Someplace like Tulum?

[luvthesun]

OK... I KNOW there's no place like Tulum... but who better to ask than all you lovely well traveled people who really understand why Tulum is so special?

Here's the thing.. I just returned from my trip to Tulum 3 weeks ago and ALREADY I am missing it like crazy. I'm the kind of person who HAS to have something in the works as far as traveling goes.. just the idea of a future trip makes me happy. Although I love Tulum and plan on returning for a third (and 4th, and 5th...) time, I'm ready to explore someplace new. I have a big anniversary coming up in June 2009. I would love to go to Thailand or the South Pacific somewhere, but it's not really the best time of year for that. I was leaning towards Santorini, but am open to all suggestions...doesn't have to be that far away, but a nice beach is a must.

thanks in advance!

[Gale in KY]

Luvs..you are right, there is no place like Tulum...but there are a couple of places you might want to take a look at visiting

Isla Viequez or Isla Culebra Puerto Rico
The highlights here are many beaches of a different persuasion. Each one is a bit different and amazing. Swimming, surfing, black sand, rocky cliffside or wide expanse of sand..it's your choice. There is also the bio bay..which is something everyone should see before pollution puts an end to it's magic. The ancient ceiba tree, the islands wild horses..there are so many places to explore.

Treasure Beach Jamaica..the southern more laid back side of Jamaica..no AI's here just a quaint place of quiet solitude and friendly locals.

Yelapa Jalisco Mexico
The movie "Day of the Iguana" was filmed here..it's not easy to get to, but it's worth the effort. Beautiful beach area, quaint village with friendly locals, good food and rustic accomodations in the hills above town and on the beach too. No AI's here either.

Google any of them for more info.

[miguel]

Close Gale, but it was "Night of the Iguana". A fabulous movie based on the Tennessee Williams play. I was there when they were filming it. Richard Burton, Deborah Carr, Ava Gardner...

[Gale in KY]

No wonder I couldn't find it on Pay Per View..lolol!

Yelapa is a growing tourist area much like Tulum in that day trippers from Puerto Vallarta take a panga for the day..but I think it would be awesome actually stay in one of those quirky hilltop cabana places. I love quirky little places like this.

Just have to pull myself away from the east and head to the west. Miguel you must share some insider info about Yelapa!

[TnTWalter]

Hey I looked into Yelapa before picking Tulum. Sounded great except for the day trippers .... and cheap ... and a pool!

http://www.hotel-lagunita.com/eng/index.html (http://www.tulum.info/redirector.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hotel-lagunita.com%2Feng%2Findex.html)

Of course....this was my preference... LOL...

http://www.verana.com/

:eat-drink:

so many places, so little :twocents:

[dionski]

LTS .. I agree there is no place like Tulum:palmtree:
I've been very lucky and seen a lot of beaches around the world. Do yourself a favor and visit southest asia someday. One of the first and greatest travel experiences of my life.Great beaches- Mindoro island Phillipines, Kho Samui, Phuket & Phi Phi island Thailand. Malaysia
Sailing up to Santorini is a incredible sight, as is the donkey ride UP to town. Include a few other islands in your trip and you've got a great anniversary.

Queensland in Australia is another place to consider. Fly into Cairns and go from there to Great Barrier Reef and beyond.

I'm sure that minnie's going to tell us the Maldives is a special place also (#1 on my list to visit!)

The beach and water combo along with the local feel rank Tulum right there at the top of my List of beaches I've visited. :earth:

d2

[luvthesun]

OMG... Yelapa looks great! Can I leave now???

dionski....yes I MUST make it to southeast asia one day..I'm obsessed and determined! One day...

Thanks for the ideas everyone!

[kcaraco]

Santorini gets my vote. What a beautiful place to spend a very special occasion. Check out the latest Travel and Leisure magazine for the next little hill town over, Oia. This area is probably the most unique place I have ever been to. Totally unlike anywhere I've ever been before.

Cheers and Happy Travels!
Kathy

[beachreader]

I've been meaning to go to Santorini for like the last 10 years. Actually, maybe it's longer than that, since I was communicating via fax and letters, not computer. I finally threw out the file I'd compiled figuring it was stupidly out of date.

Problem is, for long flights like that (and the Far East and Australia), I'd want to take more than one week, but one week at a time is about all I can usually take. Maybe two, but then I can't really afford a two week vacation all at once. A viscious cycle, I guess.

[luvthesun]

yea! I know what you mean! My problem isn't not being able to find time to get away.. I just can't go certain times of the year.. my biggest problem is finding someone to watch my cat for that long. She's kind of old now, so I feel bad leaving her with just anyone.

