pre-existing introductions ;)

[minniemex]

I know a lot of board do this, & I think it helps to get that first post out of the way - & also, without being rude we can learn alittle about everyone who posts here -:D

I am Kayt , my husband is Fred. We have been married 36 years this month - have been traveling to the Yucatan for 10 years. We have tried a few other places but love the Yucatan best for its beauty & beaches. We are bringing our oldest son, his wife & 2 grandkids to Akumal in April. Our younger son lives in Canada & has 3 kids - his turn to the Mayan Riviera will come in 2 years, when his children are alittle older. This last trip of ours to Tulum was the best - we have completely fallen in love with it!:p

[Gale in KY]

I'm Gale. From my screenname, you know where I live. ;) Been visiting the Yucatan quite a bit since I first discovered it a few years ago. I, unlike alot of people, started out in Tulum and have been wandering around from there ever since. I saw a tv commerical for the Riviera Maya and thought, "I have to go there!". Started doing some web surfing and found Tulum..just the right place for me. Since then I have been to Xcalak, Mahahual, Vallidolid and Merida, Playa, Puerto Morelos, Xpuha..but Tulum will always be my very first love. It is paradise found for me, because it is so laid back. My first visit was with my daughter in law..who shares my sense of adventure for the off the beaten path kind of places. Since then, I have been doing the trips solo.Three grown children, three grandchildren.

[AdGuy]

Batting in third position...AdGuy (Lee). As you can guess from my screen name, I'm in advertising. I own a small advertising agency called Carpe DM near Jacksonville, Florida. No 'human' kids but I live on a horse farm with 31 rescue animals with my wife of 22 years...we're high-school sweethearts (insert 'ahhs' here) :rolleyes: and have lived in California, Ohio and North Carolina before relocating to the Sunshine State. Our passion for animals is only topped by our wanderlust for exploration. When we travel to a new place we're unlikely to 'stay put' (ask my mother and she'll tell you this started as soon as I shot out of the womb). :D We've been travelling throughout the Yucatan Pennisula since 1997, on average about once a year.

[Steve O]

My first introduction to Mexico was in 1969 when I took a road trip with a few friends of mine and ended up in a few border towns. Returned in 1972. Flew into Mexico city and drove to Acapulco and Zihuatanejo. Hauled my dive tank, BC, speargun, etc. down with me for an hours dive. No dive shops around then and only one phone in town. Started returning in 1980 when I discovered the Yucatan. I've been returning ever since. First for a week then 10 days. The 10 days turned into 21 then a month. The month turned into 3 months then 6 months. I've been down almost every road in the Yucatan Peninsula, many in Tobasco and Chiapas, and a few more in Belize. So many more areas to explore. I love the area and it's people. Can't wait to return in February.

I have three kids. Youngest is 22 and the oldest is 26. Grandkids? Got em. Time to leave again.

[Gale in KY]

I have three kids. Youngest is 22 and the oldest is 26. Grandkids? Got em. Time to leave again.

Hahaha! I only need to make one small change and I can use this as my signature line! Here goes:

I have three kids. Youngest is 22 and the oldest is 28. Grandkids? Got em. Time to leave again!

Hahahaha!

Took 2 of the 3 grandkids with me on my last trip..the youngest is 9 months old..she had a blast! Now I need to go again, to renew myself from the grandchildren trip! It was fun but I felt like I had worked double shifts for a month when I came home. No rest for the wicked I suppose.

I think we are very lucky to have Steve here..he is definitely our Yucatan expert!

[felony]

My name I Debbie. I live in Oregon with my husband of 20 years (high school sweethearts, too, Lee). WE have 3 kids aged 5, 9, and 11.

We are taking our first Mexico trip next month to celebrate our 20th anniversary. Staying 4 nights in Playa, then to Tulum for 5 nights (without the kids...woo hoo ;)).

[Userbe3231@aol.com]

My name is really not Userbe, that was the name AOL gave me at purcheption. My name is Andy, and I am married to my beautiful wife Rachel for 18 years! We have two teenagers a young man 15 and a young lady 16. They have both been our lifes work. As a family we have been discovering the Yucatan since our cruise ship sunk in 1997 and we were re-routed to the Rivera Maya for our vacation. Rachel and I were soon trying to buy a house in Merida, after several Hacienda stays around there (which I highly recommend) The climate really somehow agreed with us...hummmm, I wonder why? Anyhow, after much looking at what 65,000 dollars could buy, we decided another fixer upper was not something we wanted to do anymore. Tulum had always had a magical draw for the both of us, when ever we stayed there, it was almost like a magical peace surrounded us, it felt like home for some reason, dont ask me why. So anyhow, we bought a house there and are planning on living there in the winters in three years! Thats some of my story..i could go on!!:) and on.....Andy
PS. We leave Tuesday for three weeks in Tulum!!!

[dcap]

My name is Dave. We live in Calif. about 2 hrs from Lake Tahoe. We have been married 25 years and were able to spend 14 days for our 25th in Playa Del Carmen & Tulum last June. We have 3 Kids well their almost adults. Our daughter is 22 she is a Massage therapist & esthetician she works at local spa. Our 19 year old son is a personal trainer part time for the local police dept. and also works for our local city Public Works dept. full time. 17 year old son is almost finished with high school. My wife works for the School district as a computer tech. I am a building contractor, Concrete & Concrete Counter Tops. We made our first trip to Tulum & Playa in 2001. Spent 7 days there and fell in love with the place. Since then we have planned to go back every year, but were invited on a trip to Aruba the next year, and again the following year to Maui. Finally made it back in June 06. Planning now for another June visit. Dave

[Susan&Mike]

Great thread Kayt. Mike and I live in Alberta and have been happily living in "sin" for the last 2 yrs. Between us we have 4 beautiful children...20, 17, 16 and 9. Mike is an Oil Consultant and owns his own company which I manage. I also work part time as a resistance trainer and hope to start my Pet Sitting bus. in the new year. We are animal lovers (Jack-yorkie terrier, Rio- Blue/Gold Mcaw, LD- canary, Rainy- Betta fish) Mike is a seasoned traveller (Brazil, Argentina, Ukraine, Peru, Austria, Germany, Hawaii). While I have been to England,Scotland,Ireland, US Virgin Islands and Cancun. This will be our first trip to Cozumel and Tulum. We love any outdoor adventure, especially in the sun!! Kiteboarding and scuba diving are our main goals this trip, along with some relaxing beach time.

P.S. anyone want to babysit a dog,parrot,canary and fish in
Feb? :D
Susan

[lianne]

:D I love this idea! My name really is Lianne, and my husband's name is Kelly. We have been married for 27 years, and although we weren't technically high school sweethearts, we met when we were 18 & 19 (he's the old one!) and married @ 21 & 22. We have 3 kids also (is there an echo in here?) ages 15, 18, and 22. My older two are living on there own, and of course, Cait is still at home. She has not come with us to paradise, as we went for our first time last March, and she chose to vacation with her best friend's family, a snowboarding trip to Big White. This year, we will come to Tulum area for the 1st time, last year it was Cancun, fun, but too much of a good thing. We want peace, beauty, and time to ourselves. We have been to Isla Mujares, Chichen Itza, Ek Balam, Ik Kil, and all around Cancun. We plan to visit Coba this time, and wherever else the mood and public transport will take us. WE CAN'T WAIT! We have been living through the worst storm in 100 years here in Seattle, winds over 70mph, no power for 5 days, etc. so the escape can't come soon enough!

[firecop680]

I like this idea.. I don't post a whole lot but I do read everday and I really enjoy the stories and the pictures. As the name says I am a Fire Investigator... Married for 7 years and no kids. I have been to the Cancun area back in the mid 90's and since then my wife and I have been in the Mayan Riviera (moon palace and the Aventura palace) for the last 6 years. We have our first trip planned to Tulum for March and we cannot wait. This should be an adventure as we are staying at the Azulik. I appreciate all the information that I get about the area.

[lianne]

When are you going in March? We will be arriving @ the Freedom Paradise on Tankah Bay on March 1st, and will be staying till the 8th, maybe we can meet up for drinks? I can give you a bit of info regarding the places I listed on my intro, but Tulum area is new to us as well, so an adventure is in store for us as well!

[firecop680]

We aren't leaving until March 9th and staying until the 16th. Sorry we just missed each other. I wish we could leave earlier.

[skywalker]

Hello to everyone. My name is Jack and my wife is Mindy. We are heading to Tulum on Jan 10 for 3 nights before we head up to Mayan Palace for 6 nights. This will be our first trip to Tulum. We stayed at Mayan Palace last year for a week. We made a trip last year to Tulum for lunch on the beach and dinner in Akumal. We have decided to stay at Tita Tulum, thanks to the great reviews from Adguy, and from many other peoples reviews. We have been married 18 years and have 3 children 17,15, and 12. We live 60 west of Chicago. I farm about 600 acres, and am a part owner in my family construction company, Concrete contractor, with my father and brother. I also am a part owner in a tanning salon and development company. My wife owns her own business, which is a dance school for kids and adults, from ages 2 to 60. Were pretty busy and always looking forward to getting away, with no kids.
I regularly read the MB and have gained great info from this site. We are looking forward to our trip to Tulum. I have pretty much everything lined up for our trip except transportantion to Tulum from the airport. I am still deciding on renting a car or not. Adguy or anyone elso feel free to help me out here. I checked out Buster car rental and it looked and sounded like a good place to rent and car. I appreciate all the information that I get from this forum. Thanks Jack

[felony]

We'll just miss you guys. We are in PDC from the 9th to the 12th, then to Tulum from the 13th to the 18th!

Don't use up all the fun there! ;)

[petecat]

Hi all, my name is Pete, my wifes name is Donna, we have been traveling to Mexico for about 20 years, we started with a time share way back then in Cancun. We have not been to it in about 12 years, to built up for us and commercial now, our 28 year old son and 24 year old daughter alternate using it each year. We generally split our trip between Tulum and Playa and enjoy each very much for what they both offer. Tita Tulum has become our favorite as we have stayed in about 5 or 6 other locations. We have made many friends in Mexico and keep in regular contact with them and visit them on our trips. We have learned to do our trips very inexpensively over the years and this affords us to do a few more trips per year than we normally did, also we both have American Airlines credit cards that get us airline tickets by collecting purchase miles. Maybe one day a Peep meet can be arranged in Tulum as is done for Playa!

[Jessie James]

We are Jessie and James. I being James am the one who writes on this forum and Jessie is my fiance of 3 years now. We first wandered into Tulum only 3 years ago, but fell for the town right away. Jessie is a hair stylist and I am a painter of the artist sort.

[MollyJ]

Hi,

I'm MollyJ. I love taking vacations to Tulum and Playa. My husband KennyL is also a member of the forum. I am from MO and am a labor and delivery RN. My family includes my husband, daughter 19, son 14, and just recently new grandbaby Annika 2 weeks old. We also have a Pomeranian and 2 cats. The family and I have been going to the Tulum, Playa area for about 5 years now I think. I enjoy the Tulum.info forum as well as the Playa.info forum. I have gained a lot of useful information from both. I really do not like the cold here in Missouri. I keep hoping that I'll get a job in the Tulum, Playa area soon so I can stay in Mexico for good!

Thanks for all the useful information and the great pictures!

MollyJ

[austxdan]

Hi all,

Since I've been on here long enough, I suppose I"ll spill the beans too.

I'm Dan, and judging by the login I currently reside in Austin, TX. Chris is my lovely bride, and after a dating trip to Jamaica, and an engagement trip in St. Lucia, we were married 6 years ago on Cozumel. Since then we have been looking for a new "home away from home" and found it this past May in Tulum.

My avatar shows our only child, Bear.

Our next trip will again celebrate our anniversary this coming May down at Tita's.


Cheers all,
Dan

[AdGuy]

Maybe one day a Peep meet can be arranged in Tulum as is done for Playa!


Personally, I don't see that ever happening. Of course, I have been wrong before...just ask my wife! :D Playa Peeps are very social animals. Most live for the get-together, followed by drinks at the Tequilla Barrel and a dance on the pole. Tulum folks seem to be more 'lone wolves' enjoying the area in small packs...not as much into gathering for an all-nighter. Just my two pesos.

[patmex]

Hi y'all.

I'm Pat. I live in Minneapolis, and I'm about to make my second trip to the Yucatan 'come April. I'm taking my best friend and his 10-year-old son with me. We're staying at Tita Tulum.

I've gotten lots and lots of great info off this forum.

Keep up the good work!

[minniemex]

Just bumping this up to the first page :)

[sonofabeach]

Hi y'all!
My name is Michael from Green Cove Springs, Fl. (Jacksonville area).
My wife, Vickie and I are heading to Tulum, staying at the Shambala Petit Hotel from March 3-10 for our wedding anniversary.
We've read so many good things about the hotel and Tulum and are very excited to finally be heading down.
We usually do cruises for our anniversay or stay at a cottage in the Keys but wanted to do something different this time, especially with this being our tenth wedding anniversary.
I look forward to chatting with you all and learning a lot as well.

Thanks,
Michael

[AdGuy]

Hi y'all!
My name is Michael from Green Cove Springs, Fl. (Jacksonville area).
My wife, Vickie and I are heading to Tulum, staying at the Shambala Petit Hotel from March 3-10 for our wedding anniversary.
We've read so many good things about the hotel and Tulum and are very excited to finally be heading down.
We usually do cruises for our anniversay or stay at a cottage in the Keys but wanted to do something different this time, especially with this being our tenth wedding anniversary.
I look forward to chatting with you all and learning a lot as well.

Thanks,
Michael


Welcome Michael...small world...you live all of twenty minutes from me! :)

[sonofabeach]

Hi there Lee! Nice to meet you.
I'm actually on the outskirts of GCS, in an area called Lake Asbury.
My wife and I actually lived in Mandarin for a while in the 90s and my wife works in downtown Jax.

