Tulum... a Toddler's Paradise?

If "Tulum" conjures visions of smokin' hot twenty-and-thirty-somethings partying all night and working on their wellness and digital nomad gigs all day, you are correct. It's not exactly a thriving destination for the toddler set. But, I really wanted a taste of Tulum for my birthday celebration, so my husband and I packed up and took our three year old to the boho jungle. Much to our delight, we ended up creating our own family-friendly (ish) little slice of paradise.

We flew into Cancun, got a rental car (god bless the car seat options!) and headed to Tulum with a pit stop in Playa del Carmen for lunch. I am OBSESSED with seafood, so when I found La Floresta, I was in heaven. This is a total locals' spot with tons of ceviche and seafood taco options. No fuss, no frills, just damn good seafood.

After a bit of a detour involving a busted Airbnb host that lost the key to our rental (*insert major side-eye here*) I had to find a hotel with no notice. Enter: Hotel Tonight. My savior. I opened the app and much to my delight, I was able to book Majaró Tulum immediately. Tired, hot and admittedly a little cranky, the staff at Majaró Tulum was helpful and they turned my Airbnb disappointed around quickly. The hotel was simple but stunning:

• Lush pool. I LOVED the striped tiling.

• Natural swings that lined the pool (a toddler fave!)

• Simple bar that served drinks upon request and a healthy breakfast in the morning

• Calming boho design that didn't feel over-the-top

• Heated floors and gorgeous, deep tubs

• Rooftop yoga studio - a quiet place to stretch, work or siesta

• Located in the growing Hotel Zone, but driving distance from the beach

• Across from a nice market and cafe, so it was easy to grab a matcha in the morning

Once we were settled in the hotel we set out to do what one does in Tulum: THE BEACH. We made our way to the main strip without a plan and stumbled our way to Coco Tulum. We got a couple of beach chairs for a ~$100/person f&b minimum and I got to work on meeting that minimum via margaritas and aquachile, which falls firmly in my "favorite things" list. The beach club was easy and embraced our toddler, bringing her juices and smoothies as she frolicked in the sun. 10/10 on the Toddler Tulum scale.

We strolled through the main strip and I had to do some fast math to talk myself out of making a custom hat at Tuluminati (the name is so good...) which is kinnnnddd of like Kemo Sabe where you select, style, and rough up your own hat. I abstained, and ended up opting for ice cream that looked like gelato but did not even hold a candle to Italy's worst gelato. I mean, ice cream is ice cream when it's hot, right?

The next day, we explored Tulum and (of course) did the obligatory art park to see the famous Ven a la Luz statue at the Ahau Tulum hotel and do a little shopping, including checking out the Agua Bendita shop, who's bright summery suits and dresses were a breath of fresh air in the sea of all the sad boho beige shops. And of course, there was more ice cream.

We wandered to Le Zebra Tulum, a beachfront hotel that is - truly - a haven for parents in Tulum. The beach club had a rope that sectioned off the cabanas from the sea, which slowed down the toddlers in their mad dash to the ocean, and it had a natural playground that kept our daughter busy for hours. We met parents from all over the world - from Chicago to New Zealand - and were able to relax and let the kids play all day, while a steady stream of margaritas and the best guacamole in town kept flowing. Rooms start around $500/night, but if I come back to Tulum I will absolutely spring for this place. 12/10 on the Toddler Tulum scale.

It wouldn't be a family vacation without a few hiccups (we totally missed our dinner reservation at Hartwood, and there were a few toddler meltdowns), but all-in-all, we made Tulum a toddler-friendly little trip.