• About
  • Contact

Gina Gibson

simple, healthy, meals

  • Home
  • Blog
  • Recipe Index
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Dinner
    • Salads
    • Desserts
    • Smoothies & Juices
  • Lifestyle
    • Mom Life
    • Travel
  • Shop
    • Kitchen
    • Home
    • Beauty
    • Dress Me
    • Baby & Toddler
  • Homemade Products

Tulum, Mexico

August 31, 2016 by Gina +

{ view at the tulum ruins }
{ view at the tulum ruins }

Tulum

In the beginning of July, I headed down to Tulum, Mexico for a week vacation.  Summer is generally my busy season and it is hard to take off a lot of time.  Last year I managed to swing a three week trip at the end of the summer, but this year I was I was too eager to get away.  An earlier trip meant shorter time which made us want to go somewhere and just relax.  I’m usually one to pack in as much as I can while visiting a number of spots.  After Tulum, I will definitely be doing more of the relax and stay put kind of vacation.

{ this . view . outside our room at my way boutique hotel }
{ this . view . outside our room at my way boutique hotel }

Tulum is such a picturesque place.  I have been to a number of gorgeous beaches on my travels, but this is definitely one of the most beautiful.  The water is so clear and so warm.  Even though the weather called for storms everyday, we got lucky with blue skies and hot sun each day.

Tulum

I absolutely fell in love with the vibe and the color of Tulum.  I must have told Robbie “these colors!!!!” about 50 times a day.  All shades of blue in the water.  White sand beaches.  Tropical green and sage colored plants.  Pops of color everywhere; the restaurants, hotels, shops.  I was IN. LOVE.

{ the colors }
{ the colors }

We were pleasantly surprised with how quaint Tulum felt.  Small, boutique hotels, no all inclusive massive resorts.  Beautiful restaurants which mostly serve fresh, local foods.  Each hotel seemed to have cozy loungers, many with palapas or something of the sort to give shade.

Here’s a breakdown of places to eat, where we stayed, and what to do:

Stay :

My Way Boutique Hotel  – This place is wonderful.  Only 7 rooms and on the beach.  They have cozy loungers, towels, beach bag, and breakfast included.  It is somewhat unassuming from the beach which is nice because it keeps it quiet.  They have a bar and serve food for lunch with snacks.  It’s walking distance to lots of restaurants, bars, and shops.

{ top deck at  my way tulum }
{ top deck at my way tulum }
{ morning coffee on our patio }
{ morning coffee on our patio }
{ Cilantro's for lunch }
{ Cilantro’s for lunch }
{ private jacuzzi on our deck at my way hotel }
{ private jacuzzi on our deck at my way hotel }

Also, we stayed in the Horizen suite which we thought was the best.  Other rooms might have been larger but this was the closest to the beach, felt very private, and had the most amazing top level with jacuzzi and unobstructed beach view.

Eat / Drink :

  • My Way Boutique for lunches and fresh mojitos
  • Posada Margherita : the view, the decor, and obviously the food
  • Puro Corazon : the drinks! great food, live music, shrimp
  • el Tabano : Tacos!!
  • La Zebra : great view, drinks, and food
  • Restaurare Vegan Cuisine : the curry was amazing as was the lettuce wrap starter.  Not a fan of the mole sadly
  • Coco Tulum : drinks on the beach!
  • Piedra Escondida : on the beach, great fish tacos, great place to chill and have an afternoon cocktail
  • Cilantro’s : on the beach, fresh seafood, amazing view
  • Juanita Diavola : great pizza and casual.
{ apps at posada margherita }
{ apps at posada margherita }
{ morning breakfast spread outside our room }
{ morning breakfast spread outside our room }
{ lobster ceviche at cilantro's }
{ lobster ceviche at cilantro’s }

Do :