From reading some of your posts and seeing some pics, I see that you certainly have been having a great time.

[AdGuy]

Hi there Lee! Nice to meet you.
I'm actually on the outskirts of GCS, in an area called Lake Asbury.
My wife and I actually lived in Mandarin for a while in the 90s and my wife works in downtown Jax.

From reading some of your posts and seeing some pics, I see that you certainly have been having a great time.

Even closer...same county, just south of Middleburg. Probably all of 15 minutes from you. Now I can finally start the "North Florida Tulum Lovers" group! :D :D

[joeam]

I posted a little intro on a different thread, but thought I'd Post here as well.

My name is Joe, my wife is Amali (thus the username joeam). We are a thirty-something couple, recently married, and headed to Tulum for the first time at the end of February. We are both from NY (she from Brooklyn, me from "the North Country" up by the Adirondacks). Lived in Austin, Texas for a while, and now live in DC.

Thanks in advance for the help coming from this forum!

[joellybaby]

Hi, I just discovered this forum in my planning for a honeymoon with my husband Adam. We actually got married last August, but wanted something else to look forward to, as well as some time to save up.

I've never been to Tulum before, nor Mexico, nor in fact have I ever left Europe in fact, so I am very excited. I haven't been on a proper long holiday in ages, only city breaks, so I am planning the best trip ever! We're also heading to San Francisco, Los Angeles (to stay with a friend), Merida, and New York, but Tulum is the part I am most looking forward to. We're spending a bomb on the trip, but are away for 3 and a half weeks so our budget is pretty tight really and we are saving hard.

We're aged 24 (me) and 27 (him) and are young professionals living in London. Most of our recent holidays have just been city breaks to European cities, where we enjoy eating out, seeing art and architecture, and finding cool neighbourhoods to hang out in. It will be a relaxing change to get away from an urban environment and I can't wait to see the jungle and the beach wildlife.

One of the most important things to me on holiday (and at home in fact) is finding independently run places. I'd far rather go to a small, friendly, characterful independent place than any bland chain or mega resort, luxurious or not. That goes for where I go for coffee, for dinner, go shopping, and especially where I go on holiday.

[joeam]

hey joelly, you had said that you are headed to nyc on your trip and that you like independently run places. here is a link to a "bed and coffee" (no breakfast) in alphabet city/east village. it is a great, affordable place is a great, fun neighborhood. i lived on this block for 3 years and whenever i had friends and family in they stayed there (couldnt fit them all in my ny studio apartment). in fact, when i have been back to ny i have stayed there myself. http://www.bedandcoffee.com/index.php
I have a bunch of food/drink suggestions as well, for that area, let me know if you're interested.

[joellybaby]

thanks joeam. would you believe that is the place i booked about 3 days ago?! good suggestion! it does look wonderful, and not so wildly expensive as lots of other places. i found it on tripadvisor, via some budget accomodation article they linked.

i'd definitely like to hear your food/drink suggestions round there. is it a good area to stay? it is so nice when your accomodation in a city is near to nice breakfast places, bars and restaurants, so you can just walk home at the end of the night.

[joeam]

places right there -- i'm partial to that area as it was my home for 3 years -- but there is no shortage of good, relatively affordable places to eat/drink -- all within easy walking distance -- you could not have pikced a better place or a better area to experience in ny -- i'll work something up for you and post, or email if i figure out how to send messages on this forum, it soon (as in a few days!)

[joellybaby]

yay! thanks, i'll look forward to it!

[beachreader]

Prodigal daughter, I. I posted here a bit last year when I was planning my first trip to Tulum, and now I'm back as I'm planning my second. I've been going to the QRoo since the early 90s and I cant' stay away! It's like a drug. I really really want to go other places again, back to Europe, down to South America, maybe even just a good old-fashioned ski trip, but every time I think about where I really want to go, I come back to the Roo.

Does anyone else remember a place up north of Playa called Kailuum? Tents covered by palapas on a beautiful stretch of beach? I truly loved that place, but of course discovered it just a few years before they shut it down (actually their timing was good since Wilma hit just a month or so after they left). I'm ever searching for the same place, but it's so difficult!

Oh, and I live near the Jersey shore.

[Gale in KY]

Hey there beachreader! I sure do remember Kaliuum! I never got to stay at the Playa/Punta Bete location, but They also had a location close to Mahahual..really neat little place. Totally enjoyed staying there for a couple of days.Honor system for the bar, all the guests just hanging out around the campfire at night and passing the Don Julio bottle around.

I checked their website a month ago and sadly they too had closed. Happy to say I just looked again and they have reopened..the following message is on their website..I am curious about the changes there..the place was perfect as it was

To our many loyal KaiLuuminaries and other friends of KaiLuum. We hope that 2006 went well and wish for the best in 2007 for everyone.

We are happy to announce that KaiLuum has managed to reopen it doors. However, in order to do so we have had to make some rather major changes in our way of operations. We are leaving the web site as is to preserve the vision of KaiLuum. Please contact us for specifics on the changes and for information about making reservations with us. Enjoy!

Cesiak also offers tent cabins...I would love to stay there sometime!

[minniemex]

I too saw the tent cabins at Cesiak - they really looked inviting! I would enjoy staying there sometime also!

[calowie]

We stayed in the tents/rooms at Cesiak last May. Great time. There is some erosion of the cliffs down to the beach, but the beach was absolutely gorgeous. No snorkelling near the shore but we walked for hours along the beach and swa almost nobody. Despite the strong breezes and sand flying around we never felt/heard a thing inside. I would highly ecommend this to anyone. The entrance to Sian Kaan is just down the road, and having a car makes this much more comfortable, but there were others who arrived and left in taxis. The food in the restaurant was as good as any we had in the trip. We tend to eat in little hole-in-the-wall restaurants, and this food was great.

[minniemex]

Tope!

[beachreader]

Tope? I'm all confused now. Oops, maybe that means we've hijacked the thread? Sorry!

I'll start a new thread about Kailuum and CESiak, I'd love to hear more!

Apologies on the hijacking. :o

[Gale in KY]

Happens to the best of us BR...no worries..look forward to your experiences with Kaliuum!

[minniemex]

sorry - topes is speed bump in Spanish - just bumping it to the top, so newbies will see it & sign in - sorry for the confusion - got no problems for hijacking - I've done a few myself:eek:

[Nelms]

Hi, I'm Nelms, my wife and I live in the Midwest. We have visited Cancun (the Omni), Kailuum I and II (not the current location), Playa del Carmen (the Continental), Akumal (stayed at Las Casitas Akumal), and Tulum (Retiro Maya). We seem to have drifted further and further south as we've gotten more familiar with the area and perhaps more adventurous. We'll probably return to Tulum rather than go further south, unless the planned airport destroys the laid-back beach ambience with too much large scale development. Places we're interested in include Tita Tulum, Tierras del Sol, and Suenos de Tulum (when it reopens). Retiro Maya was OK, too, although the lack of a good restaurant might preclude a return. We wish Kailuum were located on the Tulum beach -- we really enjoyed the family-style dinners and conversation with other guests. I worry that some of the owners of these small cabana resorts will sell if the price of developable land goes up -- then, there's goes the neighborhood. But Tulum should be OK for a few years, at least. I read more than I post, since it's been almost two years since we visited and my knowledge might be out of date (This December we splurged on a trip to St. Barts). But I really like following the discussions, reading trip reports, and learning about new developments -- thanks to the regular posters!

[MollyJ]

Welcome to the forum! Where in the midwest are you from? There are definitely lots of great trip reports and pictures.

MollyJ

[JimmyMN]

Does anyone else remember a place up north of Playa called Kailuum? Tents covered by palapas on a beautiful stretch of beach? I truly loved that place, but of course discovered it just a few years before they shut it down (actually their timing was good since Wilma hit just a month or so after they left). I'm ever searching for the same place, but it's so difficult!

On one of my many beach walks in Quintana Roo, I shot this photo of the old Kailuum property shortly after Wilma hit.

http://lunarlips.com/PlayaBeach/Kailuum1.jpg

[beachreader]

Jimmy, that's just heartbreaking. I was there in the December after the hurricanes and took a lot of pictures. Luckily, they had already closed down and taken everything they wanted down south, but it still looked awful.

I was actually just there again in December this year (we walked up from Playa to have lunch at Lafitte's and hang with the guys and to check out the new location for Petit Lafitte), and you can hardly see Kailuum ever existed. It's amazing how fast the jungle has reclaimed that land; all the sandy expanse that ran from the water right back to the bathhouses was all covered with jungle vines and baby trees. We actually had a hard time seeing the borders of the property.

Nature will have her way!

[JimmyMN]

Guess I should probably introduce myself...

Been a regular on the Playa.Info forum since 2001. Was a regular poster here on Tulum.Info til everything got whacked!!

Travel to the Mayan coast at least 3-5 times per year but mostly in the winter. The area kind of gets a grip on your soul. Like most of you, I started out by visiting Cancun in the 90's but it didn't take long before I made my way down the coast. There were no Map Chick Maps to guide me back then and that's kind of the way I like it. Usually, I stay in Playa del Carmen (need my nightlife) but during a weeks stay, I'll visit Tulum at least 3-4 times... it's that special.

Luckily, I fly out of Minneapolis/St. Paul where last minute fares to CUN range anywhere from $200-$300. Due to this nicety, most of my travel is generally spur of the moment to this region. My next visit will be Feb-20 for one week. My last visit was a roadtrip to here and other parts of Mexico in late November.

Have another new love on the west coast called Playa Zipolite. Actually, it's a series of beach towns; Puerto Angel, Zipolite, San Augustinillo, Mazunte, and Playa Ventinilla. That area reminds me of Playa del Carmen in the mid to late 90's. It's sandwiched on either side by Huatulco and Puerto Escondido. I get to the area by taking advantage of cheap airfares to Acapulco and making the trek in a rental car.

Anyway, that's my mini story...

Jimmy

http://lunarlips.com//CM2006/CM061.jpg

[Gale in KY]

Hi Jimmy..I hope you will share a bit about the "other" coast..I have always wanted to visit Puerto Escondido...but you know how it is when the call of Tulum and Quintana Roo hits you, I just never seem to get there. I often check out Tom Zaps website..and dream about a trip to the west. Any recommendations you can make would be great!!

[beachreader]

Jimmy, that's great to hear that fares out of the Twin Cities are decent to CUN. One of my friends would like to come but won't know for sure for a few more weeks yet.

What airlines offer the good deals? I'll tell her to keep an eye out.

[bluestraveler2]

I've been spending quite a bit of time reading the forums here, Locogringo, and Trip Advisor. My husband and I will be staying at Hamaca Loca in April. This is our first visit to the Yucatan. We've done many trips to the Pacific side with Barra de Navidad and Melanque being some of our favorites. This is a solo trip...we usually travel with friends or family. I'm looking forward to having my hubby all to myself. I still can't get enough of him, even after 32 years. Thanks to all for your great information.

[JimmyMN]

Jimmy, that's great to hear that fares out of the Twin Cities are decent to CUN. One of my friends would like to come but won't know for sure for a few more weeks yet.

What airlines offer the good deals? I'll tell her to keep an eye out.

Thru WorryFreeVacation, you can jump online and check prices, availability and even book your flight. Got roundtrip fare last week for my dates, flying in via Cozumel for $288, including tax. Booked it straight through them online.

The other two charter operators are Sun Country and Transglobal Vacations. Unfortunately, booking thru their respective websites yields higher priced tickets than going through Hobbit Travel, an aggressive Twincities travel agency. Watching Hobbit's website, you can easily see the flights that are being clearanced and I believe purchase them online.

Jimmy

[JimmyMN]

Hi Jimmy..I hope you will share a bit about the "other" coast..I have always wanted to visit Puerto Escondido...but you know how it is when the call of Tulum and Quintana Roo hits you, I just never seem to get there. I often check out Tom Zaps website..and dream about a trip to the west. Any recommendations you can make would be great!!

I'll be doing an extensive trip report of the region after my next visit. TomZap's site has great info but the photos are kind of lame. Puerto Escondido is the surf capital of Mexico and a fav of mine but I'm not too fond of Huatulco. Zipolite is only 35 miles south of Puerto Escondido, so you can stay at one and enjoy the other via reliable public transportation. As a Tulum lover, you'd like this area for its tranquility but the ocean current can be extremely deadly. Since I love the sound of surf, staying in a $25 ocean front room is absolute heaven. Luckily, expensive flights have kept this area from catching on but flying in via Acapulco on a cheap charter makes for an inexpensive adventure.

Jimmy

http://lunarlips.com//CM2006/CM134.jpg
^A glimpse from the center of the beach at Zipolite


http://lunarlips.com//CM2006/CM147.jpg
^Puerto Escondido's Playa Principal in the foregound...

[minniemex]

I use Worryfree alot also - for last minute trips - when they can be had - you should sign up for their newsletter - specials come out monday & are available to book midnight tues to midnight fridays

http://worryfreevacations.com/

But when planning my trips out a few months, I have had the best luck with NWA lately -

[beachreader]

Thanks, Min and Jim, I've passed those tips along to my MN friend. Hopefully she'll find something she can use.

[mariposa]

We live in Saint Paul, MN in a 110 year old house that we restored. It's been finished for about 5 years so now we're trying to figure out an addition or maybe a new project! We both work in the film industry in MN.

.I turned into a rather obsessive trip researcher since our trip to Europe last year. I love to find out about the things that aren't in the guidebooks.I still remember my first trip to Cozumel in high school..Everyone we met was either from Minnesota or Wisconsin! So then I discovered Playa and then Tulum and the rest is history (although somehow it's been almost 10 years since we've been there..!)

