Kiah 8/10/25 Kiah 8/10/25

Tulum in 5 Days: Birthday, Beach Days & Endless Tacos

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The first time Tamia’s “Can’t Get Enough” came on, we were celebrating at M Tulum with the Black In Tulum crew, dripping in sweat without a care in the world as we hit the dance floor with the crowd for a coordinated two-step. We weren’t home but we felt right at home amongst the expats and vacationers, who, like us, were captivated by the warm evening air and waves crashing somewhere off in the distance. It was in that moment that I knew Tulum had us in her grip.

This birthday wasn’t just a trip. It was a celebration of life, freedom, and softness in motion. Brown skin glowing under the Caribbean sun, toes sinking into warm sand, late-night dancing under string lights with Black in Tulum. It was the kind of escape that you didn’t want to run from. If you’re planning your own girls’ getaway (or want to steal my exact plans), here’s where I stayed, where I ate, and how I kept the party going from sunrise to sunset.

Day 1 - Easing In

I used to start birthday trips like a music video — cocktails in the airport lounge, champagne on the plan, and real life left at the gate. But lately, I’ve been craving slower, more intentional beginnings. A calm start before the chaos, especially with a larger group.

This year, I arrived a day early on a Wednesday afternoon with two friends to share a villa at Amari Luxury Tulum. The drive in was…eventful (think: police stop, quick bribe, nervous laughter), but the moment we stepped onto the property, hibiscus welcome drink in hand, the stress melted away.

Afternoon: Arrive at Amari Luxury Tulum – enjoy the welcome drink, unpack, exhale.

Dinner: Tacos and margaritas at AMARI Flavors— Amari’s on-site restaurant (order them to-go and thank me later).

Evening: Girls’ night out with Black in Tulum at Mistico Shisha Bar.

Day 2 - Birthday Behavior

I woke up in a room I loved, phone buzzing with birthday messages. After reading a devotional from Draw the Circle, I got ready for a day that would only get louder as friends arrived from across the country.

Morning: We ordered room service from AMARI Flavors (the tacos were just that good), and took a ride into town to go grocery shopping.

Lunch: Negra Tomasa for something light and local

Dinner: BAK' by Harry — part dinner, part show, entirely unforgettable.

Evening: Once again, we joined Black in Tulum at M Tulum, where good vibes and the kind of DJ set that makes time disappear.

Day 3 - Beach Club Bliss

With the full crew in town, it was time for sun, sand, and soundtracks. We hopped in the complimentary shuttle and headed to Tulum’s hotel zone, where beach clubs serve as both a daytime lounge and a fashion show.

Afternoon: Tantra Beach Club — beautiful, chill, and exactly the vibe we needed (for a more turned-up vibe, I’d recommend going on Saturday).

Dinner: Autor at Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya — good food, unforgettable views.

Evening: Back to Mistico Shisha Bar for another Black in Tulum night.

Day 4 - An Epic Adventure

On Saturday instead of the usual Mayan ruins, we opted for Xel-Há Natural Water Park — a choose-your-own-adventure mix of lazy rivers, water slides, snorkeling, and cliff jumps. Everyone could move at their own pace, which made it perfect for a group.

Afternoon: Xel-Há Natural Water Park – bring water shoes and sunscreen.

Dinner: RosaNegra Tulum — Honestly, one of the littest restaurants I’ve ever been to. Think a bunch of people standing on tables waving sparklers in the air while singing at the top of their lungs. Epic.

Evening: Black in Tulum for the Afrobeats party at El Pescador.

Day 5 - Easy Like Sunday Morning

Our last day was slower. Some friends caught early flights, while the rest of us swapped the cenote plan for another beach club. No regrets.

Lunch/Afternoon: Gitano Beach Club — calm, beautiful, and perfect for good conversations and reflecting on the week.

Dinner: Asian Bodega — one of the best local meals of the trip at a great price.

Final Thoughts

Five days wasn’t enough. Between the food we didn’t get to try and the activities we skipped in the name of rest, I’m already plotting another trip. Maybe a more relax and retreat vibe for next time.

