Easing into 2025 in Tulum Mexico

This time last year, I decided to take a solo trip to Tulum to refresh and renew my way into the new year. I booked a trip to Tulum, Mexico and a stay at Altar Tulum and at the last minute my ex whom I’d recently reconnected with, decided to come. Y’all we broke up again on the plane ride home but I really enjoyed my stay and the reflection I achieved in the jungles and beaches of Tulum. I vowed, if I could, I’d visit Tulum every January to ease my way into every New Year. Tulum has become super popular over the years but I’ve been going since before it had main roads. My first trip out of the country was to Playa Del Carmen Mexico, a few miles away. I loved the rustic feel of that small town, with one road of shops and restaurants. When I heard of Tulum, I went the first chance I could and it’s been one of those places I always visit and never tire of. I think it’s nature and the peacefulness that I crave. I feel very centered in the jungle amongst lush vegetation and my most serene self on the beach, walking the sands of the ocean. I think it’s one of the reason’s why I moved to Miami from New York City. I was seeking peace and the vitamin D from the sun didn’t hurt either. To ease into 2025, I decided to book a stay at a sister Airbnb, Liana Tulum in the little town of La Veleta.

LA VELETA TULUM MEXICO

La Veleta is a small up and coming neighborhood in Tulum Mexico about a 15 minute drive from Tulum beaches that’s home to a lot of English speaking expats. This town has super easy access to some of Tulums major attractions like Cenote Cristal and Cenote Escondido (beautiful underground water caves and sinkholes). Calle 7 Sur is a block away from both Altar Tulum, where I stayed last year, and Liana Tulum where I stayed during this trip and houses tons of super cute cafe’s, hookah lounges, boutiques, a wine store, food street vendors and everything else you can need. There are numerous taxis up and down the streets of La Veleta making it super easy to get around. We could easily hail a cab to Tulum Beach main strip for about 600 pesos ($30 USD). I have actually never stayed on the famous Tulum strip on the beach. I always find it to be a little to rowdy, loud and expensive for me and would rather stay in the jungle instead and make my way to the beach via taxi every other day. I took about $700 (14,400 pesos) out of the ATM once arriving in Cancun and that lasted the entire trip with a lot left over. We opted to fly into Cancun to avoid a layover but the Tulum Mexico airport has finally opened and now you can flight directly into Tulum instead of flying into Cancun and taking a car the hour and a half to Tulum. Our Airbnb host arranged the airport pickup and drop off for us for about $200 round trip which was paid at the initial pickup.

WHERE TO STAY, EAT & PLAY

Terreo Studio owns both Altar Tulum and Liana Tulum Airbnbs. They also own several other breathtaking Airbnbs in the area for rent. The service is amazing and the attention to detail is impeccable. I absolutely love the design of their properties as well. I definitely prefer Altar Tulum over Liana Tulum because it’s a little more spacious and southern facing for stunning light all day. But my recent stay at Liana Tulum was very relaxing. I felt as though I was up in a beautiful tree house with the birds chirping every morning. I really enjoyed the clean peaceful vibes and lighting a copal incense and hanging out on the rooftop terrace with a foot in the pool and a glass of white wine provided by the team.

When it comes to eats my favorite was Vaiven for breakfast. The French toast, huevos rancheros and dirty chai tea with oat milk were my daily breakfast favorites. I could seriously eat there every day of my life. I had cravings for this place after I tried it the last day of my previous trip. We managed to eat here every day and I don’t regret it. The service is great and the food healthy, fresh and filling. For a delicious oven pizza, head to Boccanera Pizzeria and get the pepperoni pizza. This was the best pepperoni pizza I’ve ever had. Yes, it was that good. They have seating downstairs and upstairs and it’s a lovely for a date night. For the best beachside tacos, head to Chiringuito Tulum. We spent a day at their beach club and it was nothing but amazing vibes. The Steak Tacos with mushrooms were incredible and the guacamole on point.