[mariposa]

We have 2 dogs and 6 cats and always think of the time I found the little puppy in playa and wanted to put her in my suitcase (my husband talked me out of it) Still we always look forward to meeting new animal friends..I want a monkey.(just kidding)

[AdGuy]

Still we always look forward to meeting new animal friends..I want a monkey.(just kidding)


If you make it to Punta Laguna Monkey Reserve, you can have your pick. Simply climb up a tree and pull one down. :D They're everywhere...

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i317/FloridaAdGuy/December2006TulumPictureson16MB182.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i317/FloridaAdGuy/December2006TulumPictureson16MB191.jpg

[austxdan]

Lee,

Thanks for the 3 great pictures of monkeys.

Oh wait, is that last one just a life-sized avatar? :D


Dan

[AdGuy]

Lee,

Thanks for the 3 great pictures of monkeys.

Oh wait, is that last one just a life-sized avatar? :D


Dan


Actually it was family portraits...my sister, brother, and me. :p

[mariposa]

Yes, I booked November for February and feel like it's an ok deal..We are going non-stop w/NWA for about $375 each. It's president's day week so that's when our son could go (school and everything) Everyone keeps saying they're seeing flights for $199 and such (people in mn) but those fares don't include fees and they aren't for that period..plus I thought getting the miles from NWA would be good.

[minniemex]

Yes, I booked November for February and feel like it's an ok deal..We are going non-stop w/NWA for about $375 each. It's president's day week so that's when our son could go (school and everything) Everyone keeps saying they're seeing flights for $199 and such (people in mn) but those fares don't include fees and they aren't for that period..plus I thought getting the miles from NWA would be good.

You are absolutely right - those deals are for leaving within days or a week of booking - you cannot get those prices if you are planning ahead - I have booked for April for 6 of us - as you, we had to choose a time all could travel - & I paid $414. for tickets NWA - but the charters were almost twice as much as we are staying 9 days (I think you are also?) - you got a good deal - http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/29/29_3_16.gif

[scooter]

scott(friends all call me scooter) and lisa

39 and 37 and from conway, ar....

going to venture to tulum in june for the first time....we are boring or something...maybe just not adventurous as we have been to mexico 10 times or so and all trips to isla mujeres....

i'm a partner in a cpa firm and lisa is a physical therapist that just retired to pursue photography....something she's always enjoyed...friends told her she should try to pursue farther so...so long p.t. and hello

http://www.lisafeltsphotography.com


we have two wonderful girls...morgan and alli grace and a stinking cat...i don't care for cats but the vote was 3-1 as is the case with most votes in my household.....

[beachreader]

Wow, Scott (well, Lisa), those are gorgeous photos! Good luck with the business; I'd certainly hire you if I had a need.

Mariposa, I think you did well for President's Week, non-stop flights. That's a very decent price in my opinion. Right now I'm using frequent-flier miles, but I'm keeping my eyes open for deals. I can always cancel the ff tix if I can find something under $300.

[RE Steve]

Newly registered-----I have enjoyed the Mexican/Carribean coast several times and will be returning in April. I am married, 3 kids and a lifelong NH resident.

[Gale in KY]

Welcome to Tulum.info! This is a great forum for answers to all your Tulum questions. Glad to have you here!

[dcap]

Welcome to the Info. Board. Where have you been to on the Coast? Have you been to Tulum or will be your first visit here?

[biking]

Many time reader....new poster. Our 2nd trip to Tulum......7th trip to the Yukatan will be Feb 26th thru Mar 7th. My husband and I are early 50s very active....but love a do nothing beach vacation which Tulum specializes in. We will not rent a car.....and have been appreciating everyone's personal preferences and advice.

Thanks

[AdGuy]

Welcome newbies! This posting thing's not all that difficult, huh? :rolleyes: We look forward to your questions and thoughts...keep 'em coming!! :)

[beachreader]

Biking, I'll be down in Tulum from the 26th--where will you be staying?

[biking]

We will be at Hamacaloca....and you?

[beachreader]

Posada Lamar, five nights from the 26th. Come on down and say hello--I'll be the one sitting on the beach with a book in my lap. Yup, I'm sure I'll be the only one! :D

[bellydancer]

Hi everyone...We're Donna and Tommy...living in wonderful "sin" also for the last 5 years...think he's actually going to marry me sometime this year. Our trip in August will probably be our honeymoon! We're from north Louisiana. I'm 50 and he's 60...in Dec. Tommy will be retiring from Louisiana Tech University which means we will have lots more free time to catch all those cheap flights out of Dallas to Mexico! Our first trip to Mexico was on a cruise in 2003 to Calico and Cozumel. Fell in love with Mexico. Flew back to Cozumel twice in 2004. In 2005 we decided to explore PDC and Isle Mujeres along with Coz. Found that PDC had more of what we were looking for in the way of beaches so in 2006 we spent most of our time there with a few days left for Coz and Mujeres. Our favorite beach spot in PDC was the northern beach area (Coco Beach) but last summer a fence was put up to make way for condos so we figured we better start looking for another area. Don't imagine we'd have much peace and quiet with construction going on right behind us. I had been wanting to venture further south anyway so I figured now was a good time to give the Tulum area a try. We are not resort people...we like to stay in mom and pop places, eat off the carts and soak up the local atmosphere. Although this not having electricity for most of the time will definitely be a new experience for us...I have a feeling we are going to enjoy it! Please bear with me as I ask all you Tulum experts for advice
over the next few months.

[beachreader]

Welcome, Bellydancer! I'm sure you'll love the Tulum area. Let us know when you're starting to make your plans, and folks here would be happy to help.

And congrats on your upcoming-maybe-probabably wedding. :)

[minniemex]

Hi everyone...We're Donna and Tommy...living in wonderful "sin" also for the last 5 years...think he's actually going to marry me sometime this year. Our trip in August will probably be our honeymoon! We're from north Louisiana. I'm 50 and he's 60...in Dec. Tommy will be retiring from Louisiana Tech University which means we will have lots more free time to catch all those cheap flights out of Dallas to Mexico! Our first trip to Mexico was on a cruise in 2003 to Calico and Cozumel. Fell in love with Mexico. Flew back to Cozumel twice in 2004. In 2005 we decided to explore PDC and Isle Mujeres along with Coz. Found that PDC had more of what we were looking for in the way of beaches so in 2006 we spent most of our time there with a few days left for Coz and Mujeres. Our favorite beach spot in PDC was the northern beach area (Coco Beach) but last summer a fence was put up to make way for condos so we figured we better start looking for another area. Don't imagine we'd have much peace and quiet with construction going on right behind us. I had been wanting to venture further south anyway so I figured now was a good time to give the Tulum area a try. We are not resort people...we like to stay in mom and pop places, eat off the carts and soak up the local atmosphere. Although this not having electricity for most of the time will definitely be a new experience for us...I have a feeling we are going to enjoy it! Please bear with me as I ask all you Tulum experts for advice
over the next few months.

http://www.smileyarena.net/Library/words_library/greetings/hello/multicolor.gif (http://www.smileyarena.net/download.aspx?id=8082) Bellydancer & welcome to the board! Your history of visiting Mexico sounds almost identical to mine!! I understand all that you say!! Enjoy this board - lots of info & lots of http://www.smileyarena.net/Library/words_library/laughing/default/fun_flash.gif (http://www.smileyarena.net/download.aspx?id=7763) -

[boomboomtulum]

New to this board, but not new to Tulum...My name is Matt, wife Carolyn and followed by Megan, Claire, Grace, Matt and Andrew...Have been going to Tulum for about 5 years and now in process of building a house, so i get down there pretty often...

[dcap]

Are you building the house in Tulum? And if so where?

[boomboomtulum]

Sorry, i guess i was kinda vague...yes the house is in Tulum on the beach

[beachreader]

That's awesome, Boomboom, good for you! Smart not to post your exact location because you'd have a line of peeps standing at your doorstep in no time!

Me, for example. :)

Oh, and do let me know if you can use any help at all, you know, decorating, painting, cooking, oh, anything you might need. I don't take up too much space, really.

[tbone]

my name's Thomas. I've been a member of the playa.info forum since 2004 (i think). anyway, my girlfriend & i will be coming down from Edmonton on Mar 10 for 5 weeks. this will be my seventh trip - her second.
our plan is to stay in PDC for the first few days and then in Tulum for most of the rest. i've always wanted to stay in Tulum but never have as i've always travelled single and tend to get caught up in the playa "vortex". but now that she's along, it makes more sense.
i'm currently doing some research/planning for where we will stay along the lines of a beach cabana. preferably with a kitchenette but, from what i know, i don't think that's gonna happen.
i've travelled to alot of places in the caribbean and overseas and seen alot of beautiful beaches but nothing that compares to the riviera maya.
Tulum has always been a spiritual place for me and i really want to experience it before it gets swallowed up by development like whats happened to playa del construction. (don't get me wrong - i absolutely love PDC and all of the friends i've made there over the years).
our winter up here in Edmonton has been so long & brutal.
we are so looking forward to blissing out for a good long while.

cheers!

[Gale in KY]

5 Weeks? WOW..that is the stuff my dreams are made of! Welcome to Tulum.Info glad you are here Tbone!:D I will have to do some thinkin' about a cabana with a kitchenette..there is one, but it is pretty rustic..somebody just posted about it..my memory does't work well these days..have to research..lol!

[boomboomtulum]

Thanks for the offer to help...i think my wife has the decorating and stuff covered already, but the cooking spot is wide open....just one question though which kid do you want to share a room with?.

[minniemex]

Welcome to the boad newbies -

Boomboomtulum - http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/23/23_11_37.gifyou are going to have to let us know how the process of building is going - some of us (ok, most of us) have dreams of living down there, so would be very curious to know how it's working - http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/3/3_11_4.gif

tbone - I am really jealous of the 5 weeks - we will expect updates from Tulum when you are down therehttp://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/23/23_31_7.gif

[tbone]

updates? will do - internet connections and cervezas permitting.

[beachreader]

Thanks for the offer to help...i think my wife has the decorating and stuff covered already, but the cooking spot is wide open....just one question though which kid do you want to share a room with?.


Um, the 40-something single male kid? :D :D :D :eek:

[LizardLady]

I'm not one for forums, but I have to thank you all for information on Tulum and Mexico travel. I'm traveling in March and because of recommendation mostly on this forum, we booked HamacaLoco for our beach stay. :)

[Gale in KY]

Thanks for the kind words Lizard Lady..stick around, we have a good time here..from amazing people to pictures and lots of info..it' a great place to hang out.

[AdGuy]

I'm not one for forums, but I have to thank you all for information on Tulum and Mexico travel. I'm traveling in March and because of recommendation mostly on this forum, we booked HamacaLoco for our beach stay. :)


You'll love Hamaca Loca...it's a great spot on an amazing stretch of beach!

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i317/FloridaAdGuy/December2006TulumPictureson16MB047.jpg

[ocontraire]

Hello everyone,
My first trip to Mexico was in 1972 as part of a climbing trip to the volcanoes around Mexico city: Toluca, Maliche, Popo & Ixta, and Orizaba. Eight or nine more climbing trips followed over the next twelve years. The only beach I ever saw during that time was the rocky shore beside a frozen lake inside the crater of Nevado de Toluca! I did not return to Mexico for almost fourteen years until my teenage daughter & I went to Cancun for March break in 1998. We took a day trip to PDC and I was hooked. Now almost nine years and 15 trips later (many to different parts of Mexico), my husband Gordon & I have just reserved part of our xmas 2007 holiday at Nueva Vida de Ramiro . We are hoping to stay at a couple of other places like Posada Luna del Sur, Tita Tulum, Hamaca Loca, or Hemingway. We both enjoy this forum very much and thank everyone for being so helpful and pleasant. Viva Tulum! Christine

[minniemex]

Hello everyone,
My first trip to Mexico was in 1972 as part of a climbing trip to the volcanoes around Mexico city: Toluca, Maliche, Popo & Ixta, and Orizaba. Eight or nine more climbing trips followed over the next twelve years. The only beach I ever saw during that time was the rocky shore beside a frozen lake inside the crater of Nevado de Toluca! I did not return to Mexico for almost fourteen years until my teenage daughter & I went to Cancun for March break in 1998. We took a day trip to PDC and I was hooked. Now almost nine years and 15 trips later (many to different parts of Mexico), my husband Gordon & I have just reserved part of our xmas 2007 holiday at Nueva Vida de Ramiro . We are hoping to stay at a couple of other places like Posada Luna del Sur, Tita Tulum, Hamaca Loca, or Hemingway. We both enjoy this forum very much and thank everyone for being so helpful and pleasant. Viva Tulum! Christine

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/23/23_3_36.gif to the board!! Keep us posted!!

[Kat in SAT]

Hola,
I'm Kat and live in SAT (San Antonio, TX)--it's the airport code.
First visited the Yucatan in 1979 and was hooked so returned again in 1980/81/83/85/87/92/94/95/98/99/2001 thru 2006.
First brough the DH down in 1983 and he was hooked too.
We've traveled the area from Merida to Majahual over the years but Tulum is one of our favorites.
Returning again this year in May.

[minniemex]

http://www.createsmileys.com/smiley/original.gif--%20WELCOME%20NEWBIES!!%20--3300CC--/font/comic.ttf--14.gif (http://www.createsmileys.com/)

Just thought I would "bump" this to the top, as we seem to have a lot of new interest in the board & we would like to hear from them all!! Easy first post!!http://www.smileyarena.net/Library/extra_large/school/default/easy_test.gif (http://www.smileyarena.net/download.aspx?id=12439)

[AdGuy]

At the risk of asking the impossible (given that Avatars seem impossible), can we make this topic a "Sticky"?

[Lynnette]

Hi everyone......I'm coming out of lurkdom.....finally! I know some of you from the LG board and have enjoyed all the news/info from this forum for a long time.

