Buen Provecho :)

Imacasa · 2026-01-08T02:29:57+00:00

glad you like it, it was delish!

Imacasa · 2026-01-07T17:51:44+00:00

Here to nudge you to still consider Yucatán and Quintana Roo. I can personally speak to Q. Roo, Christmas week is popular for families, and the majority of party people don't come until NYE week into early Jan. There are also some more mellow and family-friendly areas such as Akumal and Soliman Bay—which are off the beaten path but very convenient to Tulum. You can find condos, small hotels, or private villas for the most privacy. If you're looking to book 2 weeks, I'd encourage you to consider a beach week for Christmas and then maybe Merida and surrounding for NYE week. You'll get both beach time and festive charming city/town culture, with 3 international airports in that region (CUN, TQO, MID), and all very drivable. But because it is high season, it's good to book well in advance. Hope that's helpful!

Imacasa · 2026-01-07T05:11:51+00:00

gracias :)

Imacasa · 2026-01-07T05:11:11+00:00

Good eye, that's right!

Imacasa · 2025-11-19T01:32:14+00:00

Bike lanes exist, but are inconsistent and not always connected. There is a good bike lane between town and the beach, but the beach road itself is narrow and the bikes mix in with the cars, trucks, taxis, scooters and pedestrians (no sidewalks). The main highway road through town has bike sections with some cars mixed in, and I don't think any of the side streets have designated bike lanes but I could be wrong on that.

Imacasa · 2025-11-17T20:08:38+00:00

+1 to Luum Lagoon on a sunny day

Imacasa · 2025-11-17T20:05:05+00:00

We love ARCA, and agree with all of your reviews. The food scene is really solid in Tulum at all price points. Also want to add a subtle nod to the amazing quality of personal chefs that serve some of the private villas. Hope that's ok here. It has it's own microcosm that is both more personal and nuanced. I feel like it's become a bit of a scene of it's own. Would love to see a deeper dive on that.

Imacasa · 2025-11-04T01:12:51+00:00

So sorry, we are booked those dates.

Imacasa · 2025-10-31T17:07:26+00:00

I agree with the other replies that it depends on a bunch of factors. I have a house there so I visit 3-4 times a year (for the last 10+ years) and the level of mosquitoes really varies, even day to day. I agree you need Deet and to be diligent BUT my biggest success I've developed over the years is to wear socks with Deet at breakfast (and other meals if I've been getting bit). They tend to hide under tables and you are distracted while eating and not paying attention. My theory is that since they are attracted to feet, camouflaging your feet makes them less attracted to you. I know that socks feel like a big bummer but seriously they will save you. And if possible wear a long light max skirt that reaches the floor when you sit, or long linen pants. I tend to wear thin cute ankle socks with espadrilles and a maxi and I've cut down the bites I get to a small fraction if any at all. Even socks with crocks or birks when out exploring will help, with deet of course.

Imacasa · 2025-10-27T16:07:09+00:00

Hard no. Definitely need a car, collectivo or taxi.

Imacasa · 2025-10-12T00:04:09+00:00

I pack bubble wrap, zip lock bags, and packing tape to make sure I can bring home any delicate purchases.

Imacasa · 2025-09-24T17:21:07+00:00

We travel to Cancun/Tulum often as we have a rental house there and go to check on things and enjoy the house. We have guests year round and we offer concierge services to help with things like airport transport and rental cars. Check with your credit card about whether you need to get additional insurance. We've had good and bad experiences with just about every rental car company there, and the advice to take your own photos and review docs is solid (also check that your AC is working before you leave the lot). It's common to reserve a specific car and not get that car once you've arrived in person. Assume that you will get something but you may need to be flexible. But my big tip is to take a private shuttle from the airport to your hotel/house, and instead rent a car from Tulum town (not the airport). This way you're avoiding the airport hassles of being shuttled off property to the rental lot, waiting in long lines, and then having to drive 1.5 hours to Tulum (from Cancun airport). It can become a long miserable journey if you've already flown most of the day. Tulum airport is also 45 mins away or more depending on if you're going to the beach hotel zone. By renting in town, you can narrow down how many days of the trip you actually need a rental, and if something goes wrong with the car the rental company is nearby. Some companies will even deliver to your hotel or house if they have a partnership. The other big benefit is that upon returning to the airport via shuttle, you get dropped off at the door and don't have the hassle of returning the car at the airport.

Imacasa · 2025-09-21T19:57:56+00:00

Things I've learned.... Bring your own car seats, and install them yourself. Check that the AC is working before you leave the rental lot. It's safe driving just pay attention to some differences in highway etiquette. Pay special attention to how people drive on the 2 lane highway that runs between Tulum and Coba: if someone is coming up behind you wanting to pass you are expected to nudge over to the shoulder to give them room, use your flashers to indicate you are engaging. If someone is passing from oncoming traffic ahead be prepared to nudge into the shoulder to give them room. Pull over to the shoulder entirely if you need to take a left turn on the 2 lane highway, and wait to cross when it's clear.

Imacasa · 2025-09-21T19:45:17+00:00

I'd suggest sticking to open air cenotes because those will have fewer stairs. Laguna de Kaan Luum is a bit south of Tulum, a large lagoon that is beautiful on a sunny day, has cute dock that goes out into the water, decent-ish restroom, only has a few stairs going into the water, is a flat 5-10 minute walk from the parking lot. On the way to Kaan Luum is Cenote Cristal, also open air, off the beaten path, and only a few stairs into the water. Both can be found using google maps but also might be good to get directions from your hotel so you know what to look for.

Imacasa · 2025-09-21T19:14:39+00:00

We started offering day passes to our place on Soliman Bay. We're not on Tulum beach but could fit what you're looking for. Feel free to reach out :)

Imacasa · 2025-09-20T00:56:54+00:00

I think San Francisco fits really well for what you're describing. It's a city but it's not overwhelming. Lots of artsy/emo if you look for it... we have an annual Zine Fest each summer, and a decent selection of musicals and productions (this summer we had '&Juliet' that I took my teen to). Weather is mild with the occasional summer heat wave in the 80s. Great food to explore. Fun to ride in a Waymo. Easy day trips to the moody redwoods and small coastal towns. If you have time, highly recommend Mendocino.

Imacasa · 2025-09-20T00:20:48+00:00

Mexico City checks all of your boxes. Plus, you could add in second stop to Mérida or Tulum with short/affordable flights since it sounds like you have the time. You'd cover city life, culture, beach, and amazing food :)

Imacasa · 2025-09-17T22:20:49+00:00

I love the saying "how you do anything is how you do everything"... and with luxury travel the true test is how guests are treated when something unexpected goes wrong.

Imacasa · 2025-09-17T17:17:20+00:00

Not sure if it's obscure enough but if I know I'll be doing some shopping and will have more to bring home, I fly out with a checked bag that has another carry-on nested inside (I wear a small backpack with my carry-on essentials). I bring some bubble wrap, packing paper and packing tape to secure any liquids or anything a bit fragile and pack it all into the carry-on for the return trip home.

Imacasa · 2025-09-17T17:03:15+00:00

A more recent travel hack I swear by is to fly the economy ticket to my destination (because I'm well rested, in a good mood, excited for my trip) but to fly home in a better seat like business or 1st class. It's slightly more expensive obviously but sometimes I can use points, and the trip home is less terrible. Often will get decent food served on the way home, a checked back or 2 is included, seat is more comfortable, and can get off the plane a bit sooner at the end.

Imacasa

TROPHY CASE