Updated 2024!

It’s rare I want to go back to somewhere I’ve traveled to because there are so many places in the world to explore. Tulum, and Maui, are the two places I keep returning to. I love the AirBnb life in Tulum and feel I’m over the all inclusive resorts (started that when I was 20 and been over 10 times in several countries). I travelled with an omnivore that eats 80-85% vegan and loves to cook, so the condo lifestyle was perfect. We enjoyed slow mornings with matcha or coffee, a quick dip in the private pool and made breakfast. We’d often eat lunch at the restaurant on the beach or I’d pack a smoothie. Dinners were in when the sun zapped all my energy or out when feeling adventurous.

I think I was more into the architecture and design of the buildings than food, but here you go!

Here are some of my favourite restaurants with vegan options:

DelCielo
I loved going here for breakfast. It has a great open outdoor space with lots of plants. The waiters are polite and they use lots of fresh ingredients. They have great drinks ranging from juice to coffee to non-dairy turmeric lattes. I tried a couple vegan gluten-free breakfast dishes and they were so tasty. I would have like a little more muesli with the fruit to stay full, but I have a big appetite.

Burrito Amor
I think I’ve eaten here for breakfast, lunch and dinner and every single time I order the same thing: the vegan burrito with the homemade coconut flour tortilla. I’ve been told it’s better than the meat options! They have morning juices and coffee or go for lunch and grab a beer or cocktail. Super casual and outdoors with a covered ceiling. Across the side street, there is a local produce store too.

Co Conamor
Another outdoor restaurant that feels like you’re eating in a garden. The menu is large with lots of options for everyone. You can go here for any meal, but I enjoyed a delicious Buddha bowl and a turmeric latte for lunch. I was eyeing their dessert menu too. Off the main strip, it has a chill I’m on vacation vibe. A little less than a Canadian meal, so eating out was considered a treat and nothing something we did three times a day. (note, apparently the flies love kimchi so I had to eat quickly!)

Vegan GF flatbread from The Real Coconut, delicious, pricey and you’ll want a side :)

The Real Coconut
This restaurant is on the beach and it’s worth the trek if you’re staying in town. Biking is the fastest way to get around! There is patio sitting along the water as well as an indoor area. The entire menu is free from corn, dairy, soy, gluten and grain. I found it a little expensive, but treated myself on vacation. I had the most amazing vegan purple basil cherry tomato flatbread on coconut flour crust. I also had this gluten-free beer that cost a fortune, but was the best beverage all trip, tasted more like a dry cider. Note: they have local beers made with wheat not on the menu that are reasonable in price if you want to relax and take in the view. Or better yet, drink water!

Craving veggies - salad from Charly’s Vegan Tacos

Raw Love
If you love raw nutritious food then this place is for you! Picture swinging chairs, outdoor garden, lots of fresh energizing foods like zucchini noodles, raw cheesecake and bowls. Prices are similar to Canada.

Mezzanine Hotel and Restaurant
The best Thai food I’ve ever eaten and I’ve been to Thailand, bold comment, I know. The grounds are stunning with oceanfront views, a DJ, happy hour margaritas, free wifi and chill vibes. I wish I could afford to stay at this hotel as it’s truly memorable. That being said I was totally happy staying at an AirBnb and biking here. This is actually the beach we’d hang at every day, which is a great option if you’re staying at a condo without beach access.

Safari Comedor Zama
Outdoor bar stools and one large communal table with lots of inside seating. I loved the patio as well as the indoor bar seating where I could see the chef at work! Great atmosphere, delicious food and reasonable prices. I had the yuca truffle fries, mushroom sope ‘tik and the don’t panic salad.

Centauro by Vucciria
A higher end Italian restaurant that is by no means a vegan spot. It was just too beautiful to not treat ourselves to a full bodied glass of red. The outdoor seating, trees, lights and design was my type of place! I’d recommend going at night to enjoy the pretty garden lights.

SaBio coffee, macadamia nut milk and homemade tahini : )

SaBio
A very tiny corner store that has organic products, the best homemade tahini, great coffee, produce wash and kombucha. They had some frozen and refrigerated items, but no produce. We went to Chedraui’s, a giant chaotic supermarket with fluorescent lights, for water, tequila and all our produce

What I Loved Having With Me:

sunscreen made with titanium dioxide and/or zinc
digestive enzymes
probiotics
anti-fungal herbs, I was worried about parasites and with my nutrition knowledge I brought some herbs with me. check with your health practitioner.
reusable tea/coffee mug
organic spices
coconut oil, for real, I brought some so I didn’t need to buy a big thing of oil. the airbnb came with canola oil, which I avoid due to being inflammatory
protein powder, I brought Garu since it comes in individual packages. it’s easy to toss in your backpack for the day and add to a smoothie when out, add to your homemade matcha or breakfast at the condo
matcha, of course I brought my favourite organic matcha with me for slow mornings
tea bags and medicinal mushroom packages
snacks such as nuts and bars for the flight and the day. I don’t eat big meals on the plane because our digestive system isn’t as strong and I feel it reduces my jet lag so I stick to lots of snacks, water and electrolytes
aloe, I forgot to bring some and spent a fortune buying a crappy brand with dyes and chemicals