Whether you’re celebrating something big or just in need of a restoring getaway, Tulum is a destination that’s worth the trip.

Pro Tips for Tulum

Bring cash for taxis, tips, and random “police fees.”
Book beach clubs and popular restaurants in advance.
Pack both swimsuits and comfortable walking shoes— I rarely pulled out my heels even for the clubs.
If you can, arrive a day early to settle in before the group energy hits, or schedule some extra R&R post festivities.

Before You Go

If this itinerary inspires your own trip to Tulum, I’d love to hear which spots you’ll be adding to your list. Drop your favorites (or your questions) in the comments, or tag me on Instagram if you post your own photos — I may share them in my stories.

Planning your trip now? Save this guide on Pinterest or send it to your travel crew for a little inspo!

Kiah 12/29/21 Kiah 12/29/21

Next Stop: The Big Island (Kailua-Kona, Hawaii) + Travel Itineray

photography // Kiah McBride

I spent the entire year working towards this one week where I could finally just relax.

We often don’t grant ourselves enough time to just be.

Be still.

Be present.

Be free.

And while I captured a camera full of footage, I purposefully chose not to post to social media until I was well settled into my trip.

Even now, I can’t bring myself to post much. I’m still recovering from another year of juggling day jobs and dooming headlines. For months I kept a close watch on pandemic news, specifically in regards to traveling to see what requirements were going to be in place in order to get to my destination. In all honesty, I was prepared to cancel my trip and save my coins for a staycation if need be. Though that wasn’t my preference. I needed to travel. To get back to the very thing that fuels me and my creativity. I’m a shell of myself when trapped in the confinements of one city for too long.

Thankfully, two plane rides and tired eyes later, I was shrugging out of my chinchilla (my furry teddy coat) as I exchanged 50-degree weather for the warm and sticky 70s of Kailua-Kona. The quiet outdoor airport was surrounded by volcanic hills in the distance, which seemed to follow us as we drove around the island with ocean views flanking us on the other side.

This was my first time in Hawaii, so I can’t personally compare one island to another, but I can say that I appreciated the small-town feel of the Big Island (our volcano tour guide would, later on, confirm that Kona is more country and less city than most of the other islands). I also appreciated that though we were still in the U.S., which meant that we had access to many of the same stores and restaurants from back home, it felt like we were in another country. The best of both worlds, as I was determined to spend most of my days in sand and sun without having to navigate the struggle of international travel.

The first half of the week we were explorers. We hit the Kailua Village Farmers Market for local fruits and vegetables. We graciously sipped water from a freshly cut coconut thanks to Jai, our Belizean savior merchant who hunted down a knife so we could get a taste of the first batch before locals arrived for the pending festival.

He let us in on a little secret, too— that native Hawaiians were actually African *gasps*. “If you see their skin and facial features, they look just like us.” A quick search seemingly confirms that he told us no tales. Organizations like The Pōpolo Project document the true origin story. And ironically a couple of weeks later I’d find Hawaiian Journey on my grandma’s bookshelf.

Back in present-day Hawaii, we indulged in margaritas across from the ocean at Island Lava Java, hit Magic Sands Beach for a little R&R, and when not at one of the many beaches on the island, slipped into the swimming pool at Wyndham Royal Sea Cliff resort.

On our self-driving tour to the south side of the island, we were quieted by breathtaking views at various stopping points along the way. There’s no desire to bicker when you’re sinking your toes into black sand or waiting for brave tourists to jump off a very high cliff and into the southernmost waters of the U.S. Or maybe it was the sweet malasadas that we scooped up from Punalu’u Bakery that kept our mouths occupied. I’m still trying to figure out how I came back having not gained a pound. The vegan food was top notch and with the exception of wading in the water and climbing up active volcanoes, I did little exercise.

Especially once we got to Kings’ Land, where I admittedly felt like a queen because how can you not when watching sunsets over the golf course, literally sliding into one of three pools, and staring at the night sky from the warmth of a bubbling hot tub? I didn’t want to leave to be honest. But all good things must come to an end. So after a final lap around the other half of the island with our very fun tour guide Scott, we bid Hawaii “Aloha,” at least for now.