My hubby (Bob) and I honeymooned in PV 23 years ago and our love of Mexico was born. Six years ago, on a timeshare "gift" (the Omni Cancun) from my inlaws, we discovered Isla Mujeres and have made it a priority to travel to the Roo at least twice a year since.....wishing it was even more often!!

Even though Isla has become more touristy and busy, we still enjoy short stays on the island, combined with Akumal, Tulum and/or Soliman Bay. As you can see, this travel pattern keeps moving us south and further away from the maddening crowds! ;)

Our next visit is late April through mid May. We'll be on Isla for four days, then renting a car and going to Chichen Itza with an overnite at the Hacienda Chichen, lunching in & exploring Valladolid and then 10 glorious days at Nah Uxibal on Soliman. As beautiful as Soliman Bay is, we'll be spending a lot of time in Tulum for the gorgeous beach & yummy eats!!! Our last night will be in Puerto Morales, to be near the airport for our morning flight home.

I'm looking forward to actively joining this forum and hopefully I'll meet some of you on one of our travels!! :)

Lynnette
far west (right Phyllis?!) burbs of Chicago

[dcap]

Were you glad to hear you have come out. As with LG there are some great and knowledgeable people here as well that share the love for the Tulum area. We love visualizes, so if you have photo's you would like to share or Questions get um'up. Dave

[PhyllisB]

WOOHOOOOOOO! Hi Lynnette! I can't even believe we haven't gotten together yet. We'll have to do that soon! So glad you're over here with us -- great info, great people! You might just overlap with Dan's trip to Tita Tulum, too!

Ya know, I just started a new thread when I joined instead of adding to this one, so I guess I'll do a belated intro here too. Hubby and I first went to Tulum in November of 2005 for a late honeymoon. I had been to the Yucatan in high school (!!!!!!) -- it had such an impact on me I'd been wanting to go back ever since. A honeymoon seemed a good excuse! I have a fuzzy memory of a great beach - I think it was on the gulf side though. No idea where. (I didn't pay attention in those days.) So I thought I'd see what was out there. Stumbled across the LG forum first, and I was hooked on the posts about Tulum. Definitely seemed like our kind of place. We went back again last year, for a trip that was entirely too short and not as relaxing as I would have liked since it came just post-PhD and just pre-relocation. I'm sure it made those transitions easier to have the down time in between, but it was a whilrwind. Now, I want to get back there ASAP, but we may not be able to for another year or so. I'm going to see if I can talk some friends into a trip this fall though!

I'm currently living in Chicago, in Edgewater/Andersonville, recently transplanted from Boston (Somerville). I miss Boston a lot, but am looking forward to SPRING in Chicago. Plus the flights to the Roo are cheaper from here! :)

As I already said before - So excited to be in a forum just for the Tulum fan club!!!!!!

Phyllis

[Lynnette]

"WOOHOOOOOOO! Hi Lynnette! I can't even believe we haven't gotten together yet. We'll have to do that soon! So glad you're over here with us -- great info, great people!"

Hi Phyllis.......thanks. Now that spring is just around the corner and I'm coming out of hibernation, I'll hop a train into the city to see you. Did you know that two new Yucatan style restaurants have recently opened....we'll have to try BOTH!!

Sorry for the personal minor hijack. I did want to add that I will try ("try" being operative) to do a trip report after our May trip with photos. I do slide shows of my trips and that will most likely be what I post......I'm so bad at writing and I really appreciate those peeps that post trip reports!! :)

[dionski]

My short story.

dionski is Dennis is dsquared, d2. Pam is my wife and Sophia our 7 year old daughter. We live in Park City, Ut. I first came to the Yucatan in 86. After one night in Cancun decided that Isla Mujeres might be more my speed and it was. Made a couple trips to Cozumel in the late 80's for diving. Also spent 12 days in Belize on Ambergis Key and Key Caulker for more diving. My first trip to Tulum was in 1995 with my future wife Pam. We rented a car and spent a few days in Playa del Carmen, before we headed to Tulum. Stayed at Cabanas Tulum and Piedra Escondida two of the few places available at that time. We returned the next year and drove to Xcalac down on the border with Belize were we camped on the beach and stayed a few days at a place called Marina Mikes. We returned to Tulum and stayed at a primitive spot I can't recall the name of before we finished the trip at Piedra Escondida. I've been diving off of Xcalac and also Dos Ojos cavern diving (Hidden Worlds) during the 90's trips. This trip we stayed at La Vita e Bella for 2 nights and are now at Zulum a new place next to Ana y Jose. Back soon with more the girls are calling.

d2

these guys had it right.....

"Tourists don't know where they've been, travellers don't know where they're going."
(Paul Theroux)

"For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel's sake. the great affair is to move."
(Robert Louis Stevenson)

[minniemex]

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/23/23_3_36.gif to the board! I have seen your other posts regarding Zulum - my dream place - I so want to stay on the top floor - be sure to take lots of pictures!!

It sounds like you have a lot of experiences to share with us - I am envious that you enjoyed Tulum "in the olden days" - remember we really like trip reports & pictures around here!!

[firecop680]

Has anybody paid attention tot he number of view this thread alone has had? 2010 That is incredible. I remember when I was a lurker http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/11/11_9_12.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZNxmk788LXUS) this board was small and now it has exploded!! I am happy to be a part of it!!! http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/36/36_1_33.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZNxmk788LXUS) Congrats to this who have been the pioneers of this great board!!





http://www.smileycentral.com/sig.jsp?pc=ZSzeb112&pp=ZNxmk788LXUS (http://smiley.smileycentral.com/download/index.jhtml?partner=ZSzeb112_ZNxmk788LXUS&utm_id=7920)

[AdGuy]

A pioneer, huh? I think fc's nicely saying we talk too much!! :D

I scream...you scream...we all scream on tulum.info...or at least we all scream for Lucy's Ice Cream!!!
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i317/FloridaAdGuy/LucyIceCream.jpg

[joellybaby]

Welcome Lynnette and Kat in SAT!

Thought I'd say a particular hello since possibly our trips to Tulum will overlap. I'm at Hamaca Loca 16-19 May and Cabanas la Conchita 19-24 with my husband Adam on a belated honeymoon. Look out for us. Dan will be around that sort of time too at Tita.

Can't wait! :D

[Armchairshrink]

I never properly introduced myself so here goes!

I'm 27 and I live with my boyfriend of 2+ years, he's 30. We live in Oakland, CA. I'm a researcher for a human resources firm and he works on the civilian side for the Department of Homeland Security. He's former Coast Guard, too, so he did a lot of traveling that way but not the kind he would have preferred. He spent most of his time up in the Bering Sea, but he also got to visit the west coast of Mexico, Guatemala and El Salvador.

Outside the US I've been to Victoria, Canada, St. Martin back in the late 90s
and Playa Del Carmen/Isla Mujeres in 2003. I really loved the Yucatan and swore I'd come back to visit. So I am! It took a bit of convincing to get my boyfriend to go - he's more of a cultural guy, and I'm a sucker for paradise beaches. (I like culture too. I just want it on the beach, thanks!) But we got a good deal on airfare and it was cheaper than the trips he wanted to take, so I talked him into it. I'm only hoping he likes so much we can go back every few years.

Right now our plan is to stay at the CESiak tents for 2 nights, Nueva Vida De Ramiro for two nights, and in Playa Del Carmen at Luna Blue for 3 nights. I really enjoyed playa and wanted to spend some time there but I also wanted to "get away" from it - last time I went to Isla Mujeres with that idea in mind but it wasn't quite as remote as I'd hoped.

Thanks to everyone who's already helped me out so much!

[AdGuy]

I
Right now our plan is to stay at the CESiak tents for 2 nights, Nueva Vida De Ramiro for two nights, and in Playa Del Carmen at Luna Blue for 3 nights.

You'll love Luna Blue...and Tony and Cheri are great folks!

[SassyGirl]

My name is Patty and hubby and me are Yucatan addicts. My first trip was in 1990 when, like many other people in their 20's, I visited Cancun. It was my first international trip so it was really exciting! Since then, I've been all over the Caribbean (on many cruises, so I've sampled many islands) but my favorite place of all is the "Mayan Riviera", especially Tulum. I've also been to Cozumel, Isla Mujeres and Playa del Carmen and really like them all for different reasons.

I discovered Tulum after my favorite place, Kailuum, moved to Majahual. I debated about doing that long drive and decided to instead research the area to try to find something similar to the chilled Kailuum vibe that was closer by. That's when I found Tulum.

On our first visit to Tulum we stayed at Zamas which we liked fairly well, but decided was not the optimal Tulum destination for us (the beach isn't so great there and Boca Paila road runs though the middle of Zamas which is a detraction). So now we are researching where to stay for our next visit to Tulum which will probably be in spring 2008.

Hubby and me are in our 40's and are childfree (with 3 "boys" of the furry feline variety). We live near Philadelphia.

Some of my favorite photos from our last trip to Tulum:


http://pic30.picturetrail.com/VOL1511/7216581/15994962/244192820.jpg

http://pic30.picturetrail.com/VOL1511/7216581/15994962/244193117.jpg

http://pic30.picturetrail.com/VOL1511/7216581/15994962/244192718.jpg

http://pic30.picturetrail.com/VOL1511/7216581/15994962/244193094.jpg

http://pic30.picturetrail.com/VOL1511/7216581/15994962/244192810.jpg

http://pic30.picturetrail.com/VOL1511/7216581/15994962/244192773.jpg

[minniemex]

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/23/23_3_36.gif SassyGirl - Thanks for the pictures - you know by now that we are addicts when it comes to pictures - hopefully we can help you find the place you are looking for in Tulum!!

[beachreader]

Sassygirl, I'm also a displaced Kailuuminary! You're going to love Tulum, and take my word for it, driving all the way down to Kailuumcito isn't worth the trip. Besides, they're changing things there again, no dinners anymore, and day trippers are welcome (cruise ship folks). Besides, their beach is really narrow and the water full of grass and sometimes silty sand.

I don't know if you saw my post on LG about what's going on with Lafitte's, but Ivan is going to be running their new property Petite Lafitte in Xcalacoco (next to Ikal del Mar, far as I can tell). I've spoken to Ivan and David about it, and while it is delayed, they're really going to try to have at least a taste of the Kailuum vibe with communal dining and the like. They're aiming for the best of Lafitte's and Kailuum in one place. As long as they can get their permits done!

[SassyGirl]

Thanks for the warm welcomes!

Beachreader...

No more dinners at Kailuum? Are you kidding me? That was half the fun of that place!!! Have you personally been to Kailuumcito or did you hear the negative things from others' reviews?

The new Lafitte sounds like a possibility (although I have to say I really liked the tents at Kailuum). Where is Xcalacoco?

[AdGuy]

Welcome SG!! Great photos and posts...keep up the great work!!

[Gale in KY]

SassyG..Xcalacoco is the stretch of beach just to the south of Punta Bete...Coco's Cabanas is in the area of Xcalacoco..to the south of Lafitte

[SassyGirl]

Oh, okay....so it's south of Punta Bete but north of Tulum?

[beachreader]

No more dinners at Kailuum? Are you kidding me? That was half the fun of that place!!! Have you personally been to Kailuumcito or did you hear the negative things from others' reviews?

The new Lafitte sounds like a possibility (although I have to say I really liked the tents at Kailuum). Where is Xcalacoco?


Yes, I stayed at Kailuumcito for a week the December after the "real" one closed. There's a lagoon across the way that's very cool, but I don't need to go back to see it. The tentalapas were the same, the bathhouses were the same, but the beach was just nothing like the old one. It was very narrow and a little steep, I dug the back legs of my chair in to give myself a level spot, and while the water was nice and calm, the sand in the water was silty in spots and there was tons of turtle grass, so to me, it wasn't a particularly pleasant swimming experience.

There was also an odd sense of too many chiefs. There was Clayton and his wife, Ivan and his brother and another man who also seemed to be a manager, but the place only had like 10 tents.

I don't want to be too harsh on the place, but for a 5 hour drive it just wasn't worth it to me.

As for the new changes (no dinner, open to day trippers, etc.), I'll see if I can find the letter someone forwarded to me from them about it.

[beachreader]

Oh, and as Gale said, Xcalococo is about 1 kilometer south of Lafitte's. Did you ever walk down to that beach restaurant with the boat out front for lunch one day? Towards the end, Kailuum didn't serve lunch very often (on my trips, anyway), and when we got tired of Lafitte's, they told us about this little restaurant. It was very cool, all seafood, no English spoken at all, took forever, but was an excellent place to hang out with a few beers and play cards while waiting for amazing fish with garlic sauce or Tikin Xic.

Anyway, if you ever went there (just south of KaiKaana), two properties to the south is where Petit Lafitte's will be.

It's where there used to be a little zoo of sorts, and someone told me it's where the horsebackriding trips used to stop, but I never did that.

[pepper]

BR -
Was it Juanito's?
The next place just to the south of Ikal del Mar?

We stayed at Ikal 5 years ago for our honeymoon, but always found ourselves at Juanito's for cheap (but just as d-lish) margs and food.

I'm guessing the new Lafitte will have the good part of that beach. It's mostly all rocky, but just to the north of KaiKanna (sp?), there's a good patch w/o rocks. That alone will be an improvement from the old Lafitte - I didn't care for their beach.

[beachreader]

Pepper, I want to say Panchito's, now that you've said Juanito's, and it was just to the north side of Ikal del Mar (between Ikal and KaiKaana). They have a boat semi-permanently beached right in front. Petite's will be just on the south side of Ikal. Rocks in the water, but decent sand, as far I can tell.

[pepper]

Oh-no...if it's south of Ikal - then between Ikal and the old Carasol Village AI (not sure what it is now), that's a terrible beach!! I remember there being a few houses there and a place called Paradise Cabanas (cement block rooms).

