Where?

[debbie421]

Hi ladies! I lurk a ton, but rarely post. I'm hoping you'll forgive me and help anyway!

 

I'm considering a Riviera Maya wedding. I really want to get married in Tulum, but my family pointed out that my guests may prefer an all-inclusive vacation. We picked Tulum because it's one of the only towns in Riviera Maya where all inclusives barely exist; everything seems local, independent, all the things we love. I get my family's point though, scouting out amazing local restaurant's may not be my guests idea of a relaxing vacation.

 

Unfortunately, I can't really picture us at an all inclusive. I'm really not a chain person, for food or hotel. And I'm not into touristy attractions either. A mega all inclusive resort with jet ski rental and a Senor Frog's would be the opposite of us. (Please don't misunderstand, I'm not calling these things bad, just saying it's not really us.)

 

Can anyone think of an all-inclusive in the area that's more us? Ideally it would be small, incredible food, beautiful beach. The cherry on the sundae would be budget option for our less fortunate guests nearby (doesn't have to be a hotel, can be condos, etc). Does this place exist?

[DanielleNDerek]

Have you thought about letting your guests choose their own resort? Maybe you could give them a choice of an all-inclusive and a non AI. You could have the wedding at the non AI. Or do you want to keep everyone at the same resort?

 

There are some really nice AIs. I've seen a lot of girls get married at the Dreams Tulum, did you check that AI out yet?

[adias.angel]

Quote:

Originally Posted by debbie421 I get my family's point though, scouting out amazing local restaurant's may not be my guests idea of a relaxing vacation.

Not all your guest are going to want that touristy experience either. What about giving a choice.

Let the guests stay where they want. Give a list of all inclusive for those that are and a list of local attractions and restaurants for those who are going the non-tourist route.

[xiaosie]

Hi Debbie,

 

I'm just like you. We went to Tulum last year and loved it. We decided to get married there, then decided that it was too rustic for our guests. Recently we decided "so what" and next week I am going back on a scouting trip to pick out a place for real. As I am planning, I'm feeling the pull of the AIs, because no one will complain that there is no AC or that there isn't enough service. Also, having a one stop shop sounds appealing. However, I'm going to try still. I am considering giving guests a couple of AIs to pick from if they'd rather stay there, but I really did want everyone in close proximity for the hang out factor.

 

The closest I've come so far to a small AI is Esencia, which someone (Sarah?) just posted about. It's gorgeous, but I'm not prepared to ask my guests to spend that much.

 

I'll share whatever knowledge I come home with. Also, I hope that someone out there with more Tulum experience can throw some ideas our way!

 

Good luck!

Michelle

[JackieK]

The Dreams Tulum is also what comes to mind for me. It's not as big as the other AI's although it still is a chain. I completely understand where you are coming from. If it helps, I had friends who went there and absolutely loved it! It's only a 5 minute drive from the Ruins and they also were close to some type of cave snorkeling so they did that as well. I think they got the best of the AI while still feeling like they were a little ways from a lot of other tourists. Hope this helps!

[kstop]

Quote:

Originally Posted by debbie421 Hi ladies! I lurk a ton, but rarely post. I'm hoping you'll forgive me and help anyway! I'm considering a Riviera Maya wedding. I really want to get married in Tulum, but my family pointed out that my guests may prefer an all-inclusive vacation. We picked Tulum because it's one of the only towns in Riviera Maya where all inclusives barely exist; everything seems local, independent, all the things we love. I get my family's point though, scouting out amazing local restaurant's may not be my guests idea of a relaxing vacation. Unfortunately, I can't really picture us at an all inclusive. I'm really not a chain person, for food or hotel. And I'm not into touristy attractions either. A mega all inclusive resort with jet ski rental and a Senor Frog's would be the opposite of us. (Please don't misunderstand, I'm not calling these things bad, just saying it's not really us.) Can anyone think of an all-inclusive in the area that's more us? Ideally it would be small, incredible food, beautiful beach. The cherry on the sundae would be budget option for our less fortunate guests nearby (doesn't have to be a hotel, can be condos, etc). Does this place exist?

hi, i was in a similar predicament...i wanted a small intimate resort that felt charming & boutiquey - we ended up booking esencia which is a 29 room resort in xpu ha
we're really excited about it, did a site visit and its gorgeous
its not exactly in tulum, its actually between playa and tulum...but it has a similar toned down vibe and a gorgeous beach- the rooms are on the pricey side but booking off-season gave us a little room for negotiation
the hotel next door to esencia is al cielo and it is really beautiful as well, much more rustic and charming- i've seen other brides post more details about that one but it might be interesting to look at
hope this helps- & good luck

[MarieSam]

Debbie have you considered Akumal, which is a lovely town about 15 minutes from Tulum?

 

Akumal is probably one of the few places on the Riviera Maya that has been able to avoid the AI/Touristy feel but has spectacular beaches for snorkeling and swimming. There are also TONS of condos, villas, small hotels and one small AI in the area spread out over about 3 bays and a exquisite lagoon. But the coastline of all three bays streches about 1.5 miles give or take long. The one thing though is it is a sleepy little town so the nightlife shuts down about 10ish!!

 

I myself am having a non-resort wedding on the beach, renting out a center on the beach and having it catered (delicious food by the way). During that same week our immediate families are renting a "compound" consisting of a villa and 4 townhomes (all will house about 30 people) and they each have direct access to the lagoon and their own pools (4 on roofs!!). The guests will be booking at either hotels or condos nearby. Let me know if you're interested, we just visited the area about 3 weeks ago and I have TONS of fabulous pictures =)