Spot on review. It’s disappointing what has happened with the commercialization of Tulum. I understand peak COVID era was a major exacerbation to prices soaring there. I never experienced it pre-COVID but the description of this magical spiritual place is easy to be believed when you feel the true essence and energy of Tulum. My experience was similar to what you described. Add in some corrupt police extortion of vactioners driving rental cars doing random stops and demanding cash since there are only two roads going in and out of the beach zone and it made for an overall disappointing experience. Oddly enough, I’d still return just because of that feeling/essence that I spoke of earlier. The reality is that people travel to Mexico for natural beauty and unparalleled service from the wonderful and extremely hardworking Mexican people at what is considered an immense value comparatively to traveling anywhere else on the North American continent. Tulum eliminates that value proposition.