[beachreader]

It's immediately to the south of Ikal. In fact, it's just on the other side of the wall that marks the south side of Ikal. So it's exactly the same beach as Ikal, but a bit deeper as the sand goes up farther into the property (Ikal has that beachfront boundary area, probably to keep the common folk away). It's a narrow property, and there are definitely some rocks in the water (as there are at Ikal), but the sand part of things seemed fine.

Having said that, I could be wrong. This is the way the property was described to us at Lafitte's, and we had walked by it on our own but we didn't actually walk down there with them.

I know what you mean, though, that stretch of beach just to the north of KaiKaana is really nice, and any farther south of Ikal than they'll be is very rocky all the way around to the Caracol. Which is now known as Sandos Caracol, still very Euro-heavy that I could see on our walk last December.

[pepper]

Wow!!
That's interesting.

Something I just stumbled upon....The Tides have taken over Ikal del Mar...what the heck is going on????

[SassyGirl]

When we visited Kailuum we either ate lunch at Kailuum or at Lafitte, so no, I didn't try the other place down the beach.

I really hope the new Lafitte will be what they are promising, but I am not getting my hopes up too high!

[beachreader]

Wow!!
That's interesting.

Something I just stumbled upon....The Tides have taken over Ikal del Mar...what the heck is going on????


What the heck is going on? Yesterday I hear that the Tides is in a bad way, possibly not finishing projects, now they've bought the fancy-shmancy Ikal? I'm very confused.

[NWCreoleLady]

Hi everyone! I'm Kathy....I live in the suburbs of Seattle....been married almost 28 years and now that the kids are grown we are finding ourselves bitten by the travel bug. Our first trip to Mexico (and outside the U.S. besides Vancouver B.C. and Tijuana and their surrounds) was to the Yucatan Peninsula in 2005 for our 25th anniversary. It was 14 days of everything we dreamed of and more! We visited Puerto Morelos, Chichen Itza, Merida, Progreso, Valladolid, Ek Balam, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and Akumal. Our vacation is still almost 7 months away, but we are very excited about planning this one too! We will of course do Playa......but will concentrate more on the areas south of.......Tulum, Sian Ka'an, Xcalak, and maybe Lago Bacalar. Has anyone been to the latter? We used playa.info for planning our last trip and I remembered this board was here and I'm sure will serve us better for planning our itinerary. You all are great! Anyway, I just wanted to do the official introduction thing and thank you all for being so helpful with information!

[lianne]

NWCreole Lady, (are you the Kathy who just posted the photo Jam?) and, more importantly, what suburb of Seattle? I live in Bellevue, so we're kinda neighbors. Other strangeness..................my husband and I took our first trip to the Yucatan in 2006 for our 26th anniversary. you will notice other odd things on this forum, many of us have 3 kids, of similar ages, some of us have kids who just moved back home, and ALL of us love Tulum, welcome to the forum!

[minniemex]

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/23/23_3_36.gif NWCreoleLady to the board!! I am sure you will find the perfect places to spend your vacation!! I think we have gotten alittle more lively than the last time you were here!! http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/15/15_8_3.gif

[Karen in OH]

NWCreoleLady, welcome to a great message board!
Here are a couple of links to some great info on Xcalak, I have not been yet but it is on my list of places to visit.

www.bill-in-tulsa.com (http://www.bill-in-tulsa.com)
www.xcalak.tv (http://www.xcalak.tv)

There is a message board for Xcalak you can access form both of the links above. Hope this helps with your future vacation plans!

Lianne, it was me Karen who posted the photojam, I hope you enjoyed it!

[NWCreoleLady]

NWCreole Lady, (are you the Kathy who just posted the photo Jam?) and, more importantly, what suburb of Seattle? I live in Bellevue, so we're kinda neighbors. Other strangeness..................my husband and I took our first trip to the Yucatan in 2006 for our 26th anniversary. you will notice other odd things on this forum, many of us have 3 kids, of similar ages, some of us have kids who just moved back home, and ALL of us love Tulum, welcome to the forum!

Hi Lianne,

We live in Auburn, actually almost out to Black Diamond. I am a Seattle native - how about you? I guess when we get to be our age we sort of deserve to begin traveling beyond the great local camp spots. Don't get me wrong - I still love camping and as you know this is a great state for it. But to be able to visit such beautiful, tropical beaches is a real blessing! In the meantime we've been to La Manzanilla (north of Manzanillo) several times, Puerto Vallarta and Zihautenejo (& Troncones). All beautiful, but we left our hearts on the Caribbean Coast of Mexico. So glad to be able to share with all of you!

[NWCreoleLady]

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/23/23_3_36.gif NWCreoleLady to the board!! I am sure you will find the perfect places to spend your vacation!! I think we have gotten alittle more lively than the last time you were here!! http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/15/15_8_3.gif

I was so happy to find that it is A LOT more lively! Looking forward to being on board and learning more 'secrets' about Tulum and beyond! :)

[NWCreoleLady]

NWCreoleLady, welcome to a great message board!
Here are a couple of links to some great info on Xcalak, I have not been yet but it is on my list of places to visit.

www.bill-in-tulsa.com (http://www.bill-in-tulsa.com)
www.xcalak.tv (http://www.xcalak.tv)

There is a message board for Xcalak you can access form both of the links above. Hope this helps with your future vacation plans!

Lianne, it was me Karen who posted the photojam, I hope you enjoyed it!

Thanks Karen! I sure appreciate it - can't wait to look at these more! Kayaks for $15 for 1/2 day - wow, good deal!
I look forward to finding your photojam too.

[SunAndReign]

Hi All,

Just wanted to say hello! I'm a big fan of Tulum. visited for the first time in March 07, and am going back next week! What can I say-- I'm hooked.

So just wanted to say hi and this forum is amazing. I've been reading it at work for the past few weeks just thinking OMG i can't wait to go back and to wake up and hear the ocean : ) I'm having withdrawal.

[minniemex]

Just wanted to bump this to the top, so new people can add on!!

[2theC]

My husband and I live in Virginia and are in our early 30's. We started visiting Cancun in 2001 and have been making our way futher down the coast with every trip we take (just got back from trip #9 last week). Our first experience with Tulum Pueblo and the general area was during hurricane Wilma (after we were released from our shelter) and we have been extremely interested in the area ever since. I have been a lurker on and off for a while, but after this last visit we decided that we would love to go back to Tulum to stay for a couple of nights in September. I love reading all the trip reports posted here so I thought I would share a couple of our pics from the end of May.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7db08b3127cce857de0d33eea00000026108Acs2TRq3ZNT

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7db08b3127cce857d0613bf6900000026108Acs2TRq3ZNT

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7db08b3127cce857d1303ffeb00000026108Acs2TRq3ZNT

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7db08b3127cce857d4ba87e5c00000026108Acs2TRq3ZNT

Hope you all enjoy the pics!

[PhyllisB]

Welcome, 2theC! Those are wonderful pictures. And as you've probably figured out, we looooooooove pictures around here. Glad to have you aboard!

My folks are in Virginia, in Richmond. Whereabouts in VA are you located?

Phyllis

[minniemex]

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/23/23_3_36.gif to the board 2theC!! I was in Cancun for Wilma - I bet we could share some stories!!

Great pictures - if you have more to share we would love to hear from you!!

[jx2]

Hello board. Just thought i'd drop in to say hey to everyone. Been awhile since i've been here. Hope all is well:D.

[dcap]

Welcome 2theC, great to have you on the board. Look forward to more of your pics, those were great. We started out in PDC in 2004, found Tulum that same trip and cannot stay away.

[2theC]

Thanks for all of the comments. Those pics were from our digital camera, when I get my film developed and uploaded I will post a few more. But for now, here is a few more from the digital.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7db08b3127cce857d48033e6e00000026108Acs2TRq3ZNT

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7db08b3127cce857d3d80ff7f00000026108Acs2TRq3ZNT

[minniemex]

Alot of new people signing on!! Let us know who you are!! and here you can learn who the rest of us are!!

[twirls]

I'm signing on HERE after barely escaping with my life from another travel board! WHEEEEWWW! It was a close one! Thank goodness for peace and tranquility here!

[Julie in PA]

As you can tell from user name, my name is Julie and I live in NW Pennsylvania near Erie with my husband of 17 years, Craig, and our three “kids”, Shadow, Chumley and B.C (a dog and two cats). I am in HR/Accounting and my husband is in the golf business. We have traveled to the Yucatan seven times since 2000. We started out in Isla Mujeres, then Playa del Carmen/Akumal and then Playa for the rest of the trips. We have taken several day trips to Tulum and we really liked it but I couldn’t talk my husband into staying down there. Well, after our trip to Playa last year he is finally convinced it is time to move on – Playa is just getting too busy and “upscale” for us. I can’t believe how much it has changed in such a short time – the condos going up right behind Mamita’s and Kool were the last straw. You couldn’t get a lounge chair at the beach this year unless you were there by 9:30 – I can’t imagine what it will be like when all the new condos are occupied – but I digress. Anyway, we will be in Tulum around the third week of March – right now we are leaning toward Zulum or maybe Tita Tulum. I will be visiting this board often to do my required pre-trip research – “where to eat/drink, what to do” etc. My husband thinks I am a little “anal” when it comes to this – but to me planning the trip is half the fun and besides he doesn’t complain when I know just the spot to get the best fish tacos or the coldest cervezas :)!

I heard that pictures are appreciated – so I feel I must oblige. Here are a couple of my favs - the first is a pic from our first trip to Mexico – it is Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres the next was taken on Cozumel and the last one is Soliman Bay. Enjoy!

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h149/julie_in_PA/BeachthroughPalms1.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h149/julie_in_PA/MyPictures0055.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h149/julie_in_PA/SolimanBay.jpg

[minniemex]

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/23/23_3_36.gifto the board Julie!! Great to have you share your travels with us!! You will love Tulum!! I started pretty much in Isla & Cozumel also!!

Love the pictures - especially that one of Soliman Bay!!

[Lynnette]

Hi Julie......glad to have you join us!!! My hubby & I also started moving "south" after years of staying on Isla, for the same reason. Your pictures are lovely.........Soliman is beautiful, isn't it!!! You won't have to worry about getting a chair by 9:30 at the Tulum beaches, for sure!!! :D

http://lynne.smugmug.com/photos/170203490-M.jpg


http://lynne.smugmug.com/photos/170203498-M.jpg

[Armchairshrink]

Wow has Playa changed that much really? I know that it's rapidly growing and all...

I visited Playa in 2003 and fell in love with it. I liked it a lot better than Isla Mujeres which managed to feel both more touristy and more run down at the same time, strangely enough (although it had fantastic beaches). I loved the "north" part of avenida and the great resturants and the atmosphere outside in Playa and now I'm starting to wonder if the 3 days I booked there for this trip are a mistake. Mamitas is not really sounding like a highlight for me. We're also supposed to return the car for that portion of the trip because we were pretty much just planning on chilling in playa with maybe a day trip to Cozumel. Am I going to regret this? I wanted to have some social interaction on my trip after days of seclusion in Tulum!

[minniemex]

No regrets Armchairshrink - I think you will have a great time in Playa, as long as you know what to expect!! Maybe a trip over to Cozumel and around to the other side of the island can be an emergency chill out for you if you do find it too social. I was just in Playa in April, and the beaches are still beautiful there!

[Julie in PA]

Wow has Playa changed that much really? I know that it's rapidly growing and all...

Don't worry - you will still like Playa - I wouldn't hesitate to spend a couple of nights there - it's just that I wouldn't want to spend my entire vacation there anymore. Some of the growth has been good - lots of new restaraunts and "watering holes". We love Playa for that - it's just that I need some quiet time on the beach - that is what we are going to Tulum for. You will be amazed at the growth since 2003!

[AdGuy]

I will be visiting this board often to do my required pre-trip research – “where to eat/drink, what to do” etc. My husband thinks I am a little “anal” when it comes to this – but to me planning the trip is half the fun and besides he doesn’t complain when I know just the spot to get the best fish tacos or the coldest cervezas :)!



Welcome to the board, Julie. Based on your planning preference, you'll fit right in! Make sure to ask questions and participate any chance you can. BTW, coldest cervezas (and best view) can be found at the Zacil Kin beach bar for 20 pesos each...

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i317/FloridaAdGuy/DSCF0963.jpg

[janit368]

Hey everybody,

Am I glad to find Tulum. I thought flying into Cancun meant being in Cancun only... I am 26 and was a political science major focusing in international relations... What that means is cheap trips! I have always liked places a little out of the usual, which means that I loved my month and a half in Israel,Jordan,and Egypt. Unfortunately, after that Europe seemed a little boring.

I really had wanted to go to Vietnam last year, but my boyfriend was iffy and the plane tickets alone cost so much when you don't have a scholarship! Ended up agreeing to the Dominican Republic beach for my boyfriend and found out I hate AI's.... A LOT...

Luckily, my boyfriend seems to be all about cabanas, and he still gets to snorkle. And cheap cheap flights out of St. Louis.

We will be at Tita's in 2 weeks and have been totally enjoying dan's reports. Thanks to all of you for your great forum.. It has been a wealth of information. And I promise I will post pictures when I get back :D

[Jana]

Hi everyone,

I missed this thread before making my first post but I'll add a little background now.

My "significant other" George and I (Jana - same as the screen name) live in Toronto, Ontario. I'm 36, he's 42. Our first trip to Tulum will be this December at Tierras del Sol. We've been to Europe many times (George is Greek and all his family are still there) and we'll be heading on our first trip to Asia - Bali - next year.

After two weeks in Greece earlier this year, I knew I wouldn't make it almost 12 months before another vacation so I started researching where we could go for a week later in the year. I'd never considered Mexico because large resorts and AIs really don't appeal to me but I've always been intrigued by pictures of the Tulum ruins (the colour of the water!) and started researching the area. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that we could go to Tulum without staying at a large resort.

