine techniques. The shop carries the organically produced line of perfumes and facial products, as well as his wife’s jewellery line, furnishings and beach accessories.
COQUI COQUI PERFUMES
NIGHTLIFE
LA ZEBRA

This jungle-chic resort is situated right on the beach, surrounded by swaying palms and white sand. On Sunday nights, it plays host to one of the area’s best beach parties, serving specialties such as pit roast lamb, ceviche and pulled pork tacos, accompanied by a live salsa band on the beach deck.
LA ZEBRA
DINING
CASA BANANA

In a thatch-roofed bungalow, surrounded by lush plants, Casa Banana serves juicy grilled steaks, exotic Caribbean and traditional Mexican dishes. Be sure to try their signature homemade bread and Margaritas.

CASA BANANA
SHOPPING
MIXIK

A sensory overload of color and creativity, jam packed with hand-crafted items that are so unique, no two are exactly alike. Out of the ordinary souvenirs are for sale here, from hand blown glass bowls and vases, to hand carved and painted wooden masks, colorful handmade candles, unusual jewelry and clothes.
DINING
CASA JAGUAR

With its sleek concrete and wooden architecture, Casa Jaguar is one of the best restaurants in Tulum. Serving a menu of mostly seafood and vegetarian fare, the staff here are friendly, and not bad to look at either.