[dionski]

Problem is, for long flights like that (and the Far East and Australia), I'd want to take more than one week, but one week at a time is about all I can usually take. Maybe two, but then I can't really afford a two week vacation all at once. A viscious cycle, I guess.


.......because then I can't go to Tulum every other month!:D

[Jana]

I've had Verana bookmarked for a while - it loooks beautiful but so expensive!

luvthesun - I've been to Santorini three times (my husband's Greek) and it is one of my favorite places ever. I second the recommendation for staying in Oia. If you have any questions, I'd be happy to answer them. We were there last May and you can take a look at our pics for a little more pursuasion ;) http://janaturner.smugmug.com/gallery/3012853_K7qBC#163557099 (http://www.tulum.info/redirector.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjanaturner.smugmug .com%2Fgallery%2F3012853_K7qBC%23163557099) (Santorini starts at the bottom of this page). June is the perfect time to go to Greece imo.

Jana

[luvthesun]

Jana ...thank you SO MUCH for sharing your pics! They're beautiful!


You are never going to believe this.. but that is the hotel I want to stay in!
By any chance.. was it the Winemaker's suite?

I'm going to get myself in trouble for starting this thread.. this is a Tulum forum!

[Jana]

What are the chances?! :) It's the Antiquarian suite but the Winemaker's looked amazing - very private. I think any of their suites with the large terraces would be great. It's a really expensive hotel but I couldn't fault a thing - the breakfasts alone are almost worth the price! - and the large terraces definately justify a premium. One of the great things about Ikies is even though it is very expensive, there is zero pretense. The staff are warm, friendly and professional. We're pretty casual travellers and we felt completely comfortable there. Anyway, you're right - this isn't the Santorini forum so I'd better stop! Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

[beachreader]

OMG! Jana, those are amazing pictures. I really need to get myself geared up for Greece again, maybe take two weeks two years from now so I can save up my frequent-flier miles again.

Is November and/or early December a nice time on Santorini, or would it be chilly?

I had forgotten how much I loved it in Greece (some 25 years ago now, wow), and how much I adore white-washed stucco with pops of color.

Thank you for sharing your pictures, and Luv, I hope you go there next year!

[Jana]

Is November and/or early December a nice time on Santorini, or would it be chilly?

Unfortunately, it would be cold and rainy. I wouldn't go to Greece any earlier than April or later than October but if you want guaranteed sun and warm enough for swimming/sun bathing go June to September (August is super high season - never go in August!). Last year we were there at the end of May and it was warm but we still got some rain and really windy days on Santorini.

[DougSR]

Jana, I know this is a Tulum forum but you could throw down a trip report on those pics any day!

I'm a huge fan of a girl that plays violin for Trans-Siberian Orchestra...my favorite band. Anna Phoebe swears by Phucket Thailand. Granted, it was wipe out buy the big tsunami but it's suppose to be a really great place to visit.

That said, I can't wait for the Minniemex report. You guys remember when I was going to Mx in Sept and forgot my passpost? Well now that I have it I'm fascinated by other destinations.

[Gale in KY]

Trish..my choice was either Yelapa Oasis or Casi Kimi

http://www.yelapaoasis.com/index.htm

http://www.choice1.com/yelapa.htm

Someday...lol.

I would actually like to stay up in the hills too, this place looks amazing!
http://hometown.aol.com/lancegries/CasaArriba.html

[FITZ]

We visited Yelapa a few years ago. It was a nice place to visit but I wouldn't plan my entire vacation there. There is only so much to do and it is pretty jungly. I was also turned off by the river flowing into the bay so close to where we swam. We followed the river on a hike and it was used as a receptacle for many things I prefer not to swim with. A real turn off.
I have friends that live in Santorini and friends that have visited there. Everyone states just how beautiful it is!

[luvthesun]

wow... looks like Santorini wins.
I definitely have Yelapa bookmarked now though!

thanks everyone!

[kcaraco]

http://inlinethumb61.webshots.com/41852/2926815270012217002S600x600Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2926815270012217002IBaVCT)

A picture from Oia, the Cosmopolitan Suites featured 2 years ago in T & L magazine taken by DH in July 2006.

Have fun planning!
Kathy

[beachwolverine]

I was a day-tripper to Yalapa about 6-7 years ago. Great place. Not only is there the beach but there are some great waterfalls you can hike easily hike to. Lots of hippies living in back in the jungle when we were there. Great fun.

We love to snorkel and decided that the Pacific side was too cold (the water that is) for us and we started coming to QRoo.

