So You’re in Love with Tulum…What’s Next? 

Like many people who travel to Tulum, I have fallen victim to its charm and it has inevitably become my favourite destination. Once an avid traveller searching and stretching to find each new adventure, I now find myself always looping back to Tulum. No matter where I go, it seems I can’t shake Tulum out of my system, and I know I’m not alone. 

I see threads in comment boards in quiet corners of the internet where Tulum enthusiasts ask “I know I love Tulum, where else can I go that will be similar?” And while every destination is unique and wonderful, I have walked this line before. I know that the ever-growing popularity is beginning to worry those of us who prefer the hidden gems, and I know that our sense of wanderlust reminds us constantly that there are more places we need to see. Who knows, maybe nothing will ever replace Tulum and we will never grow bored of it, but in the meantime, I have developed a list of places I think you will love just as much. 

Near

Sayulita, Mexico

Sayulita is a cute little surfer town known for its bohemian vibe and good eats. There are plenty of secret beaches and waterfall hikes to keep you entertained and you can take a day trip to Marieta Islands if you feel like doing some exploring. Like Tulum, Sayulita places plenty of emphasis on wellbeing and holistic therapies, with many yoga retreats and local healing practices to indulge in (have you heard of healing sands?). As Tulum continues to rise in popularity, Sayulita still lies just under the radar which means less crowded beaches and less big development. We recommend a stay at Selina Sayulita to best emulate the Tulum experience. 

Troncones, Mexico

Troncones is a quiet, relatively undeveloped beach community. It is particularly well known for its seafood, as a fishing village of only 500 residents. If you are looking for quiet beaches where you run into only a few other travellers, this is the place for you. There are plenty of hammocks for relaxing and coconut farms to visit. There are also tours available for jungle hiking and lagoon exploration if that is more your speed. That being said, in a town this quaint, we think some peaceful beachcombing is the best way to enjoy your vacation. We recommend a stay at Lo Soreno to best emulate the Tulum experience.

Little Corn Island, Nicaragua

Little Corn Island is vehicle-free. Similar to Tulum, you can get yourself around the island’s few restaurants and boutiques in your flip-flops. In order to get to the island, you have to fly into Big Corn via Managua and then take a boat ride, but the trip is worth it! You’ll be guaranteed pristine, uncrowded beaches and a luxurious private hideaway. Typical sea sports including snorkelling, kayaking, and paddle-boarding are all offered on the island and a jungle yoga studio is available for unwinding. We recommend a stay at Yemaya Colibri to best emulate the Tulum experience. Yemaya is owned by Colibri Boutique Hotels, which also owns many of the most popular hotels in Tulum such as Mi Amor and La Zebra, so you can expect a great deal of familiarity, high-end bohemian decor, and personal service when you visit. 

Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

Santa Teresa is a town that attracts backpackers and surfers. This has protected it from big-resort development but encouraged small villas and luxurious boutique hotels to spring up instead. Tulum is probably most similar to Santa Teresa in terms of its dining options. It is a great destination for vegetarians and vegans as it has plenty of plant-based restaurants that focus on local and organic ingredients. Santa Teresa focuses on al fresco dining and extraordinary culinary experiences. We recommend a stay at Hotel Nantipa to best emulate the Tulum experience.

Trancoso, Brazil

Trancoso is a substitute for Tulum that even celebrities approve of! The likes of Beyonce and Leonardo Di Caprio have vacationed here and now you should too. Trancoso is perched on an escarpment leading down to the beach and is made up of a lovely collection of boutique hotels, without major resorts and the crowds they draw in. You can explore the town by bicycle and the beach by horseback and can catch the Trancoso Music Festival if you’re looking for some excitement. We recommend a stay at Casa de Pera Inda to best emulate the Tulum experience.

Far

Essaouira, Morocco

Essaouira is a sweet, bohemian coastal town in Morocco with major charm. The shopping experience here is very similar to Tulum; you will find many skilled artisans selling pottery, baskets, artwork, and textiles. It also has a marvellous art scene with multiple galleries such as Galerie d’Art Damgaard that you can visit during your stay. Of course, there are beautiful white sand beaches to relax at, but you may also want to visit the nearby desert. We recommend a stay at Le Jardin des Douars to best emulate the Tulum experience.

Canggu, Bali

When looking for an alternative to Tulum, Bali seems like the obvious leap. With gorgeous beaches, bohemian vibes, and a focus on holistic wellness, their similarities are pretty apparent! That’s why we have decided to put two fantastic Bali destinations on this list. The first, Canggu, is particularly popular amongst surfers and spa-goers and also features excellent shopping with high-end clothing boutiques. We recommend a stay at Dreamsea Canggu to best emulate the Tulum experience. While You don’t have to give surfing a try, this gorgeous hotel offers a surf camp for beginners where you can learn at one of the most beautiful beaches in the world! 

Gili Islands, Bali

Since we’re not quite ready to be done with Bali, we would also like to propose the Gili Islands as an alternative to Tulum. In terms of attractions, perhaps some of the most famous are hammocks and swings in the ocean for relaxing and jealousy-inducing vacation photos. Sound familiar? Like Tulum, the Gili Islands are picturesque and full of photo opportunities. They also boast some incredible landscapes for hiking and casual beach bars to quench your thirst. We recommend a stay at Kuno Villas to best emulate the Tulum experience.

Ibiza, Spain

While Ibiza is known for its nightlife scene (a less known, more underrated part of the Tulum experience), it is also home to stunning beaches and gorgeous stone architecture. A walk through town will remind you of Tulum as you stumble across fruit stands and the Hippy Market. I’m told the cafes on the island are second to none and island hopping is also an option if you start feeling a little restless. We recommend a stay at Can Vistabella Boutique Resort to best emulate the Tulum experience.

Siargao, Philippines

Ultra-clear waters, unreal waves, and delicious smoothie bowls. Siargao is a brilliant island destination with very little tourist traffic due to its remote location. Be sure to visit the Magpupungko Rock Pools for some amazing tidal pools and a jungle hike! You also have to try the local “surfer bread”, which is coconut jam on buns cooked in a coconut-fired oven. We recommend a stay at Siargao Bleu Resort & Spa to best emulate the Tulum experience. However, for a more unique and ultra-authentic experience similar to Tulum, we would recommend giving Soul Tribe Beach Retreat a try. This Glamping experience will help you connect with yourself, and with nature. 

Benguerra Island, Mozambique

This island is located within a marine national park, so you know you are guaranteed the most pristine beaches you have ever seen and a small number of tourists due to conservation regulations. Many of the hotel restaurants are located outside on the beach, and many will even bring you by boat to sandbars for a private picnic. The island has many indigenous villages where you can tour and learn about the local culture, as well as the opportunity to go deep-sea fishing. We recommend a stay at Azura Benguerra to best emulate the Tulum experience.

If you’ve made it this far, like us, you probably think Tulum is a pretty fantastic travel destination. When we’re planning where to go next, we often find ourselves struggling to see beyond Tulum and choose to explore somewhere brand new. If you love the Tulum experience, the good news is that you don’t have to go to Tulum to get it. There are little slices of paradise all over Mexico and all over the world and we hope this article gives you a better idea of where you might be able to head next to find them.