Guest post by lbt
Map tips: each color represents a different day. Click a marker to learn more about the spot, and click the star in the map header to save the entire map under Your Places in Google Maps.
Day 1
Flew into Cancun and took USA Transfers to Encantada Tulum (about an hour and 20 minutes). While waiting on room to be ready, just went on the beach and met Carlos. He was a contact at the resort that we could text for anything while we were there, great hospitality. Ate lunch and hung out on the beach. Very happy with the food.
There are only 8 rooms and it was off-season, so it felt quiet. It’s a beach town in the middle of the jungle. In the evening, we walked along the quaint, shops, restaurants, etc. Everything is walkable but there are taxis, too.
Day 2
Breakfast was included each day, and the food was among the best I’ve had in my life. So fresh, different flavors and salsas that I’ve never had before. Make sure to try the Chilaquiles, Mexican breakfast nachos. We hung out at the beach reading most of the day and went to dinner at Nu Tulum, right across the street. Amazing food, renowned chef. Get the marinated mushrooms, fish of the day, and horchata dessert.
Day 3
We went to the Coco Tulum Hotel, which was recommended by friends. Took a taxi there in the early afternoon and walked back, stopping at a lot of restaurants and bars all along the way. Tried the ceviche of the day at every place. Everyone was nice, warm, and friendly.
Grabbed pizza at a stand, walked back to our place and ate it on the beach while watching a movie. One of the best moments of the trip.
Day 4
Another relaxing beach day and were trying to decide between Arca and Heartwood for dinner, and we were able to get into Arca without a reservation so that made the decision easy. Small plates, only regret is that we didn’t order more. Should have a Michelin star, and we were amazed at how cheap it cost.
Day 5
Checked out of Encantada and took USA transfers to Unico, which is an all-inclusive resort in Riviera Maya. All the USA transfers were booked in advance and they were fantastic.
Day 6
Spa day, for included services you only pay tip. We did a 4-hour session for so cheap.
Day 7
Excursion that we booked through the resort (they offer a ton). We didn’t want a full day tour so we ended up going to Paradise Lagoons, a public lagoon. Went early enough that we had the whole place to ourselves. Snorkeled, then went to a private cave cenote. A cenote is an underground water passage created by a sinkhole. Would recommend a full-day tour that goes to a bunch of cenotes.
Day 8
Laid by the pool reading most of the day
Day 9
Spent a day taking advantage of all the activities offered by Unico: took a wine and painting class, played Bingo, took a local cooking class, ping pong.
Day 10
Last day, spent it relaxing by the pool reading, eating, and drinking.
Final thoughts
Super happy with the trip overall. Looking back, we would have rather had 6 nights in Tulum and less time at an all-inclusive resort, and done Tulum second. The food and seclusion would have made for a nice second half, but you can’t really go wrong. For anyone looking for a honeymoon spot, Encantada was 100% the most romantic place I’ve ever been. You feel like you’re alone on this secluded beach. One thing that wasn’t ideal was that they are currently (May 2019) experiencing a seaweed problem that prohibited us from even getting in the ocean on some days. Bummer, but didn’t ruin the trip.
Traveled in May 2019
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