Guide to Tulum Neighborhoods (Part 1): Find Your Perfect Spot to Call Home
You’d have to have lived under a rock for the last 10 years not to have heard about Tulum, Mexico. When the pandemic started and the way and WHERE we worked changed, being a digital nomad suddenly didn’t seem like such a pipe dream. People from all over the US, Canada, and Europe decided that if they could work from anywhere, why wouldn’t they work from paradise?!
Tulum was a hot spot for digital nomads during the pandemic and continues to be the place many call home. Tulum’s neighborhoods each have their charm, and if you don’t know the city well, it can make choosing where to settle down seem a little overwhelming. Have no fear; our Tulum real estate experts are here to help!
This week, we are sharing the first part of a multi-part series where we share with you a casual guide to popular Tulum neighborhoods. First on our list – Aldea Zama, La Veleta, Holistika, and Kukulkan/Region 15. We’ve got tips and recommendations from our agents who live there—from trendy cafes to workout studios to beach clubs and more—on what makes each area shine.
- Aldea Zama: The Chic, Upscale Hub of Tulum
- La Veleta: The Cool, Up-and-Coming Scene
- Holistika: Tulum’s Wellness and Creativity Hub
- Kulkulkan/Region 15: The Quiet, Up-and-Coming Side of Tulum
- Beach Clubs: Best spots for relaxation, dining, and beach fun
1. Aldea Zama: The Chic, Upscale Hub of Tulum
Why you’ll love it
The most well-known residential area in Tulum, Aldea Zama, is the place to be if you’re looking for a polished, modern vibe close to the beach. This master-planned community has nicely paved roads, underground utilities, a thriving commercial area, and is just a short (around 10 minutes) bike ride to the beach. This means you get the best of both worlds—luxury and proximity to those turquoise waters that we never tire of. Picture upscale condos, trendy cafes, and boutique shopping at your fingertips.
Distance from the Beach: 10 minutes by bike
Who it’s perfect for
Those who appreciate a curated, stylish community with a balance of nightlife, dining, and easy beach access. Aldea Zama is a top choice if you like having amenities nearby and are willing to pay a little more for a polished experience. This area is buzzing yet still relaxed enough to feel like a retreat.
Local Hot Spots
Our Tulum agents love Aldea Zama for its walkability, great vibes, and all the aesthetic cafes in the area. After a day of touring properties with clients, Mexico Real Estate’s agent Gerardo, a self-proclaimed gelato expert, always stops at Campanella in Aldea Zama to satisfy his craving for something sweet. Other food favorites in Aldea Zama include Matcha Mama for smoothie bowls and juices, Cinco Pueblo for weekly lunch deals and live music on the weekends, and Mamazul Tulum Mezcaleria to find your new favorite mezcal.
Listings in Aldea Zama
Casa Vida 6 Bedroom villa
Yamm Studio Condo
Saastal 5 Bedroom Penthouse
Aflora 1 Bedroom Condo
10 Bedroom Luxury Home
Coba II 1 Bedroom Condo
Quinto Sol 1 Bedroom Penthouse
Coba II 3 Bedroom Condo
Las Palmas 3 Bedroom Condo
Real Zama 2 Bedroom Penthouse
101 Park 1 Bedroom Condo
Villa Coral 3 Bedroom House
Browse all listings for sale in Aldea Zama, Tulum
2. La Veleta: The Cool, Up-and-Coming Scene
Why you’ll love it
Not long after Aldea Zama began to develop, La Veleta came on the scene. This area doesn’t have the master plan like Aldea Zama, but La Veleta is where it’s at if you want something with a little more character and a local vibe. Known for its boho feel, La Veleta has become a go-to for eco-conscious living with a bit of an edge. This area is a bit further from the beach (around 20 minutes by bike) but boasts lush jungle surroundings, cute boutique hotels, and an artsy feel.
Distance from the Beach: 20 minutes by bike
Who it’s perfect for
Those seeking a more eclectic neighborhood that is still developing but has a lot of heart. You’ll find plenty of affordable options here and many young expats and digital nomads to meet. La Veleta is for the artist, the yogi, or anyone who loves a more offbeat, unique community feel.
Local Hot Spots
Christie from Mexico Real Estate Group loves to get her sweat on at Holy Body Pilates, an adorable Pilates studio nestled in the heart of La Veleta. After your workout, our agent Jorge recommends you stop by Nimeño bakery and grab a coffee and one of their breakfast croissants, his favorite breakfast to grab on the go. You really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu at this quaint little cafe. And that’s one of the things we love so much about La Veleta: there are so many great restaurants, whether for breakfast, lunch, or a night out. For dinner, check out Il Bacaro, a cozy Italian eatery known for its authentic Venetian-style cuisine. It’s a favorite date night spot with handmade pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and a charming garden setting.
Listings in La Veleta
Central Park Garden Studio
Etnica 2 Bedroom Penthouse
Villa Mirage 4 Bedroom House
Palalma 3 Bedroom Penthouse
Seremonia Studio Condo
Ango Swim Up Studio
Casa Sally 5 Bedroom Villa
Xin Tok 1 Bedroom Condo
Limas 2 Bedroom Condo
Central Park Lagunas Studio Penthouse
Chay Reflection Loft Condo
Eterna 1 Bedroom Penthouse
Browse all listings for sale in La Veleta, Tulum
3. Holistika: Tulum’s Wellness and Creativity Hub
Why you’ll love it
Holistika is all about embracing a slower pace and prioritizing wellness. This area is a retreat within Tulum, offering a quiet sanctuary surrounded by jungle. Here, the focus is on health, spirituality, and self-care. Expect yoga studios, meditation retreats, art spaces, and vegan cafes. Holistika is slightly farther from the beach (about 25 minutes by bike), but the serene setting is worth it.