I'm really looking forward to our first visit and this board has been a great help (read lots before posting).

Jana

[AdGuy]

Hey everybody,

Am I glad to find Tulum. I thought flying into Cancun meant being in Cancun only... I am 26 and was a political science major focusing in international relations... What that means is cheap trips! I have always liked places a little out of the usual, which means that I loved my month and a half in Israel,Jordan,and Egypt. Unfortunately, after that Europe seemed a little boring.

I really had wanted to go to Vietnam last year, but my boyfriend was iffy and the plane tickets alone cost so much when you don't have a scholarship! Ended up agreeing to the Dominican Republic beach for my boyfriend and found out I hate AI's.... A LOT...

Luckily, my boyfriend seems to be all about cabanas, and he still gets to snorkle. And cheap cheap flights out of St. Louis.

We will be at Tita's in 2 weeks and have been totally enjoying dan's reports. Thanks to all of you for your great forum.. It has been a wealth of information. And I promise I will post pictures when I get back :D

Welcome Janit368 (note to self...set time machine for 1985...change major from Advertising to Political Science to get cheap trips :))

Several folks (including myself) have stayed at Tita Tulum's. Check out (if you haven't already) this trip report for details/photos...

http://www.tulum.info/showthread.php?t=555

Enjoy your time in paradise!!

[minniemex]

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/23/23_3_36.gif to the board Janit!! You will http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/23/23_165_2.gifwith Tulumhttp://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/23/23_27_1.gif

[janit368]

Thanks everyone and thanks for the link, Lee.. Unfortunately, you distracted me.. Horse farm.. 30 animals!! I grew up on a farm with horses, and yes I still try to get in a lesson here or there (English).. Also had goats, sheep, peacocks, etc., etc. Now I'm positive about tulum ;)

[PhyllisB]

Another bumpity bumpity bump....

[BP.]

Hey everybody,

Am I glad to find Tulum. I thought flying into Cancun meant being in Cancun only... I am 26 and was a political science major focusing in international relations... What that means is cheap trips! I have always liked places a little out of the usual, which means that I loved my month and a half in Israel,Jordan,and Egypt. Unfortunately, after that Europe seemed a little boring.

I really had wanted to go to Vietnam last year, but my boyfriend was iffy and the plane tickets alone cost so much when you don't have a scholarship! Ended up agreeing to the Dominican Republic beach for my boyfriend and found out I hate AI's.... A LOT...

Luckily, my boyfriend seems to be all about cabanas, and he still gets to snorkle. And cheap cheap flights out of St. Louis.

We will be at Tita's in 2 weeks and have been totally enjoying dan's reports. Thanks to all of you for your great forum.. It has been a wealth of information. And I promise I will post pictures when I get back :D

janit368, hope you have a great trip . . . you will love Tulum! If VN is also a dream trip of yours, I really hope you get a chance to go. We took a break from gorging on Tulum to go to VN & Cambodia a yr & a half ago. Wow!! Just a fantastic trip! Cheers!!

[Ginger]

Hi, I'm Ginger (I'm really Leasa :D)

I've been on the Playa.info board since it started, back in 1999 or 2000 or something like that. I've been visiting the Playa area since a little before that. We fell in love right away, and it was our first destination away from our home province, EVER. For both of us.

I am a photographer, and a web designer. I am also a moderator here, so when you report that spam, I get an email and I come and delete it (if I'm around! :D).

We moved to Playa for awhile in 2004. We drove there from our home in BC (just above Seattle) with our two young kids. First we drove to Florida, then to Playa. I blogged the whole trip, it was fun. We ended up staying only a few months as my son went into heart failure (a long story - history of heart defects and surgery) and so we had to return home for him to have a heart valve replacement.

I travel a lot. 2 or 3 times a year. I always to trip reports, there are a fairly large number of my trip reports on the playa.info site...from Vegas to the Rockies, to the Bahamas, to Playa.

So that's me.

[mayaflya]

Ginger (Leasa),

I love your photos! You have a great eye for composition, but I would expect that from a pro! Thanks for the link...looks like quite a few from the Tulum area in your artistic portfolio.

[Ginger]

Ginger (Leasa),

I love your photos! You have a great eye for composition, but I would expect that from a pro! Thanks for the link...looks like quite a few from the Tulum area in your artistic portfolio.

Thanks, mayaflya! I haven't updated my site in a loooong time, I am in the process of an overhaul. :o

I hope to get a lot more shots on my next trip!

[arobb]

hello all you Tulum rockstars! My name is Andrea and I live in San Francisco. I have to admit that half of the fun of planning my October trip to the Yucatan is posting on the board.

My honey and I will be in Tulum for four nights in October. We will also stop in Valladolid, and Merida to finish off our 14 night stay. Neither of us have been to the peninsula before so we are SO EXCITED! My mother is originally from Aguascalientes, Mexico, so I knoe enough spanish to get me around.

Matthew and I are both in Social Services here in San Francisco, and live in a beautiful Victorian up the street from the famous "Painted Ladies" (you know, that famous row of Victorian houses which is featured in various movies, and the old sitcom Full House). We live with our puppy, Ruby who is a rescue dog from Taiwan.

[Loulou]

Hi yall,

My name is Leorah. I was born and raised in France. I am currently a resident Neurologist in Paris. My husband Travis is an electrical engineer from Texas. We met during college when he was on vacation in France. We had a long distance relationship during 5 years. He moved to France right after college and is now working at a French company near Paris. We got married a year ago on July 2 and are currently planning our belated honeymoon in Tulum!!!!

I've been a lurker for a few days now, and reading the different posts has already been so helpful!:)

[minniemex]

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/23/23_3_36.gifto the board Loulou!! May you find your perfect honeymoon;) in Tulum!!

[joellybaby]

Welcome Loulou.

Tulum was our belated honeymoon this May. It's the perfect choice!

[PhyllisB]

I wish I could bump threads up without having to take up space for just a little "bump" post! For the new folks out there... come on and join us!

Phyllis

[DougSR]

I found the Introductions! Yay!

I'm Doug, an engineer from Fort Worth, Tx. I work for Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control and I travel usually once or twice a year. Sept 20th of this year will only be my second time to the Yucatan. Last time, about 5 years ago, I was a back packing fool and had a blast hitting Cancun, Tulum, and Playa.

However, next month my girlfriend Lori and I will hopefully be travelling to Tulum...that is if our room at Los Lirios is still there. I found this board because of Dean and now hope to use it to my fullest advantage. There are some great posts on here helping me with restaurants and such. Wish I would have found it before I booked my hotel but we should be fine.

http://a355.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/52/l_a4759b35cb474069af8245b11385f3d2.jpg

[AdGuy]

Welcome DougSR. From one "backpacking fool" to another, let me assure you that you'll be fine with Los Liros. It's a nice place on a great stretch of beach that has a romantic restaurant (not to mention an awesome 2x1 happy hour that runs for three hours every day). Make sure to read through the various trip reports and ask plenty of questions!


.

[DougSR]

Insert Homer Simpson voice here..."mmm. Happy Hour".

[ajsunny]

Hi All! So glad to see there's a forum specifically for Tulum! My husband, Jim, & I were there 2 years ago in June, for our 15th anniversary. We fell in love with it immediately! Especially Suenos Tulum, which is now closed due to a land dispute, which is so sad, since we think it's the most beautiful place there. Hopefully it will get reopened soon. We have 3 kids, Bridget-12 1/2, Micah-6, & Jenaya-3 1/2-pronounced long a short u, not like Maya. We live in beautiful Northern Michigan, for now- but our house is for sale, and in Oct. we will be living on our sailboat and cruising along Central America, which of course will include several stops along Mexico!! It's a long story of how we got there, deciding to do such a crazy thing! But we basically decided we weren't gonna sit around and say "someday"!

Amy:)

[PhyllisB]

but our house is for sale, and in Oct. we will be living on our sailboat and cruising along Central America, which of course will include several stops along Mexico!!

Holy cow! That sounds AMAZING! Hope you'll be able to post some pix along the way! :) :) :) :) Would love to hear the story of that sometime.... maybe over chips & salsa at Zamas..... or Nacho's..... or.... :)

[firecop680]

My name is Cory and I am a firefighter in Indiana. My wife and I travel to Mexico once a year for a week or more and reset our life clocks. We just found this board last year and it was a great help. I have traveled to Mexico for the last ten years and have been working our way further south. I think that I have found the last place we will travel. Tulum is a life changing experience and we absolutely love it. The people here on the board are the best and really helpful. Welcome to all new comers and have a great time with the board and Tulum.

[jamnmag]

Hello I am Jam and my wife's name is Maggi,

We have been to Playa Del Carmen twice and Tulum on our first trip. LOVED IT! This January we will make another trip bringing a good friend of ours to participate in the diving, kiteboarding, eating and drinking that tends to take place on our trips. Well let me say I do the diving and Kiteboarding.

This trip we will again split our time between Playa and Tulum. With a condo arranged for Playa we are still trying to find accomidatons that will not kill our budget and accomidate our dearly loved 3rd wheel and possibly provide some privacy for us as well.

Any suggestions are welcome,

Jam n Mag

[ajsunny]

Holy cow! That sounds AMAZING! Hope you'll be able to post some pix along the way! :) :) :) :) Would love to hear the story of that sometime.... maybe over chips & salsa at Zamas..... or Nacho's..... or.... :)

Phyllis~ we have a webblog up about it- let me know if you want it!

Amy:)

[Tracee]

Welcome Jamnmag and Amy! You will love this board. Everyone on here has great knowledge about Tulum and will answer all of your questions.

Amy, living on a sailboat sounds AWESOME!! I would love to hear more.

:)

[ajsunny]

Hi Tracee~
yeah! Nothing like being out there! And this is really something waaaaayyy out there for hubby & me- but hey, ya only live once!

let me know if you'd like our webblog address- I'll be happy to pass it along!

Amy

[goodhugh]

Hi All -- Been lurking the boards for a couple of weeks now and thought I should introduce myself. I'm James and I live in Dallas, Texas. I have been traveling to the Yucatan for about 10 years now. I travel down about once a year but have not been since 2004.. my traveling buddy has not been able to go for a few years. Well I have a new traveling buddy and we are headed down in October for a week. My new travel buddy has never been so it will be fun to show him around and should be like experiencing it all again for the first time. I hoping to get to Tulum this trip and hope to stay in down there on my next trip.. just trying to convince myself that I don't need A/C but from what I have ready some of the smaller places do have A/C. Who knows what the next trip will bring. Any whooo.. wanted to say HI to everyone and will be talking to ya on the boards...

[Tracee]

Welcome to the board goodhugh. You'll find lots of great people and information here!

Cheers!!

[DougSR]

Howdy James. I'm from Doug from Fort Worth. The girl and I are going down in 3 weeks. We are heading for Los Lirios, which I believe is the only spot in Tulum which has 24/7 A/C. You can definitely handle it without if you going during the cooler periods. I stayed at DiamanteK a few years ago and got along fine. The girlfriend said she prefered air so I made it happen. Either way, you'll have a great time. Welcome to the forum.

[goodhugh]

Howdy Doug! Nice to know they do have A/C if I so desire. :) Y'all have a great time on your trip. I'm down to 32 days before I head down for a week.

Thanks Everyone for the warm welcome. I have already enjoyed going back and reading old posts and get familiar with everyone!

[minniemex]

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/23/23_3_36.gif to the board goodhugh, jamnmag, & ajsunny!! Hope you enjoy our contributions, and will share your memories of Tulum with us!!

[minniemex]

Bumping - seems like we have some new people signing on!!

[preeya]

I'm Priya (31yrs), my husband Vishy (33 years) and our daughter Arushi (15 mth) have never been to Mexico (tulum) ever!! My husband and I are from India and we now live in the Boston area since the last few years. We have planned our trip to Mexico in the first week of Nov. We have reserved at Zulum, but dont know if our Permanent residence (Green card) process will let us travel then (need an Advance Parole document to arrive before we leave). Pray that we get it soon.
I have been researching this forum for months as I'm a great, obsessed travel researcher after we decide on our trip! My husband and I love to travel and been to a lot of places like Japan, Australia, Maldives, Many countries in Europe, but never to Mexico. DH had a conference in Cancun which got cancelled and we still kept our plans. I decided on Tulum only after stumbling upon this forum (was thinking of Cancun before that)
We have been to many beautiful beahes from Sydney's Bondi beach, Goa beaches in India, beaches at Maldives, some at South France,and Capecod beaches and a few Florida beaches, so cant wait to get to Tulum as we love oceans. We have always had a lot of activities in our travels, but that was pre-kid life. Now life is too busy, tiring, so unwindig on a beach looks like heaven, hopefully DH also feels the same there and not bored! But if he does, he can take care of DD and I can read a book :)
I dont have Tulum photos yet, but will try attaching Capecod beach photos when our daughter was 4 months old and also a recent one.
Priya

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6d720b3127cce8c24a91e4fc400000016100AatmTNk5ZM2 PA
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6d720b3127cce8c24a90bcee100000016100AatmTNk5ZM2 PA
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7d732b3127ccebbcde93c201200000025100AatmTNk5ZM2 PA

[minniemex]

Preeya - http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/23/23_3_36.gif to the board - so glad to have you here!! Your daughter is adorable!! I will be interested to hear how the Tulum beaches rate against the Maldives, as I am traveling there in March 08 -

I hope your paperwork comes thru - you have over a month yet, so don't let your hopes go down!!

I think you will like Tulum better than Cancun!!

[AdGuy]

Welcome to the board, preeya. Not to slam my home state but Tulum's beaches are MUCH better than Florida's beaches (unless you're like to go shelling...then nothing beats Sanibel). I prefer the beaches in the southern part of Tulum (near Tierra del Sol) as they're wide and uninhabited. Again, welcome and make sure to ask lots of questions!

