Tulum, México
The name Tulum (pronounced "too-LOOM") means wall, referring to the fact that Tulum was a walled city, protected on one side by steep cliffs facing the sea and on the other by a wall of about 12 feet in height.
Trips, Activities, Excursions, Restaurants, and More!
The most spectacular aspect of Tulum’s Ruins are their unique location on a cliff overlooking the brilliant turquoise waters of the Caribbean. Ask the Front Desk for more information.
Tulum’s archaeological site is easily reached from the hotel and dates from the Post-Classic period, around 1200 to 1500 A.D. The ancient city of Tulum was a thriving trading port at the time of the arrival of the Spaniards.
Many sites just a short drive from LUV.
Temple of the Frescoes: the interior of this building has original Mayan frescoes, in blue-green and outlined in black, depicting Mayan gods and religious motifs. El Castillo – The Castle: this is the tallest building of the archaeological site. It may have functioned as a navigational aid, directing Mayan craft through the break in the reef to the beach.
Freddie, our guide has access to some lesser known destinations and locally run boat trips into the Biosphere. Many of Tulum’s better known attractions are becoming crowded with tours and do not offer much in the way of a true Mayan experience. For example, discover a hidden jungle cenote in the morning, followed by a simple lunch of freshly grilled fish on the Playa Pescadores, and then take a boat to view the Tulum ruins from the sea rather than sweating the “ruin circuit” with the crowds…
Coba ruins are less overun and best explored by bike, Freddie often combines this trip with either a wild cenote swim or traditional Mayan Ceremony in the jungle or a visit to the monkey sanctuary which is rather homespun and incredibly charming. His excursions are slightly “off the beaten track” and try where possible to avoid the tour buses.
Most of the best bars and restaurants are very close by and many of our guests choose to walk or ride (we rent bikes). We recommend; Hartwood, Arca, Casa Banana, Posada Margarita & El Tabano. Gitano and Casa Jaguar both have a wonderful atmosphere for drinks in the evening and also serve food. All are within walking distance.
Tulum Pueblo has become far more interesting in the past year and there is now a street called Centauro. The restaurant at Vucceria is very special; Batey and TunTun are fun at night. There are also a wide array of shops selling clothes, handicrafts and artisan goods.
Yoga is available next door at Sanara. Mayan Clay is marvellous for spa treatments. We ourselves, have an excellent massage practioner who can offer a wide range of therapies on your terrace.
Paddle-board lessons are available on the beach, as is kitesurfing and we ourselves have sea kayaks for rent.
Sian Ka'an
Five minutes from the hotel lies the entrance to Sian Ka'an "Where the Sky is Born". It is one of the best habitats in the Yucatan peninsula for viewing wildlife.
Covering 1.6 million acres, it has many ecosystems, with equal parts lowland tropical forests, wetlands (marshes, flooded savannahs and mangrove forests), and coastal and marine habitats (lagoons, bays, and coral reefs).
The reserve’s boundaries extend to the Caribbean and encompass 68 miles of the Mesoamerican Reef, the second largest barrier reef in the world.
103 species of mammals have been recorded. It is home to all 5 of the wild cats found in the peninsula: Margay, Ocelot, Jaguarundi, Jaguar, and the Puma.
Other mammals include Tapir, Tamandua, Manatee and Dolphins.
Not only that, but Sian Ka’an is also home to over 345 species of birds, including many endemic species. 42 species of amphibians and reptiles have been recorded.
In the marshes and wetlands of Sian Ka’an Morelet’s and American Crocodiles can be found, and in the marine environments, you can find Loggerhead, Green, Hawksbill and Leatherback sea turtles. Over 52 species of fish have been recorded.
Sian Ka’an is also home to some of the world’s best fly fishing, tarpon, permit, bonefish and snook.
In addition to birdwatching and nature tours of the Biosphere, the hotel organises specially tailored fishing packages March-August.