  • Massage / Spa : we ordered massages through the hotel.  It was nice that they came to the room and we had them on the gorgeous deck, but it was far from my favorite massage.  Next time I will opt for more of a spa experience and do some research.  Tulum is full of amazing spas.
  • We did a fishing trip through Mexi Divers.  I would give it a better review but I got seasick.  Robbie on the other hand had a great time and caught 4 fish!
  • Take out some boards, a kayak, or a SUP.  The water is calm enough to really have fun
  • Relax, eat good food, have good drinks, and enjoy the gorgeousness that is TULUM
  • Take a day trip to the ruins and a cenote { fresh water swimmin hole with stalagmites }
{ beach side of the ruins }
{ beach side of the ruins }
{ ruins }
{ ruins }
{ cenote }
{ cenote }

 

I loved Tulum.  It was clean, beautiful, safe, has friendly people, amazing food, and I will definitely return.

Tulum Tulum

 

 

 

You might also like:

Default ThumbnailPrague – Czech Republic Default ThumbnailBerlin, Germany Vienna, Austria Non-Alcoholic Paloma

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: beach, drink, eat, guide, mexico, my way boutique hotel, snaps, things to do, travel, tropical, tulum, vacation, what to do

The first recipe in my Summer Side Dish Series is The first recipe in my Summer Side Dish Series is this creamy herby potato salad, and it’s going to be on repeat all season long.

It’s everything I want in a potato salad—tender potatoes, crispy bacon, fresh herbs, a creamy Greek yogurt dressing, and just enough mayo to keep it tasting like the classic version we all grew up with.

2 pounds baby Yukon gold potatoes, halved if large
1 tablespoon pickle brine or white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 garlic clove, grated
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
3 green onions, thinly sliced
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
1 celery rib, finely diced

Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Season generously with salt. Bring to a boil and cook until fork tender, about 12-15 minutes.

Drain well and spread onto a baking sheet.

While still warm, toss potatoes with the pickle brine and Dijon mustard. Let cool for about 10 minutes.

In a large bowl whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Add potatoes, bacon, celery, green onions, chives, parsley, and dill. Toss gently until coated.

Refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving.

Finish with extra herbs and bacon right before serving.

Save this one for your next BBQ, picnic, or weeknight dinner. ☀️🥔
A good way to start the morning. Picked up our ord A good way to start the morning. Picked up our order from @supergoodbagel (order ahead so you can walk in and pickup). Also snagged some darn tasty cookies from @tropbonbakery
Sandwich season, my favorite season. We all need s Sandwich season, my favorite season. We all need some good sandwich combos for the beach days, the pool days, the park days, just the warm summer weather. 

For this combination, here’s what I did:
Butter sourdough then grill on skillet. Add a layer of spread, I used mayo. Top with prosciutto then salami and turkey if you want. Arugula, balsamic glaze, and hot honey. Top with a ball of prosciutto.
If you’re tired of hearing “I’m hungry!” every 15 If you’re tired of hearing “I’m hungry!” every 15 minutes this summer, make a batch of these Healthy Banana Chocolate Chip Mini Muffins.

They’re soft, fluffy, naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and maple syrup, and loaded with mini chocolate chips. I love having these on hand for those endless summer snack requests.

Made with ripe bananas, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, egg, vanilla, oil, flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and mini chocolate chips.

Comment BANANA and I’ll send you the recipe!
You’ve seen the viral pizza wrap, but let me show You’ve seen the viral pizza wrap, but let me show you my protein-packed version.

I blended 1/2 cup cottage cheese with 1 egg, a little Italian seasoning and garlic powder, then spread it onto parchment paper. I topped it with turkey pepperoni and baked it until golden and set.

Once it cooled slightly, I stuffed it with a chopped Caesar salad and folded it up like a wrap. The result is crispy, cheesy, packed with protein, and one of my favorite lunches lately.