I honestly am out of my clubbing phase so when it comes to playing, just give me a good beach clubs with a good vibe. We tried to go to a beach club I visited last year but it was fully booked, so we walked down to Chiringuito Tulum and it was absolutely perfect. It wasn’t a scene and had a super chill vibe and we managed to get 2 beds right on the beach. They played soft music and the service was wonderful. The beach was also practically empty. And as stated above the food was out of this world. I’d actually recommend Chiringuito Tulum if you’re looking to stay in a more rustic yet calm oasis on Tulum Beach proper. I’d also recommend checking out some nearby by cenotes if you’ve never been as well as the Tulum Ruins for a fun activity.

DRESSING THE PART

Tulum’s weather is very similar to Miami. In fact, the flight is a little over an hour away to Cancun! The humidity is a lot higher though especially in the jungle. It’s cooler in the mornings and blazing hot by mid afternoon. So I suggest packing plenty of hats and sunglasses. I took my current hat favorites from Corazon and Shop Nikki Beach. I packed a few short flowing dresses that don’t cling to my body, sturdy sandals because there are a lot of dirt roads in Tulum and light makeup in the form of tinted SPF. Trust me you cannot wear a full face in Tulum because it will not last, no matter what kind of primer you have. For my travel look, I went with a pair of trousers and a light blazer being that most planes are cold and I don’t like being cold. I’ve made sure to link all of my Tulum outfits including bags on my shop.LTK account. You can follow me here to shop everything I post on YouTube and Instagram.

THE NEW YEAR 2025

Although I have so much happening and so many changes in my life right now, I’m glad that I took time to get away and get into a new environment where I could rest and be inspired. Tulum always inspires me. I feel more connected to myself after just a few days of laying around and just being. Of course, I couldn’t shut off completely because I’m currently in the final stages of closing on a brand new house in Miami Beach and that alone is pretty stressful but I’m grateful. I feel that by starting the year off calm and easy and putting myself and my mental health first, I’ve set myself up for the most incredible year of my life and I’m happy to take you all along for the ride.

Take good care and thanks for reading

Monroe

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24 Comments

  1. Joanne Walton
    January 14, 2025 / 6:52 pm

    Thanks for sharing. It sounds like we all need to discover a place we can be restored and inspired. I hope I find my Tulum also this year because 2024 was rough.

    • Louise Hilliard
      January 16, 2025 / 8:39 pm

      Glad you enjoyed your vacation and congratulations again on your new home. I remember when you went to look at a house in Miami I think it was 2023 so I wasn’t completely surprised. Keep on enjoying your life love ❤️ you.

    • Jemma
      January 16, 2025 / 9:01 pm

      I truly wish you the best on your journey to continue to find peace. I personally have been enjoying the ride. The pictures are absolutely stunning! Happy “Beautiful” New and “Impactful” Year, Monroe

  2. Veronica Oliver
    January 14, 2025 / 7:49 pm

    Hi Monroe, I’m so glad you got the chance to get away and ease into 2025. Looks like you enjoyed your R&R mental break. I need to add Tulum to my list of places to visit. I love the pictures. Thank you for sharing your life with us over the years. We look forward to 2025. Congratulations again on your new home in Miami. Cheers to a prosperous 2025!

  3. Niya Danyalle
    January 14, 2025 / 9:37 pm

    Tulum looks good on you! I’m am extremely excited for your new journey and the home content. I hope this year truly bring you a peace, love and success

  4. Devery Gardere
    January 14, 2025 / 10:05 pm

    Wow what an amazing trip you had. I was relaxed just by reading your post. I’m a mom with a daughter who is Special Needs and it’s a challenge everyday. I normally would take a few days for myself every 3 months to get away. It’s been awhile now since I’ve had trouble getting coverage for my daughter. I’m hoping this year things change because just stepping away from all that responsibility for a few days really reenergizes me. Thank you for sharing your experience in Tulum it was a nice getaway for my mind. I look forward to hearing more stories. Take care

    • Joyce Dunston
      January 16, 2025 / 1:15 pm

      Hi Ms. Monroe Steele. Thanks for sharing your awesome travels and experiences with us. Looking forward to your amazing journey ahead in 2025. God bless you.

