Honeymoons

Honeymoon Itinerary: Tulum

Only a few years ago, this town on Mexico's Riviera Maya was a hippie beach destination. Now it's a favorite of the fashion crowd—and honeymooners. Your itinerary for a week of adventures starts here.

By Heidi Mitchell

Photo: Miguel Gonzalez/LAIF/Redux

Day 1
Morning Touch down in Cancún; from there it's a 90-minute cab ride south to Tulum. People walk or bike to and from their hotels—Iguana Bike Shop will deliver a pair to you; 52-984-119-0836. You can rent a car by the day for excursions, and taxis are a good option after cocktails.

Afternoon Check into Coqui Coqui, a seven-suite limestone beach retreat run by the poster couple for Tulum's fashion scene: accessories designer Francesca Bonato and her partner, model and perfumer Nicolas Malleville. Expect to see a few famous faces (Daria Werbowy, Kate Bosworth) mixed in with regular cool and creative types. (Get Francesca's tips on what to pack for Tulum here.) Rooms from $270.

Evening Grab dinner at one of the five tables, for guests only—be sure to order the consistently delicious catch of the day.

Day 2
Morning Toss towels in your bag and bike or walk to the nearby Tulum ruins: Mayan mini-pyramids overlooking the Caribbean Sea. You can't avoid the tourists, but head down to the beach; you won't believe the incredible pale blue shade of the water.

Afternoon Tequila fish tacos are fantastic with the high-octane margaritas at �Que Fresco!, a casual bistro on the sand where everyone swims in between courses.

Evening Break out your best dress (or maybe your craziest caftan) for Casa Jaguar, a stylish fusion restaurant beloved by Nicola Formichetti, Lady Gaga's stylist; 52-984-155-2328.

Day 3
Morning By kayak, explore the Sian Ka'an Biosphere, a 1.6 million-acre nature reserve filled with mangrove islands and lagoons.

Afternoon Indulge in a coconut-oil massage and Mayan clay facial at Coqui Coqui's tiny (but exquisite) rooftop spa.

Evening At foodie hangout Hechizo, begin with the truffle fettuccine and end with a chocolate torte.

Day 4
Morning Move to the sleek 20-suite Be Tulum, definitely the area's most upscale resort. There's air-conditioning, for one (a rarity in these parts), and ground-floor rooms come with private plunge pools. Rooms from $403.

Afternoon Rent snorkel gear at Gran Cenote, a huge cave-and-river system, and drift in the cool waters.

Evening Knock back a few Don Pepinos (Mexican cucumber, fresh basil, and tequila) at Be Tulum before heading into town to split a crispy pizza at La Nave; 52-984-871-2592.

Day 5
Morning Hatha, ashtanga, anusara: Pick your yoga method, and join a class at Maya Tulum, a world-class wellness retreat.

Afternoon The Viceroy Riviera Maya is in Playa del Carmen, 45 minutes north (about a $50 taxi ride, one way), but the holistic spa is worth the detour; have the resident shaman bless you before your massage. And if you'd rather make Playa your base, this adults-only haven is also famous for its 41 rustic-chic villas and superb staff. Rooms from $600.