Planning a bachelorette can be a daunting experience. To start, you must wrangle a large group together and decide what will make everyone—but mostly the bride—happy for a special weekend, which is no easy task. Not to mention that differing opinions, budgets, and availability will all have to be taken into consideration. Ultimately, the perfect locale is one that provides activities for a variety of interests. One such destination is Tulum, situated on the Caribbean coastline of the Yucatán Peninsula. Here, your guide to planning a perfectly curated bachelorette weekend in Tulum.
PLAN
Before making your way to Mexico, consider hiring a travel planner, which will ultimately make the whole process stress-free. The Beach Planner specializes in curating itineraries from start to finish for group trips, and bachelorette and bachelor parties in luxe beach destinations like Riviera Maya and Los Cabos. Founder Devin (a former resident of Playa del Carmen) and her business partner Maddie (current resident of Tulum) know the area extremely well and will craft a trip based on the interests and budget of the group. They have a bank of the best villas, beach clubs, restaurants, activity guides, yoga instructors, tours and so much more that can all be at your disposal.
The ladies of the Beach Planner will make sure every detail is taken care of and can even adorn your villa with the requisite bachelorette balloons and accessories with one of their décor packages. Already booked your lodging but need guidance on what to do or where to eat? The Beach Planner also offers a concierge service to help you book anything you can dream up for the ultimate bachelorette weekend. Whether you are looking for a sunset photo shoot followed by a Mezcal tasting and private chef dinner all on your private beach, a DJ for late night dancing, or an IV drip for the morning after (or all of the above), they have you covered.
To book, visit thebeachplanner.com.
STAY
A bachelorette party is always more fun with everyone under one roof in a house vs separate rooms at a hotel. The Jashita Tulum Luxury Villas are a dream with their minimal design, private suites, and beautiful common areas for gathering. Get ready for many instagrammable moments! Situated behind gates with private security 24/7, these villas can accommodate groups small or large (from four to 20 guests) and are located minutes away from the hotel zone of Tulum Beach as well as the city center. The courtyard dining area is a picturesque backdrop for meals prepared by the private chef (which can be arranged) and the living room is a large and inviting with enough space to host the group for bachelorette games or even a yoga class. You’ll definitely want to reserve a day for hanging out at your private rooftop pool and grill—there’s really no reason to leave! But in case you do, these minimal villas are associated with the ultra-luxe Jashita hotel, which gives you access to their private beach on Soliman Bay, restaurant, beach bar, and spa. Included in the stay is a daily roundtrip shuttle which makes the commute a piece of cake. To book, visit jashitatulumluxuryvillas.com.
CRUISE
What is more fun than being on a boat with friends? Being on a boat for a bachelorette! Soak up the sun with sisters, or maybe even a future sister-in-law, while spending a day cruising along the turquoise waters off the coast of Tulum with a boat charter from Riviera Maya Yachts. Choose from a variety of outings to best serve the group including a Riviera Maya cruise and swim, snorkeling trip, or a visit to the Tulum ruins. The friendly crew will serve you lunch and drinks, and play your favorite music to get the party going (yacht rock playlist on deck). To book, visit rivieraelite.com.
EXPLORE
Once used in sacred rituals and ceremonies by the Mayan people, the cenotes are an integral part of the history and culture of Tulum. Scattered throughout the region, these natural sinkholes offer a refreshing break from the heat, with calm and cool water giving a picturesque backdrop for swimming, snorkeling, or even scuba diving. Some are open-air lagoons like Yal-Ku and Jardin del Eden, and some are located in caves like Sac Actun.
EAT
Gitano Jungle
This jungle restaurant is one of the most popular spots in Tulum Beach. Vibe-y music echoes throughout the restaurant, preparing you and your group for the final course: dancing under the disco ball. gitano.com
Meze
A bit of Greece in Mexico, Meze blends two iconic destinations into one lavish dining experience. Set in a lush environment on the main strip of Tulum Beach, it's the perfect place for a girls night. Don’t skip the salt-baked catch of the day, featuring a tableside fire show you have to see to believe. gitano.com/meze
Hartwood
Established in 2010, Hartwood is still a staple of Tulum. The open air kitchen is inviting, ensuring guests they are consuming the finest of cuisine. Ingredients are gathered throughout the week from farms and markets within the Yucatan, meaning a varying menu from day to day and a one-of-a-kind experience. hartwoodtulum.com
DO
It wouldn’t be a bachelorette party without a bit of bonding. A cacao ceremony, which is a sacred tradition of the ancient Mayan and Aztec, is a meaningful ritual to consider and will be a memorable experience of the weekend. Traditionally, the practice was performed for special celebrations to bring people together in a place of compassion and love, as it still does today. The ceremony is a heart-opening experience and usually incorporates meditation and music. For a bachelorette party, it is a holistic and ethereal way for friends to set positive intentions for the bride and her upcoming nuptials. It can be both an emotional and joyous experience and will surely set the tone for a weekend filled with love celebrating the bride. To book, visit thebeachplanner.com.
Before you make your way to Tulum, make sure to pack the essentials, below. And don’t forget the ultimate accessory for the weekend –chic gift bags for everyone, full of exciting goodies.
Anna Kosturova Crochet cotton bucket hat
Jia Jia Arizona Candy Necklace
Port Tanger Michael Bargo Sunglasses
Castañer Fabi Raffia Wedge Sandals
Agua by Agua Bendita Mejorana swimsuit
MaryKate Boylan is Town & Country’s Senior Fashion Editor, writing about all things fashion and jewelry.