  5. Sharon Williams
    January 14, 2025 / 10:27 pm

    This was such a great read. You’re a phenomenal writer. All you do is so appreciated . I am always inspired and motivated by you to get up and live my best life

  6. Cynthia B
    January 14, 2025 / 10:41 pm

    Such a beautiful getaway- so glad you were able to take a break for the new year and take a well deserved vacation! Looking forward to the new home content- congratulations on the new home purchase!

  7. Terra
    January 14, 2025 / 10:45 pm

    I’m a new travel explorer so thank you for sharing this beautiful place. I’ve recently heard about Tulum and your post makes this destination seem even more elevated and exciting. 2025 will be a great year indeed. Cheers!

  8. Yvette
    January 15, 2025 / 3:30 am

    Now I have to go to Tulum. It really looks peaceful and serene and I need some right now. Oh and I bought a copy of Keep Calm and Trust God. Thanks for doing what you do.

  9. Kim
    January 15, 2025 / 9:21 am

    Sounds like a fabulous time!

  10. Sunflower Butterfly
    January 15, 2025 / 2:56 pm

    Hi Monroe, it bears repeating that I couldn’t be more happy for you, self care is the wealthiest gift of all, firstly enabling you to pour into your well being, which then creates immeasurable health benefits, full of self love, joy, and gratitude, to name a few. To the new year and all the wonderful blessings coming. ❤️

  11. Blessedbythebest1
    January 15, 2025 / 6:18 pm

    Glad you were able to recharge; the photos look great. Don’t force a relationship, if its for you, it will flow. Sorry to hear the ups and downs. Dating really sucks. But don’t give up hope and DON”T SETTLE. Stay Blessed!

  12. Kimberly
    January 16, 2025 / 10:45 am

    I’m so glad you still give us blog posts. I didn’t know how overstimulated I was by video content until I read this relaxing post. Thank you! i am still going to watch the Tulum vlog. Happy New Year

  13. Tola
    January 16, 2025 / 4:02 pm

    I have truly given Tulum a second thought now since your commentary. Thank you for your in-depth review.

  14. Audra Henderson
    January 16, 2025 / 6:32 pm

    Monroe, thank you for sharing. You look beautiful and your body is fire in those looks! Thank you for reminding us to take the time and chill and recharge. Tulum is on my to do list. I love the peace and the beauty. Happy 2025 and to your continued success!

  15. Greselda
    January 16, 2025 / 7:27 pm

    Reading this, I’m reminded that you once had a magazine (I “discovered” you too late to have seen it). You are a writer, indeed. And with your love of travel and fashion and luxury, I would love to see you do a partnership with Beautiful Destinations or Black-owned Luxe Tribes. In the interim, congratulations on your new home purchase! I’m so glad I found you on YT and please know that your community values you.

  16. Dana Brooks
    January 17, 2025 / 12:10 am

    The start of the new year can be so overwhelming! I love how you created a tranquil way to welcome it and set yourself up for the year! I also love that you’ve found a haven for yourself where you can rest, reset, turn off the world! The pictures are beautiful so I can only imagine how it must feel being there! Monroe, whether it’s a travel vlog or video I’m always reminded that we must take care of ourselves in always mentally, emotionally and spiritually! I pray you have an amazing 2025 and I look forward to watching and reading your journey! This was such a great read! TFS

  17. Rowena
    January 17, 2025 / 6:47 am

    Thank you for sharing such a relaxing experience. Your excellent prose transported me to Tulane and started a small flame to travel to such a place for my own experience. I’m definitely an “off the beaten path” person and your peice let’s me know it’s possible.

  18. January 17, 2025 / 9:31 am

    I have always wanted to visit Tuluum so I greatly appreciate you sharing all the details so I know where to start.

    Praying for a smooth closing for you!

  19. Carli G.
    January 17, 2025 / 10:13 am

    Happy New Year Monroe! What an enjoyable and relaxing read! I almost felt transported to Tulum while reading this blog.
    I’m not sure if it’s the Taurus in me or what, but I’m 100% into slowly starting the new year as well.
    I’m very excited for you, and all of the amazing blessings that 2025 has in store for you!

    Cheers Sis!

    -Carli G.

  20. Marian Cooper
    January 17, 2025 / 5:02 pm

    Looks fabulous! Enjoy yourself we Baby Boomer Girls are so proud of you

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