Tulum is a magical, beach getaway that will enchant you beyond your imagination and offer much more than stunning beaches and cocktails by the sea.
Here is a land that feels trapped in a moment, where time moves neither backward or forward. The laid-back, carefree lifestyle of the locals is reflected in the boho-chic fashion that can only be found in this little corner of the universe tucked away in the mangroves of the Caribbean.
Mastering the Basics of Tulum Style
Just as time seems to march at a different pace in Tulum, so does its fashion and beauty trends. For example, a cotton sarong over a bathing suit and wrapped around your waist is a chic outfit to wear while wandering about the lovely and eclectic shops on Tulum’s Beach Road. Your sarong can also be quickly made into an alluring sundress by tying it around your neck and keeping your bathing suit on underneath.
Another style discovery you will make about Tulum is “less is more and more is less.”
Here’s what we mean: The less you try to fit in, the more you will feel at home. The fewer items you cover yourself with, the more comfortable you’ll be. The less makeup you wear, the more radiant your skin will be under the sun. The less jewelry you wear, the more effortless your outfit will be.
Now that you’ve mastered the basics of boho-chic style as lived in Tulum, it’s time to go shopping.
Shopping on Tulum Beach Road
Tulum Beach Road is sprinkled with stores and shops. They are filled with the most beautiful assortment of gauzy sundresses, kaftans, and accessories that also make fashionable souvenirs for you to take home and reminisce over your adventures in paradise.
Unfortunately, the “less is more and more is less” theory of Tulum fashion has the opposite effect when it comes to shopping. More often than not, the simpler the frock, the more extravagant the price tag. But having a unique item in your closet that no one else can pick up at the local mall and will give you memories for years to come is worth every penny.
Shopping on Tulum Beach Road can be divided into two, central fashion districts. On the original shopping strip, you’ll find shops like Shalom and Mixit along the entrance. The new more “glamorous” fashion district is near kilometer (KM) 8.5 towards Boca Paila. “Glamourous” in Tulum refers to the dreamy couture and home decor. Many stores in Tulum do not have air conditioning. Some establishments are repurposed containers with sandy, bottom floors.
When shopping, be sure to wear a sunhat, bring a water bottle (preferably non-plastic) and easily slip-on clothing and shoes so you can comfortably try on outfits despite reduced spaces and hot tropical climates.
We’ve selected some of the must-see clothing stores every fashionista must visit at least once while vacationing in the Riviera Maya. Here, you’ll find sustainable garments produced locally by celebrated designers who are known in Mexico and around the world.
La Troupe
La Troupe is a successful fusion of Mexican textiles and fashion design, featuring a limited number of handmade pieces. Created by three Argentinian friends who have chosen the Riviera Maya to be the cradle for their inspiration, La Troupe now boasts three shops along the coast — in Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and Valladolid.
In Tulum, you can find La Troupe at Carretera Tulum Boca Paila km 7.5 tel. +52 984 14 71 178
Wildsea Boutique
Lara, the owner and fashion designer of Wildsea Boutique, believes in the tremendous power of women using their crafts and talents to create interesting and beautiful pieces. This philosophy is evident in Wildsea Boutique’s fresh and featherweight beachwear that you’ll love to wear on the hottest summer nights.
Wildsea Boutique features flowy, soft, high-quality fabrics housed in a minimal, shabby chic store. From beach towels to bikinis, the store focuses on soft colors and unique prints. The mix of soft and rustic create a fluid, signature style to which women from all over the world and of all ages can relate.
The store is located at Km 7.5 Boca Paila Road, Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico.
CALO
“Calo” is said to be the secret language of the gypsies in Spain and Portugal. It is also the name of a resort and travel brand created in collaboration with Gitano, Tulum, one of the area’s favorite jungle nightclubs.
CALO features jewels, kimonos, textiles and sequins resort wear collections handmade made in India, Mexico and around the world for both men and women.
Following the same language of the “gitano” or the gypsy, the store’s architecture is streamlined and modern using local hardwood for the primary structure. Polished concrete floors are juxtaposed against the whimsical jungle as a backdrop.
Liberate your inner gypsy by shopping and then going next door for cocktails and dancing.
CALO is located at Km 7.5 Boca Paila Road, Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico.
Lolita Lolita
Lolita Lolita is a great place to stock up on the lushest toiletries and body care line.
Its “Sweet Almond Oil” for example is a virgin oil obtained by the cold pressing of almonds. You can use it as a natural makeup remover, to prevent wrinkles and stretch marks, and to hydrate damaged hair and split ends. It has an ideal base oil, due to its lightness and neutrality. The Sweet Almond Oil softens skin without clogging pores and is gentle and safe.
The “Rosemary and Honey Shampoo” is handmade in Guadalajara, Mexico by a family business that uses only natural ingredients. The shampoo helps to boost volume, enhance shine, or strengthen your strands. It works by stimulating and improving circulation in the scalp to encourage hair growth. It gently cleanses hair, fights premature graying, and relieves irritated, dry, flaky, dandruff-ridden scalps.
Lolita Lolita is located on Carretera Tulum Boca Paila KM 8.2. Zona Hotelera, 77780 Tulum, Quintana Roo.
The Jungle Stores
Located across the street from Akiin Beach Club and Plaza, the Jungle stores is Tulum’s version of a shopping mall complete with food court stop.
The Jungle Stores are made up of three shops — HokiPokiKana, Wanderlust Boutique, and Josa Tulum
Fulfill your tropical, boho-chic dreams at Hoki Poki Kana. There, you’ll find mini-dresses, bikinis, and jewelry from top designers from Mexico, New York and Paris. Just in case your home can use a bit of Hoki Poki Kana magic, pick up a locally-made dreamcatcher made with woven cotton and leather.
Wanderlust Boutique is the shop to go if you long of slipping on a simple white or ivory cotton dress and walking on the beach or dining by candlelight in the jungle. The boutique features hand-crafted dresses, jewelry, swimwear, hats, and shoes.
Josa Tulum is a lifestyle clothing brand that is inspired by the calm beaches of Tulum, Mexico, and the sophisticated, chic style of vintage travel. Here, you can find contemporary, sexy dresses with the feeling of vintage kaftans that can be worn during the day on the beach or for a chic evening.
To accompany the dresses, Josa Tulum also features a line of accessories that consists of beach totes, beach blankets, hats, scarves, and vintage-inspired jewelry.
The Jungle Stores are located on 7.5km along the main beach road in Tulum.
Arte Sano
Arte Sano features organic textiles, home decor, and clothing for the entire family plus a line of shaving creams and toiletries for gentlemen too.
Here, you can find beautiful woven and leather handbags; one-of-a-kind shirts, dresses, and tunics with intricate patterns and designs,
Arte Sano is located on Km 9 of Carretera Boca Paila (Tulum Beach Road).
Ready for your next retail therapy fix by the sea? Contact us, and we’ll hook you up at the best resorts in Tulum’s most popular shopping district.
Fashionista Tip: Plan Ahead
Tulum Beach might look like a simple one-road town but its shops and boutiques are spread over 28 KM of coastline. If you're staying in any of Tulum's nearby beaches planning a shopping trip ahead of time will avoid losing time figuring out where each location each and showing up all sweaty for fittings. Choosing a beach club like La Zebra or Mia as home base for the day allows you to freshen up between shops and enjoy tropical recovery drinks between takes. Contact our concierge to plan a shopping expedition on Tulum beach during your next visit to Riviera Maya.