[preeya]

Thanks you guys for such a great forum! I do ask a lot of questions here and feel so welcome! Great people and great energy. You know when I'm working and exhausted I come to this site for a quick retreat to paradise for a few mins everyday and read anything new, trip reports etc. Thanks!!
Minniemex: Maldives is a wonderful place, very quiet, luxurious resorts and clear blue water and skies. I cant compare it yet to Tulum, but it has a bit of coarse sand and lots of shallow corals. Try if you can do the paragliding thing (was $50 in 2000) as you can see the tiny islands from above. Maldives means a necklace of Islands. I'm sure you will enjoy!
Preeya

[minniemex]

Thanks for the info Preeya - will put paragliding at the top of my list - that is something my husband has always wanted to do!!!

[dcap]

We fell in love with the South area around Tierra Del Sol. You can walk either direction and may only see a few people during the day. The beaches are wide with no rocks, water is shallow and calm.

Dave

[mexigirl]

Hi,

My name is Terry and my husband and I own a condo in Playa (for nine years now) and a piece of property on Tankah bay. If you can believe it, we bought the condo when the highway from Cancun was still under construction! It's been a great investment/getaway.

We live in Minneapolis. I'm pleased to see so many Minnesotans participating in this thread!

I'm a frequent viewer, but seldom contribute. I'm primarily looking for information about the area that will effect our investment. Things such as the impact of Hurricane Dean on Tankah, is the rumor of the new international airport in Tulum true, etc.

Hopefully we will be winter residents in the area sometime soon.

Thanks to you all for sharing your insights!

[minniemex]

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/23/23_3_36.gifto the board Terry!! I am so envious of you owning property down there - that is my dream!! I live in Minnesota also, just north of the cities - glad to have you here!!

Where in Mpls do you live??

[AdGuy]

Welcome Terry. I'm always interested in stories like yours of purchasing land before an area was discovered. BTW, do you actually own the land? I've heard that non-citizens cannot actually own the property...how does that work?

[mexigirl]

Thanks for the welcome Lee. Our title is held under a fidecomiso by the bank. It's primarily a form a taxation for non-mexican residents that own land within a certain distance (don't remember how much) of the ocean. Technically, they could seize the property if we ever went to war with Mexico. I'm willing to take that risk.

Others use a Mexican corporation to hold their property. I haven't done extensive research on that but I hear that it's a easy way to get an FM3 visa, so it may be worth looking in to. For now, the playa property is a US corporation. It works well considering everything.

Hope that helps.

[mexigirl]

Thanks for the welcome minnie mex. I live in Brooklyn Park. What city do you live in?

[AdGuy]

Thanks for the education...I never knew exactly how that worked!http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/3/3_3_8v.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZNxmk762YYUS)

[minniemex]

Thanks for the welcome minnie mex. I live in Brooklyn Park. What city do you live in?

Sorry, missed this post - I live in Lino Lakes, over to the east of Blaine -

[cgl7]

We are Canadians living in Parry Sound Ontario,which is about 250kms. north of Toronto in cottage.My wife(Carolyn ) and myself(George ) have purchased a 2 bedroom town house in Tulum(Yes it is available for rent-rental enquiries please contact us at cglister7@yahoo.ca)
We want to thank you all for your responses to our questions No doubt there will be many more.We are arriving in Tulum on Sat.(my birthdayL>O>L) and are looking forward to the beach and the Mayan Grill!

[DougSR]

George,
You cannucks get "oat and aboat" (out and about) and have a good time. :)

I hope you and Carolyn have as much fun as we did last weekend. When you get back send me some info. I'm doug dot robinson at charter dot net. (gotta avoid the spammers eh?)

[cgl7]

Thanks Doug.Our mouths were watering just reading about your dinner at the Mayan Grill so we are going to check it out!
We will send pics and a rundown of our week when we return! We are glad you enjoyed your trip!

[PhyllisB]

Looks like we have a bunch of new folks joining the fray! Yipeeeee! Always glad to have some new Tuluminaries, or Tulumaniacs as some prefer. We're a friendly bunch around here!

[minniemex]

Bumping - lots of new posters!!

[Obsessed]

Hello! My name is Kerri AKA "Obsessed" I've been lurking around this forum for a few weeks now while we plan our trip to Tulum. My husband and I (plus are 2 beautiful children ages 3 yrs & 6 months) reside in Allen, Texas (suburb of Dallas). My hubby and I are headed to Tulum the first week of March for our 5th wedding anniversary. We're staying a couple of days in the Pueblo, then the rest of the week at La Zebra. This forum has been a great help in the planning stages. I love reading about everyone else's experiences with Tulum. Still waiting on a few people's reports from their recent trips (Ah..hem.. Minniemex :p).

[xamachdan]

Hi Everyone,
My name is Dan, from the Seattle area. I have been going to the Roo for about 12 years. Started in Cancun, drifted to Playa (used to be a nice little town), then as it got more crowded spent time in Tankah and Tulum, and settled down the Boca Paila Road.
I bought a small place at Km 32 called Xamach Dos, which I have been working on for the last 3 1/2 years- a labor of love, with 3 cabanas and a restauant, and no neighbors except Manuel the Mayan fisherman about 2 Km down the beach. I try to get there at least every few months.
Love Tulum still, and come out of the jungle frequently to get supplies and visit friends.
Nice to see a board for Tulum, and people who appreciate all that it has to offer.

[Gale in KY]

Welcome Dan!!! I have been wondering if you would ever drift into Tulum.info! How did your place fare to Dean? I have always wanted to stay in that Sugar Shack, just never seemed to be the right time for a few days at Xamachdos..maybe in April?

It's great to see you here!

Warm welcome to all our new members as well!

[viajero]

This is overdue, since I am officially a "member" as of my last post.

I am Jennifer. I like to travel to warm places with beautiful water and I like to have as much info about the places I go as I can. I have been a reader of maps and National Geographic since I was a little kid.

I am planning our first trip to Tulum (first real trip to Mexico, other than border towns).

I really appreciate this forum for the responsiveness of the members, the fact that we stick to Tulum-travel-related topics and the courteous behavior of the members. (Don't laugh! You know what I mean if you spend any time on some of the other major travel forums.)

[xamachdan]

Welcome Dan!!! I have been wondering if you would ever drift into Tulum.info! How did your place fare to Dean? I have always wanted to stay in that Sugar Shack, just never seemed to be the right time for a few days at Xamachdos..maybe in April?

It's great to see you here!

Warm welcome to all our new members as well!
Hi Gayle,
Sorry,the Sugar Shack is gone, a victim of Dean. Right now I am replacing it with a new Sugar Shack, up on stilts in the same place- it's got a great view up in the palms. We also lost the end of the dock, but gained about 20 ft of new beach.
The rest of the place was fine.
You need to get down there while it is still super remote.
XD

[DougSR]

[quote=xamachdan;11323]Hi Everyone,
I bought a small place at Km 32 called Xamach Dos, which I have been working on for the last 3 1/2 years- a labor of love, with 3 cabanas and a restauant, and no neighbors except Manuel the Mayan fisherman about 2 Km down the beach. I try to get there at least every few months.
quote]

Someone please tell me, how blessed are we to be able to visit such a unique part of the world. I would love to see some pics of your slice of heaven Dan. Hook us up when you can.

[PhyllisB]

Hey Doug! You can see some pix on the Xamach Dos website -- pre-Dean --

http://www.xamachdos.com/

I've always wanted to get there too. Maybe we can have a group trip!

[minniemex]

Hi Everyone,
My name is Dan, from the Seattle area. I have been going to the Roo for about 12 years. Started in Cancun, drifted to Playa (used to be a nice little town), then as it got more crowded spent time in Tankah and Tulum, and settled down the Boca Paila Road.
I bought a small place at Km 32 called Xamach Dos, which I have been working on for the last 3 1/2 years- a labor of love, with 3 cabanas and a restauant, and no neighbors except Manuel the Mayan fisherman about 2 Km down the beach. I try to get there at least every few months.
Love Tulum still, and come out of the jungle frequently to get supplies and visit friends.
Nice to see a board for Tulum, and people who appreciate all that it has to offer.

Welcome Dan!!

You have to have a wealth of information stored for us!! Visit and post often please!!

[minniemex]

Hey Doug! You can see some pix on the Xamach Dos website -- pre-Dean --

http://www.xamachdos.com/

I've always wanted to get there too. Maybe we can have a group trip!


Thats it, a peep meet next November!! Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!! At Xamachdos!!

[Gale in KY]

Now that might just be do-able!!! Day of the Dead party at Xamach? (Move over Ron..lol). :D The Tuluminaries Get together at Xamach Dos!!

[gkis]

Hello,
My name is George, married and have a beautiful seven year old daughter. We live in Terrace, British Columbia and we forgot what the sun looks like, maybe Californians would want to trade some sunshine for some of our rain/snow...
We went twice to Muleje,Baja in our RV, it was nice and people super friendly(I can't say the same thing about the merchants in Tulum) but it was a bit too cold in Jan and Feb. After we moved North, driving to Mexico wasn't an option anymore.
Last year we started looking for a warmer, small town(no big resorts), nice water, and we found Tulum and this website. We spent two weeks at CT and fell in love with the beach and the ocean, this coming Feb we are going for a whole month.
In Tulum we cook our own food most of the time, BBQ fresh seafood almost every day, make our own fresh salsa, get pastry, fresh fruit for desert and a good supply of cerveza and fine Tequilla.
Last year we didn't do anything but soak up the sun, this year we'll move a litlle bit around after we recharge our batteries.

[minniemex]

Hello,
Last year we started looking for a warmer, small town(no big resorts), nice water, and we found Tulum and this website. We spent two weeks at CT and fell in love with the beach and the ocean, this coming Feb we are going for a whole month.
In Tulum we cook our own food most of the time, BBQ fresh seafood almost every day, make our own fresh salsa, get pastry, fresh fruit for desert and a good supply of cerveza and fine Tequilla.
Last year we didn't do anything but soak up the sun, this year we'll move a litlle bit around after we recharge our batteries.

Again, welcome to the board!! You are really making the rest of us envious - a whole month!! Did you stay at Cabanas Tulum??(CT?) - and they let you pretty much cook there?? Fill us in please. Where are you staying this time??

[AdGuy]

Hello,
My name is George, married and have a beautiful seven year old daughter. We live in Terrace, British Columbia and we forgot what the sun looks like, maybe Californians would want to trade some sunshine for some of our rain/snow...
We went twice to Muleje,Baja in our RV, it was nice and people super friendly(I can't say the same thing about the merchants in Tulum) but it was a bit too cold in Jan and Feb. After we moved North, driving to Mexico wasn't an option anymore.
Last year we started looking for a warmer, small town(no big resorts), nice water, and we found Tulum and this website. We spent two weeks at CT and fell in love with the beach and the ocean, this coming Feb we are going for a whole month.
In Tulum we cook our own food most of the time, BBQ fresh seafood almost every day, make our own fresh salsa, get pastry, fresh fruit for desert and a good supply of cerveza and fine Tequilla.
Last year we didn't do anything but soak up the sun, this year we'll move a litlle bit around after we recharge our batteries.


Welcome, George! Your past trip sounded awesome and I'm sure you'll enjoy exploring the area as there's incredible things to experience beyond the beach. As for the sunshine, I'm putting together a care package from down here in Florida (The Sunshine State) but fear it will get held up in customs! :(

[minniemex]

I'm putting together a care package from down here in Florida (The Sunshine State) but fear it will get held up in customs! :(

I want one too!! No customs here!!

[gkis]

Hello Minnimex,
We'll stay again at CT for the whole month, it is not a luxurious place but we like it and it is very affordable at $60/night with a bit of discount for longer stay.
As for cooking(now you made me think) we never asked permission:o, we saw our neighbour(long time CT client) cook so we did the same.
For breakfast we had pastry, jam, milk(1 quart )and plenty of fruit. This time we'll bring some oats, dry fruit and will cook some poridge(my favorite bkfast).
For lunch we usually had tortillas with the leftover BBQ fish/chicken from the previous supper and a nice big salsa consisting of tomatoes, green pepper, cucumber, lime, hot peppers and the geen leafs(what are they called:confused:) and more fruit a cooler for my wife and cerveza for me.
Supper was the highlight of the day. We had a BBQ bought locally, carbon(coal)for fuel and this year will bring a compact one burner multi fuel stove just like the back packers use. We'll use the stove for cooking rice/pasta, poridge, steam veggies etc. For BBQ we get fresh seafood every other day from the local fish store or from the vendors in town, this year will try to secure our supply directly from the fishermen. We use mainly coarse salt but will have some sauces for the fish and prawns. The veggies we grilled and this year we'll do a bit of steaming too.
It may sound complicated but the rewards are great, all the basic supplies can be brought from home and they all fit into a cooler on wheels.

[BP.]

:D The Tuluminaries Get together at Xamach Dos!!

Sounds fun! Meanwhile Phyllis, you can scoot down there this trip and have a look! It is very pretty & remote-feeling there. You might even be able to make this year's Day of the Dead gathering if you hustle!

[minniemex]

I too stayed at CT and thought to try a different place this last time. I have to agree with you, there is no greater deal than CT!!

Thanks for all the info!! I guess I never thought to do my own cooking as I didn't realize it was allowed...... never asked though.... it surely would stretch the vacation dollars!! Going for a month, you couldn't really afford to eat out every meal!! I will have to share this with my DH, and see if this is something he could handle!! The fish thing would not work for us as I have allergies, but other things could be substituted!!

We just had one poster asking about cutting corners - I think I will reference this post for them.........

[PhyllisB]

Sounds fun! Meanwhile Phyllis, you can scoot down there this trip and have a look! It is very pretty & remote-feeling there. You might even be able to make this year's Day of the Dead gathering if you hustle!