Distance from the Beach: 25 minutes by bike
Who it’s perfect for
Ideal for the wellness-minded, Holistika is perfect if you’re looking to dive deep into yoga, meditation, and a holistic lifestyle. Artists, writers, and creatives feel at home here, as the area is designed to foster inspiration and peace. If you’re looking to detox from city life and surround yourself with lush greenery, Holistika might just be your haven.
Local Hot Spots
The heart of the Holistika community is the Holistika Wellness Center, which has everything from yoga classes to art installations, a lush food forest, and the peaceful Tierra restaurant that serves nourishing, plant-based dishes. If you don’t practice yoga or meditation, visiting this gorgeous community center might make you reconsider. At the very least, stop by Tierra and order the avocado toast with poached eggs, a favorite of our agent Gerardo. For a bit of retail therapy, Gypsea Market offers ethically sourced, local products, a great place to look for art for your new condo.
Listings in Holistika
Amar Tulum 2 Bedroom Condo
Selva Maya 4 Bedroom Villa
Mane 3 Bedroom Villa
Mane 2 Bedroom Penthouse
Mane Loft Condo
Ocean 1 Bedroom Penthouse
Ocean 2 Bedroom Condo
Ocean 1 Bedroom Condo
Ocean Studio Condo
Attha Holistika Studio Condo
Attha Holistika 2 Bed Condo PH
Attha Holistika 1 Bed Condo
Browse all listings for sale in Holistika, Tulum
4. Kukulkan/Region 15: The Quiet, Up-and-Coming Side of Tulum
Why you’ll love it
The Kukulkan/Region 15 neighborhood is an up-and-coming area of Tulum that is relatively new to the Tulum scene and is known for its laid-back atmosphere and affordable real estate options. In 2020, a second beach road opened on Kukulkan Avenue, and everyone who bought property around this new road celebrated. Though it’s still developing, Kukulkan/Region 15 offers an outstanding balance of tranquility and potential for growth. Located about 10-15 minutes by bike from the beach, it’s close enough to the action while being far enough to feel peaceful.
Distance from the Beach: 10-15 minutes by bike
Who it’s perfect for
Kulkulkan/Region 15 is ideal for those who want a quiet, low-key area without the price tag of Tulum’s more established neighborhoods. It is perfect for families or anyone looking for a more relaxed vibe and the potential for value appreciation as the area continues to grow.
Local Hot Spots
With a growing number of small local eateries and bars popping up, Kukulkan/Region 15 has its charm. We’re keeping an eye on this area and excited to see what shows up next!
Listings in Kukulkan/Region 15
Faena 3 Bedroom Condo
Faena 2 Bedroom Penthouse
Faena 2 Bedroom Condo
Faena 1 Bedroom Condo
Muuk Tulum Studio Condo
Afrodita Retreat 2 Bedroom Penthouse
Afrodita Retreat 3 Bedroom Condo
Afrodita Retreat 2 Bedroom Condo
Afrodita Retreat 1 Bedroom Condo
Zakktal 3 Bedroom Villas
Tulumia Living 4 Bedroom Villas
La Reserva 2 Bedroom Penthouse
Browse all real estate for sale in Kukulkan/Region 15, Tulum
5. Beach Clubs: Best spots for relaxation, dining, and beach fun.
You can’t talk about Tulum without mentioning the beach. Let’s be honest: if we made a list of why we lived in the Riviera Maya, the beach would probably be #1 for almost all of us. Tulum’s beach is out of this world, and spending a day at one of the many fabulous beach clubs in the area is our favorite thing to do on the weekend.
Christie’s favorite: Cinco Beach Club is the best place for a chill day and is excellent for families. The music is at the perfect volume, the food is delicious, the beers are cold, and the service is some of the best you’ll receive in Tulum. If you can’t get enough of Cinco, visit their sister location in Aldea Zama, Cinco Pueblo.
Gerardo’s favorite: Hotel Panamera is the perfect spot to spend the whole day at the beach or the pool. Stay to catch the sunset from the rooftop overlooking the Siaan Kaan mangrove. There’s always a DJ playing chill techno music, and the mezcalitas (think margarita but made with mezcal instead of tequila) are a must-try.
Jorge’s favorite: One of the many perks of living in paradise is working from the beach. When Jorge needs to get some work done but not too much work, he heads to Lula. Lula has yoga classes and other wellness activities, like ice baths, and they have beachfront salsa and bachata classes on the weekends.
Choosing Your Perfect Tulum Neighborhood
When choosing a neighborhood in Tulum, think about your ideal lifestyle. Do you want to be at the heart of the action with easy beach access, or are you searching for a more tranquil, wellness-focused area to call home? Each Tulum neighborhood offers its distinct vibe, allowing you to create the lifestyle you want in this tropical paradise. We know the search can seem overwhelming, but we have a dedicated team of agents living and working in Tulum to help you find the best neighborhood to fit all your needs. Contact us today to help you find your dream home in Tulum.
Stay tuned for Part 2 of our series, where we’ll share more areas of Tulum for you to explore and consider when searching for real estate!
