A Weekend of Pure Relaxation at Una Vida in Tulum, Mexico

This boutique property is located on the edge of the rapidly expanding Tulum town. Una Vida, Tulum, is owned by the boutique hotel group Grupo Bardo and is attached to another of the group’s properties, Hotel Bardo. The walking path connecting the properties allows Una Vida guests to easily access the amenities of Bardo as well. Both properties have beautiful pools, a bar and a restaurant. Wellness enthusiasts will love the complimentary yoga, meditation and temazcal programming. During my three-night stay at Una Vida, I had the pleasure of experiencing much of what the property, and Tulum, had to offer. Let’s run through some highlights.

When arriving into the brand-new Tulum International Airport, there are several transportation options to get to Una Vida. We used an airport cab service, but you can also rent a car or have the hotel pre-arrange transportation. After the short 30-minute ride through the jungle scenery, you’ll be greeted by a peaceful reception at Una Vida and given a short tour of the property. We stayed in a beautiful Tropical Plunge Pool room and had a little sweet treat waiting for us in the room upon arrival.

The pool at Hotel Bardo is also available to Una Vida guests, and we spent our first afternoon enjoying the ambiance and cocktails at Bardo before walking into town for dinner. The service was wonderful at the bar and there were candles lit throughout the pool area for an amazing vibe. We took a short ten-minute walk to Palma Central for a casual dinner. This food-truck circle is a fun and local spot, filled with various vendors, live music and even dance instructors on select nights. You’ll pay a small cover which includes a drink, but it is well worth it for the lively atmosphere and endless food options.

If you are a morning person, get excited, because Tulum is built for you. Likely due to the blistering heat that hits in the afternoon, the town is very active in the mornings. Una Vida guests can take advantage of morning yoga and meditation classes at Bardo at no additional cost in their beautiful outdoor studio. After kicking off your morning with some mindfulness that Tulum is famous for, walk or bike to one of the many coffee shops or breakfast restaurants in town. Ki’Bok Coffee, Story Horse, Delicia De Mi Tierra and Potheads are some of my favorite and easily accessible options.

Tulum and the surrounding areas have so many activities to choose from, like exploring Mayan ruins, swimming in cenotes or taking in the stunning oceanfront area. I would recommend a guided tour of the ruins and cenotes, which can be scheduled for you in advance by your Fora Advisor or arranged by the concierge at Una Vida. These tours tend to be in the morning to beat the heat, and you will be picked up and dropped off from the hotel.

For a relaxing day at the beach, the best plan is to take a cab to one of the beachfront hotels near Playa Paraiso and grab a spot to settle in for the day. There are many beach clubs in the area that will ask you to pay a fee for a dedicated chair as well as a food and beverage minimum. If you are looking for something more relaxed, IKAL is a great choice as there are no covers or minimums to meet, and you also have access to the hotel’s pool for the duration of your visit. We had an incredible, relaxing day at IKAL, complete with lunch and a few oceanfront cocktails. When your day at the beach is done, the hotel will happily call you a cab back to town.

Back in town, you’ll have no shortage of options for an amazing dinner. We had memorable meals at Una Vida’s restaurant Andama, Jungle Jax Tulum in the La Valeta neighborhood, and amazing al pastor tacos from Taqueria La Chiapaneca.

Tulum has something to offer weekend travelers, digital nomads and romantics alike. Reach out to me to book your perfect sunny getaway at Una Vida, Hotel Bardo or one of our other amazing Tulum Hotel Partners!

You are a short 10-minute walk into town, but please keep in mind that Tulum is expanding rapidly and most streets are under construction, which is why many visitors opt to bike or take vespas around the town. We got by for a few days with walking and a few cabs to the beach and some further-away neighborhoods, but had I been staying for a week, I would have enjoyed the convenience of my own transportation. The hotel also has bikes available for guest use!

Cash is a necessity in Tulum. I’d recommend popping by an ATM as soon as you get to town because undoubtedly it will come in handy throughout your visit.

I recommend Una Vida to my clients looking for a friendly getaway, a younger budget-conscious couple looking for a romantic getaway or even a bachelorette trip! Hotel Bardo, the attached property, is ideal for honeymooners or an anniversary trip as each room is a private villa with its own pool. Whatever you’re looking for, I am excited to plan your perfect Tulum getaway!

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Tulum. In need of further inspiration? Check out Sarah Swantner’s guide, 10 year Anniversary trip to The Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya in Tulum, Mexico.