Nah, I don't really hustle once I'm on Mexico time!!!!! :) :) :) :)
Less than 48 hours to departure!!!!!!!!

[dionski]

Hola Dan

Thanks for saying hello. On our first trip to Tulum in 95 we took the VW Beetle as far as it would take us down Boca Paila road. What an adventure!
My wife and 7 year old returned this year and really enjoyed the Tulum area.
We are returning in April ready for more. Your place looks awesome.

d2

[DougSR]

Thats it, a peep meet next November!! Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!! At Xamachdos!!

That would be a blast. You guys think we could pull that off? That would be very cool.

[dionski]

Thanks for checking in George

We like to have a few "cooler meals" while we are there. Helps with the budget!.

We also have a 7 year old daughter and she really loved the place. Couldn't wait to get in the water every day. After a month I'm sure you will have a couple great ideas for us to try in April!

As for that grill stash it behind the palm tree on the left and I'll give it some use after you are gone.

d2

[xamachdan]

Gayle,
I will definitely be there next Dia De Los Muertos. Xamach is next to a Mayan cemetery, which gets lit up with candles every year, and the unexplained ruins right across the road. Makes for a great ambiance for a party.
XD

[mike]

hello everyone,

my name is miguel, i'm from buenos aires, argentina. I'm heading north to mexico for my honeymoon in two weeks. yesterday i started seaching internet for more info about tulum and found this forum...
I was in tulum 7 years ago and fell in love with the place. my fiance has a thing for mexico too and that's how we decided to have our honeymoon there. We'll be staying a week at nueva vida de ramiro and another week at iberostar tucan in playa del carmen. i wasn't really into staying at an allinclusive, but have never stayed at one before so i can't really judge. I really liked playa when i was there, but tulum was just like being in paradise, so i'm sure a honeymoon there will be unforgettable.
I'm an actor, my fiance is dancer and choreographer. i can't wait to be in tulum once again!!

[minniemex]

Bumping to the top!! Lots of new people signing on!!

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k83/Minniemex/Avitars/welcome.gif !!!!

[skiptown]

Hi Skiptown here, real name is Kevin. Mrs D and I are going on 35 years together. We first found the Yucatan on a cruise that stopped in Cozumel in 2004. We hoped the ferry to Playa and took the collectivo to a cenote near Tulum. A bell ringing, 4 star day!! We came back for 10 days in 2006 and stayed in Isla Mujeres, Merida and Playa with a trip to the ruins at Tulum and a short town visist. We are hooked on the Yucatan and are going back for 15 days in April. This time we are again going to Isla Mujeres& Merida but are adding Campeche and Tulum Pueblo on our places to visit and stay. Staying at Casa Tulum in town. 95 days to wait!

[cobeachgirl]

Hi there, Shannon is my real name & my husband (newly married)Matt and I travel to the RM at least once a year, always in the winter since we live in Colorado. As you can see by my screen name, I live in CO, but my heart is always at the beach, although I do love the mountains. No kids yet, just 1 furbaby, shepherd mix adopted 2yrs ago. She is quite the handful and it has been an adventure (for someone who has had dogs all my life). We're 30-something and usually cross paths in PDC with my new inlaws who have a time-share there. Got engaged at Zahra in Tulum Feb.07 and are headed back there Feb.08. :)
We love the area and are hoping to explore more good stretches of beach and yummy good food in Tulum.

[PhyllisB]

Welcome Shannon!!! Looking forward to hearing about your Tulum adventures!

Phyllis

[SoKaliBeachBoy]

CoBeachGirl....... Welcome from SoCalBeachBoy.....:D !!!

Beachreader and I met a cool couple from CO. in December and we all hope they check in sometime soon as our Tulumie Troop grows......;)

Happy New Year and may your countdown to the 'Roo begin!

[elvo73]

Hello everyone!
My name is Elvia and I'm from Mexico living in Northern California, I have lived on the States for the last 14 years. I'm married to my husband Chris for now 7 years, we have a daughter 3 yrs old and expecting our second daughter!
I traveled a lot in Mexico before I met Chris and now with him we had traveled all over the world, we always go back to Mexico at least once a year, for the last 4 years we've been to Ixtapa because that's like 3 hours from Morelia (It's where all my family lives).
We got 2 free tickets about to expire and I start looking for a place to go and spend nice quiet time, we end up renting a place in Playa del carmen and then after that I start reading about Tulum! too late now to cancel our condo reservation but 2 days will give us a great time in Tulum and maybe next year we can go back again, I'm really looking forward to be there!!
This board is great, full of people who share their experiences :)

[susan]

Hi Everyone, My name is Sue and I live in Minnesota. I have two sons and 2 dogs. We are making are first trip to the yucatan in March and staying at Zulum in Tulum. have been traveling to Mexico on and off for 20 years but this will be the first time to the East side. I discovered this site doing trip research and appreciate all the help I have received from it. Just can't wait to get there.

[HAWKEYE]

Hi all. My name is Craig. Married(Kristi) for seven years. Going to Playa for ten days in May. Plan on going to Tulum for sure. Not for the ruins but to hang on the beach for a day and check out the pueblo. Very informative forum like playa.info. Will be back with questions(:D after searching first James)

[benb]

Hi everyone. My name is Ben. My fiance and I are getting married on Cozumel in June, then plan to spend our honeymoon in Tulum. Lindsey has been to the west coast of Mexico 3 times but neither of us have bee the east side. We haven't decided on a hotel but its between Ocho and La Zebra, any help would be appreciated. This site has given us so much great info. Thanks.

[beachreader]

Hi Ben and welcome. You should probably start your own thread for a question such as this rather than posting it here.

There are several threads now on La Zebra and a couple on Ocho Tulum. Why don't you check them out and then post a new thread and ask any specific questions you may have? The price difference between them is significant.

[TulumDreamin]

Hello Tulum.info peeps.
I'd first like to congratulate you all on the information that is posted on this forum. I have learned so much and have had so many questions answered in the last few weeks just by lurking on this site. My name is Dave and my wife (Paulette) and I who are from the Philly area, are staying at TDS March 20-27th ( I am so psyched to get there). I have never been to Mexico and booked the whole thing by doing research on this board and the Travel Advisor boards. I'm not really a big resort type of traveler and as I searched around it became evident that Tulum was the place for us to unwind and unplug. I'm sure I will have actual questions in the weeks to come but until then thanks for all the info and keep the trip reports coming for us newbies! :)

[PhyllisB]

Welcome aboard Dave, and to Ben and Hawkeye as well! Glad to have ya with us! Hope we can be helpful and that you'll stick around after your trips -- it's always good to commiserate about how much we love Tulum... and of course about our next trips!

Phyllis

[La Luna]

Well this is fun, knowing who are hiding behind all those crazy Nick names! Well let me introduce myself, I started writing on this forum under the Name La Luna, because I work there. I found a thread about Cabanas La Luna, during some internet research and thought I should answer it. So I started writing in this forum and since then I have been checking the board everyday. I must say I kinda like this forum. It's fun, and informative!

My name is Rene and I am from Holland! The owners of Cabanas La Luna are Dutch too, so that's the reason that I ended up here in Tulum. I am always in for new adventures! I must say I love this place, imagine waking up in paradise every morning! The only thing I hear at night is the sea and once in a while a lost dog or cat:rolleyes:. Isn't life great.

In April my job is done and a new adventure lies ahead of me. I will start traveling to Central America to discover some more paradises on earth.....

All board members, keep the good work up...... This is the #1 place to be for people who need more information about Tulum

Hasta Luego

[beachreader]

Hola, Rene. I think we'll be stopping by in early March to say hello and check out the digs, if you don't mind. Are you guys going to be busy/full then?

[La Luna]

Hola, Rene. I think we'll be stopping by in early March to say hello and check out the digs, if you don't mind. Are you guys going to be busy/full then?

We are going to be fully booked early March! We only have 2 out of six cabanas available in the first week! But just come by and I will show you around!

I am around most of the time!

[HhowieE]

Hola Rene,
We are almost neighbors, that means we must meet B4 you leave.
Have you met Margo from Xamach Dos?
She is leaving in March for Guatemala, only for one week though.
Perhaps we can share a beveridge or two in march B4 you leave.
I will look you up.
Saludos,
Ron

[meldawn108]

Hi - first off, thank you so much for sharing all your experience and info!!

I'm Melissa (31) and my husband is Erik (38). We have a 2 1/2 year old son, Sage and live in Truckee which is in North Lake Tahoe. We love it and it is also very cold right now, so we're planning our first trip to Tulum! It will be our first big trip since Sage was born and (drumroll please) he's staying home with gramma! We'll miss him like crazy, but really look forward to some alone time.

I first heard of Tulum through the Yoga community because a lot of teachers do retreats at Maya Tulum. Have always been interested in going there. Incidentally, we're not going to Maya Tulum - this time we're planning a gluttonous vacation with lots of beer and margs and good food. We'll save the yoga for next time!

As for work, I do many, many things: I recently started an event/wedding planning service in Tahoe, help with some fundraising projects for various non-profits, work at a local Italian restaurant, do a little mystery shopping, have 2 blogs (realliferealyoga.blogspot.com (http://www.realliferealyoga.blogspot.com) and allthingsgoodandhappy.blogspot.com (http://www.allthingsgoodandhappy.blogspot.com)) and play mommy, of course. My husband is serving his last day today at a regular job (Patagonia in Reno)...starting next week, he's going to be full time Mr. Mom - hooray! We love backpacking, Yoga, vegetarian food, red wine, U2, dreaming of travel (don't get to go much), and lots of other fun stuff.

If you're ever heading to Tahoe, drop a line!

[PhyllisB]

Hi Melissa! Welcome! My husband Kevin and I were in Tahoe for a summer wedding several years ago, and it was just fabulous. We absolutely loved it!!!!! I hope we get a chance to get back there one of these days!

Hope you aren't totally snowed in...! It was such an adventure driving some of those mountain passes in the summer. We would be enjoying the great view out the window but would implore my father (the driver) NOT to look, because we were fearful of careening off the mountain if he took his eyes off the road. Some parts were so narrow, I don't know how they can accommodate cars going in two different directions!!!!!

[beachreader]

Melissa, you can still do some yoga while you're down there. A lot of places let you walk in for a fee. But since you're so experienced, you can probably do it on your own at this point (I still need a class).

You must live in paradise up there. I've not been to Tahoe yet, but someday!

[La Luna]

Hola Rene,
We are almost neighbors, that means we must meet B4 you leave.
Have you met Margo from Xamach Dos?
She is leaving in March for Guatemala, only for one week though.
Perhaps we can share a beveridge or two in march B4 you leave.
I will look you up.
Saludos,
Ron

I know Margot, I had some drinks with her at La Zebra and if I'm not wrong she had a friend staying here last month!!!

A drink sounds good to me.....

Are you working at Xamach Dos or are you the owner???

Hasta luego

[HhowieE]

Rene,
I am a very lucky guy, Dan let me buy into XD.
Yes I am one of the owners. I am stuck in Vancouver right now but will be down in March. This will be fun, I talked to Margo today. Give her a hug for me please.

Ron

[La Luna]

But weren't you here last month, because I met one of the owners at La Zebra. He came in with Margot, but there was no Salsa party that night! Forgot his name though!

[HhowieE]

Nope not me, that was Dan. I have been stuck in Canada since Novembrrrrrr.
Snow coming for the next five days.
Oh well, won't be long and I will be there for an very long time.

[La Luna]

Oke, see you soon then!!! I keep the coronas cold!:D

[BuckFuna]

Hi everybody......I've been lurking a couple months & have La Tortuga/Hamaca Loca booked in 3 days(!) Just a short trip, Tues-Sat, my beloved's first trip out of the US, 2nd time to fly & 2nd time EVER(!) to see the ocean (14 y/o, Pensacola).

We're in Memphis, I've been lucky enough to visit Mexico City(before & after the earthquake in '85), Taxco, Acapulco, Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, Morelia, Isla Mujeres, Valle de Bravo & 3 yrs ago a group of us stayed at a villa on Tankah Bay, and spent a few afternoons on Tulum beach, went to the grocery store several times, etc. I've also been to Negril 3 times, 1998's trip was about 10 times more enjoyable than 2005's:(. I worry that this will happen to Tulum.

3 days after I commited $$ to this trip in Nov I had my heel shattered in a car crash, a plate & 8 screws. I've only been bearing weight for 10 days, walking is a struggle, very nervous about traveling with the injury. We have a car but I will really miss long walks on the beach & exploring ruins with the man I love. I will have to stay medicated:D.

I have lots of notes written down, 95% of them are from this forum. Yay food! Yay Happy Hour!

Anyway my name's Becky & I'm the one with the big scars & obvious limp, I'm a firefighter/paramedic, he's Keith & owns an automotive repair business(slight workaholic). Please say hi if we cross paths.:)

Almost forgot.....GO TIGERS!!!!!!!!!!!!

[beachreader]

Welcome, Becky, you're going to love it there! Tortuga has a great porch with hammock, you can just settle in there and let your guy serve you. :) Be sure to get a cooler (apparently HL has them to loan) that you can fill with ice and beverages so you can help yourself stay medicated.

I mean hydrated, of course. :D

[BuckFuna]

HYDRATED, yes, that's what I meant too:p. I got the Sevylor inflatable cooler.

[viajero]

Welcome Becky! We're right after you at the Tortuga, arriving on 2/6.

Have a great trip!

[debski]

Hi, I'm Deb. I live in a little town in norther alberta, canada. The temp today is -42!!!!! And let me tell you, it is cold!!!!!!
Hubby and I have been traveling to mexico since 2001 and have fallen in love with the area. We've been married for 27 years, two kids, 24 & 26, two dogs, 9 & 11. this springs marks our first stay in Tulum and we are very much looking forward to it