Last year we went to Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands and would recommend that as well. The people there are the best - laid back, easy to get around on the island - excellent snorkeling. If you want real isolated, take a look at Anegada. We did a day trip there from VG - you can have miles and miles of beach all to yourself and there are a few good beach bars. Most of the tourist there sail in. Local population is very small.
http://www.b-v-i.com/Anegada/default.htm

BW

[luvthesun]

Thanks Beachwolverine. BVI is definitely on my list of places to visit because I loved St. John so much.

[kcaraco]

We love to snorkel and decided that the Pacific side was too cold (the water that is) for us and we started coming to QRoo.

BW

No kidding! I won't even get in the water in San Diego, not even with a spring suit in the heat of summer!! Much, much better snorkeling in the Caribbean!

Cheers,
Kathy

[beachwolverine]

Luvthesun,

If you liked St. John, you'll love the BVI. St. John is beautiful, but I don't like the vibe in the USVI - too much crime - I used to live on St. Croix many years ago. The BVI, IMO, is much better - Tortola is too crowded with too many tourist and cruise ship day trippers. Anegada is very very remote and Virgin Gorda is just right.

My only problem with the BVI is the travel time. I'm in Memphis and it's a two hour flight to Cancun. Last year we went Memphis to Miami to San Juan to Tortola - stayed overnight in Tortola and caught an early ferry to Virgin Gorda. We stayed at Mango Bay Resorts with was very nice and there are many other great choices. Traveltalkonline is a good forum for the BVI.

Regards,
BW

[Lynnette]

Santorini looks gorgeous...there's just something about white buildings, backdropped by blue skies and water....fabulous destination!!!

We've been to Yelapa, and the bay is beautiful. It's becoming more touristy, but is still worth at least a day trip.

In late October, we are traveling to the west side of Mexico, and checking out the area north of Nuevo Vallarta. There are many small fishing villages and beautiful beaches. It's been discovered, too, but I'm looking forward to a new area that has that Tulum vibe.

I don't think ANYTHING will ever be able to replace the beach & water of Tulum, though. It will always be my first love!!!

[susan]

I have been to the west side of Mexico many times, Tulum was my first trip to the east dside. The ocean is much more beautiful on the east side but there are many nice places on the pacific side. i am actually quite fond of PV, bigger than Tulum yes but it is no Cancun or PDC. I like that the main city plaza is right on the ocean which is left open as a large public place. many nights they have some kind of entertainment going on there. There are also many day trips to more remote places available as well. PV has all kinds of lodging as well from the small mom and pop cabanas to the AIs although most of the large AIs are out north of town. I have a friend who has spent many trips to Sayulito- a small surfer town north of PV and loves it there. It was on my short list but I wanted to try something different than what I have tried/seen before. I loved Tulum and will definately will be back (hopefully sooner then later)but I will also return to the west side as well. I think taking the bus across Mexico would be interesting ( has anybody done this?) just would need a longer stretch of time. So many places to visit and so little time, if only this work and money thing didn't get in the way.

[beachreader]

if only this work and money thing didn't get in the way.


I know, having to work for our trips really sucks sometimes, doesn't it?

I was watching House Hunters International on HGTV tonight, and a young couple (early-mid 30s, from the looks of it) bought a $1.5 million (US) home in Ambergris Caye Belize and moved there. I'm not sure what he did for a living, but it involved opening a laptop from time to time as they sat around their pool.

Why didn't I get into finance or something when I had the chance? :rolleyes:

[Lynnette]

I know, having to work for our trips really sucks sometimes, doesn't it?

I was watching House Hunters International on HGTV tonight, and a young couple (early-mid 30s, from the looks of it) bought a $1.5 million (US) home in Ambergris Caye Belize and moved there. I'm not sure what he did for a living, but it involved opening a laptop from time to time as they sat around their pool.

Why didn't I get into finance or something when I had the chance? :rolleyes:

I saw that episode...gorgeous house , right on the water...what a way to work from home!!!

[minniemex]

I know, having to work for our trips really sucks sometimes, doesn't it?

I was watching House Hunters International on HGTV tonight, and a young couple (early-mid 30s, from the looks of it) bought a $1.5 million (US) home in Ambergris Caye Belize and moved there. I'm not sure what he did for a living, but it involved opening a laptop from time to time as they sat around their pool.

Why didn't I get into finance or something when I had the chance? :rolleyes:

This is too twilight zone!! I saw that same show last night too!! I thought it a little odd that they thought it was a great place to raise a child though. I was extremely jealous though!!

[Lynnette]

Hey Susan.....Sayulita is one of the little towns we will be exploring. We're staying near Bucerius for 6 days then on to Romantic Zone accommodations for 5 more days. We honeymooned in PV (25 years ago), have returned a few times, but this will be our first venture to Nayarit.