1/2 cup @good_culture cottage cheese
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Pinch garlic powder
Turkey pepperoni
Chopped romaine
Caesar dressing
Fresh Parmesan

Instructions:
Blend the cottage cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder until smooth. Spread onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and top with turkey pepperoni. Bake at 400°F for 18-22 minutes or until set and lightly golden. Let cool for a few minutes. Toss chopped romaine with Caesar dressing and Parmesan. Fill the wrap with the salad, fold, and enjoy. *make sure you spread it evenly to avoid burning patches.
CRISPY POTATO TACOS WITH BEEF 🌮 These might be on CRISPY POTATO TACOS WITH BEEF 🌮

These might be one of my favorite taco recipes I’ve made lately. Tacos de papa filling mixed with taco-seasoned beef, stuffed into soft flour tortillas and air fried until golden and crispy.

My boys gobble these up!

Comment TACO and I’ll send you the full recipe 🌮

Save this one for your next taco night and follow @gina_gibson_cooks for more easy family dinners.
The first recipe in my Summer Side Dish Series is The first recipe in my Summer Side Dish Series is this creamy herby potato salad, and it’s going to be on repeat all season long.

It’s everything I want in a potato salad—tender potatoes, crispy bacon, fresh herbs, a creamy Greek yogurt dressing, and just enough mayo to keep it tasting like the classic version we all grew up with.

2 pounds baby Yukon gold potatoes, halved if large
1 tablespoon pickle brine or white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 garlic clove, grated
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
3 green onions, thinly sliced
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
1 celery rib, finely diced

Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Season generously with salt. Bring to a boil and cook until fork tender, about 12-15 minutes.

Drain well and spread onto a baking sheet.

While still warm, toss potatoes with the pickle brine and Dijon mustard. Let cool for about 10 minutes.

In a large bowl whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Add potatoes, bacon, celery, green onions, chives, parsley, and dill. Toss gently until coated.

Refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving.

Finish with extra herbs and bacon right before serving.

Save this one for your next BBQ, picnic, or weeknight dinner. ☀️🥔
A good way to start the morning. Picked up our ord A good way to start the morning. Picked up our order from @supergoodbagel (order ahead so you can walk in and pickup). Also snagged some darn tasty cookies from @tropbonbakery
Sandwich season, my favorite season. We all need s Sandwich season, my favorite season. We all need some good sandwich combos for the beach days, the pool days, the park days, just the warm summer weather. 

For this combination, here’s what I did:
Butter sourdough then grill on skillet. Add a layer of spread, I used mayo. Top with prosciutto then salami and turkey if you want. Arugula, balsamic glaze, and hot honey. Top with a ball of prosciutto.
If you’re tired of hearing “I’m hungry!” every 15 If you’re tired of hearing “I’m hungry!” every 15 minutes this summer, make a batch of these Healthy Banana Chocolate Chip Mini Muffins.

They’re soft, fluffy, naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and maple syrup, and loaded with mini chocolate chips. I love having these on hand for those endless summer snack requests.

Made with ripe bananas, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, egg, vanilla, oil, flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and mini chocolate chips.

Comment BANANA and I’ll send you the recipe!
You’ve seen the viral pizza wrap, but let me show You’ve seen the viral pizza wrap, but let me show you my protein-packed version.

I blended 1/2 cup cottage cheese with 1 egg, a little Italian seasoning and garlic powder, then spread it onto parchment paper. I topped it with turkey pepperoni and baked it until golden and set.

Once it cooled slightly, I stuffed it with a chopped Caesar salad and folded it up like a wrap. The result is crispy, cheesy, packed with protein, and one of my favorite lunches lately.

1/2 cup @good_culture cottage cheese
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Pinch garlic powder
Turkey pepperoni
Chopped romaine
Caesar dressing
Fresh Parmesan

Instructions:
Blend the cottage cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder until smooth. Spread onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and top with turkey pepperoni. Bake at 400°F for 18-22 minutes or until set and lightly golden. Let cool for a few minutes. Toss chopped romaine with Caesar dressing and Parmesan. Fill the wrap with the salad, fold, and enjoy. *make sure you spread it evenly to avoid burning patches.
CRISPY POTATO TACOS WITH BEEF 🌮 These might be on CRISPY POTATO TACOS WITH BEEF 🌮

These might be one of my favorite taco recipes I’ve made lately. Tacos de papa filling mixed with taco-seasoned beef, stuffed into soft flour tortillas and air fried until golden and crispy.

My boys gobble these up!

Comment TACO and I’ll send you the full recipe 🌮

Save this one for your next taco night and follow @gina_gibson_cooks for more easy family dinners.
The first recipe in my Summer Side Dish Series is The first recipe in my Summer Side Dish Series is this creamy herby potato salad, and it’s going to be on repeat all season long.

It’s everything I want in a potato salad—tender potatoes, crispy bacon, fresh herbs, a creamy Greek yogurt dressing, and just enough mayo to keep it tasting like the classic version we all grew up with.

2 pounds baby Yukon gold potatoes, halved if large
1 tablespoon pickle brine or white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 garlic clove, grated
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
3 green onions, thinly sliced
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
1 celery rib, finely diced

Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Season generously with salt. Bring to a boil and cook until fork tender, about 12-15 minutes.

Drain well and spread onto a baking sheet.

While still warm, toss potatoes with the pickle brine and Dijon mustard. Let cool for about 10 minutes.

In a large bowl whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Add potatoes, bacon, celery, green onions, chives, parsley, and dill. Toss gently until coated.

Refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving.

Finish with extra herbs and bacon right before serving.

Save this one for your next BBQ, picnic, or weeknight dinner. ☀️🥔
A good way to start the morning. Picked up our ord A good way to start the morning. Picked up our order from @supergoodbagel (order ahead so you can walk in and pickup). Also snagged some darn tasty cookies from @tropbonbakery
Sandwich season, my favorite season. We all need s Sandwich season, my favorite season. We all need some good sandwich combos for the beach days, the pool days, the park days, just the warm summer weather. 

For this combination, here’s what I did:
Butter sourdough then grill on skillet. Add a layer of spread, I used mayo. Top with prosciutto then salami and turkey if you want. Arugula, balsamic glaze, and hot honey. Top with a ball of prosciutto.
If you’re tired of hearing “I’m hungry!” every 15 If you’re tired of hearing “I’m hungry!” every 15 minutes this summer, make a batch of these Healthy Banana Chocolate Chip Mini Muffins.

They’re soft, fluffy, naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and maple syrup, and loaded with mini chocolate chips. I love having these on hand for those endless summer snack requests.

Made with ripe bananas, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, egg, vanilla, oil, flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and mini chocolate chips.

Comment BANANA and I’ll send you the recipe!
You’ve seen the viral pizza wrap, but let me show You’ve seen the viral pizza wrap, but let me show you my protein-packed version.

I blended 1/2 cup cottage cheese with 1 egg, a little Italian seasoning and garlic powder, then spread it onto parchment paper. I topped it with turkey pepperoni and baked it until golden and set.

Once it cooled slightly, I stuffed it with a chopped Caesar salad and folded it up like a wrap. The result is crispy, cheesy, packed with protein, and one of my favorite lunches lately.

1/2 cup @good_culture cottage cheese
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Pinch garlic powder
Turkey pepperoni
Chopped romaine
Caesar dressing
Fresh Parmesan

Instructions:
Blend the cottage cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder until smooth. Spread onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and top with turkey pepperoni. Bake at 400°F for 18-22 minutes or until set and lightly golden. Let cool for a few minutes. Toss chopped romaine with Caesar dressing and Parmesan. Fill the wrap with the salad, fold, and enjoy. *make sure you spread it evenly to avoid burning patches.
CRISPY POTATO TACOS WITH BEEF 🌮 These might be on CRISPY POTATO TACOS WITH BEEF 🌮

These might be one of my favorite taco recipes I’ve made lately. Tacos de papa filling mixed with taco-seasoned beef, stuffed into soft flour tortillas and air fried until golden and crispy.

My boys gobble these up!

Comment TACO and I’ll send you the full recipe 🌮

Save this one for your next taco night and follow @gina_gibson_cooks for more easy family dinners.

Copyright © 2026 · Daphne v2 · Designed by Designer Blogs