[susan]

Look forward to the trip report. Are you renting a car and driving to these places? Sounds like a great trip.

[Lynnette]

Look forward to the trip report. Are you renting a car and driving to these places? Sounds like a great trip.

Yes, we are renting a car for the Bucerius part of the trip. We're hoping to go as far north as Chacala. Of course, if we find a beautiful beach with great food & cold cervezas, who knows how much exploring we will do. LOL I wouldn't want to drive with the crazy cabbies in PV, though.

[susan]

yes I agree with the PV driving- but the buses are so easy to use that it isn't necessary. The Mexican gov't doesn't seem interested in spending anymore money (at the moment they seem to be concentraing on the Zihua area) in the region so hopefully the small towns in this are are safe from development for a few years or at least for a few more of my vacations.

[mayaflya]

Yes, we are renting a car for the Bucerius part of the trip. We're hoping to go as far north as Chacala. Of course, if we find a beautiful beach with great food & cold cervezas, who knows how much exploring we will do. LOL I wouldn't want to drive with the crazy cabbies in PV, though.

Five years ago, we celebrated our twentieth anniversary in PV with a week's stay in a lovely boutique hotel on the beach (sadly, now gone condo)..the last few days we rented a vintage VW bug convertible to explore the surrounding area...the manual transmission, the crazy traffic and the steep hills almost did me in....but it was a blast..tooling along top down along the coast! It was our first experience driving in a foreign country and it hooked me!

If you get south of PV...there's a great romantic restaurant...amazing view and setting...lobster to die for...and coatimundis strolling through the dining palapa...

http://www.lekliff.com/eng/

[Lynnette]

Maya...I've always wanted to go to lekliff, if only for a drink and the sunset. We're staying off the beach at Casa Isabel. http://www.casaisabelpv.com/ I'll love this part of the trip too...we can walk everywhere...yummy ma & pa restaurants, little shops and a few galleries. One visit we got "lost" and stumbled on a little casa with three generations living in just a few rooms...they were making pinatas for one of the shops and of course we bought a few....$$$ directly to them.

susan....I agree that the the bus system is cheap and easy to use.....it's like that everywhere I've traveled in Mexico. The last time we took the PV bus to "town" was 25 years ago and shared the ride with chickens. :) It's a little different now, I didn't see any fowl two years ago...I think they charge the chickens, too. LOL

[luvthesun]

The PV outskirts area is definitely sounding like a place I want to explore. Add it to my list.
I agree.... The working to make money for these trips really sucks.

[Armchairshrink]

I've been reading more about Central America, as we're thinking about doing a couple countries down there with Tulum/Cancun as our jumping-off point for our Honeymoon.

Does anyone know anything about the Carribean beaches in other Central American countries? We're curious about the Bay Islands in Honduras, and the Corn Islands in Nicaragua in particular (which seems to be very much like the Tulum of 10 years ago - rustic cabanas on great beaches for under $50/night, some as low as $10/night, etc). Also curious about any mainland beach areas.

I'm not that interested in the Cayes in Belize, the beaches don't look spectacular and the prices are as high/higher than Mexico in general. As far as I'm concerned Tulum is perfect, but the rapidly increasing prices and civilization makes me want to explore other options too.

[Jana]

Maya...I've always wanted to go to lekliff, if only for a drink and the sunset. We're staying off the beach at Casa Isabel. http://www.casaisabelpv.com/ (http://www.tulum.info/redirector.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.casaisabelpv.c om%2F)

Casa Isabel looks nice and I like that it's adult only. I'd also love to hear about your trip when you get back! :)

[Lynnette]

Casa Isabel looks nice and I like that it's adult only. I'd also love to hear about your trip when you get back! :)

I will definitely report back! :)

[TnTWalter]

Luvthesun...

where did you stay in St. John? We're planning that or Grenada for our 15 year anniversary [hopefully].

It's been on short list for a while now...we ALMOST stayed there this trip but really need an extra day for travel. We spent a day there when in St. Thomas and LOVED it.

Thanks.

:beerchug:

[evZENy]

On the saddest topic - two more reasons:

http://www.aldeazama.com/ - check Mayazama > site map. Both will be bigger than Tulum as it is today.
http://www.mayazama.com/

532 single homes + 1023 golf villas at Mayazama alone. So exciting, isn't it? ...
Google.maps also shows the preparation "paths" in the forest...

And Aldea Zama has this free publication, a gaceta, "Juntos po Tulum", which stresses so much the local community, the environment etc. Amazing...